Travel Tips Travel Photography Savannah Is the Gorgeous Southern City You'll Want to Visit Next These 20 photos will convince you to plan a trip. By Karen Ruffini Karen Ruffini Twitter Karen Ruffini is a writer and editor who covers travel and entertainment. In addition to Travel + Leisure, her work has appeared in Better Homes & Gardens, Coastal Living, Elite Daily, and other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 23, 2022 Fact checked by Elizabeth MacLennan Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Jordan Banks / Getty Images / AWL Images RM There are very few cities in the world that have as multifaceted a reputation as Savannah. Filled with history and charm, there's an obvious elegance that exudes from the streets. But just when you think you understand what this town is all about, it'll turn around and give you a mischievous wink. America's Most Beautiful College Campuses Make no mistake that Savannah is a city filled with character: A walk downtown will show you endless squares surrounded by live oak trees and Spanish moss, charming pastel-colored townhouses, and places to eat and shop every which way you decide to turn. But what you may not know is how eccentric this place can be. Embracing art, culture, and yes, even a little dose of misbehavior. 01 of 20 Savannah's Old Town Trolley Tours Jordan Banks / Getty Images / AWL Images RM An efficient way for visitors to learn about Savannah's history and culture is to hop on the Old Town Trolley Tour, where you'll be driven through the city streets by an expert guide. 02 of 20 Downtown Savannah Sasha Weleber / Getty Images Because of its hot and humid climate, Savannah's greenery consists mainly of live oak trees and tons of Spanish moss, as well as palm trees, which are dotted throughout the city. 03 of 20 Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Ivey Redding/Travel + Leisure Construction of this church began in 1873 and was completed in 1896, only to be destroyed by fire two years later. After years of rebuilding, the church reopened in 1912, featuring spectacular stained-glass windows and impressive architecture. It's known to be a sanctuary for anyone who walks through its doors. 04 of 20 Savannah City Hall Jordan Banks / Getty Images / AWL Images RM This gold-domed piece of stunning architecture dominates Savannah's historic district skyline, while its interior features a beautiful dolphin fountain. The second floor houses the mayor's office and council chambers. 05 of 20 Forsyth Park Getty Images The largest park in the historic district of Savannah, Forsyth Park consists of 30 acres of land, with the often-photographed fountain that serves as its focal point. 06 of 20 Talmadge Memorial Bridge Getty Images / iStockphoto The city of Savannah is also a bustling seaport, where you'll find the Talmadge Memorial Bridge spanning the Savannah River between downtown Savannah and Hutchinson Island. 07 of 20 Savannah Wildlife Refuge Gennie Bailey / Getty Images / iStockphoto Established in 1927, the Savannah Wildlife Refuge is home to nearly 30,000 acres of freshwater marshes, creeks, and bottomland hardwoods. Because of the swamp-like terrain, most of the refuge is only accessible by boat. 08 of 20 Savannah's Skyline Sean Pavone / Getty Images / iStockphoto The architecture of Savannah, Georgia's fifth-largest city, is even more picturesque from above. 09 of 20 Tybee Island Lighthouse Bruce Yuanyue Bi / Getty Images / Lonely Planet Images With five miles of shoreline, nearby Tybee Island is a beachfront getaway that's 20 miles from Savannah's historic district. There, you'll find the state of Georgia's oldest and tallest lighthouse. 10 of 20 Savannah's Riverfront Jeremy Edwards / Getty Images Established in 1733, Savannah was the first state capital of Georgia and is considered to be the first planned city in the U.S. Today, it's home to nearly 150,000 residents and attracts millions of visitors each year to explore its historic roots and incredible architecture. 11 of 20 Savannah's Historic District Paul Giamou / Getty Images The majority of Savannah's historic homes have been preserved and renovated, and many have been converted into museums and restaurants for the public to explore and enjoy. 12 of 20 Leopold's Ice Cream Courtesy of Leopold's Ice Cream No trip to Savannah is complete without stopping at Leopold's, an ice creamery that's been open since 1919. The homemade ice cream recipe has remained unchanged since the creamery opened its doors nearly a century ago. 13 of 20 Savannah College of Art and Design Getty Images Commonly known as SCAD, the Savannah College of Art and Design is one of the top art and design universities in the United States. The campus is scattered throughout the Historic District, and anyone visiting Savannah is encouraged to visit shopSCAD, a store that showcases art made by students that is available for purchase. 14 of 20 River Street Getty Images This cobblestone street is home to nearly 100 shops, restaurants, and pubs, all looking out toward the Savannah River. At night, street musicians set up shop to perform alongside the waterfront. 15 of 20 Pin Point Heritage Museum Courtesy of the Pin Point Heritage Museum Just 15 minutes from downtown Savannah, the Pin Point Heritage Museum celebrates the history and culture of the Gullah/Geechee community that was founded here by former slaves in 1896. Due to its isolated location along the Moon River, the traditional Gullah creole language, religion, stories, and recipes have been preserved for more than 125 years. 16 of 20 Bonaventure Cemetery Ivey Redding/Travel + Leisure Because of Savannah's haunted history and its appearance in the popular book and movie, "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," many travel to Bonaventure Cemetery to view the larger-than-life tombs and ornate statues. 17 of 20 Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room Jeff Gentner / Bravo / NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images What was once a boarding house is now a family-owned restaurant, serving up unforgettable homestyle Southern food to guests at communal tables. Be prepared to wait in line though: Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is quite popular among locals and visitors and only serves lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It's also cash-only (there's an ATM on site) and you can expect to pay $30 per person, including tax. 18 of 20 The Paris Market Courtesy of The Paris Market You'll feel as if you've opened a door to another world once you enter this French-inspired store. With two stories of classic Parisian home goods and eclectic interior designs, this is the spot where you'll want to purchase all your souvenirs. 19 of 20 The Mercer-Williams House Marje Cannon / Getty Images A former residence of lyricist Johnny Mercer, the Mercer–Williams House is more notable for its other inhabitant, Jim Williams, an antiques dealer who was tried for the murder of Danny Hansford, which allegedly took place at this very home — it's also the real-life event that inspired the book and movie, "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." Tours are allowed on the ground floor, but the upstairs is off limits, adding to the home's already spooky ambience. 20 of 20 The Olde Pink House Richard Cummins / Getty Images / Lonely Planet Images Considered to be one of Savannah's greatest and most classic restaurants, The Olde Pink House offers Southern food in an upscale setting. The building is a notable landmark and its interior consists of several floors of hidden gems, such as a cozy underground tavern with live music. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit