“Too beautiful to burn.” Sherman may not have said those exact words, but that was the sentiment. He burned Atlanta and a wide swath of Georgia on his march to the sea. But when he reached Savannah, he spared the city and presented it as a Christmas present to President Lincoln in 1864. Residents and tourists are grateful for his foresight.. 

One of the largest U.S. landmark districts, Savannah has maintained its historic elegance. Plus it’s set in the natural beauty and year-round temperate weather of the South. Come for azaleas in the spring, crepe myrtles in summer (which can get hot), and magnolias in fall and winter, all set beneath the city’s live oaks, dripping with Spanish moss.

NextTribe takes small groups of women ages 45+ on fun, immersive trips across the country and around the world. We’re going to Savannah in March 2026. Learn more here.

Savannah has everything much larger cities like New York have on offer, from gourmet food to first-class entertainment to culture. Without the crowds and unaffordable prices.

It’s diverse, too, racially and ethnically, with large and openly welcomed Asian and gay communities. There are pockets of old-world gentility alongside the colorful and quirky. It’s home to the Savannah College of Art and Design, but it is definitely not your typical university town.

 “After selling my house in Brooklyn and starting over, I could have moved practically anywhere to work remotely as a writer,” I told Jeannie Ralston, Next Tribe Founder and CEO, when we met up in New York City a few years ago. “But Savannah stole my heart and welcomed me with open arms.” That’s not hyperbole—Savannah is known as the Hostess City. And it’s 100 percent true. 

Ralston understood why the city has such a hold on me. “I have been to Savannah many times and at one point in my life, considered living there,” she said. “For many years, we’ve offered trips to that other great Southern city–Charleston. But I thought that it was time to bring NextTribers to Savannah, which is–I think–more magical in many ways and not as crowded with tourists.”

That European Feel

Savannah, the oldest city in Georgia, America’s 13^th colony, was founded in 1733, when English General James Oglethorpe landed on a bluff alongside the Savannah River. Considered the country’s first planned city, Savannah’s Historic Landmark District is one of the largest in the U.S. It’s laid out in a grid with 22 separate park-like squares surrounded by homes, businesses, historic buildings, and cobblestone streets. 

Noting its history, stunning architecture, and walkability, foreign tourists say Savannah has the most European feel of any place in the U.S. 

Each square is unique, most with statues and other markers of historical or cultural significance, including the site of Forrest Gump’s bench, the sign designating the site of where “Jingle Bells” was composed, and the memorial to Tomochichi, the Yamacraw Indian chief who granted Oglethorpe permission to settle.

The number one pastime for locals and tourists alike is meandering. Walking is the easiest and most enjoyable way to explore the downtown. You don’t need a car. In fact, noting its history, stunning architecture, and walkability, foreign tourists say Savannah has the most European feel of any place in the U.S. 

As you stroll, you’ll see museums, cafes, shops, and restaurants. An architecturally significant city, you’ll encounter a banquet of architectural styles from Colonial Revival and Regency to Federal, Gothic Revival and more. It’s hard to get lost, but if you do, Savannah residents are happy to provide directions.

The Layout

Walk north, and you’ll reach the Savannah River with its stunning view of the Talmedge Memorial Bridge, which connects Georgia and South Carolina. From its earliest days, Savannah was a port town. Make your way quickly down River Street to the far eastern end where tourists thin out. Catch a breeze and take your photo with one of Savannah’s icons, The Waving Girl.

Head southeast and wander Colonial Park Cemetery, set smack dab in the city. Examine the fading tombstones set beneath the live oaks. Button Gwinnett, whose name you’ll see around town, is buried here and was an original signer of the Declaration of Independence. He died in a notorious duel.

Thought to be the city’s oldest tree, the Candler Oak once shaded Union soldiers beneath its moss-draped branches. 

Head due south to Gaston Street and Forsyth Park, Savannah’s Central Park, in miniature. The beautiful, majestic Forsyth Park Fountain is the number one place for locals and tourists to gather, grab a bench, or take a photo. It’s also the number one spot for weddings. Every year, in a city-wide ceremony, complete with bagpipes, children turn the fountain green in preparation for St. Patrick’s Day. On Saturdays, the park plays host to bustling farmer’s and arts markets. 

I suggest not leaving the park area without taking in the 300-year-old Candler Oak, which borders Drayton Street. Savannah is a preservation-minded city, and that includes Savannah’s trees. Thought to be the city’s oldest, the Candler Oak once shaded Union soldiers beneath its moss-draped branches. 

