Savannah, Georgia

Live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, Gothic Revival architecture and cobblestone streets are just a few charming elements that define historic Savannah.

General James Oglethorpe landed along the Savannah River in 1733 and coined Georgia the 13th colony, establishing Savannah as its first city. Envisioning shaded public places intertwined through open streets, Oglethorpe originally laid out a plan for community squares to serve as business centers and town meeting places. Today, 22 squares flush with greenery, monuments and public parks line a grid of beautiful landscapes throughout the Historic District.

Take an Old Town Trolley Tour or walk around town through the grassy squares as you browse streets packed with museums, retail, gift stores and cute coffee shops. A few notable stops include Madison Square, Forsyth Park and Chippewa Square, where the iconic Forrest Gump park scene was filmed. Fun fact: the bench where Forrest sits and recites the famous line, “Life is like a box of chocolates...” was actually a movie prop placed in Chippewa Square. Tourists still love to take photos in the park, and the bench resides in the nearby Savannah History Museum.

The Savannah River flows alongside the North Historic District where River Street’s cobblestone-lined waterfront boasts a lively nightlife. From balconies and rooftop bars and restaurants, enjoy southern cuisine while watching giant ships cruise down the river. Check out everything from crab shacks and food markets to hotels and souvenir shops. Get your sugar fix at River Street Sweets, feast on local seafood at Fiddlers’ Crab House & Oyster Bar or sip on liquor-infused frozen drinks and dance all night at Wet Willie’s. You can even take your drinks to-go and walk around town with a cocktail in hand.

Book with Savannah Riverboat Cruises for the ultimate sightseeing tour aboard the grand Georgia Queen. Boaters enjoy visiting the city’s neighboring islands to explore the local rivers and tie up. Less than 20 miles from downtown, Tybee Island is a lovely place for cruising, fishing and swimming. Cruise the calm waters of Bull River to enjoy scenic marshlands and spot a dolphin or two.

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WHERE TO DOCK

Rousakis Riverfront Plaza

912-651-3634

This public recreational dock is on the Savannah River in the heart of downtown. Slips are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The East and West River Street facilities accept vessels up to 250 feet, and Abercorn Ramp welcomes boats up to 100 feet.

Bull River Marina

912-897-7300

This deepwater marina is just outside of Savannah’s Historic District on the eastern side of Wilmington Island. The facility offers short- and long-term dockage, amenities, a ship store, boat rentals, tours and private charters.

TPG Isle of Hope Marina

912-354-8187

Adjacent to the Wormsloe Historic Site and surrounded by scenic golf courses and ancient ruins, this full-service marina boasts 4,000 feet of floating docks accommodating vessels up to 200 feet. You also find 60 dry storage spaces for small, trailered boats.

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WHERE TO DINE

The Olde Pink House

912-232-4286

Built in 1771, this gorgeous pink home is one of the oldest (and allegedly most haunted) buildings in Savannah. Dine in one of the regal rooms and visit the spooky basement tavern where ghost activity is frequent according to the staff. The restaurant even boasts a house singer who goes table-to-table gracing your dinner with song snippets.

The Grove

912-777-7597

This swanky rooftop bar and restaurant is in the heart of Savannah’s City Market. Feast on a southern-inspired menu with fun house-made cocktails such as Champagne Pop (Brut served with a juicy popsicle) and Cruel Summer Capri (inspired by the classic Capri Sun drink) made of grapefruit vodka, fresh fruit and mixers served in a plastic pouch.

Vic’s on the River

912-721-1000

Located between City Hall and the Old Cotton Exchange building, this eatery offers a lovely dining experience with fresh seafood, a stellar wine selection, and a coffee bar. Feast on everything from crawfish beignets to grilled octopus and oysters Rockefeller.