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Savannah River Walk: A Must-Do Activity When in Georgia

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The Historic Beauty of Savannah: The Allure of the Historic District

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Visitor Centers in Savannah

The Chamber of Commerce has several visitor centers in Savannah. From the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport to the Historic District and even out to Tybee Island , there are centers with all kinds of brochures, maps and magazines, such as Savannah Scene , to guide you around the city.

MLK Visitor Information Center (the main visitor center)

301 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Savannah, GA 31401

(912) 944-0455

Hours: Daily: 9 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.

Visit Savannah Visitor Information Center

101 E. Bay St., Savannah, GA 31401

(912) 644-6400

Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The River Street Visitor Information Center

1 W. River St., Savannah, GA 31401

(912) 651-6662

Hours: January and December: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. February – November: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Savannah/ Hilton Head International Airport Visitor Center

400 Airways Ave., Savannah, GA 31408

(912) 966-3743 or savannahairport.com/visiting/info-center

Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:30 a.m. – midnight

Georgia Visitors Center – Savannah

Mile Marker 111, I-95 South, Port Wentworth, GA 31407

(912) 963-2546

Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Tybee Island Visitor Information Center

Campbell Ave. & Hwy. 80, Tybee Island, GA 31328

(912) 786-5444

Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

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17 Best Things to Do in Savannah, GA + Tips from a Local

Much of Savannah's charm lies in meandering through the Historic District's verdant squares – all 22 of them. For an overview of the Historic District's top attractions, consider signing up for a guided tour or choose among the many

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Take a walk in Forsyth Park Take a walk in Forsyth Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  If you are visiting in the fall, check out the free weeklong Savannah Jazz Festival in the park, which features local vendors and food trucks. – Tanvi Chauhan, Contributor, Travel

Go to this 30-acre park in the heart of Savannah's Historic District to relax after a long day of sightseeing. Keep your camera ready, though, as there is plenty to see here as well. Stroll past the stunning white-stone Forsyth Fountain, memorials dedicated to the Spanish-American War, the Fragrant Garden for the visually impaired and the 300-year-old Candler Oak tree. From the park, you can see several historic sites within walking distance, including the Mercer-Williams House Museum and the Sorrel Weed House .

Go on a Savannah history tour Go on a Savannah history tour

U.S. News Insider Tip:  If you want a totally unique experience, there are also bike tours, dog-walking tours, a comedy trolley tour called "Savannah for Morons" and food tours. –  Tanvi Chauhan, Contributor, Travel

Savannah's recorded history stretches back to 1733 when General James Oglethorpe docked his ship on the Savannah River and named this new territory (and America's 13th colony) "Georgia." You can hear all about Savannah's past and the events that shaped its present on a history tour. What's more, you won't have any trouble finding a tour that suits your interests, Savannah boasts a bevy of  city tours  – from architecture to ghosts to photography – for a variety of travelers.

Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist free

Towering over Lafayette Square in the Historic District, the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist's Gothic towers should lure in any architecture buff. The original cathedral was established in 1799 by the first French colonists to arrive in the area. The brick structure you see today is not the original (since its founding, the church moved locations and was partially rebuilt following a fire in 1898), but the cathedral still impresses visitors with its imposing spires, Italian marble altar and stunning stained-glass windows. What's more, a Catholic cathedral of this size is a bit of a rarity in the South, where Catholicism is not the dominant religion.

Most travelers who took the time to see this cathedral were flabbergasted by its beauty, comparing it to Europe's medieval churches. Even if you're not interested in attending Mass, you should still set aside 10 to 15 minutes to take a brief peek inside the stunning interior. However, recent visitors said attending Mass here is worth considering (even if you're not Catholic), thanks to the beautiful atmosphere and talented choir. Feel free to take a self-guided tour inside the cathedral, but remember to be respectful as it's still an active house of worship.

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Bonaventure Cemetery Bonaventure Cemetery free

While a stroll through a cemetery may sound a little morbid, a visit to the more than 100-acre Bonaventure Cemetery is a must for lovers of the written word. Originally called the Evergreen Cemetery (and occupying land previously used for a plantation), the Victorian-style cemetery was purchased by the city of Savannah in 1907 and redesigned to its current size. Keep your eyes peeled for the tombstones of such celebrities as poet Conrad Aiken and lyricist Johnny Mercer. You should also make a point of looking for the grave of Danny Hansford (buried in the neighboring Greenwich Cemetery), whose murder inspired John Berendt's best-selling book, "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."

