Situated on the southeastern coast of Georgia, Savannah is rich in history, architecture, and fun. Known for its Southern charm and destination wedding locations, it’s a place ready to explore. But visiting Savannah doesn’t mean you have to break the bank because there’s plenty of things to do for those traveling on a budget. Here are some inexpensive things to do when visiting Savannah.
Stroll Forsyth Park
What Is It? The largest park in Savannah at 30 acres, Forsyth Park is a perfect place to take a stroll and people watch. Home to concerts, sports, and a spectacular fountain, taking a walk around can help you relax and get a break from the busyness of the city.
Why Do It? The fountain is one of the most photographed places in the city – don’t miss out on a selfie!
Good To Know: The park is home to a fragrant garden for the blind that’s open to everyone.
Explore Cemeteries
What Is It? Cemeteries in the South hold a special reverence to local residents. In earlier centuries, cemeteries were used for large celebrations, memorial services, and even full-blown picnics.
Why Do It? With elaborate plots and headstones and the burial sites of many famous Savannah residents including musician Johnny Mercer and the first governor of Georgia, the five cemeteries of Savannah are full of history.
Good To Know: The larger cemeteries have maps online along with the top things to see to help you explore on your own.
See Famous Homes
What Is It? Savannah has been home over its almost 300-year history to many famous people. Thankfully their homes have been preserved and tours are available to learn more about them.
Why Do It? The history of the city is built on its famous residents. You can learn more about the city through learning about its previous residents.
Good To Know: Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low has two homes you can tour in Savannah – her birthplace along with the Andrew Low House, which was left to her by her husband and the place where she passed away in 1927.
Stroll River Street
What Is It? River Street glides along the Savannah River for two miles.
Why Do It? With a paved sidewalk, the street has hotels, restaurants, and bars along the way making River Street a nice way to explore where cotton warehouses once stood while also getting to see the commercial and pleasure boats on the waterway.
Good To Know: Take time to stop by the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District. Located in a former power plant, the public spaces have a variety of art and things to look at, including a meteor on display and a chrome-dipped replica of a dinosaur fossil.
Take a Walking Tour
What Is It? Savannah is a very walkable city. So put on your most comfortable shoes, download one of the many online maps, and start exploring.
Why Do It? Walking is a great way to see the detail of all the architectural features of the building, read the historic signs, and take up-close photos.
Good To Know: Laid out in squares and in a grid fashion, the streets are built around neighborhood squares. Created for public use, the squares are a great place to relax and many have fountains and monuments to honor previous residents.
Tour The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
What Is It? A working Catholic church, the Basilica has been in existence since the late 18th Century. The current church has been used since the early 1900s
Why Do It? The first building in Georgia to be constructed of brick, the church has 81 stained glass windows and 16 gargoyles throughout. The tour allows visitors to see the architecture of the nave and sanctuary.
Good To Know: All tours are self-guided and available Monday through Saturday. Tours are not allowed during weddings or funerals.
Hike and Paddle Skidaway Island State Park
What Is It? Part of the Georgia state park system, Skidaway Island is 588 acres of trails, campgrounds, and waterways. There are also RV and tents sites along with cabins available to rent.
Why Do It? It’s a great escape from the main parts of the city and a way to get into nature.
Good To Know: Bring your binoculars to look for native animals like deer, egrets, and alligators.
Visit UGA Marine Education Center & Aquarium
What Is It? The state’s first saltwater aquarium, the center is run by the University of Georgia and is located on Skidaway Island. There are 16 exhibit tanks with a lot of the species having been caught by the UGA students who work onsite.
Why Do It? To learn more about how the waterways of Georgia that help fertilize the farmlands and keep clean water flowing. There’s also the opportunity to see the unique aquatic species that live in the state.
Good To Know: Overlooking the Skidaway River, the boardwalk allows unique views of the saltmarsh and is ADA accessible.
Smell The Flowers at Savannah Botanical Gardens
What Is It? Created in the 1980s, the Savannah Botanical Gardens were created to help encourage an interest in gardening, civic improvement, and landscape design.
Why Do It? Located on 10 acres, the garden features trails, a pond, and an archeological dig site. There are different areas named for each season, so there’s always something in bloom to view.
Good To Know: There’s also a children’s garden and a picnic area to sit down and enjoy a meal among the flowers.
Drive To Tybee Island
What Is It? A barrier island off the coast, Tybee Island is 20 miles away from Savannah. With lots of local restaurants, water sports, and other activities, it’s an easy way to get into the beach vibe during a day trip. Or just take a stroll on the sand and listen to the waves.
Why Do It? Tybee Island is often voted as one of the top beach destinations in Georgia. It’s also a great place to eat fresh seafood.
Good To Know: Tybee Island’s beaches are five miles long and are a great place to look for shells.
