Fun Activities in Savannah, GA

The Historic District is the best starting point for anyone who enjoys exploring the past. Eighteenth- and 19th-century homes, quiet courtyards, and public squares reflect the original design laid out by founder James Oglethorpe. Guided tours highlight stories tied to these streets, including stops at the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, where visitors can learn about the founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA, and Colonial Park Cemetery, which has gravestones dating back to the 1700s and serves as the final resting place for many early residents. Ghost tours remain one of the city’s most popular draws, sharing local lore while leading guests through the historic streets after dark.

Several museums offer even more depth. The Telfair Museums include three unique sites: the Telfair Academy, one of the oldest public art museums in the South with European and American works; the Jepson Center, a striking modern building dedicated to contemporary art and interactive exhibits; and the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, where tours explore daily life in the early 1800s and shed light on the realities of enslavement in Savannah. The American Prohibition Museum^® is the only museum of its kind in the country, featuring a recreated speakeasy, costumed docents, and immersive exhibits that bring the Roaring Twenties to life. The new Savannah Pirates and Treasure Museum^® is where displays of real weapons, ship models, and recreated pirate cabins tell the story of life at sea and legendary figures like Blackbeard.

For those who like their history with a dose of humor, Savannah for Morons offers a comedy tour packed with quick jokes and quirky takes on local events. Taken together, these stops help explain why history remains one of the most memorable parts of a visit and why it belongs on any list of fun activities in Savannah, GA.

Savannah is known for food that carries as much history as flavor. Shrimp and grits remains one of the city’s most recognizable dishes, often prepared with local shrimp and creamy sauces that reflect the cook’s own family recipes. Fried green tomatoes are another favorite, topped with house-made sauces that add a little tang to the crunch. Candy shops along River Street keep pralines at the center of the experience, filling the air with the smell of sugar and pecans as batches are poured onto marble slabs in front of curious onlookers. These flavors help define the city and give visitors a taste of its character.

River Street itself is lined with restaurants and markets where the views are as much a part of the meal as the food. The Old Savannah Distillery & Restaurant stands out for blending history and modern craft. Guests can tour the distillery, learn how small-batch spirits are made, and enjoy cocktails or tastings that showcase them. The restaurant pairs these drinks with Southern-inspired dishes, offering a menu that feels fresh without losing touch with tradition.

Outdoor spaces in the city range from lively parks to quiet coastal landscapes. Forsyth Park covers 30 acres and serves as both a gathering place and a spot for quiet walks. The paths, shaded by live oaks, lead to the famous fountain at its center, which has become one of Savannah’s most recognizable landmarks. On weekends, the park often fills with events and a farmers’ market, bringing a sense of community to the green space. Bonaventure Cemetery offers a different atmosphere. The oak trees, Spanish moss, and weathered headstones create a setting that is both peaceful and deeply tied to the city’s past. Many visitors take guided tours here to learn about the families, writers, and soldiers who now rest beneath its trees, adding historical depth to its natural beauty.

The Savannah Botanical Gardens highlight seasonal blooms, a rose garden, and wooded trails, all surrounding a preserved farmhouse that adds to the charm. Bird-watchers often find this spot rewarding, with cardinals, woodpeckers, and other local species easy to spot among the trees. Out on the water, kayaking tours provide a closer look at tidal rivers and the wildlife that lives there. Herons, egrets, and sometimes even otters make appearances, reminding visitors of the region’s rich ecosystem. A short trip to Tybee Island adds even more options, with dolphin-watching cruises that regularly spot pods swimming beside the boats. For those who prefer to stay on land, the island’s beaches are a popular place to walk at sunrise and enjoy the sound of the Atlantic. Together, these natural spaces and experiences form a key part of the many fun activities in Savannah, GA, and show just how much the city’s beauty extends beyond its historic streets.

Savannah has always been a place that inspires creativity, and its art and cultural spaces are an important part of the city’s charm. The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has a big influence on the local art scene, with galleries open to the public in the Historic District. These galleries feature work from students and alumni, including painting, photography, fashion, and digital design. Visitors can walk through the exhibits and see how the next generation of artists is shaping the future.

