If you are visiting Savannah for the first time and wondering, “what to see in Savannah?” Savannah has many must-see sites like the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, the Air Force & Telfair Museums and many other historical landmarks and squares of the city. Steeped in history, culture, and architectural beauty, it offers a wide range of attractions that cater to every kind of traveler.
If you prefer structure, the best way to understand the city is on foot. A guided walking tour of Savannah’s Historic District with Dan brings the stories behind the streets, squares, and landmarks to life.
But if you would rather explore at your own pace, this guide is for you. Below, you’ll find the must-visit landmarks, parks, museums, and historic sites that deserve a place on your Savannah itinerary.
The Historic Squares of Savannah
Savannah was the first planned city in America with a unique grid of 22 public squares that helps visitors wander through the series of parks and historic corridors. These 22 squares are what make the city unique. Originally designed by James Oglethorpe, these squares served as military training grounds and community centers. Today, they act as public living rooms.
- Chippewa Square: Known as the “Forest Gump” square, though the bench from the movie was a prop and is now in a museum. It features a statue of General Oglethorpe.
- Johnson Square: The first and largest square, surrounded by the city’s banking district.
- Wright Square: Home to a monument for Tomochichi, the Yamacraw Chieftain who was instrumental in the peaceful founding of the colony.
The Natural Beauty of Savannah
Savannah’s beauty comes from a mix of intentional landscaping and the wild, mossy growth that characterizes the Georgia coast.
Forsyth Park
Spanning 30 acres, Forsyth Park is the anchor of the historic south side. The northern end is famous for its cast-iron fountain, modeled after the fountains at the Place de la Concorde in Paris. On any given Saturday, you’ll find a farmer’s market at the south end, local rugby teams practicing in the middle, and hundreds of people lounging on the grass. The park is surrounded by a one-and-a-half-mile sidewalk path, perfect for a long walk under the canopy of live oaks.
Bonaventure Cemetery
A few miles outside the downtown core lies Bonaventure. While there are many cemeteries in the city, Bonaventure is the most famous due to its location on a bluff overlooking the Wilmington River. It was once a private plantation before becoming a public cemetery in 1907. The combination of massive oak trees, Spanish moss, and elaborate Victorian funerary art creates a landscape that feels completely isolated from the modern world. It is the final resting place of Johnny Mercer and several Georgia governors.
The Savannah Riverfront and Factors Walk
River Street sits at the bottom of a steep bluff. To get there from the city level, you walk down “Factors Walk,” a series of iron bridges and cobblestone ramps where cotton factors (brokers) once traded. The riverfront itself is a mix of old warehouses converted into hotels, shops, and restaurants. It’s the best place to watch the massive cargo ships heading to the Port of Savannah.
Religious Monuments in Savannah
Savannah has a history of religious tolerance that was rare in the early colonies. This led to the establishment of some of the oldest congregations in the country.
Mickve Israel Synagogue
The Mickve Israel Synagogue has the third oldest Jewish congregation in America. The Synagogue on Monterey Square is the only Gothic-style synagogue in the United States. It houses two of the oldest Torah scrolls in North America, which the original Jewish settlers brought with them from London in 1733.
First African Baptist Church
Located on Franklin Square, is the oldest Black church in North America, organized around 1773 by Reverend George Leile. The building contains hidden history, including holes in the floorboards that served as ventilation for people hiding in the Underground Railroad.
Iconic Landmarks in Savannah
The Historic District in Savannah is the largest National Historic Landmark District in the United States. Its preservation is largely due to the efforts of local citizens who created the Savannah Historic Foundation, in the 1950s, began fighting to keep the city’s architectural history from being demolished for parking lots.
Below are some historic structures you shouldn’t miss on your next visit:
The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
Located on Lafayette Square, the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist is both a historical and religious icon of the city. While the original structure was built in the mid-1800s, a fire in 1898 nearly destroyed it. The reconstruction resulted in the French Gothic masterpiece you see today. Inside, the focus is on the 81 stained-glass windows and the great pipe organ. Unlike many cathedrals that feel cold or dark, the interior here is bright, decorated with murals and gold leaf that reflect the Southern light coming through the glass.
Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters
To understand Savannah, you have to look at the whole story. The Owens-Thomas House, located on Oglethorpe Square, is often cited as the best example of English Regency architecture in America. However, its most significant feature is the intact slave quarters. This site provides a direct, unvarnished look at the lives of the enslaved people who maintained the household. The tour focuses heavily on the “urban” experience of slavery, which differed from plantation life but was no less oppressive. It is a necessary stop for anyone who wants a complete picture of Savannah’s 19th-century history.
Mercer-Williams House
Standing on the West side of Monterey Square, this house gained international fame through John Berendt’s non-fiction novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The house was designed by John Norris for General Hugh W. Mercer (the great-grandfather of songwriter Johnny Mercer). The house has seen its share of drama, most notably the shooting of Danny Hansford by the homeowner Jim Williams. Tours today focus on the incredible collection of art and antiques inside, as well as the architectural details that make it one of the most imposing private residences in the city. But if you want to hear more about the shooting in 1981, join one of our Ghost Tours and experience the eerie side of Savannah.
Military and Art Museums
If you are unsure on what to do, visiting a museum is a good way to spend a couple of hours. While Savannah is steeped in colonial history, it has played a major role in modern history as well.
The Mighty 8th Air Force Museum
Just a short drive from downtown in Pooler, Georgia, this museum honors the World War II unit that was birthed in Savannah. The Mighty Eight museum houses a restored B-17 Flying Fortress and offers a deep dive into the air war over Europe. For those interested in technical history and personal stories of airmen it’s a must-see facility.
Webb’s Military Museum
Located on East York Street, this is a private collection made public. Unlike larger state-run museums, Webb’s Military Museum feels personal. It contains uniforms, headgear, and equipment ranging from the Civil War to Desert Storm. The curator’s passion for the “human” side of the military is evident in every display case.
Telfair Museums and SCAD MOA
Savannah is an art town. The Telfair Museums consist of three distinct buildings: the Telfair Academy (classical), the Owens-Thomas House (historic), and the Jepson Center (contemporary). Across town, the SCAD Museum of Art (SCAD MOA) uses a repurposed 1853 railway depot to house cutting-edge contemporary works. The contrast between the 19th-century architecture and the 21st-century art inside is a hallmark of the city’s identity.
When to Visit Savannah
The best time to visit Savannah depends largely on what you want to experience. If you’re interested in festivals, spring is the perfect time to visit, as the city is alive with blooming azaleas and vibrant events like the Savannah Music Festival. For those who enjoy cooler weather and fewer crowds, the fall months are ideal. The mild temperatures and fall foliage make it an excellent time to explore Savannah’s outdoor spaces and historic sites without the summer heat.
Check out our seasonal events calendar for more on Savannah’s festivals and events.
Exploring Savannah Through a Local’s Lens
As Savannah’s history is so dense, it’s easy to miss the nuance if you’re just walking around with a map. There are dozens of ghost tours and trolley rides, but for a more grounded, factual, and entertaining look at the city, a walking tour is the way to go.
Savannah Dan offers a perspective that combines historical accuracy with the storytelling tradition of the South. Instead of a canned script, you get a walk through the city’s past led by someone who understands the local culture and the “hidden” details that aren’t on the standard plaques.Don’t miss out on the best Savannah has to offer. Book your tour with Savannah Dan today!
