The Southern Gothic Crown Jewel: 6 Unmissable Sights & Attractions in Savannah, Georgia
From Weeping Spanish Moss to Cobblestone Streets, Discover the Hostess City’s Most Iconic Landmarks Exactly the Way You Want to—at Your Own Pace
Savannah isn't a city you want to see through the tinted glass of a crowded tour bus — Philip Arambula / Unsplash
Savannah, Georgia, is a city that actively resists being rushed. It is a place where time seems to drip as slowly as the humidity rolling off the Savannah River, and where centuries-old live oak trees drape their Spanish moss over cobblestone streets like protective blankets. Known affectionately as the Hostess City of the South, Savannah is intoxicating. It’s a masterclass in architecture, a hub of complex American history, and a modern culinary playground.
For the independent traveler, Savannah is a dream. This isn't a city you want to see through the tinted glass of a crowded tour bus, straining your neck to catch a glimpse of a historic mansion before the driver speeds away. Nor is it a place where you want to spend your afternoon chasing a tour guide's brightly colored umbrella, entirely at the mercy of a stranger’s itinerary. Savannah demands to be strolled, savored, and studied. You need the freedom to pause for a fresh pecan praline, linger in a shaded square to read a historical marker, or duck into an antique shop that catches your eye.
To help you plan your perfect, self-guided adventure, Drives & Detours has compiled the definitive list of the top six sights and attractions in Savannah. These are the iconic landmarks that make this coastal Georgian city entirely unforgettable.
1. Forsyth Park and the Iconic Fountain
Forsyth Park and its fountain are Savannah’s visual centerpiece — Ron Dylewski / Unsplash
If Savannah has a visual centerpiece, it is undoubtedly Forsyth Park. Spanning 30 lush acres right at the edge of the historic district, this park is the beating heart of the city's outdoor life. The crowning jewel of the park sits at its northern edge: the mesmerizing, cast-iron Forsyth Park Fountain. Installed in 1858, the fountain is designed in the Parisian style and is particularly breathtaking in the spring when the surrounding azaleas explode into vibrant shades of pink and white.
But Forsyth Park is more than just a photo opportunity. It’s where locals come to spread out picnic blankets, listen to impromptu jazz performances, and browse the bustling Saturday farmers' market. The sprawling, open green spaces are bordered by ancient oaks and stunning historic mansions. Wandering through Forsyth Park allows you to soak in the authentic atmosphere of the city, feeling less like a tourist and more like a temporary local.
2. The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist will take your breath away — Diane Picchiottino / Unsplash
You do not need to be religious to have your breath entirely taken away by the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. Dominating the Savannah skyline with its soaring twin spires, this architectural masterpiece is often referred to as the Sistine of the South. Originally built in 1876, the structure was nearly destroyed by a devastating fire in 1898 but was meticulously rebuilt to its current, awe-inspiring glory.
Stepping inside is a transcendent experience. The interior features spectacular French Gothic architecture, highlighted by eighty-one magnificent stained glass windows imported from Austria, and intricately painted murals that cover almost every inch of the vaulted ceilings. The sheer scale and beauty of the Great Rose Window above the choir loft is worth the visit alone. Take your time walking down the aisles; the quiet, reverent atmosphere offers a peaceful respite from the bustling streets outside.
3. Bonaventure Cemetery
Bonaventure Cemetery is one of the most hauntingly beautiful graveyards in the world — Alla Kemelmakher / Unsplash
A few miles east of the downtown historic district, sitting quietly on the scenic bluff of the Wilmington River, is Bonaventure Cemetery. It is, without a doubt, one of the most hauntingly beautiful graveyards in the world. Made internationally famous by John Berendt’s bestselling novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Bonaventure is the epitome of the Southern Gothic aesthetic.
