Savannah. Oh, Savannah! The name alone drips with southern charm. I mean you can’t even say Savannah without a romantic sigh. It is a place my mother has romanticized in her mind ever since I was a kid. Needless to say, I was super excited to be able to finally take her there during our 60 day summer road trip across the country.
Chalk full of history, Savannah is the oldest city in Georgia and is also said to be the most haunted. It is also full of beauty with its moody Spanish moss, enchanting southern architecture and abundant picturesque squares.
Follow me below and discover some of our top things to do in Savannah with kids.
[P.S. We also produced a video showcasing our family trip to Savannah with kids]
VIDEO: Our family trip to Savannah
Here’s what’s in this article:
Unique Savannah attractions
- The Paris Market
- Alex Raskin Antiques
- Pin Point Heritage Museum
- River Street
- Tybee Island
- Lady and Sons
- Ghost Tours
Kid-friendly live music spots
Historical sites in Savannah
- The Olde Pink House Restaurant
- Pirate House (highly recommended!)
- Old Savannah Tours
- Historical Cemeteries in Savannah
- Historic Forts in Savannah
- Historical Churches in Savannah
- Davenport House
- Juliette Gorden Low (Girl Scouts) Birthplace
- Mercer Williams House
- Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home
- Sorrel Weed House
Kid-friendly parks, hikes & trails
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Kid-friendly Savannah attractions
The Paris Market
36 W Broughton St, Savannah, GA 31401
Located in a restored Victorian, this unique shop is reminiscent of a Parisan flea market. The owners travel the world to bring unique items to their store. You will get lost in the romantic and charming wonders. What is a good Parisan market without a cute cafe? Inside the Paris Market, you will find a cafe that serves up coffee drinks, wine, champagne, pastries, sandwiches and desserts. It was even named the most beautiful coffee shop in Georgia!
Alex Raskin Antiques
Located at 441 Bull St in Savannah Georgia
Alex Raskin Antiques is known as Savannah’s most interesting shop because of its eclectic mix of items on display inside one of Savannah’s few unrestored mansions. The decaying old 19th century Noble Hardee Mansion with its crumbling plaster and peeling paint adds to the allure of the unique pieces that fill its walls. Considered a museum in its own right, how often do you get to go antiquing within an antique home?
Pin Point Heritage Museum
9924 Pin Point Ave, Savannah, GA 31406
Located in the old A.S. Varn & Son Oyster and Crab Factory, the Pin Point Heritage museum is the perfect place to explore Gullah/Geechee culture that have inhabited Pin Point for nearly a 100 years! This museum, located on the marsh, is complete with exhibits and multimedia presentations.
River Street
E River St Savannah, GA 31401
This nine block stretch along the river is lined with century old red brick architecture that house over 75 shops, galleries and restaurants. Here, you can choose to view the passing ships from a fun brew pub or take a river cruise aboard Savannah Riverboat Cruises for some more sightseeing. There are also a number of monuments to spot along River Street like the African-American monument, the WWII monument, the infamous Waving Girl statue and the Olympic Cauldron.
Tybee Island
Tybee Island is about 20 minutes outside downtown Savannah is a local beach favorite. This charming beach community is home to a number of darling cottages, yummy restaurants and cute shops. It is where the locals come to kick off their shoes and put their toes in the sand. If you want to do some exploring check out the Tybee Island Light Station Museum and Tybee Island Marine Science Center. You can’t visit Tybee Island without a least one meal at the Crab Shack for some famous low country boil.
Lady and Sons
102 W Congress St, Savannah, GA 31401
Savannah and Paula Deen go together like fried chicken and mac n cheese. Lady and Sons is a staple in Savannah and a must visit. Honestly, it is the best fried chicken I have ever eaten. This casual, yet cozy restaurant was started by no other than Paula Deen herself along with her two boys, Jamie and Bobby. Connected to the popular restaurant is a cute gift shop that offers up some favorite Paula Deen merchandise.
Ghost Tours
Savannah has earned the title as America’s Most Haunted City and it would be ashame to visit Savannah without exploring the more “spirited” side of the city. There are a number of thrilling ghost tours to enjoy while in town as well as several haunted hotels you can stay with your family! To explore haunted places in Savannah as well as across America in some of best towns to visit during Halloween. Also, consider staying in a haunted hotel in Savannah to really add some thrills.
Live music spots in Savannah
The City Market
219 W Bryan St, Savannah, GA 31401
The heart of Savannah’s Historic District, the City Market as been the main place to gather since the 1700’s! Still going strong, the City Market is home to some of Savannah’s most popular shops and restaurants. This is a great place to stroll with the family, stopping to grab a good meal or a cold drink and listen to some live music. There are usually very talented street musicians playing all times of the day and it makes for a lovely experience for the family.
