What Are the Best Activities in Savannah, GA for Retirees?
With its Spanish-moss-draped live oak trees and flat, easily walkable grid system, slow-paced Savannah, Georgia is widely considered one of the best cities in the country for retirees to visit—or call home. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or settling in for your golden years, the Hostess City of the South offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and incredible cuisine.
If you are looking to fill your itinerary with activities that are engaging, relaxing, and perfectly paced, here are the absolute best things to do in Savannah for retirees.
1. Savor the Flavor on a Savannah Taste Experience® Food Tour
We might be a little biased, but we firmly believe the absolute best way to experience Savannah is through your taste buds! A lunchtime walking food tour with Savannah Taste Experience® is the perfect mid-day activity. It combines a light, fascinating history lesson with delicious tastings at some of the city’s best local eateries, meaning you get a curated culinary experience without having to wait in long lines.
We offer two distinct lunchtime tours that are perfect for retirees:
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The First Squares Food Tour: This is our classic tour, taking you through Savannah’s oldest and most historic squares. You’ll taste iconic Southern staples while learning about the city’s founding.
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The Southern & Secret Food Tour: For those looking to stray just a bit off the beaten path, this tour dives into hidden culinary gems and secret local spots that showcase the evolution of modern Southern cooking.
Addressing Your Concerns:
We know what some older folks might be thinking: “A walking tour? My knees/back aren’t what they used to be!” Don’t worry—we’ve designed our tours with comfort in mind. Here is why you’ll love it:
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It’s a stroll, not a hike: Savannah is notoriously flat, meaning there are no grueling hills to climb.
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Plenty of rest breaks: You won’t be on your feet the whole time. The tour is broken up by frequent sit-down stops at our restaurant partners, where you can relax, chat, and enjoy your food in air-conditioned comfort.
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A digestible pace: The walking distance is gentle (usually about one mile total), spread out over 3 full hours. It’s the perfect way to get some light, low-impact exercise while being treated to a fantastic lunch.
2. Hop On, Hop Off a Historic Trolley Tour
If you want a comprehensive overview of the city without any walking at all, Savannah’s famous open-air trolley tours (like Old Savannah Tours or Old Town Trolley) are an absolute must.
These hop-on, hop-off tours let you see all the major landmarks while a knowledgeable guide shares entertaining stories about Savannah’s pirate past, Revolutionary War battles, and eccentric local characters. You can ride the entire loop to get your bearings, or use it as a stress-free shuttle to get from one side of the Historic District to the other.
3. Take to the Water with an Outside Brands Port Tour
While Savannah’s historic streets are stunning, the city’s surrounding waterways offer a completely different, breathtaking perspective. Heading out with Outside Brands for a Port Tour or a coastal nature cruise is a wonderfully relaxing way to spend an afternoon.
You’ll glide past the bustling Savannah Riverfront, catch views of the massive container ships coming into the port, and likely spot some local wildlife—including Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and various coastal birds. It’s an easy, sit-down adventure that lets you enjoy the refreshing river breeze.
4. Step Back in Time at Historic House Museums
Savannah boasts one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the United States, and many of its grandest historic homes have been beautifully preserved as museums. For retirees who love architecture, interior design, and American history, spending a morning touring these homes is a delight.
A few top recommendations that are easily accessible within the Historic District include:
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The Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters: Offers a powerful, honest, and deeply educational look at life in 19th-century Savannah.
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The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace: The elegant, historic home of the founder of the Girl Scouts.
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The Mercer Williams House: Famous for its stunning architecture and its starring role in the book and movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
Tip: Most of these museums offer excellent senior discounts on admission, so be sure to ask at the ticket counter!
Plan Your Perfect Savannah Day
The beauty of Savannah is that you don’t have to rush. You can spend your morning admiring the architecture of a historic home, join us at Savannah Taste Experience at 11:00 AM for an unforgettable lunchtime food tour, and spend the afternoon resting your feet on a breezy boat or trolley tour.
Ready to taste the best that Savannah has to offer? Click here to book your First Squares or Southern & Secret Food Tour today!