What to do if you visit Savannah, Georgia: a practical guide to the historic district

Savannah's historic district is the essential starting point. It is one of the largest urban historic districts in the country, with a grid of streets and landscaped squares laid out since the city's founding in the 18th century. Walking unhurried through its streets, stopping at each square, is probably the best way to understand why Savannah has a character so different from the rest of the South.

For anyone who prefers a guided introduction before exploring on their own, horse-drawn carriage tours are a classic option in the city, with local guides narrating the district's history while passing through several of the main squares. It is not the fastest way to get around, but it is one of the most complete for a first visit.

It is worth setting aside at least half a day just for this part, without rushing. The historic district is not built for a quick pass-through; it is built for slow walking, with frequent stops at benches, cafés and squares.

Forsyth Park is Savannah's most recognized urban park, spanning more than 30 acres within the historic district, with a fountain dating back to 1858 that is one of the city's most photographed landmarks. The park in its current form dates to 1851 and is one of the oldest, best-preserved urban green spaces in the United States.

On Saturday mornings, the south end of the park turns into the site of the Forsyth Farmers' Market, a local farmers market with fresh produce and crafts, founded in 2009 with the goal of bringing local food closer to the Savannah community. If your visit lines up with a Saturday, it is worth adjusting your itinerary to stop by.

Beyond the fountain and the market, the park has walking trails, sports courts and plenty of shade to rest between visits to the rest of the historic district, making it a natural anchor point for organizing the rest of your day.

City Market occupies four blocks of restored warehouses dating back to the 18th century, now converted into restaurants, art galleries and craft shops. It is an area with frequent live music and an active nightlife, distinct from the quieter atmosphere of the historic district's squares.

A few blocks away, River Street runs along the Savannah River and concentrates another good number of restaurants, bars and shops, with direct views of ships moving along the river. It is an ideal area to walk at sunset, when boat traffic and the light on the water give it a different feel from the rest of the city.

Between City Market and River Street, there is enough food and shopping to fill a full afternoon without ever needing to leave the historic district.

Bonaventure Cemetery, just outside the historic district, is one of the most visited cemeteries in the American South, known for its 19th-century funerary architecture and trees draped in Spanish moss. It is a different kind of visit from the rest of the itinerary, meant for anyone who enjoys history and architecture in equal measure.

Wormsloe State Historic Site, also near the city, preserves the ruins of one of Georgia's oldest structures, preceded by an avenue lined with century-old oak trees that alone justifies the short drive from downtown.

Neither of these two options is essential for a short first visit, but if your itinerary includes more than one day in Savannah, either one adds a different perspective from what you already got in the historic district.

For anyone living in Atlanta or considering a move to the metro area, Savannah is a perfectly manageable weekend destination: the drive takes a few hours, which makes it a frequent getaway for people who already live in Georgia, not just a one-time visit destination.

Getting to know cities like Savannah also helps you understand the variety the state offers beyond the Atlanta metro area: from the urban, economic pace of the capital to the historic, coastal character of Savannah, Georgia offers fairly different lifestyle profiles within a manageable distance.

If, beyond visiting Savannah, you are considering settling in Georgia long term, it is worth looking at both Atlanta's urban life and the more unhurried character of coastal cities like Savannah before deciding which part of the state makes the most sense for building your life.