6 Reasons Why Savannah Is America's Must-Visit City
Savannah is one of the historic cities of the United States of America. Founded in 1733, it was the capital of Georgia before Atlanta took over. During the American Revolution and the American Civil War, it was a highly strategic port city—the southernmost port of the 13 colonies—so much so that it became one of the most important for trade and, therefore, very wealthy. During those years, beautiful buildings and mansions were built that still characterize Savannah's historic center today, and visiting it is like stepping back to the time of the first American settlers.
Each year, the streets of the Historic District , its 23 park-lined plazas, beautiful historic buildings, and the steamboats that cruise the Savannah River attract millions of visitors. Downtown Savannah largely retains the original city plan designed by founder James Oglethorpe.
1. Discover the Historic DistrictSavannah's historic center isn't huge, but it's home to countless historic sites, buildings, monuments, museums, and, most importantly, many delightful tree-lined, shaded plazas that are a real treat in the summer: there are 23 of them. Strolling along the park's streets and plazas is the best way to discover Savannah.
2. Stroll along River StreetAs its name suggests, River Street is a historic, two-mile-long cobblestone boulevard that runs along the Savannah River and is one of the most iconic waterfronts in the United States . This riverfront promenade is bustling all day and into the evening, thanks to the shops, bars, and restaurants popular with tourists. The historic cotton warehouses built right on the river still stand, well preserved and now converted into boutiques, art galleries, pubs, and hotels. From here, you can board the Belle.
3. Take a tour on the historic Belle steamerThe charming Belle is a free public ferry service that connects downtown Savannah (River Street) and Hutchinson Island, a former cotton plantation and now home to hotels and golf courses. A cruise is highly recommended for admiring the city skyline and feeling like the English settlers who arrived here in the 18th century. It operates daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
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Until about twenty years ago, Savannah was serviced by the River Street Streetcars, historic streetcars from the 1930s nicknamed " Dotties ," used as public transportation on the now-decommissioned railway line. Today, this service is operated by trolleys for tourists, which tour the historic center, but also include City Market and several historic squares, allowing you to hop on and off at various stops just like the standard hop-on/hop-off buses. A single ticket allows travel for 24 or 48 hours, depending on your stay.
5. Savannah Historic Gardens TourSavannah's history is evident in its splendid architecture, but beyond the buildings are beautifully preserved landscapes, majestic, meticulously pruned oak trees, bubbling fountains, and meticulously manicured gardens. These historic gardens were essential for growing fruit and herbs, for socializing, or simply to beautify the mansions of the once wealthy, and they still enrich the city today. One of the most beautiful is located in Lafayette Square in front of the Andrew Low House Museum, a small urban oasis where olive tea and camellias were once grown, with a stone path leading to the house's entrance.
Another is the Girl Scout Playground , the garden of the private home of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts, now Savannah's first Registered National Historic Landmark and the headquarters of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America. Another is the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, a house-museum that tells the story of Savannah's wealthy and their slaves who lived in the same house. It was a working courtyard before being transformed into a garden with roses, azaleas, and junipers surrounding the central fountain. Finally, there is the Davenport House Museum , one of the first houses in Savannah to be preserved, having received the Preserve America Presidential Award. The garden features a beautiful pond, surrounded by jasmine and azaleas, a perfect oasis to relax in after a visit to the house.
6. Visit the American Prohibition MuseumLocated in Savannah's famed City Market, the American Prohibition Museum is the first and only museum in the United States dedicated to the history of Prohibition . Tracing an era of gangsters, rum smugglers, and flappers, this engaging museum brings the Roaring Twenties to life with over 20 intoxicating exhibits and an authentic hidden speakeasy. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the museum takes visitors on a journey back to the early 1900s, when anti-alcohol demonstrations swept across the country and America's struggle with alcohol was brought to light.