This isn't your standard cemetery. Originally a private plantation, it was designed with the Victorian ideal of a cemetery as a park in mind. The winding dirt paths are shaded by some of the most massive live oak trees in the state, heavily laden with Spanish moss that sways in the coastal breeze. Elaborate Victorian statuary, weathered obelisks, and intricate ironwork mark the resting places of generals, poets, and eccentric Savannahians. It is a profoundly moving, atmospheric place that rewards slow, contemplative exploration.
4. River Street and the Historic Riverfront
The buildings of Savannah’s waterfront used to be warehouses but are now bars and restaurants — Jaimee Hoffman / Unsplash
To understand Savannah’s origins as an economic powerhouse, you must head down to River Street. Paved with uneven, 200-year-old cobblestones—which were originally brought over as ballast in the hulls of European merchant ships—this bustling waterfront strip is a stark contrast to the quiet, manicured squares of the city center.
Rising steeply from the river are massive, multi-story brick buildings that once served as cotton warehouses during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, these historic structures have been wonderfully repurposed. They now house an eclectic mix of art galleries, brewpubs, boutiques, and world-famous candy shops. You can smell the scent of roasting pecans and bubbling sugar from River Street Sweets a block away. Take a leisurely walk along the river, watch the massive modern cargo ships navigate the narrow channel, and grab a to-go cup (Savannah legally allows open containers of alcohol in the historic district!) as you soak in the maritime history.
5. Mercer Williams House Museum
The Mercer Williams House is the most infamous building in Savannah — Philip Arambula / Unsplash
Located on the edge of the picturesque Monterey Square, the Mercer Williams House is arguably the most famous—and infamous—residence in Savannah. Construction of this stunning Italianate mansion was begun by General Hugh W. Mercer (great-grandfather of the legendary songwriter Johnny Mercer) in 1860, though it wasn't completed until after the Civil War.
The home is an architectural marvel, featuring elegant cast-iron balconies, tall arched windows, and a striking red-brick facade. However, the house is best known for its late 20th-century owner, the antiques dealer and preservationist Jim Williams, and the tragic 1981 shooting that took place in the study—the central event of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Today, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Williams' private collection of 18th and 19th-century art, furniture, and porcelain, preserving the opulent lifestyle of one of Savannah's most colorful modern figures.
6. The Historic Savannah Squares
Savannah’s squares are a masterpiece of urban design — Benjamin Disinger / Unsplash
While individual buildings and parks are spectacular, the true marvel of Savannah is its urban design. Founded in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe, Savannah was laid out in a unique grid pattern interconnected by a series of public squares. Originally, there were 24 squares; today, 22 of them remain, acting as miniature, lush green parks dispersed evenly throughout the Historic District.
These squares are the living, breathing soul of the city. Chippewa Square is famous for its cameo in Forrest Gump; Madison Square is surrounded by incredible Gothic and Greek Revival architecture and is renowned for its haunted history; and Lafayette Square features the stunning fountain of the San Domingo, faithfully guarded by the Cathedral Basilica.
Because the squares dictate the flow of the city, Savannah is inherently designed for walking. To truly understand the narrative of the city, you need to traverse the space between these squares, uncovering the hidden gardens, historical markers, and stunning architecture that connect them.
Discover the Savannah Squares on Your Own Terms
Explore Savannah’s squares at your own pace with Drives & Detours — Tomas Martinez / Unsplash
There is a massive difference between looking at Savannah and truly seeing it. If you want to dive deep into the fascinating history of Oglethorpe's brilliant city plan, uncover the secrets of the grand mansions, and explore the squares without being herded like cattle, Drives & Detours has exactly what you need.
Our Savannah Squares Historic District Walk is a meticulously crafted self-guided audio tour. We provide the deep, expert knowledge of a local historian, but give you total control over the itinerary. Press pause to step inside a boutique, detour down a beautiful cobblestone alleyway, or stop for a long, lazy southern lunch. With Drives & Detours, you get the rich context you crave, with the ultimate freedom you deserve.
