Savannah – the jewel of Georgia’s coast and one of the south’s most beautiful cities –
is perfect for a weekend getaway, romantic, or family vacation, and dog-friendly too.
Savannah is an excellent place for kids, too.
This historic city is home to several kid-friendly attractions, from a Hands-on History Museum to a Children’s Zoo.
If you’re heading to Savannah for the first time, this guide will help you discover the best places to go, what to do, and where to stay.
As the first city in the country to be named after a state, Savannah’s origins are steep in history.
The original city limits were three loops of the famed Cotton Exchange, now the historic Savannah-Chatham Historic District site.
The historic district includes the city’s most popular attractions, with varied interests and styles representing
the city’s history from the colonial era through the Civil War.
A walk along the Savannah Riverfront will bring you to the sites of paddle-wheelers and boats.
In contrast, a drive along Abercorn Street will bring you to some of the city’s most recognizable attractions,
including the Juliette Gordon Low birthplace and the Magnolia Historic District.
Savannah is located on the Savannah River in the southeastern part of the state,
near the end of the East Coast. The city is approximately 33 miles from Hilton Head and 248 miles from Atlanta.
For history buffs, Savannah’s Historic District is a must-see.
The district, which was designated a national historical marker in 1975,
is a great place to start any visit to the city.
You’ll find the Savannah History Museum, the Georgia Aquarium,
and the Savannah College of Art and Design within the district.
If you love music, plan a trip to the Sav-O-Park Jazz and Heritage Festival,
which takes place each spring in the City Park.
The festival, which began in 1974, is one of the oldest and largest
of its kind and features live jazz, bluegrass, blues performances,
and food, arts, and crafts vendors.
If you’re a history buff, tour the reconstructed CSS Savannah,
the last Confederate iron-hulled gunboat ever commissioned,
which was launched in 1864.
The CSS Savannah Traveling Museum offers tours of the CSS Savannah
from February through November.
For those interested in staying in a nostalgic 1960s unique place, also known as the “hippest hotel in Savannah,”
it has to be the Thunderbird Inn. It’s one of the top ten best retro hotels in the USA.
Or one of the oldest hotels in the city, the Marshall House, is another popular lodging option. The hotel is located in the heart
of the city’s downtown and has welcomed guests since 1851.
If you’re looking for a more privet historical option, consider a Savannah Vacation Rental.
Tours of the reconstructed CSS Savannah are a must-see for those interested in history.
The CSS Savannah Traveling Museum offers two-hour and one-hour guided tours of the gunboat,
which is the last remaining Confederate ironclad in existence.
If you have time for a more extended visit, consider visiting the Fort Pulaski National Monument, located about 25 miles from Savannah.
The best time to visit the park is between March and November, when you can enjoy wildlife
such as bald eagles, otters, and alligators.
Here are some fun things to do in Savannah for kids of all ages.
Check out the hands-on history exhibits at the Savannah Children's Museum
At the Georgia State Railroad Museum, with a fully operational turntable, you have the chance to explore historic railcars,
experience the handcar, and go on guided tours.
Check our Train Ride Schedule to experience one of our Site Tours by Train on a historic steam or diesel locomotive!
Visit Forsyth Park, where kids can run and play. Don't forget to see the BIG fountain.
Catch some good ice cream at Leopold’s ice cream parlor. Best ever, it's worth the wait!
Try Tybee islands, with many hiking trails and beaches.
Take a boat ride on the Savannah River and check out the historic downtown bridges.
If you’re looking for a getaway to relax, recharge, and enjoy some Southern charm, Savannah is a great choice.
Savannah is home to beautiful architecture, friendly locals, and endless patio tables where you can enjoy a glass of wine
and take in the views of the Savannah River, even with your dog.
Savannah is home to many Civil War sites and museums, making it a great place to learn about American history.
For a delicious meal, try one of Savannah’s many restaurants, including The Tacky, which serves up Caribbean and Southern cuisine, and The Palmetto Market and Dutch Mill, where you can enjoy Southern comfort food.
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