According to many visitors, the hauntingly beautiful Bonaventure won't disappoint, but travelers said that bug spray, a water bottle and comfortable walking shoes are a must. You can tour the cemetery on your own, but recent visitors said you should also consider signing up for a guided tour to gain a better understanding of the cemetery's intriguing history.

River Street River Street free

Running alongside the Savannah River in the Waterfront district is River Street, a lively area perfect for afternoon strolls. The cobblestone street is lined with more than 75 souvenir shops, galleries, restaurants and pubs housed in old cotton warehouses. It's also the place to go for pub crawls, making it attractive to party-seekers, and thus, slightly less family-friendly after dark. Plus, the area comes alive with street musicians after the sun sets.

Recent visitors recommended spending a few hours here for the gorgeous river views and excellent people-watching. Many also recommended the restaurants here.

Old Sorrel-Weed House Old Sorrel-Weed House

U.S. News Insider Tip: A couple feet away is Chippewa Square – the backdrop for the "Forrest Gump" scene where Tom Hanks sits on a bench to narrate the character's life story. If you are looking for the bench, visit the Savannah History Museum to see a replica. – Tanvi Chauhan, Contributor, Travel

Constructed in 1840 in the Greek Revival style, this Mediterranean villa was owned by a shipping merchant named Francis Sorrel and then became the boyhood home to Brig. Gen. Moxley Sorrel, who fought in the Civil War. But that's not why the house is so famous. In addition to appearing in the opening scenes of "Forrest Gump," the house has also been featured in an episode of HGTV's "Ghost Adventures." In fact, it's often referred to as one of the most haunted buildings in Savannah and is a frequent stop on some of the best Savannah ghost tours . It's believed that Francis Sorrel's second wife died by suicide at the house, along with one of his enslaved workers. Visitors to the house can choose between a history and architecture tour, a historic walking tour, a ghost tour or a "paranormal investigation."

Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters

George Welshman Owens was a wealthy planter, lawyer and politician who lived in this house with his wife, six children and up to 14 enslaved people beginning in 1833. The last Owens descendant to live in the house was George Owens' granddaughter, Margaret Gray Thomas, who left the property to the Telfair Academy of Arts and Science in her will in 1875. Unlike the other two Telfair Museums – the Jepson Center and Telfair Academy – the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters focuses less on art and more on the Owens' family furnishings and history of the earliest intact urban slave quarters in the South.

A tour of the facility reveals what life was like for the upper class in 19th-century Savannah: You'll see Greek-inspired craftsmanship and beautiful stained glass, in addition to the old carriage house and slave quarters. You'll also have a chance to peruse the common spaces, such as the drawing room and the dining room, where the family entertained guests, and can learn more about the day-to-day life of the family's enslaved workers through interactive exhibits in the butler's pantry, the working cellar and the slave quarters.

Tour Fort Pulaski National Monument Tour Fort Pulaski National Monument

Named for Revolutionary War hero Casimir Pulaski, this 19th-century fort was originally constructed to defend Savannah from coastal attacks. Notably, it was here that Gen. Robert E. Lee was first assigned after graduating from West Point. During the Civil War, it was occupied by Confederate troops until being surrendered to Union forces in 1862.

Fort Pulaski was also a safe haven for enslaved people as part of the Underground Railroad. Union Maj. Gen. David Hunter issued an order in April 1862 stating: "All persons of color lately held in involuntary service by enemies of the United States in Fort Pulaski and on Cockspur Island, Georgia are hereby confiscated and declared free." As such, many enslaved people came to Fort Pulaski and once on the island, began a free life on the Georgia coast. Meanwhile, others joined to form one of the first colored troops divisions in the Civil War. Hundreds of enslaved people were granted freedom as a result of Hunter's order.

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Take a daytrip to Tybee Island Take a daytrip to Tybee Island free

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you are into pristine beaches, avid camping, birdwatching and unearthing fossils, consider visiting an uninhabited nature preserve called "Little Tybee Island," which is only accessible only by boat. – Tanvi Chauhan, Contributor, Travel

When you've had your fill of ghost stories , green squares and historic homes, head to Tybee Island. Just a half-hour east of the Historic District, Tybee Island is home to 5 miles of beachfront, the famous Tybee Island Light Station and the Marine Science Center, among other attractions. On your way to the beach, consider a stop at  Fort Pulaski Monument , a Civil War landmark sandwiched between Savannah and Tybee Island.