Dozens of churches of all denominations dot almost every corner of the city. Listen for bells that ring throughout the day. The most architecturally impressive and not to be missed church is the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, a French Gothic cathedral with towering twin spires. Named a basilica by Pope Francis, it’s often called the Notre Dame of the South. 

A Rich Storytelling History

Whether it’s U.S. history, black history, women’s history, Georgia history or war history–Savannah has walking tours, museums, and other sites geared to your interests. Award-winning Savannah Dan gives some of the best insider tours in town. Nighttime ghost tours are touristy, but fun if that’s your jam. The hop-on/hop-off trolley is also a decent option. 

You won’t miss out if you decide to skip the standard fare and focus on the city’s extensive women’s and black histories instead. Savannah’s famous women include Mother Matilda Beasley, who ran an orphanage and founded Georgia’s first order of black nuns, Juliet Gordon Lowe (founder of the Girls Scouts), educator and nurse Susie King Taylor, Mary Musgrove, and many more. Although Mary Telfair owned slaves, no tour would be complete without a mention of this important art patron and philanthropist. The city revers women, and the newest monument will honor seven female preservationists.

On a visit to Flannery O’Connor’s childhood home, don’t miss the garden where Flannery taught a chicken to walk backwards. 

The childhood home of Savannah’s literary icon, Flannery O’Connor, winner of the National Book Award, is directly opposite the Cathedral, which had a lifelong influence on her writing. The house museum is filled with Flannery’s personal effects, and the 45-minute tour is engaging and fun. You could also take a self-guided tour if you prefer. Before you leave, be sure to see pioneer architect Clermont Lee’s garden where Flannery taught a chicken to walk backwards. 

Explore Gullah/Geechee with Savannah’s go-to “Sistah” Patt Gunn, who has been profiled in Condé Nast Traveler. A Savannah treasure, Gunn is also a local activist, instrumental in having one of Savannah’s historic squares renamed for Susie King Taylor. 

Other stops for exploring the city’s rich black history include the Beach Institute, Savannah’s chief African-American museum, and the King Tisdell cottage, which hosts indigo-dying workshops. The Green-Meldrim House served as Sherman’s headquarters, and the 

First African Baptist Church, the oldest North American black church, a National Historic landmark, was an important stop on the Underground Railroad. (To reach it, cut through historic City Market; note it’s loud and tourist-heavy at night.)

If you’re a fan of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil which spent a record 216 weeks on The New York Times Bestseller List, you’ll definitely want to visit the Mercer Williams House. At nearby Mickve Israel, the third oldest Jewish synagogue in America, tour the magnificent sanctuary and visit the upstairs museum, which has the oldest Torah in North America. (Fun fact: The rabbi is also a local stand-up comic.)

Culture and Nightlife

Savannah’s jazz history rivals that of the Big Easy, with a week-long jazz festival every September in Forsyth Park. Throughout the year, hear jazz in venues all over town including Jazz’d, Sunday evenings with Savannah Jazz, and at 6 East State. 

The three-week Savannah Music Festival takes place every March-April. Concerts include virtually all forms of music from Zydeco to classical to world music to roots. Events at the unique Ships of the Sea Museum take place outdoors, under the stars.

Like Europe, there is a burgeoning program of concert series sponsored by churches, which have the best acoustics in the city, including Friends of Cathedral Music and Bach Ascending. Drop into a church service anywhere on a Sunday morning, too, and you can hear everything from gospel to Gregorian chant.   

Art thrives everywhere from folk art murals on the side of old buildings to posh galleries.       

Local favorites outside the historic district include a small concert venue called Victory North and Coaches Corner, a sports bar and Savannah institution known for its live outdoor music. At the far end of River Street, visit glitzy District Live. Check out Savannah Music Collective for more listings. 

Art thrives everywhere from folk art murals on the side of old buildings to posh galleries. The Jepson Museum,Savannah’s modern art museum, curates world-class rotating exhibits and artist talks. Arts Southeast is the place for emerging and young artists. The work of millennial founder and photographer Emily Earl is now housed in the permanent collection of the High Museum and other notable collections. (Arts Southeast is located just outside the historic district in the trendy Starland District, which is accessible on foot or via the city’s free DOT Shuttle.) The SCAD Museum is not your typical go-to spot for tourists, but locals love its rotating exhibits of contemporary and avant-garde art from around the world, especially its highlighting of black and Asian artists. And at the yearly April SCAD Sidewalk Festival, students fill over 800 sidewalk squares in Forsyth Park with amazing chalk drawings. 

From the NOGS Tour of Hidden Gardens to ethnic food festivals to the Savannah Voice Festival, the annual ATC Vocal Competition, and the Savannah Book Festival, Savannah is also a city that never sleeps.

