WELCOME to Savannah!
As you’ve probably noticed by now, there’s no shortage of things to see and do here. There’s so much fun to be had—but you’re on a budget. Womp womp.
Luckily, there are plenty of things to do here that don’t involve spending any money at all.
Some of the most fun you can have in Savannah is to pound the pavement. Our squares and streets are world-renowned.
While it’s more of a tourist trap than a local spot, River Street should be at the top of your list to see, just for the experience. Take in the famed river from the rooftop of the Grand Bohemian hotel or from the ground level at Rousakis Plaza.
Broughton Street is full to the brim of restaurants and stores on every block, so you’ll never get bored walking that stretch.
If you’re old enough to drink, make a beeline to Congress Street, which is basically Bourbon Street’s little sister. Take advantage of Savannah’s open container laws and take that drink to go—just not south of Forsyth Park, which is where that fun ends.
Speaking of Forsyth, a day spent in the park is always worth it. Bring a blanket and lay out, play tennis at the courts, or sit on the benches near the Fountain and get your people-watching in. There are always interesting people to watch here. On Saturdays, check out the Forsyth Farmers’ Market, where you can grab some local goods and give back to your community.
But remember: There’s a leash law in Savannah, so put the pooch on a leash.
Daffin Park is also a park worth checking out. It hosts the historic Grayson Stadium, where the Savannah Bananas play baseball, as well as a great dog park and running track.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, Savannah’s reputation for being haunted precedes itself. People come here from all over looking for paranormal activity at The Marshall House, 17 Hundred 90, or the Kehoe House. There are plenty of ghost tours to go on, but take a walk by these spots first and see if you see anything move in the windows.
Savannah’s cemeteries are a huge draw for this crowd, too. Colonial Park Cemetery and Laurel Grove Cemetery are both neat, but of course the big one to see is Bonaventure, which is actually one of the most famous cemeteries in the world.
If you’re into the outdoors, make sure you pick up a Georgia State Parks Pass. If you have a Live Oak Public Library card—which you should get!—you can grab a pass that will give you free admission to any of the 63 state parks in Georgia. In Savannah we have Old Fort Jackson, Wormsloe, Skidaway Island, Fort McAllister and Fort Morris. Visit gastateparks.org for a full list of parks if you’re in the mood for a getaway.
Savannah is a cultural treasure trove, particularly in the blossoming Starland District area. Nestled on Bull Street close to Victory Drive, the spot has attracted attention from the New York Times for its locally-owned businesses, street art, and strong sense of community.
Every first Friday, the area hosts First Fridays in Starland, where participating businesses host special events or offer deals. The fun goes from 6 to 9 p.m., and it’s a guaranteed party.
From SCAD to independent galleries, Savannah is an artsy town, and there are plenty of art galleries to visit. Your best bet is to pick up a copy of ART MAP SAV, a comprehensive list of art locations in the Savannah area compiled by the Arts Resource Collective, and head out.
If you’re willing to shell out a small amount of cash, the Jepson Center offers $15 admission for students with a valid ID. The SCAD Museum of Art is free for its students and $5 for students from other colleges.
Last but never least, Tybee Island is just a short drive away. If you’re in the mood for solitude at the beach, try Back River or North Beach. If you’re feeling social, go to the pier in the middle of the beach.
But Rover can’t come over to Tybee’s beach – it’s technically against the law to bring your pup out.
Have fun, be safe, and enjoy your city!