Good Times Jazz Bar & Restaurant
107 W Broughton Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401
This awesome venue brings together great southern food and jazz!They have full menu in their upstairs dining room, but downstairs is the live music venue with a bar menu that is slightly smaller than the main dining room area. Music starts at 7pm Tuesday through Thursday and 8pm Friday and Saturday. They also have a Gospel Brunch every Sunday that feature some really great gospel artists.
Rancho Alegre Cuban Kitchen
402 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Savannah, GA 31401
Live Jazz with a Latin vibe is what Rancho Alegre Cuban Kitchen is cooking up. With some of the best Cuban, Caribbean and Spanish food in town, you have to try their award-winning Paella Valenciana. To top it off every Friday and Saturday from 6:30pm to 9:30pm there is live Jazz in the dining room. It gets busy, so reservations are recommended.
Molly McGuires
216 Johnny Mercer Blvd, Savannah, Georgia
This is a relaxed openaire restaurant serving up fresh local seafood. They encourage guests to “Unwind On Island Time,” with a daily happy hour from 11:00am- 7:00pm and live music every Friday night. It is a great place to kick back with the family and enjoy some tunes and tacos.
Historical sites things to do in Savannah
The Olde Pink House Restaurant
23 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31401
Built in 1771, The Olde Pink House was the mansion of James Habersham Jr, a wealthy planter who built his home on land granted from England. A National Landmark, the Habersham home was the location to many secret meetings to secure America’s Independents, functioned as the first bank in Georgia and served as General York’s headquarters during the Civil War. Now it has been restored to its former glory serving guests casual lunches and candlelit dinners as The Olde Pink House Restaurant.
Pirate House
20 E Broad St, Savannah, GA 31401
The Pirate House is the oldest standing building in the state of Georgia, with parts built as early as 1734 as living quarters to the grounds keeper. Then in 1754 a tavern and inn were built to accommodate seamen visiting from overseas. The history alone makes this a fascinating place to visit, but throw in awesome southern cuisine and you’ll never want to leave. Today, the Pirate House is a fun restaurant, serving up yummy food and delicious stories of pirates and wild sailors. The restaurant offer complimentary pirate tours through the restaurant explaining the many tales of this old building and it’s many ghosts.
Old Savannah Tours
215 West Boundary Street, Savannah, GA 31401
With so much history in Savannah, it is a great idea to take an Old Savannah Tour. Operated by Savannah-ians, they bring history to life with historical re-enactments and surprise appearances throughout the various tours offered to fit your needs. For those looking to take charge of their Savannah experience the Historic On/Off Tour that allows to you get off at stops of your choice for some exploring. If you want the history, but want to relax as well, then consider booking the Historic Overview Tour and if you REALLY want to get to know Savannah then the 3 hour Savannah Experience is the ticket for you. Finally, if you are into the spooky side of the city try one the three Grave Encounters tours.
Historical Cemeteries
Savannah is an old city with long interesting history and that means some very old cemeteries to visit. Bonaventure Cemetery was once the site of a former plantation and is the city’s largest municipal cemetery that was made famous from the novel and movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The Bird Girl sculpture within the cemetery that was used as the cover of the book became so popular that it had to be relocated to the Telfair Museums. Colonial Park Cemetery was founded 1750 there are over 10,000 graves including some of Savannah’s earliest citizens. It all graves predate the Civil War and serve as the final resting place of many notable Savannhians, like Revolutionary War soldiers, politicians, Declaration of Independence signers and sadly over 700 victims of the Yellow Fever epidemic of 1820.
Historic Forts
The old city of Savannah faced many battles and there are still a couple of protective fortresses standing that we can explore today. Fort Pulaski is the most popular and is located between Savannah and Tybee Island. It was the base for Union soldiers during the Civil War and later as a base for the U.S Navy in WWII as well as a POW camp. Old Fort Jackson was built prior to the Civil War, but did serve as a Confederate base against the Union. Its location closer to downtown was perfect for firing at enemies trying to enter Savannah by sea. The still hold daily cannon-fires today between 10:00am to 2:00pm.
Historical Churches
If you love history, then you will enjoy visiting some of the city’s most unique and historical churches. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is a Roman Catholic church established in 1876 has a breathtaking French Gothic architecture that will stop you on the street. The amazing and massive double bell tower chime every hour filling the streets of Savannah. Savannah’s Temple of Mickve Israel has the third oldest Jewish congregation in U.S dating back to 1733 and the First African Baptist church is one of the oldest African American congregations in the country! Finally, the Independent Presbyterian Church, which was founded in 1755 is known as the mother church of Georgia’s Persbyterians and has a very impressive spires.
Davenport House
324 E State St, Savannah, GA 31401
The Davenport House, built in 1820, was once the family home of Isaiah Davenport. It was actually set for demolition in 1955, but was saved as the first act of the Historic Savannah Foundation. Now, the Davenport House functions as a historic house museum.
