10 Best Free & Affordable Attractions in Savannah, Georgia Year Round

By VacationIdea Staff on July 3, 2022 - Updated

Courtesy of garytog - Fotolia.com

Many of Savannah's historic sites can be strolled through for free at any time of day or night, home to majestic statues, beautiful fountains, and urban green spaces. For low-cost transportation throughout the city, visitors can ride the Chatham Area Transit's bus system or catch a unique free Savannah Belles Ferry to nearby Hutchinson Island.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Forsyth Park

Forsyth Park is a 30-acre urban public park in Savannah's historic district, originally developed on 10 acres of land in the 1840s that was donated to the city by William Hodgson and significantly expanded in 1851. The park is known internationally for its Forsyth Fountain, which was constructed in 1958 to mimic Peru's Place de la Concorde fountains and has been featured in motion pictures such as Cape Fear and The Longest Yard. Other attractions at the park include a Confederate Memorial, an outdoor theater, a cafe, children's playgrounds, and courts for tennis, soccer, bocce, and basketball. Each Saturday, the park hosts the city's farmers' market, and each St. Patrick's Day, its iconic fountain is ceremonially turned green to honor the city's Irish residents. The park is also host to an annual free movie series and the yearly Savannah Jazz Festival.

Drayton St & W Gaston Street, Savannah, GA 31401, Phone: 912-351-3837

2.River Street

River Street is a bustling shopping and arts district along the Savannah River, showcasing businesses housed within converted cotton warehouses from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. More than 70 businesses line the district, including over two dozen casual and upscale restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisine options. Beautiful art galleries, hip and elegant boutiques, and antique stores also line the district, along with brewpubs and vibrant nightlife spots. Public art abound throughout the district, including the Olympic Torch Sculpture, which was constructed in honor of Savannah's hosting of the yachting events at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics, and the iconic Waving Girl Statue, transplanted from Elba Island.

3.Tybee Island

Tybee Island is a barrier island and coastal community located 18 miles off the coast of Savannah, consistently ranked as one of the United States' top beach sites. Historic sites abound on the island, including the Tybee Lighthouse, which was originally constructed in 1732 and has been in operation for more than two centuries, considered to be one of America's most intact historic lighthouses. The free-admission Fort Pulaski National Monument preserves the historic military fortifications of the same name, while the Cockspur Lighthouse on nearby Cockspur Island showcases an historic 1855 lighthouse tower. Other attractions include the Tybee Pier and Pavilion, a popular fishing spot and community gathering space, and the McQueen's Island Trail, spanning six miles and offering opportunities for wildlife watching.

4.Calhoun Square

Calhoun Square is a public square that was plotted in 1851 and named in honor of Vice President John C. Calhoun, a former senator from South Carolina. Today, it is Savannah's only public square that features all of its original intact buildings, home to beautiful Greek Revival-style historic homes and businesses. Visitors can view historic landmarks in the square such as the Massie Common School House, constructed in 1856, and the imposing Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church, which features beautiful Gothic architectural elements. A Slave Cemetery features notable burials of Africans brought to the Americas as part of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Other landmarks include Clary's Cafe, considered to be one of Savannah's best breakfast joints.

164 E Gordon St, Savannah, GA 31401

5.Ellis Square

Ellis Square is one of Savannah's three "lost" public squares, originally designed in 1733 and demolished in 1954 to make way for the development of a parking garage. In 2005, thanks to the work of citizen activists, the square was restored to its original 18th-century configuration and is now home to popular public attractions such as a children's water fountain and jet plat area and a life-sized chess set. Visitors can rent CAT bikes at the entrance to the square's City Market and can relax at shaded tables throughout the square. Popular restaurants near the square include the Goose Feathers Cafe and the Lady and Sons Restaurant, operated by celebrity chef Paula Deen.