Public art is another way the city shares its creative side. Murals in the Starland District brighten entire blocks, while sculptures and installations can be spotted in the squares. These small discoveries make exploring Savannah even more enjoyable and show how the city blends its history with fresh ideas.

As the sun sets, Savannah comes alive with a mix of music, cocktails, and spine-tingling stories. Rooftop bars like Peregrin and Electric Moon offer sweeping views of the city paired with creative drinks, and the open-air settings make them perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. Congress Street and nearby areas are also known for cocktail spots like Congress Street Up, which recreates the look and feel of a 1920s speakeasy with handcrafted spirits and an old-world ambience. Guests can also try their hand at mixology in the cocktail classes offered at the speakeasy.

Ghosts & Gravestones^® is one of the most popular after-dark experiences in the city. Guests board the Trolley of the Doomed and set off on a guided journey through Savannah’s darker history. Along the way, the Ghost Host shares tales of cemeteries, restless spirits, and haunted landmarks, weaving together stories that are chilling, historical, and often surprising.

For those who want to do more than listen, the Ghost Hunters of Savannah^® Paranormal Investigation invites guests to step into the role of investigator. Armed with professional ghost-hunting tools like EMF meters and spirit boxes, participants explore 416 W. Liberty, a building linked to Savannah’s haunted past. Guides teach how the equipment works and share real stories of activity reported in each space. It’s a rare chance to combine storytelling with hands-on exploration, making it one of the most interactive, fun activities in Savannah, GA.

The Old Savannah Distillery will soon add to the city’s nightlife with its locally inspired Southern fare and cocktails made with its unique array of spirits. Altogether, these experiences show how nightlife in Savannah offers something for every traveler, whether your evening calls for cocktails, live music, or a brush with the supernatural.

Families visiting Savannah have no shortage of ways to spend the day, with options that balance history, play, and a little adventure. The Savannah Children’s Museum is one of the city’s most popular stops, featuring more than a dozen interactive exhibits in an outdoor space built among the old Central of Georgia Railway buildings. Kids can climb, explore gardens, and try hands-on science activities, while parents enjoy the creative design of the museum.

Directly next door, the Georgia State Railroad Museum offers another memorable experience, where visitors can tour historic locomotives, ride on a working handcar, and even take a short train ride pulled by an authentic steam or diesel engine. For something a bit more scenic, families often enjoy a riverboat cruise on the Savannah River. These tours combine music, food, and storytelling with views of the waterfront and passing ships. Seasonal festivals, like the Savannah Music Festival and the city’s holiday celebrations, are also great for families looking to join in the community spirit.

Getting around is easy with Old Town Trolley Tours^®. Families can hop on and off throughout the day, choosing which stops fit their schedule best. The trolleys feature friendly and knowledgeable guides who share live narration about the city’s history, making the ride as entertaining as the destinations themselves. It’s one of the simplest ways to enjoy fun activities in Savannah, GA, without the stress of finding parking or planning complicated routes.

Savannah is just as appealing for shoppers as it is for families. City Market has been a gathering place for locals and travelers for centuries and remains a lively hub of culture today. The area is filled with local art galleries where you can meet the artists, browse original works, and even watch live demonstrations.

Broughton Street is the city’s main retail stretch and combines historical architecture with modern shopping. Many storefronts still reflect the city’s past, but inside you’ll find a mix of national brands, stylish boutiques, and cozy cafes. Antique lovers can explore shops tucked into the Historic District, where everything from Civil War relics to rare furniture is on display. Artisan shops around town showcase jewelry, handmade crafts, and home goods created by local designers.

Savannah’s rich history, natural beauty, and welcoming atmosphere make it a place where every visitor can find something to enjoy. Walking tours, food tastings, art galleries, and live music fill the days, while evenings bring riverfront dining and cozy courtyards. Old Town Trolley Tours connects many of the highlights with friendly and knowledgeable guides who provide live narration as you ride through the Historic District. Their hop-on, hop-off service gives travelers flexibility to see more in less time. When planning a trip filled with fun activities in Savannah, GA, you’ll quickly see why the city remains such a favorite destination for families, couples, and groups of friends.