Now, why would you travel miles and miles to Savannah, Georgia only to see what you could see and do what you could do just as easily back home? Scroll through this list to find information about local arts and entertainment, museums, stuff to do on the cheap, and outdoor activities.
Online Resources
Here are some links to help you get started. These sources will help you learn a little about Savannah and her people.
The City's official website, with information for visitors.
An arts and entertainment weekly, available for free at stands all over town. Look here for information about local goings-on such as art exhibitions, live music, and local theatre.
This is a great source for information about local businesses, festivals, farmers' markets, etc.
The arts and entertainment section of the Savannah Morning News
The place to begin your historical research, but also to find about about lectures and festivals sponsored by the GHS.
Our local newspaper.
There are festivities on River Street all the time, and most of them free to attend. Take a look at the events calendar while you're in town.
Arts, Entertainment, and Culture
I'll bet you didn't know we have a world-class symphony or a roller derby or a house that many acknowledge as the "the most beautiful house in America". Don't let anyone tell you there isn't enough to do here in Savannah. Here's a list to get you started.
special annual tours
entertainment
Abeni Cultural Arts Performing Dance Studio
This is a local African American dance troupe that performs around town throughout the year.
Asbury Memorial Theatre Company of Savannah
Yes, I know Asbury Memorial is a Methodist Church, but they are the favorite church of actors in Savannah and they do two stellar musical productions a year. Check their schedule and see if you can catch one while in town.
For a few years running now, these guys have put on spectacular productions of Hedwig and the Angry Inch and The Rocky Horror Show Live. If you're up for something exciting, check this out.
The Collective Face Theatre Enemble
Savannah's first repertory theatre company performs an edgier variety of plays as well as live script readings.
Savannah’s newest live music venue, part of the Plant Riverside development.
The Goliards, An Ancient Music Ensemble
I didn't realize until I looked at their website that we have a Savannah Traditional and Early Music Network.
In the mood for something classy? Try "Savannah's premier choral ensemble."
The Lucas Theatre for the Arts
This beautifully restored 1921 movie palace is open Wednesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm for self-guided tours and is now offering guided tours for $4/person. Come ogle the incredible Adam style interior and learn about the theatre's history and restoration. Don't forget to drop a dollar in the donation box.
"A ring shout deeply rooted in African origins"
Hang out at historic Grayson Stadium and enjoy watching this local college level baseball team. Very family friendly, affordable, and tons of fun!
These kids stay busy and there is always something going on, whether it's one of their smaller class projects or a full-on mainstage musical. Their big shows include a mix of adults and children and you are likely to be surprised by the high caliber of their productions.
A large venue where you can catch national touring companies, stand-up comedians, and concerts.
Presenting local as well as nationally known stand-up comedians, usually at the Bay Street Theatre.
Who doesn't love to cheer on a bunch of women as they race around a track and beat up on each other?
The Savannah Folk Music Society
Aside from concerts and the festival and whatnot, you can enjoy folk music super cheap every first Friday of the month.
An all-female full-tackle football team
This is the oldest continuously operating theatre in America, having been built in 1818 by William Jay. It was rebuilt after a fire in 1948 in the Art Deco style and has a permanently running professional show which is popular with residents and tourists alike. If you like song, dance, and comedy, this is the place for you!
A spiffy new multipurpose venue, featuring a ton of great concerts!
The Wormhole Bar & Music Venue
Neighborhood dive and music venue, featuring any category of music, plus the occasional stand-up comedy night.
museums
Another fine antebellum mansion, this is where Juliette Gordon Low founded the Girl Scouts of America.
The Beach Institute African-American Cultural Center (King-Tisdell Cottage Foundation, Inc.)
Just around the corner from the Owens-Thomas House, the Davenport, built about the same time, is a fine example of Federal style.
Savannah also has the oldest black Baptist congregation in the country and this church on Franklin Square was built by the slaves of the city in 1855.
"The Roundhouse Railroad Museum is believed to be the largest and most complete Antebellum railroad repair facility still in existence in the world!" Like trains? Got a kid who likes trains? Here you go! They even have train rides scheduled throughout the year.
Graveface Museum (contemporary art)
This Gothic Revival antebellum mansion, built by John Norris, was the headquarters of General William T. Sherman when he marched into Savannah in December of 1864.
The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
Juliette's home prior to her marriage into the Low family, now owned by the Girl Scouts of America.
Built in 1856, this was the first public school in Georgia. It now serves as a museum of Savannah's history and architecture. They recently completed a million-dollar renovation.
