Things To Do

Spend time in the squares and parks

What sets Savannah apart from so many other Southern cities is its layout. The streets are in a grid format, usually surrounding small parks called squares that are usually centered around a statue of a notable Georgian. Chippewa Square is known as the site of the Forrest Gump bus scene, even though the bench no longer sits there. Johnson Square was the first to be established in the city, while Oglethorpe Square honors the city\'s founder. And while not a \"square,\" Forsyth Park is Savannah\'s most beautiful public park with its iconic white fountain.

Visit the statues

While you\'re in the squares, don\'t miss the statues in nearly every one. Wave to Johnny Mercer in Ellis Square, James Oglethorpe in Chippewa Square, \"Columbia\" in Columbia Square, Nathanael Greene in Johnson Square, Sergeant William Jasper in Madison Square, and John Wesley in Reynolds Square, among many others. And don\'t forget about the \"Waving Girl\" on River Street.

Go on a free walking tour

Take a free walking tour of the city and get a dose of history while visiting Savannah\'s most famous landmarks, including the famous squares and the Mercer Williams House. This tour, led by local historians, is based on tips, so you pay what you think it\'s worth. While it\'s technically \"free,\" these guides are supported by visitors. The 90-minute tours can be booked online and meet at Johnson Square.

Explore Savannah’s final resting places

Featuring Spanish moss-draped oaks and historic graves, Bonaventure Cemetery is Savannah\'s most famous burial ground. Established in 1907 in nearby Thunderbolt, this Victorian-style cemetery is where Johnny Mercer and Conrad Aiken are buried.\r\n\r\nBut Bonaventure isn\'t the only historic cemetery in town! Colonial Park Cemetery downtown was established in 1789 and includes the graves of plague victims. Laurel Grove Cemetery has a large section of plots for slaves and free people of color as well as the grave of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts.

Re-enact your favorite moments from Forrest Gump

Did you know that the Academy Award-winning film used a number of Savannah locations? We’ve already mentioned Chippewa Square, which is free to visit. The Independent Presbyterian Church (at the corner of Bull and Oglethorpe) was seen in the opening scenes where a feather floats past the steeple. Debi\'s Restaurant and Love’s Seafood also were used. Obviously, it\'s not free to eat at the restaurants, but it\'s worth the cost for film fans.

Tour the historic churches

It\'s impossible to walk around Savannah without noticing the church steeples. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is the most well-known with its stained glass windows and white exterior. They have free self-guided tours most days of the week, but they also accept donations. Independent Presbyterian, which we just mentioned, was re-built in 1891 after a devastating fire. Christ Church on Bull Street was built in 1733, making it the first house of worship in the state. The Historic First African Baptist Church opened in 1774 and features pews built by slaves and a subfloor used on the Underground Railroad.

Spend a day on Tybee Island

If you\'ve had enough fun downtown, head over to Tybee Island, Savannah\'s beach town. You will pay to park and to dine at the many cafes and seafood restaurants, but the beach itself can be accessed free of charge. Check out the famous pier and admire the lighthouse, one of the few left on the Georgia coast.

Ride the ferry

The Savannah Belles Ferry connects River Street with Hutchinson Island, home to the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center and the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa. It also stops in front of the \"Waving Girl\" statue at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront. You don’t have to be a guest of the hotels to ride the free ferry, which operates daily from 7 a.m. to midnight. There are four boats each named for an important woman in Savannah history: Juliette Gordon Low, Susie King Taylor, Florence Martus and Mary Musgrove.

Window shop on Broughton Street

If you\'re short on cash, visit Savannah\'s shopping district to admire what they\'re carrying. Make a mental list of all the items you want to buy at The Paris Market and Brocante, inhale the delicious chocolate aroma at Chocolat by Adam Turoni, and browse for funky vintage goods at Civvie\'s.

Join the fun at Savannah’s events and festivals

There\'s always something going on in Savannah, and many events are free to attend. The St. Patrick\'s Day Parade is a local favorite, held every March 17 in the historic district. The SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival features artwork on the sidewalks of Forsyth Park.