With a thriving dining and arts scene, robust history and natural southern landscapes, Savannah has a lot to offer, with many options being surprisingly affordable or even free. From the clean white sands of Tybee Island to the historic squares in historic Savannah, you won't run short of lovely places to explore, whether you're a history buff, a connoisseur of varied architecture, or just looking for a great rooftop dining experience.
When you touch down in Savannah, you have a huge variety of ways to spend your time. If you're in the market for a luxury vacation, Savannah can certainly accommodate. But if you're looking for free or nearly-free ways to soak up the atmosphere of this gorgeous destination, you have plenty of options. Savannah has gorgeous public spaces, festivals throughout the year and historic sights that don't cost a penny to enjoy. Here's what you need to know if you're looking for free things to do in Savannah.
1. Explore Savannah's Parks and Squares
Savannah is full of historic parks and squares. No matter where you're exploring in the historic part of the city, you're likely within easy walking distance of one. The squares are usually block-sized parks with a statue of a famous Georgian in the center. They are beautifully landscaped; think moss-draped trees, shaded benches and blooming flowers along the walking paths.
Perfect for a picnic lunch or a walking tour. Downtown Savannah's Forsyth Park is a particularly large, lovely public park; here you'll find fountains, a sprawling playground, picnic tables, basketball and tennis courts and walking trails spanning 30 acres. If you're a Forrest Gump fan, you'll want to stop by Chippewa Square, where the famous bus scene was filmed.
2. Stroll through the Savannah Botanical Garden
No list of Savannah free things to do would be complete without the Savannah Botanical Garden. A small gem in the heart of the city, the garden is free to visit; there is a donation box at the entrance if you want to leave a gift. The garden itself is laden with manicured walking paths, local plants, fountains and footbridges that invite you in to stay awhile. A children's garden area offers extra engagement for younger visitors and plenty of picnic spots make this a dreamy spot to relax and enjoy lunch or coffee. Though the garden seems relatively small upon approach, once you begin to explore, you'll find unexpected paths to take you deeper into the more wooded sections of the garden.
3. Take a Free Walking Tour
Many historical societies and organizations offer free walking tours of Savannah's downtown. This is a great way to learn about the city's history from a local who's passionate about the subject. Chances are good you'll get far more from a local guide than you would from a book or website. Although these tours are free, they are sustained by a pay-what-you-think-it's-worth system; attend the tour, then drop them a tip if you feel they deserve it. There is a $3/person booking fee to reserve your spot and to cover city tourism taxes, though.
4. Check Out A Cemetery or Two
You don't have to be morose to enjoy a good cemetery, particularly if you're in a historic town. Savannah is home to some big-name graves where the movers and shakers of bygone eras have been laid to rest. Bonaventure Cemetery is renowned for its parklike grounds, beautiful landscaping and thoughtful design. It was also featured in the movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. A Victorian-style cemetery at its finest, many familiar people are interred here, including Johnny Mercer and Conrad Aiken.
You could also stop by Colonial Park Cemetery, which was founded in 1785 and pay homage to the graves of early plague victims. At Laurel Grove Cemetery, you can visit a large plot where slaves were interred, a section for freed slaves and the grave of Girl Scouts founder Juliette Gordon Low. All are lovely places for a thoughtful stroll.
5. Tour Historic Savannah Churches
Savannah is home to several historic churches that retain their charm, history and gorgeous architecture. The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist might be the most eye-catching--especially from the outside. The whitewashed exterior, soaring spires and beautiful stained-glass windows are all well worth your appreciation and the church offers free self-guided tours on weekdays. You can also visit the Independent Presbyterian Church on Bull Street. This edifice was originally built in 1755 as the first Presbyterian church in Georgia, but had to be rebuilt after a fire leveled the property in 1891.
The first church in the state of Georgia was the Christ Church on Bull Street, which opened its doors in 1733. And the historic First African Baptist Church, located on Montgomery Street, was the first Black Baptist church in Georgia, which opened in 1773. Here, some of the pews were built by slaves and it was used as a stop on the Underground Railroad during the American Civil War. The subfloor sill has visible air holes that allowed ventilation for the people taking refuge under the church building.
6. Take a Beach Day at Tybee Island
Tybee Island is widely known as Savannah's best beach destination and it's definitely one of the top free activities in Savannah. Though it's not technically an island, Tybee Island gives off island vibes: think white sands, shells aplenty, fresh sea air and vendors selling delicious food and drinks nearby. Natural beauty is available here in spades and you'll find plenty to see and do whether you stop for an hour or the entire day.
There's no cost to park and enjoy the day here, whether you want to soak up the sun on the beach or explore some of the coastal walks that Tybee Island has to offer. It's also free to stroll up the famous Tybee Island Pier or walk around the iconic lighthouse, which has been rebuilt so many times after storms ravaged the coastline. If you want to spend a little more, you can rent bikes for the day or take a historic tour of the island.
7. Enjoy a Ferry Ride
There's just something about riding a ferry. In Savannah, ferries connect Hutchison Island with River Street. Hutchison Island is home to the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center and the Westin Savannah Harbor Global Resort and Spa and it lands right by the Savannah Marriott Riverfront--right beside the famous "Waving Girl" statue. There's no cost to ride the ferry and you don't have to be a guest at the hotels to take advantage of the service, either. Ferries operate from 7 a.m. to midnight every day and each boat is named after a famous woman from the town's history.
8. Attend a Festival
If you're lucky, you'll be in town for one of Savannah's many bustling festivals. In June, the Savannah Juneteenth Fine Arts festival is a family-friendly cultural event featuring music and art from local talent. The SCAD Sidewalk Art Festival bedecks Forsyth Park with jaw-dropping chalk art in April. In July, free 4th of July fireworks light up Tybee Island Pier and in October, the Tybee Island Pirate Fest brings rollicking, family-friendly fun to the area. Check a schedule of events to see what's happening during your visit; you might just find a free event or festival you can enjoy.
9. Walk by Historic Homes
Many of Savannah's historic homes open their doors for guided tours, but these typically do cost a bit. It doesn't cost anything to admire the architecture or the aura of the neighborhood, though. Walk by Flannery O'Connor's childhood home, take a picture in front of the Mercer Williams House (of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil fame). The Juliette Gordon Low House is another lovely example of period architecture and it was the home of the woman credited with founding the Girl Scouts of America.
10. Explore Local Nature Trails
Sometimes you just need to hit the trails and take a hike. Thankfully, Savannah has plenty to offer--from the manicured walkways around the historic districts and preserves to the wilder jaunts at Skidaway Island State Park. For a history buff, the Fort Pulaski National Monument is a great place to start a walking adventure; it is the site of multiple Revolutionary War and American Civil War battles and lies conveniently east of Savannah on the way to Tybee Island. To get a feel for the wild places surrounding Savannah, Skidaway Island State Park is a natural choice; here you'll find miles of hiking and biking trails waiting to be explored.
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