Historic Savannah Theatre Historic Savannah Theatre

Built by architect William Jay, who also designed the Telfair Mansion , the historic Savannah Theatre opened its doors to the public in 1818 and again in 1950 following a remodeling in the art deco style. The lobby features a display of artifacts, newspaper articles and photographs from the past. Still an active theater today, it hosts live shows, musicals, comedy performances and a paranormal investigation experience.

Many recent visitors praised the live performances in the beautifully restored theater and particularly recommend the annual Christmas show.

Savannah African Art Museum Savannah African Art Museum free

The Savannah African Art Museum is home to a collection of more than 1,000 pieces of artwork from West and Central Africa. The African art on display here includes a variety of 19th- and 20th-century spiritual and ceremonial objects, created from metal, wood, ceramics and more. According to the museum, its mission is to "provide engaging experiences that educate and start conversations about the power, diversity, and spirituality of African art." Tours of the collection are available Wednesday through Saturday, running every 30 minutes, and typically last about an hour. Visitors can choose a tour of the West Africa collection or the Central Africa collection.

All recent travelers give this museum positive reviews, calling it a hidden gem in Savannah. Many were impressed with the variety of artwork here, from masks to textiles to sculptures. Several compliment the knowledgeable guides, who are able to shed some light on the history of the various art.

Wormsloe State Historic Site Wormsloe State Historic Site

Right up there with  Forsyth Park  and  River Street , Wormsloe State Historic Site is one of Savannah's top attractions. Even if you never heard of the site, you've likely seen it in pictures: its star attraction is the mile-long avenue leading to the former plantation, which is lined on both sides by towering live oak trees dressed in Spanish moss.

Most travelers venture here for the free photo-op alone, but what lies beyond the entryway is also worth your attention. Here you'll find the ruins of Wormsloe, the oldest standing structure in Savannah and the Colonial estate of Noble Jones, a carpenter who came to Georgia in 1733 with James Oglethorpe and the first group of settlers from England. In the 1750s, Jones used a group of enslaved people to maintain the property, plant crops like cotton, grains and vegetables, and keep Wormsloe profitable. Along with the ruins, visitors can tour a small museum featuring artifacts unearthed at Wormsloe and watch a brief film about the site and Georgia's founding. There's also a 7-mile-long interpretative nature trail that runs along a marsh on the Skidaway River, as well as costumed interpreters demonstrating the tools and skills of Colonial Georgia.

First African Baptist Church First African Baptist Church

A National Historic Landmark, the First African Baptist Church was first organized in 1773 by the Rev. George Liele and is the oldest continuous Black church in North America. The reverend, who was born into slavery but later granted freedom by the British for his loyalty, became the church's pastor in 1775 and the church was officially established as a body of organized believers in 1777. After the British lost the Revolutionary War, rather than chance re-enslavement in the South, Liele fled to Jamaica . Before leaving for Jamaica, he ordained Andrew Bryan (one of the congregation's original members) to be the second pastor of the church until 1812 when his nephew Andrew Marshall took over. Under Marshall's leadership, the church acquired the property where it currently stands in downtown Savannah.

The church still features many historical elements, including stained-glass windows and the original light fixtures, balcony pews and baptismal pool. Today, visitors can attend a service or take a tour to admire its beauty. Previous travelers highly recommend stopping here to learn about its history and importance as a safe haven along the Underground Railroad.

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Savannah City Market Savannah City Market free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Amid the attractions within City Market, the American Prohibition Museum is an unexpected find. It features cool exhibits and an authentic speakeasy serving up the Chatham Artillery punch – rumored to be made using a recipe that dates back to 1870! –  Tanvi Chauhan, Contributor, Travel

If you're planning to tour Savannah's Historic District, City Market is a great place to start. Spread out across four blocks, the open-air marketplace features restored warehouses sheltering everything from restaurants to boutiques to art galleries. When you're not shopping, listening to live music or enjoying a casual bite to eat, simply sit and people-watch: past visitors said this area is great for resting tired feet and taking in the Savannah scene. Plus, City Market is also a popular drop-off point for  trolley and carriage tours , so if you need to kill time before or after your tour, plan to check out the market.

Mercer Williams House Museum Mercer Williams House Museum

A stop at the Mercer-Williams House is a must when in Savannah. While it was commissioned by Gen. Hugh W. Mercer (great-grandfather of lyricist Johnny Mercer), this house is much more famous for what happened here when it was owned by Jim Williams. Williams was a noted Savannah antiques dealer and the central character in John Berendt's best-selling book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," which detailed the shooting that took place in the house in 1981. While the upstairs is off-limits, you're invited to explore the ground floor, which is ornately decorated with 18th- and 19th-century furnishings, Chinese porcelain and portraits dating back to the 1700s.