A mansion begun before the Civil War by the great grandfather of Johnny Mercer, who was born and raised in this city. Also the last house restored by Jim Williams, it was prominently featured in the movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
The afore-mentioned "most beautiful house in America." If you have time to visit only one house museum while you're in town, this should be the one. It's an English Regency mansion built by William Jay.
Read this Connect Savannah article by Jessica Leigh Lebos to learn more about this new, interactive museum: Adventures in Museum Land.
The Savannah History Museum and Visitors Center
A good starting point for grasping the basics of Savannah's history.
As of September 2022, includes the Savannah Jazz History and Hall of Fame Exhibit
Admission to their lovely, lovely outdoor space doesn't cost a thing! At least I hope not, considering the number of times I've ambled right in there....
Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
This is the place to go for people who want to know about Savannah's seafaring history. It has two beautiful gardens, both of which are open to the public during the museum's operating hours.
Unbeknownst to many people, Savannah is home to the third oldest Jewish congregation in America and the only Gothic style synagogue in the country. Drop by their museum to learn more about our Jewish history.
The price is right
There are plenty of things to do in this city that don't cost an arm and a leg and some don't cost anything at all! Here's the place to find fun, history, and culture on the cheap.
Visit the cemeteries
This is a beautiful Victorian Gothic cemetery, the most famous in the area. Itis the final resting place of many noteworthy Georgians. Take advantage of the free tours they offer every second Sunday of the month if you're in town at the right time or just drive out there and stroll around on your own. Open 8am-5pm every day.
Located right in the middle of the Historic District, Colonial Park Cemetery is open in the summer from 8am-8pm and in the winter from 8am-5pm. This is where most Savannahians were buried from 1750 until 1853. You will find many of our local Revolutionary War heroes buried here.
Laurel Grove
Another Victorian cemetery, Laurel Grove is on the west side of town and holds the graves of many Confederate soldiers. It is also divided into two sections: the historically black half (Laurel Grove South) and the historically white half (Laurel Grove North). Also open 8am-5pm every day.
visit these spaces, which are open to the public at certain times
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Definitely not to be missed while you're in Savannah. This is one of the most beautiful churches in America.
This is the mother church of Georgia, the oldest congregation in the state. The church is sometimes open for visitors during the day. If you are in Johnson Square and notice the doors of Christ Church are open, poke your head inside and see if they are welcoming visitors.
The city archivist conducts free tours of our City Hall every first Tuesday of the month at noon. No cost, but you do need to reserve a spot.
The lobby is open to the public every day and has a display about the history of the theatre, which has been in continuous operation since it was built in 1818.
This gloriously restored 1921 movies palace is open for self-guided tours Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm and offers guided tours for only $4.
entertainment
Featuring film screenings and a variety of live performances throughout the year.
Every Monday night (with some exceptions) local actors and comedians play improv games for your enjoyment. The troupe also does On the Spot Murder Mysteries each Friday at Savannah Coffee Roasters. It's an improvised murder mystery, plus a meal!
Experience classic, foreign, and exciting films on the big screen and on the cheap. These viewings include pre-screening commentary from the SCAD film department and post-screening Q&A.
take the kids to the playground
Colonial Park Cemetery
Well, not in the cemetery exactly. There is a nice playground outside the gate on the south end of the cemetery.
Ellis Square
While not exactly equipped with a playground, Ellis Square has an interactive fountain sure to keep your kids squealing and cavorting with delight while you relax with a drink and a snack from one of the nearby restaurants. There's also plenty of open space in the middle where your wee ones can race off some of their energy.
Forsyth Park
There are two playgrounds in Forsyth Park, located at the southern end of the Historic District.
Outside the Landmark Historic District
What? There's more to do than tour the Historic District? You mean, there's more to the city than that? Well, gee, tell me more!
history
Come visit this dirt fort on the Ogeechee River that somehow withstood every attack until Sherman threw his whole army at it.
A great place to visit if you're into Civil War history.
Located only a couple of miles to the east, it's a very quick drive here from downtown Savannah.
Learn about one of Savannah's oldest Black communities at our newest museum.
This is a wonderfully preserved and restored section of the old canal that once linked the Savannah and Ogeechee Rivers. It's also a great place to take a little hike and get a look at the water.
This is the only surviving antebellum plantation site in the area and it dates all the way back to the founding of Georgia in the 1730s.
Nature preserves and outdoor activities
recreation
Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens (formerly Bamboo Farm)
A hidden gem on Hwy. 17
Savannah Botanical Gardens (Savannah Area Council of Garden Clubs, Inc.)
Tybee Island (the beach)