From ghost tours to antique shops, Savannah offers terrific experiences that should be on every traveler’s list. Here are Fodor’s top picks for the most memorable trip.
Tybee Island
Whether you want to relax on the beach, visit the lighthouse, or paddle around in kayaks, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this fun-loving island town.
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Antique Shops
In a city this old, there’s no shortage of amazing antiques stores. Some of them are more like museums of everyday life. Explore the shops around the Historic District.
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Savannah Music Festival
Savannah is in full bloom in late March and early April, providing a magical backdrop for two weeks of performances by some of the world’s most talented musicians and vocalists from every genre.
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Forsyth Park
Spending time in Forsyth Park is a must for any visitor. People-watching from a bench, seeing a concert at the bandshell, or simply strolling beneath a canopy of Spanish moss–draped branches are wonderful ways to explore.
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Jepson Center for the Arts
The building’s modern architecture might not mesh with the Historic District’s stately town homes, but the museum’s changing exhibits of contemporary art delight residents and visitors alike.
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White Shrimp
Georgia white shrimp are delicious, especially when you taste one fresh from the ocean. Whether served over grits, grilled on a salad, or in any of the myriad other preparations, these crustaceans are a decadent delight.
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The Riverfront
Buildings that were once cotton warehouses, shipping offices, and markets have been converted to some of Savannah’s liveliest restaurants, bars, and shops. Take a ferry ride across the river to enjoy one of the city’s iconic views.
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Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
There is something magical about riding past pristinely restored historic town homes in a horse-drawn carriage. If you’re traveling with that special someone, look into deals that include flowers and champagne.
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Bonaventure Cemetery
Situated along the Bull River and shaded by moss-draped live oaks, this cemetery is one of the city’s truly memorable sights, full of ornate headstones. It’s also the final resting place of local notables like Johnny Mercer.
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Mercer Williams House
The former home of Jim Williams—the central figure in John Berendt’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil—is now a museum. Reading the book makes a visit even better.
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Ghost Tours
In “one of the most haunted cities in America,” a brush with the paranormal can happen in “haunted buildings” like the Eliza Thompson House.
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Fort Pulaski
This nineteenth-century fortification was considered impenetrable until the Civil War, when weapons technology caught up with it. Walk the ramparts for an incredible view and then follow trails out to the Cockspur Lighthouse.
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