Though most recent visitors were pleased with their tour of the Mercer-Williams House and highly recommended it if you are a fan of the book, they did warn that no photography was allowed in the garden or the house. Also, keep in mind that since members of the family still occupy the residence, only the ground floor is accessible to visitors.

Telfair Academy Telfair Academy

If you're a fan of art forms from the 19th and 20th centuries (or if you just need a break from the Georgia heat), you'll want to spend a few hours perusing this mansion-turned-museum, which was originally built in 1819 for Alexander Telfair. Housing four primary art forms – paintings, architecture, sculpture, and printmaking, including paintings from the Impressionist period, plaster casts of such renowned works as the Venus de Milo and period furniture left over from the Telfair family themselves, this marble-clad museum – the first public art museum in the South – shelters a diverse array of pieces. But the real highlight of the museum is Sylvia Shaw Judson's famous Bird Girl statue, which appears on the cover of John Berendt's bestselling book, "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."

Most recent visitors were charmed by the Telfair Academy, with many citing it as a "must-see" while in Savannah, specifically because of the renowned Bird Girl statue. What's more, many appreciated that admission to Telfair Academy also covers entrance to each of the other Telfair sites, including the Jepson Center and the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters . Many travelers loved the ability to see all three sites for one, discounted ticket price.

Jepson Center Jepson Center

U.S. News Insider Tip: While visiting the Jepson, enjoy a meal at the on-site Wildflower Café, a fast-casual restaurant that opened in 2023. – Tanvi Chauhan, Contributor, Travel

The Jepson Center is a modern art and interactive museum designed by the internationally acclaimed architect Moshe Safdie. The museum's contemporary collection is home to various travelling exhibits, giving visitors something new to explore each year. Among the ongoing exhibits, 18 works in classic European painting and impressionism are on site. Among these, visitors will also find featured Savannah artists Valentino Molina and Mary Hoover Aiken. Other notable elements about the center include sculpture terraces, education studios and a 220-seat auditorium. The Jepson Center is also slated to open the Telfair Children's Art Museum in summer 2023, offering learning experiences through modern, immersive technology and hands-on activities. Art enthusiasts can purchase souvenirs at the gallery store or stop for light bites at the cafe situated in the building's gorgeous atrium. Museum admission is not required to visit the gallery shop or cafe.

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Savannah’s tourism and hospitality industry continues to be one of the largest economic drivers of Savannah.

Savannah’s tourism industry and visitor economy continues to be one of the region’s top economic drivers. In 2022, over 17 million people visited the Savannah/Chatham County area, generating over $4 billion in visitor spending. Additionally, Savannah continues to be recognized as a world-class destination with top places to visit in the U.S. accolades from noted national travel and lifestyle publication and websites like Conde Nast, Travel + Leisure, Southern Living, TripAdvisor.com and CNNTravel.com.

The Savannah tourism sector continued its strong post-pandemic growth. In 2022, Savannah hosted 9.7 million overnight visitors and 7.3 million day-visitors. The demand for rooms increased 9.3% in 2022 while the supply of available rooms increased 1.8% to 18,549. In 2022, room tax revenue rose to 44.5 million, up 22% from 2021, more than double from the pandemic year of 2020. Visitor spending in 2022 increased 37.5% to $4.4 billion as compared to 2021.

Savannah’s tourists enjoy year-round activities. Although the busiest months in terms of visitation are April, May, and June, tourism activity is spread fairly evenly across the year. For overnight visitors, the mix is 89% leisure travel and 11% business and business-leisure. 68% of over-night visitors are repeat visitors and stay approximately 2.3 nights in Savannah.

Savannah excels in special interest tourism activities and continues to be an exciting destination. Savannah’s distinctive qualities allow the city to stand out in the crowd. In top interest categories for overnight visitors, Savannah remains far ahead of typical national levels in exceptional culinary experiences, cultural activities and historic places.

To learn more, check out VisitSavannah.com .

The city of Savannah prepares to celebrate the 4th of July

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Fireworks will be lighting up the sky above the Savannah River for the 4th of July.

The Savannah Waterfront Association will be hosting its annual Independence Day Celebration. It will take place Thursday along river street with fireworks being shot off at 9:30 p.m.

Those who plan to go are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. Ramps on River Street will close at 6:30 p.m.

Copyright 2024 WTOC. All rights reserved.

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'Only by God's mercy that I survived': Hajj became a death march for 1,300 in extreme heat

The annual Muslim pilgrimage to the sacred city of Mecca that wrapped up last week became a death march for over 1,300 Hajj participants who died in temperatures that climbed above 124 degrees.