Barnard St & W Congress St, Savannah, GA 31410, Phone: 912-651-6610

6.Colonial Park Cemetery

Colonial Park Cemetery is one of Savannah's most historic public sites, originally constructed in 1750 to house the interments of Savannah's earliest settlers, including victims of the city's 1820 yellow fever epidemic. Though its origins are doubtful, local legend recounts that many of the cemetery's gravesites were altered by Union Army soldiers during the American Civil War, with dates changes and graves exhumed. Around 1850, the cemetery fell into disuse following transfer of public interments to Laurel Grove Cemetery, but famous burials still remain, including Declaration of Independence signer Button Gwinnett. Visitors can explore the cemetery, which is reported to be one of Savannah's most haunted sites, during daylight hours.

200 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31401, Phone: 912-651-6843

7.Pulaski Square

Pulaski Square is one of the later-developed public squares in Savannah's unique grid layout system, originally designed in 1837 and named in honor of 18th-century freedom fighter General Casimir Pulaski. The square is located at the intersection of West Macon, Barnard, West Harris, and West Charlton Streets and features historic structures such as the home of Confederate Army hero Francis S. Bartow, the first high-ranking Georgian soldier to die in the American Civil War. Beautiful live oak trees line the square, with lush ivy groundcover dotting its landscape. Italianate and Greek Revival-style architecture is on display throughout the square, including row houses and unique five-bay houses.

Barnard and West Macon, Savannah, GA 31401, Phone: 912-238-1453

8.First Friday Art March

First Friday Art March is a monthly art gallery event held in Savannah's Starland and Victorian Districts, presented on the first Friday evening of each month. Visitors can explore the districts as part of self-guided walking tours and visit art galleries, studios, and boutiques that participate in the event between 6:00pm and 9:00pm. Many galleries present opening-night receptions and offer complimentary wine and refreshments, with restaurants and bars in the districts offering specials and discounts the evening of the event. Live entertainment is presented at an open-air vendor market, which showcases the works of local artisans. Visitors can hop aboard the Old Savannah Tours Trolley for free throughout the event, which runs approximately every 20 minutes.

9.Savannah Belles

Savannah Belles is a free passenger ferry that connects the city's downtown district with nearby Hutchinson Island, which is home to the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center. The ferry service is named in honor of the city's historic "Belles," with four ferries named after Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low, Civil War nurse Susie King Taylor, "Waving Girl" Florence Martus, and indigenous interpreter and negotiator Mary Musgrove. Ferries usually operate seven days a week, with landings offered at the Trade and Convention Center, Savannah's City Hall, and Morrell Park. All ferries are ADA accessible, with well-behaved dogs on leashes permitted aboard.

Phone: 912-447-4029

10.Savannah City Market

Savannah City Market is a four-block 18th-century open-air market in Savannah's Historic District that has served as the city's historic center for centuries, surviving the Civil War, a major 1896 hurricane, and two major fires. The market has been preserved as an historic landmark today, housed within restored warehouse buildings that offer a wide variety of shopping and dining options. Restaurants and food vendors within the market range from British bakeries and seafood houses to daquiri dispensaries and ice cream shops, while vendors include local artists working a variety of mediums and home and decorative goods designers. Upstairs, the market's Art Center showcases the work of more than two dozen regional artists in a 19,000-square-foot loft gallery space.

219 W Bryan St, Savannah, GA 31401, Phone: 912-232-4903

10 Best Free & Affordable Attractions in Savannah, Georgia Year Round

Forsyth Park, Photo: Courtesy of SeanPavonePhoto - Fotolia.com
River Street, Photo: Courtesy of SeanPavonePhoto - Fotolia.com
Tybee Island, Photo: Courtesy of Tomov - Fotolia.com
Calhoun Square, Photo: Courtesy of volgariver - Fotolia.com
Ellis Square, Photo: Courtesy of 53r610 - Fotolia.com
Colonial Park Cemetery, Photo: Courtesy of travelview - Fotolia.com
Pulaski Square, Photo: Courtesy of Brian - Fotolia.com
First Friday Art March, Photo: First Friday Art March
Savannah Belles, Photo: Courtesy of f11photo - Fotolia.com
Savannah City Market, Photo: Courtesy of Natalia Bratslavsky - Fotolia.com
Cover Photo: Courtesy of garytog - Fotolia.com

More Ideas: Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront

Located off the historic Savannah River, the Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront embraces the ambiance of the original British town while adding a contemporary twist. The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront is perfect for guests who wish to visit an area replete with sophisticated charm and historic significance.

