Savannah Essentials

History, arts, Southern cuisine and Spanish moss for days—this Georgia city makes the perfect summer getaway!

Stroll Through History

At nearly 300 years old, Savannah is one of the most historic cities in the South. And that’s not just by the numbers. Its downtown is among the largest areas on the National Historic Landmark District, made up of the Savannah Victorian Historic District, with its numerous, well-preserved Late Victorian and Queen Anne-style homes (among them is the famed, especially ornate, Gingerbread House) and the adjoining Savannah Historic District, where 22 parklike squares—along with the expansive Forsyth Park—offer postcard-worthy scenes at every turn. Spend an afternoon, a weekend or even a week getting lost in the architecture and Spanish moss of this gem. For a deeper dive into the city’s history, try visits to the Savannah City Hall, Pin Point Heritage Museum or the Davenport House Museum.

Immerse Yourself in the Arts

Savannah is an outsize residence for artists of all mediums. Home to the oldest public art museum in the Southeast, as well as the esteemed Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), the city boasts an ever-rotating mix of galleries and exhibitions. Pick up a piece of locally made artwork for the perfect Savannah souvenir.

Catch a Show

Similar to its visual arts offerings, Savannah’s entertainment scene is jam-packed with a variety of shows, festivals and events. You’ll find theatrical productions from award-winning drama companies year-round at the historic Lucas Theatre. Plus, music events like the Savannah Music Festival draw big-name acts—Steve Earle, St. Paul & the Broken Bones and Rodney Crowell are a few recent headliners.

Take in the Waterfront

No trip is complete without a trek to River Street. Set against the Savannah River, the cobblestone-lined thoroughfare is home to numerous shops and restaurants. As for those cobblestones, they originated in far-flung locations including Spain, France and the British Isles. (They were originally ballasting material on ships in the harbor.) Take note: River Street is said to be Savannah’s most haunted spot.