Saudi Arabia's health minister Fahad Al-Jalajel, who on Sunday announced a death total of 1,301, blamed the fatalities on pilgrims "walking long distances under direct sunlight without adequate shelter or comfort."

The 5-6 day odyssey of hiking and prayer drew almost 2 million pilgrims from around the world. Fatalities included a number of elderly people and those suffering from chronic diseases, A-Jalajel said. About  83% of the fatalities were among people who were not authorized to make the pilgrimage, he said.

"It's only by God's mercy that I survived, because it was incredibly hot," Aisha Idris, a Nigerian pilgrim, told the BBC.

More than 650 of those who died were Egyptian; at least two were American.

Hajj is the fifth of pillar of Islam, and all Muslims are expected to make the pligrimage at least once in their lives. Maryland residents Alieu Dausy Wurie, 71, and wife Isatu Tejan Wurie, 65, spent $23,000 on an all-inclusive travel package through a tour company registered in the state.

“They saved their whole lives for this,” Saida Wurie told CNN.

Maryland couple's death ruled 'natural causes'

Wurie told CNN her parents were in Saudi Arabia when she learned via the family group chat that the tour company did not provide the proper transportation or credentials to be authorized for the pilgrimage. A man on their tour group contacted Saida Wurie to say her parents were missing on Mount Arafat after her father said that he could not continue.

Wurie said she was later contacted by U.S. Consulate officials in Jeddah saying they were notified by the Saudi Interior Ministry that her parents had died of "natural causes." The State Department, contacted by USA TODAY, would say only that "we can confirm the deaths of multiple U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia.  We offer our sincerest condolences to the families on their loss. We stand ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance." 

Egypt to prosecute tourism companies

Egyptian officials said the high number of deaths, most of them among unregistered pilgrims, stemmed from some companies that used a "personal visit visa (that) prevents its holders from entering Mecca" via official channels.

Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly ordered the revocation of licenses for 16 tourism companies that provided packages for Hajj pilgrims who were not registered for the event. He also instructed that the officials of these companies be referred to prosecutors and the companies be fined to compensate the families of the deceased pilgrims.

Authorities in Jordan said they, too, had detained several travel agents who arranged unofficial travel of Muslim pilgrims.

Hajj heat deaths: 500 Egyptian pilgrims perish in 124-degree temps

Hajj has seen tragedy before

Catastrophic deaths at Hajj are not new. A stampede in 2015 killed more than 2,200 people, and another stampede in 1990 killed over 1,400 people. Four years later a stampede killed 270 people. A tent fire in 1997 killed 347. A protest turned violent in 1998, leading to the deaths of 400 pilgrims. In 2009, 77 pilgrims were killed in floods.

Contributing: Reuters

Tybee Island City Council unanimously approves FY2025 budget, maintaining millage rate

The tensions that plagued the past two Tybee City Council meetings as councilmen and women discussed and approved the short-term rental ordinance dissipated as attention turned toward the island's FY2025 budget.

When the fiscal year begins next Monday, July 1, Tybee Island's municipal budget will be over $1 million lower than the amended FY2024 budget.

Council members unanimously approved keeping the FY2025 millage rate of 3.542 mills the same as last year.

Despite property valuations increasing the tax digest 6.16%, the city lost revenue through the hotel-motel tax because tourism numbers settled back to pre-COVID peaks.

The island is returning to pre-COVID levels of visitors after peak numbers of more than 6 million in 2021 and 2022. Tybee expects to have around 5.7 million visitors in 2024, the same as 2019 and 2023. With visitor numbers declining from peak years, the hotel-motel tax revenue has also decreased. The projected revenue for 2024 in hotel motel is $6.5 million, down from a high of $7.8 million collected in 2022.

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Given the decrease, the island has cut back in every department, with one of the biggest reductions occuring in overtime for law enforcement personnel. For the police department, only $140,000 is budgeted for police overtime for FY2025, while $300,000 is the budgeted amount for FY 2024. Similarly, fire/ocean rescue has been allocated $90,000 next year, with a budgeted amount of $145,000 this year.

Additional modifications in the budget for the upcoming fiscal year include increasing fines for parking violations and the cost of parking decals, shifting credit card user fees to the end user instead of the city, increasing deductibles to lower insurance premiums, raising water and sewer fees, and more.

The full budget can be read here .

Destini Ambus is the general assignment reporter for Chatham County municipalities for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach her at [email protected]