More ideas: 21 Best Things to Do in Savannah

Like everything at the Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront, each of the rooms is a work of art. The rooms mix antique and contemporary style. Accents made from driftwood, brass, and leather bring out the antique marine feel reminiscent of the history of the nearby Savannah River; while modern touches, such as marble table tops and fine velvet curtains, bring a touch of elegance.

Standard Historic View Rooms are decorated in a copper and rust coloring with driftwood, brass, and leather accents. These rooms are furnished with pieces evocative of the British Campaign, providing a historic ambience for your visit. Large headboards and plush bedding make for a comfortable stay. The bathrooms are adorned with marble flooring, custom vanities, and showers. Each of these rooms includes a large work desk for guests. Seashell lighting and with original artwork by Alexander Gore finishes off these rooms ’décor.. Additionally, guests enjoy flat screen TVs with cable, on-demand movies and DVD players, plush bathrobes, down comforters, free Wi-Fi, Bose clock radios, complementary daily newspapers, and ironing boards. These rooms feature a wonderful view of the Historic District.

The Riverview Guestrooms are identical to the Standard Historic View Rooms except that they feature views of the Savannah River. Additionally, some Riverview Guestrooms come with a balcony for enjoying the sights and sounds of the river and city.

The Corner Historic View Rooms are perfect for guests who would like some additional space. These rooms feature larger bathrooms for a luxurious feel. The bedrooms are also larger and boast two leather chairs for some comfortable seating. The bedroom walls are adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the Historic District. Finally, a touch of elegance is added with seashell chandeliers hanging above the beds.

The Corner River View Rooms offer the most luxurious lodging in the hotel. Each room includes a separate sitting room with a chaise lounge which overlooks the river. The Corner River View Rooms also come with expanded bathroom options that include larger bathrooms with a whirlpool whirlpool tub and shower. The expanded bathroom option also includes a balcony for enjoying the river.

Next read: Best Time to Visit Savannah, Georgia & Other Travel Tips

The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront’s premiere restaurant is Rocks on the River. The Rocks on the River combines the charm of Southern comfort food with the sophistication of fine dining. The restaurant is decked out in dark wood flooring and chairs with stone walls. Black metal and red coloring accent the décor to add a contemporary touch to the antique setting. Rocks on the River is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. The breakfast menu includes Southern staples such as salmon, shrimp and grits, an omelet bar, and orange maple marmalade French toast. Dinner gets a little fancier with twists on Southern classics like coffee rubbed Buffalo rib eye, jalapeño cornbread, spice rubbed salmon filet, numerous steaks, and oven baked pizza. For drinks, the Rocks on the River offers a nice selection of espressos, lattés, coffee mixed with liquors such as Jameson and Patron.

Rocks on the Roof is a fun rooftop bar that features stunning views of the surrounding Historic District and the Savannah River. Continuing the color themes of the Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront, the bar features red walls with a black roof. Inside, the bar’s dark hardwood floors and booths with marble countertops and warm, ambient lighting complete the mood. Guests can sit inside the bar for a more intimate experience, or sit in the many outside chairs for enjoying the beautiful view next to warm fire pits. The appetizers are modern bar food with a sophisticated twist such as duck wings, truffle fries, peanut hummus, and couple cheese board options. For drinks, the Rocks on the Rooftop offers a fine selection of cocktails, wines, beers, and spirits. Live music is also available inside the bar Wednesday through Sunday. The music starts with a mixture of contemporary jazz and Euro-chic beats, and then moves into Southern Blues as the evening turns into night.

