With its elegant antebellum mansions, Spanish moss-draped trees and leafy public squares, Savannah is one of the South’s best-looking cities.
Savannah is known for its attractive historic homes, moss-carpeted public squares and large, shade-giving oak trees. Pretty as it is, the city has more to offer than just attractive surrounds. Explore it thoroughly to discover a fascinating history, as well as thriving art and spirited nightlife scenes.
For the first century and a half after its founding in 1733, Savannah flourished economically, serving as Georgia’s main port. Learn about local history and life during a trip to the Wormsloe Plantation, where old trades including blacksmithing are demonstrated on the estate of an antebellum mansion. To find out more about naval history, visit Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, where displays include an impressively detailed collection of model ships.
Carry a camera during a wander around the photo-friendly Savannah Historic District. Admire impressive Georgian, Gothic and Greek Revival residences and encounter scenic fountain and statue-dotted squares, such as Chippewa Square, famous for appearing in Oscar-winning blockbuster Forrest Gump. In the center of the historic district is the 30-acre (12-hectare) Forsyth Park. The park is crisscrossed by walking paths, has open green spaces for picnics and features memorials, gardens, a pool and a playground.
Another photogenic spot for a stroll is the Bonaventure Cemetery, which overlooks the Wilmington River. Take a guided tour and examine the hauntingly beautiful funerary sculptures and necropolises.
The city’s renowned Savannah College of Art & Design attracts many artistic-leaning students, who have helped Savannah’s contemporary art scene flourish. Marvel at the modern art pieces displayed at the SCAD Museum of Art and visit the futuristic Moshe Safdie-designed Jepson Center for the Arts to see even more contemporary exhibitions.
Don’t leave without sampling Savannah’s justifiably hyped dining and nightlife scenes. For lunch or dinner, try the restaurant-dotted City Market. Live music can often be heard wafting through the air in this area.
To reach the city, fly into the Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport, located about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from downtown Savannah. Trains and bus services also serve the city. Savannah is a pedestrian-friendly city, but if you tire, ride local buses or use the city’s bike rental scheme instead.