Things to Do in Savannah: A Local’s Guide for 2026
Looking for the best things to do in Savannah in 2026—beyond the typical tourist checklist? Whether you’re planning a trip, visiting friends, or searching “what should I do in Savannah this year?”, this local’s guide goes deeper than the usual must-see lists. This local’s guide is designed for travelers who want authentic experiences and for locals ready to rediscover their city. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or asking yourself, “What should I do in Savannah this year?”, this guide highlights culture, food, festivals, and off-the-beaten-path experiences that define Savannah right now.
Start With the Best Way to Explore Savannah: Eat Your Way Through It
If you’re wondering what’s the best way to experience Savannah for the first time—or the tenth? locals will tell you it starts with food. Start your journey with a leisurely stroll through Forsyth Park, a 30-acre oasis adorned with Spanish moss-draped oaks and a stunning fountain. Designed by the same renowned landscape architect that gave us Central Park in New York City, this iconic community greenspace is the perfect spot for a morning coffee or a peaceful picnic. Need a coffee and pastry? Stop by the Collins Quarter in Forsyth Park for a pick-me-up. As you sip, check out the local artists’ market that convenes almost every day in the center promenade.
Savannah’s food scene is a highlight of any visit. Savannah Taste Experience Food Tours offer a relaxed, walking introduction to the city through its restaurants, history, and hidden stories. It’s an ideal way to get oriented, discover locally owned spots you might miss otherwise, and learn how Savannah’s past still shapes its food scene today. These expertly guided tours offer a delectable journey through the city’s culinary landscape, introducing you to local favorites and hidden gems. From classic Southern comfort food to innovative gastronomic creations, you’ll savor the essence of Savannah’s rich culinary heritage.
To continue your culinary experience, you can stop by The Olde Pink House, a historic mansion turned restaurant, for a taste of refined Southern cuisine. While you have to have a reservation for a chance to sit in the upstairs dining room, the more casual downstairs tavern level doesn’t take reservations. So even if you don’t have a reservation for The Pink House, you might still be able to sample the same famous menu downstairs. For visitors searching for “things to do in Savannah that locals recommend” or residents looking to play tourist in their own backyard, a daytime food tour is a smart place to begin.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to Do in Savannah (That Locals Actually Love)
If you’re Googling “unique things to do in Savannah Georgia” or “Savannah experiences tourists don’t know about,” start here.
Photo credit: Old Town Trolley
Explore African-American and Gullah/Geechee Heritage
Day Clean Journeys offers a deeply enriching way to explore Savannah’s past through expert-led cultural and history tours. Founded and guided by local historian Amir Jamal Toure, these tours take participants on “journeys through time” that illuminate the African American and Gullah/Geechee heritage of Savannah and the Lowcountry in Georgia and South Carolina.
Designed for curious travelers of all ages and backgrounds, Day Clean Tours goes beyond surface-level sightseeing to share authentic stories, traditions, and historical context that many visitors often miss. Whether you’re passionate about history, culture, or discovering a fresh perspective on Savannah’s roots, Day Clean Journeys provides an informative and inspiring experience that connects the past to the present in meaningful ways.
Photo credit: Salvatore Tonnara
Try Glass Blowing or Hands-On Art Experiences
What’s something unique to do in Savannah? The city’s creative energy goes far beyond galleries. Hands-on experiences like glass blowing workshops give visitors or locals a chance to make something truly memorable while learning from local artists. These experiences are perfect for couples, creative travelers, and anyone looking for unique things to do in Savannah beyond sightseeing.
If you’ve ever searched “unique activities in Savannah Georgia”, this belongs at the top of your list. Try Blown Studios in Midtown to experience something new!
Photo credit: Outside Brands
Take a Port of Savannah Boat Tour
Most visitors don’t realize Savannah is home to one of the busiest ports in the country. Last year alone, the Port of Savannah handled an incredible 5.7 million container units. Port tours with Outside Savannah offer a fascinating look at the working waterfront—cargo ships, tugboats, and maritime history included. There’s no better way to see the port than by boat.
This is a great option for travelers interested in history, logistics, or simply seeing a side of Savannah that’s rarely discussed in traditional history tours. This is one of the most unique tours in Downtown.
Photo credit: Lucky Savannah
Festivals & Events That Define Savannah
Planning your trip around events? Many visitors search “Savannah festivals by month” or “best time of year to visit Savannah”—these are local favorites worth timing your visit around.
If you’re planning a trip and asking “What’s happening in Savannah this year?”, timing your visit around one of these events is a great move.
Savannah Music Festival
The Savannah Music Festival is one of the city’s most beloved annual events, drawing world-class musicians across genres—from jazz and classical to folk and global music. Concerts take place in iconic venues throughout the city, making it both a cultural and architectural experience.
Savannah Jazz Festival
Held in the fall, the Savannah Jazz Festival brings free live music to public squares and venues across the city. It’s relaxed, local-focused, and one of the best ways to experience Savannah’s community vibe.
Sidewalk Arts Festival (SCAD)
One of Savannah’s most unique traditions, SCAD’s Sidewalk Arts Festival transforms Forsyth Park into a massive chalk-art showcase created by students. It’s free, colorful, and a perfect example of how art is woven into everyday life here.
These festivals often come up when people search for “Savannah festivals 2025” or “best time of year to visit Savannah”—and for good reason.
Photo credit: Visit Savannah
The Islands: Coastal Beauty and Outdoor Adventures
A short drive from downtown Savannah, the Islands area, including Wilmington Island and Tybee Island, offers a different kind of charm with its coastal beauty and outdoor activities. On Wilmington Island, visit the serene Oatland Island Wildlife Center, a 100-acre nature preserve run by the public school system. It’s a fantastic spot for families and nature lovers alike. End your day with a delicious meal at Lili’s, a local hotspot where you can dine on the patio with friends.
Tybee Island, known for its sandy beaches and laid-back vibe, is an ideal destination for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. Explore the Tybee Island Lighthouse and Museum, where you can climb to the top for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and navigate the tranquil waters of the Back River, or take a guided dolphin tour to see these playful creatures in their natural habitat.
Photo credit: Picker Joe’s
Hidden Gems and Local Haunts
Savannah is a city of secrets, with hidden gems and local haunts waiting to be discovered. In the Downtown Historic District, find The Book Lady Bookstore, an independent bookstore brimming with rare finds and literary treasures. To learn something you didn’t know about cocktail culture, visit The American Prohibition Museum, the only museum in the U.S. fully dedicated to the era of Prohibition.
In Starland, seek out Superbloom, a charming artisan cafe offering colorful lattes, coffee, kombucha, natural wines, Auspicious Bakery pastries, and gluten-free crepes (vegan options). Plus they have a local maker shop with products by more than 30 local makers and artists.
For another unique shopping experience, stop by Picker Joe’s Antique Mall, where you’ll find tons of vendor booths with an eclectic mix of vintage items and antiques.
Final Thoughts
Savannah, Georgia, is a city that captivates the heart with its blend of historic charm and modern allure. Whether you’re indulging in the culinary delights of the Downtown Historic District, immersing yourself in the artistic vibe of Starland, or exploring the natural beauty of the Islands, Savannah promises an unforgettable journey. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, Savannah invites you to discover its many treasures and create lasting memories.