Juliette Gorden Low Birthplace
10 E Oglethorpe Ave, Savannah, GA 31401
If you have a girl scout in your family like I do, then a visit to the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is a must. As the founder of the Girls Scouts of the USA, this is now the most famous National Girl Scout Program Center and public museum. This birthplace was Savannah’s first National Historic Landmark.
Mercer Williams House
429 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401
This home was the sight of the shooting death of Danny Hansford, the assistant to private restorationist Jim Williams, which was made famous in the novel and film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The home is now owned by Williams’ sister and is open for tours. For those into the spooky, it is also said that Jim Williams still haunts his estate.
Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home
207 E Charlton St. Savannah, GA 31401
During the Great Depression this is where award-winning writer Flannery O’Connor spent his childhood days. It gives great insight on his domestic life with his family and wander the garden where Flannery at age five taught a chicken to walk backwards. There are also rare books on display at the library.
Sorrel Weed House
6 W Harris St. Savannah, GA 31401
This historical home is actually considered one of Savannah’s most haunted homes. That’s a big title to hold in one of America’s most haunted cities. A historic landmark, this was once the home of Francis Sorrel who’s son Moxley Sorrel became the youngest Civil War Generals in the Confederate army. The Weed family purchased the home in 1862, but you’ll have to take tour to find out the tragic stories behind the ghosts that still haunt this Greek Revival home.
Parks, hikes and walking trails in Savannah
Savannah’s Historic Squares
Savannah is home to 22 squares, each with its own history and historical monuments and statues, dripping spanish moss and tranquil places to relax. I love that we encountered street musicians performing wonderful live music in the squares. Savannah is walkable city and these squares provide lovely breaks for recharging before continuing your stroll.
McQueens Trail
This trail is really cool, because it was once the 1887 Savannah & Atlantic Railroad line. This 6 mile trail is great for beach-lovers and history buffs as it is located along the coast and treks across land that was home to Gaulle Indians and where Revolutionary War battles were fought. Along McQueens Trail you can visit the famous Fort Pulaski the Union Civil War base
Savannah and Ogeechee Canal
Take a peaceful stroll along this historic canal, built in 1831 as a way to connect the Savannah and Ogeechee rivers. The passes through 19th century industrial corridors, old rice fields and timber tracks. The canal was also added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Skidaway Island State Park Trails
52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, GA 31411
This is a nature-lover’s dream as Skidaway Island State Park borders Georgia’s intercoastal waterways with four winding trails take you through salt marsh and maritime forest. There is a campground, RV sites and camper cabins available for those who want to sleep nestled under live oak and spanish moss. Skidaway Island is definitely a refreshing city break.
That’s a Wrap!
Well, there you have it! We found Savannah, GA to be a super family-friendly place with a wide-range of activities to keep us busy. We tend to hover around fun places to eat, drink and listen to live music as well as spend our time visiting historically significant sites. Savannah is perfect for that! For the kids, their highlights were riding the pedicabs and dining at the haunted Pirate House. We all loved the City Market Savannah with its live music, vivacious atmosphere and fun eats. Savannah is definitely a top place to visit as a family, and we definitely want to go back and spend more time exploring.
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13 Comments
We might stop in Savannah on our way to Florida, not sure if it will be around lunch time I still want to go to Paula Deen’s restaurant!
Oh my gosh Harmony, the chicken is so good! Try to make a stop.
Thinking of going to Savannah with my teens this year, so really glad I found this! I must say, your children are such troopers for doing that walking tour, despite the expected grumpiness 🙂
Hope you have a great time with your family. Our kids a used traveling and sometimes that means being a little uncomfortable. It was a really hot day though, so their grumpiness was expected haha.
My personal favorites in Savannah GA are the Pirate house and the cemetery park (it looks positive and green, somehow). 🙂
The Pirate house was one of our favorite spots while visiting Savannah. We love history and a good ghost story, so it was ideal for us.
So many things to do in Savannah. Got to admit, this is the first time I’m reading about it, awesome when new places pop up on the radar! The Pirate house sounds awesome and love your pictures!
Savannah is very cool and the Pirate House was definitely a highlight!
Savannah looks amazing! I had a chance to head down there a little while ago. I’m kicking myself for not going now!
It is such a lovely city. Next time you get the chance to visit take it!
I would probably spend the entire trip checking out the food spots at the City Market and visiting Hitch at some point – the food there looks amazing judging from the images on their website!
I fell in love with Savannah the moment I stepped foot into that incredible city! I’m so in love with it I even love it’s cemetaries!! 🙂 The Daughters of the Revolution Cemetary was my favorite! The parks and the fountains are just heavenly as are the shops, people, the food…the art! I could go on forever!! What an incredible piece you did here! As they say your trip to Savannah is incomplete if you don’t take a trip to the beach. For things to do in savannah ga check out https://visittybee.com/list/must-do-tybee-island-activities-first-time-visitors
I agree, we definitely need to go back and visit Tybee.