For guests looking for a more intimate dinner, the Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront offers a private dining room that can seat up to 24. The dinner menus are available as courses for the whole dining party, with large shared salads and sides and options for entrees.

In the nearby sister resort, Mansion on Forsyth Park, guests can make use of the Poseidon Spa. The Poseidon Spa offers a wide selection of treatments. For massages, it has all of the classics including hot rock massage, an anti-aging massage, a duet massage for couples, and deep tissue massage. On top of this, Poseidon Spa also offers a variety of facials, body treatments, and nail treatments.

Poseidon Spa offers a range of side offerings that can be added to any treatment including a scalp massage, collagen lip treatment, or ocean hand ritual. The Poseidon Spa also offers a series of signature treatments. This includes the Blue Water Vichy which starts with an oceanic full body wrap followed by a dry exfoliation and clay mask. While the mask is doing its work, facial acupuncture is applied to help with relaxation. Once the treatment is complete, the series finishes up with a Vichy hydrotherapy. Finally, for those who plan to make a day of relaxation, the Poseidon offers spa packages. Each package focuses on a certain theme, such as all the ocean treatments or the anti-aging treatments, and they last anywhere from an hour and a half to three hours.

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Weddings

The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront offers its sister hotel the Mansion on Forsyth Park for a special Southern style wedding experience. This iconic hotel in the heart of the Historic District is perfect for any couple looking for an elegant wedding experience. This orange stone mansion is the perfect backdrop for any celebration. It offers a variety of floor space for use for weddings and receptions. The 2000 square foot marble garden courtyard is ideal for a wedding, or a special outdoor reception for up to 100 people. The Viennese Ballroom is over 3700 square feet, which can hold 250 people, is a good choice for a more traditional wedding reception. The Poseidon Spa offers several special wedding packages for bride and groom, either together with their individual parties.

For catering the Mansion on Forsyth Park offers a wide variety of foods for all occasions. Guests can order in a special cookie plate for a late night bridesmaid party, have a catered breakfast display for an impressive wedding morning, or have a romantic high tea for distressing before the main event. For the reception the Mansion on Forsyth Park offers both plated dinners and dinner buffets. No matter which option couples go with, the Mansion on Forsyth Park specializes in elegance. Dinner plate options include filet mignon, cider honey pork loin, seared salmon, and citrus brined chicken. The dinner buffets focus on a central theme to tie the options together, but always offers a fish, poultry, or meat option for every guest.

700 Kitchen Cooking School

The 700 Kitchen Cooking School, which has been rated as a top experience in Savannah multiple times, is located in the Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront’s sister hotel, the Mansion on Forsyth Park. The cooking school is open for individuals and groups of up to 15. Guests are taken through the entire cooking experience to create a gourmet meal at a fine restaurant. Guests go through each step, including the proper way to cut and slice meat and vegetables with the teaching chef, and get to enjoy the fruits of their labor at the end. Classes include numerous offerings such as classic Italian, farm fresh, Caribbean delights, and hors d’oeuvres. Guests are provided with a glass of house wine and get to take home copies of the recipes they prepare so they can to recreate them at home.

One of the main draws of the Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront is the beautiful art. Every guest room comes with its own unique paintings. The hotel front lobby and many of the hallways and rooms are also richly adorned with unique works of art. For true art lovers, however, Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront offers the Bohemian Art Gallery at their sister resort, the Mansion on Forsyth Park.

The Bohemian Art Gallery features over 400 works of art of all types. The gallery features paintings, clay sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, and many more. The art comes from local, national, and international artists for a unique mixture of modern art. Additionally, each art piece on display is also for sale so guests looking to purchase an accent piece for their home will want to visit the gallery as well.

Back to: Best Things to Do in Savannah and Best Romantic Weekend Getaways from Atlanta, Georgia.

102 W Bay St, Savannah, GA 31401, Phone: 912-721-3800

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