It doesn’t have to cost a lot to enjoy one of America’s most vibrant cities. Savannah offers an array of activities that won’t cost you a dime.
Visit the Historic District’s streets and squares. The streets in Savannah were laid out in a grid format surrounding small parks called squares. Twenty-two of the original 24 squares remain and are a testament to the city’s beauty and serene nature. Johnson Square was the first established in the city. Chippewa Square is the site of the Forrest Gump bus scene, though the bench no longer sits there. Oglethorpe Square honors the city's founder.
Take a Walking Tour along cobblestone streets to see the architecture of some of the city’s historic homes, including the Mercer Williams House on Monterey Square, the Sorrel Weed House, and the Greene-Meldrim House, both on Madison Square.
Visit Bonaventure Cemetery, made famous in “Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil” book and movie, the historic cemetery is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
See the statues, such as John Wesley in Reynolds Square, Johnny Mercer in Ellis Square, city founder James Oglethorpe in Chippewa Square, and The Waving Girl on the Riverfront. And that's just for starters. This city loves to celebrate its citizens. Who’s your favorite native son or daughter to visit?
Tour a historic church. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, established by Haitian and French immigrants in the late 1700s, is open for tours from 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-5 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.
See the Atlantic Ocean with a drive to Tybee Island. It’s only about 15 miles and takes about 30 minutes. And it’s a beautiful drive, crossing bridges at Bull River and Lazaretto Creek.
Ride the Savannah Belles Ferry, a free shuttle operated by Chatham Area Transit. Ferry landings are located on the Savannah Riverwalk at City Hall, Morrell Park near the Marriott Riverfront, and at the Savannah Convention Center, next to the Westin.
Take a walk along along River Street, which its cobblestone streets, linear parks, and an array of restaurants and shops.
Wander the Savannah Botanical Gardens, 1388 Eisenhower Drive, which is free to the public. The garden includes both formal and naturalistic plantings as well as a two-acre pond, amphitheater, nature trails, archaeological exhibit, and the historic Reinhard House.
Take a hike along one of the city’s walking trails, including the 1.5-mile lighted sidewalk around Forsyth Park, walking trails around Bowles Ford, and the six-mile McQueen’s Island Grail between Bull River and Fort Pulaski.