Consult Savannah Master Calendar for up-to-date happenings, including local events like ribbon-cuttings and charity fundraisers where you can raise your glass with locals for a good cause.  

Beyond the Historic District

Yes, the Historic District contains too many gems to mention. But if you want a truly well-rounded visit, make sure to venture outside of the leafy grid. Walk, take the DOT shuttle, or grab a quick Uber, depending on your destination.

Calling Shannon Scott, who offers tours of Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah’s most engaging and experienced storyteller is an understatement. Bonaventure is haunting and glorious and not-to-be-missed, and considered as much a vital part of Savannah’s history as anything you’ll visit downtown. 

Bonaventure Cemetery is haunting and glorious and considered a vital part of Savannah’s history. 

Explore Savannah’s natural beauty and wildlife on a customized wilderness tour with Wilderness Southeast. Walk the 7-mile trail beneath the live oaks at mesmerizing Wormsloe State Park. Or take a dolphin cruise. 

Beach lovers can relax along the five miles of pristine sandy beach at Tybee Island, located 25 minutes from downtown Savannah, where the only chain on the island is an Arby’s. For fewer tourists, pitch your blanket at North Beach and grab fresh grub at North Beach Grill, Zunzi’s, or The Sugar Shack. The nearby Tybee Post Theater is home to concerts, plays, and movies.

Eating and Drinking–The Savannah Way

In the last ten years, Savannah has become a foodie town, far beyond the likes of fried chicken and collard greens normally associated with the South by those who aren’t in the know.

Former Vietnamese refugee Ele Tran has built an empire with 11 unique Asian-fusion restaurants from The Vault, a bustling glass-enclosed restaurant located in a former bank (you can rent the vault) in the Starland District which offers a variety of cooked dishes, sushi, and cocktails, to glamorous, intimate, Chive, a fresh seafood emporium. 

The New York Times is smitten with The Grey, a sleek upscale restaurant esconsed in a converted Greyhound bus terminal that is a must for special occasions. The brainchild of James Beard award-winning chef Mashama Bailey and co-owner John O. Morisano, the restaurant serves a melting pot of Low Country inspired cuisine using regional ingredients. 

Other local favorites include Rancho Allegre, which serves up Cuban/Spanish fare and free jazz (you’re in luck if sax player Jody Espina is in town), and the Olde Pink House, both a local and tourist favorite with a menu that includes southern favorites fried green tomatoes and shrimp and grits—only with a twist.

The only trouble you’ll have deciding where to eat, drink, and shop is the burden of choosing what and where from a very long list.

Or change things up completely, take a cooking class, and prepare your own meal under the guidance of acclaimed chef Darin Sehnert.

Savannah Candy Kitchen’s Broughton Street location offers free samples of the best praline you’ve ever tasted. And although historic Leopold’s Ice Cream Parlor is still the to-go for homemade ice cream, if you want to avoid lines, check out locally-owned Savannah. For fancy late afternoon cocktails in an elegant, historic setting try Artillery Bar; no flip flops allowed. Rooftop bars dot the skyline, include local favorites the Peregrin, at the Perry Lane Hotel, and Perch, atop Local 11Ten Restaurant. For good, inexpensive libations and a game of pool, duck into the local American Legion, which serves a microcosm of Savannah society.          

Most of the downtown has an open container alcohol policy. If you don’t finish your drink at a bar or restaurant, you can ask for a to-go cup. It does come with some restrictions, so check the regulations here.

Finally, shopping abounds, from tourist shops to trendy boutiques to art and antiques. Drop some dollars in the local economy and visit the unique cluster of shops on Whittaker Street below Liberty and along Bull. Museums also have great gift shops with unusual items. 

Sleeping in Savannah

If you want to explore the city properly, stay downtown. Accommodations along Bay and River Streets tend to be touristy, but there are loads of other options throughout the city from charming, historic bed and breakfasts like The Gastonian, The Hamilton-Turner Inn, and The Eliza Thompson House, to old-world inns like The Marshall House  and Planter’s Inn.                                

Once used as the city’s municipal building, Savannah’s newest and very hip boutique hotel, The Municipal Grand, has been carefully restored, with a soon-to-open downstairs speakeasy.

If budgets are of no consequence, The Perry Lane Hotel ticks off every box—luxury, location, and one of the best views of Savannah from its rooftop.

Savannah has truly more to offer than you can ever pack into a long weekend or even a week-long trip, but you’ll probably be back. I came once, twice, three times—and then I moved here!