From the most delicious ice cream and fun river cruises to beautiful parks, Savannah has a lot to offer for a weekend getaway.
One of the oldest planned cities in the entire United States (it was first settled in 1733 and and was actually set up on grids with squares in between), Savannah holds lots of history and charm. Savannah has maintained such a storybook look with its eery yet magnificent weeping willows and abundance of dramatic pre-Civil War mansions.
Last year, Ferdy (my fiancé) and I had the pleasure of visiting Savannah, Georgia for the weekend and we so enjoyed looking at all of the beautiful sights, including a lovely cruise along the river (!!!) and a stroll through the stunning Forsyth Park (see its iconic and spectacular fountain below!). If you’re heading to Savannah for a little getaway—even if just for a weekend—here is my official guide for everything you need to see, and do, while in Savannah, Georgia.
Welcome to Savannah Mural
If you don’t visit the Welcome to Savannah Mural, were you even in Savannah? Ha! That aside, this mural is just too fun to miss! Located on the side of the Thunderbird Inn, this mural definitely gives you a vibrant welcome to the city. In fact, upon reaching Savannah, this was the very first location that Ferdy and I headed to and it was the perfect way to start our Savannah adventure. I love how each letter features a a site that is special to Savannah, including the famous fountain in Forsyth Park (don’t worry, that’s on the list, too).
Pepsi Loves Savannah Mural
Speaking of murals, this is a fun one as well! Not only does Pepsi love Savannah, but I do, too! Located at an old Pepsi Bottling Plant, this fun mural is serving up all kinds of nostalgic vibes. And doesn’t this mural just make you so happy?? I just love the heart eyes emoji! Make sure to check out this cute mural for a little photo-op!
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Known as the “Sistine of the South,” the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist absolutely spectacular. With majestic peaks that pierce the sky and 81 stained glass windows, it’s no wonder why the cathedral may be the most photographed landmark in Savannah. Plus, it’s a great place to soak up the city’s history and beauty. The church is open for self-guided touring Monday through Saturday.
Forsyth Park and the Iconic Fountain
Forsyth Park is a large city park in the Historic District. Savannah’s largest and oldest public park, Forsyth Park dates back to the 1840s when the land for the park was donated by William Brown Hodgson.
Perfect for lounging in the grass or taking a stroll along the walking trails, Forsyth Park is easily one of the prettiest spots in the city. However, perhaps the biggest landmark and most iconic spot is the fountain that lies at the center of the park. Ferdy and I made sure to capture a little romantic picture with the fountain in the background. How did we do? Just a heads up—you might have to wait a moment for that perfect picture since this is a highly sought after photo spot.
Bonaventure Cemetery
This traditional Victorian cemetery rests on an enormous 100 acres, and its beautiful winding pathways make it a lovely place to see. While it is a cemetery (it was established in 1846), it was quite common for families to actually meet here and enjoy picnics under the trees. You can take free Bonaventure Cemetery tours, conducted by the Bonaventure Historical Society, on the weekends.
Savannah’s Rainbow Row
As you might recall from my Charleston travel guide, the city had a beautiful row of pastel-colored houses. Well, Savannah happens to have its own little Rainbow Row! Located in the Historic District just a block from River Street, this charming row of homes has such a cute color scheme that embodies the ambiance of old Savannah. If you’re a color lover like me, you need to add this fun spot to your travel itinerary.
River Street
After visiting Rainbow Row, make the short walk down to River Street and walk along the river! It was so lovely walking along the water. Plus, there you can find lots of cute local shops to pick up some treasures to remember you trip and some delicious eateries to grab a bite to eat. Walking along old cobblestone streets and weaving through historic buildings along the river was honestly one of my favorite parts because it’s something that is so special to Savannah.
Riverboat Cruise
While at the riverfront, Ferdy and I were able to sign up for a river cruise on the Georgia Queen with Savannah Riverboat Cruises. If I had to pick which part of our trip was my absolute favorite part, it would be the river cruise. Floating down the river felt like you were floating back in time when travelers would board steam boats and travel down the river. On this sightseeing tour, the tour guide on board will narrate as you head along the river, sharing interesting tidbits of history of all the various places you pass along the way, including how Savannah was (and still is) such an important port city.
If you want something more relaxing or romantic, Savannah Riverboat Cruises also offers some other fun cruises, like the dinner entertainment cruise and the beautiful sunset and moonlight entertainment cruise.
Old Fort Jackson
On our river cruise, we passed by Old Fort Jackson and got to witness an exciting canon firing. That was definitely fun to see from the river! But you can actually visit the fort itself and walk on the grounds of one of the oldest brick fortifications on the East Coast. The fort holds daily canon firings and lots of other fun, interactive activities for visitors. Plus, while there, you’ll get unique views of Savannah’s riverfront.
Waving Girl Statue
Located in the Riverfront Plaza, the Waving Girl Statue is a tribute to Florence Martus, a Savannahian who is widely known in worldwide maritime communities. From 1887 to 1931, Florence greeted ships entering Savannah, waving a cloth at approaching ships, and ships would often return her greeting with a blast from the ship’s horn. It is also said that she took detailed notes in a personal notebook of all of the ships entering the city.
Trolley Tour of Savannah
For another fun look at the city, hop aboard a trolley! The trolley tours are perfect for getting better acquainted with Savannah’s historical sites and history. Plus, when is it never not fun to take a trolley ride. You can find great daily tours from Old Town Trolley Tours and Old Savannah Tours.
Leopold’s Ice Cream
You can’t go to Savannah without stopping at Leopold’s to have some delicious ice cream. When Ferdy and I went, we spent 25 minutes waiting outside before even being able to get in the ice cream parlor to order, but let me tell you that it was well worth the wait. Leopold’s has been serving up premium ice cream for more than 100 years (!!!) and it is some of the best ice cream you will ever eat. And they offer up some of the most delicious ice cream flavors! So long as you don’t have a nut allergy, do yourself a favor and get the Chocolate Chewies & Cream. Yum!
Tybee Island
If you’re wanting to stop at the beach during your stay in Savannah, head on out to Tybee Island. A small coastal community located only 18 miles away from Savannah, it has consistently been named as one of the top-rated beaches in the country. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or step back in time with a visit to the Historic Tybee Lighthouse!
I hope these suggestions help you to create your dream Savannah travel itinerary! Have fun in Savannah!
The Colorventurer 