Savannah, Georgia, has to be my favorite city in America. This city is breathtakingly beautiful, as the modern and past converge. Like most “tourist” towns, vacationing in Savannah can be expensive. However, I am going to share with you five free things to do in this magnificent city. If planning a trip to Savannah in the future, add the following to ones itinerary. These activities will not disappoint.
Bonaventure Cemetery
I first heard of Bonaventure Cemetery while reading the book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” by John Berendt. While reading this story, I learned about séances that were performed in this cemetery, and one of the characters in the book, Danny Hansford, was buried close to this cemetery. I knew I had to visit this place, which did not disappoint me. In fact, it was much more than I had envisioned.
One can drive up to the cemetery itself and park and then walk around or drive through the winding paths of the cemetery for free. I highly recommend the latter. This is a very large cemetery, and there are so many things to see. There is also a large Jewish cemetery located within Bonaventure Cemetery. There is a beautiful gate adorned with a Star of David on each side of the gate. This is a truly beautiful cemetery. In my opinion, Bonaventure is a must-see!
Bonaventure Cemetery is located at 330 Bonaventure Road, Savannah. For information about Bonaventure Cemetery, call 916-651-6843 or visit the City of Savannah website.
Forsyth Park
Forsyth Park is a large park in the Victorian District of Savannah. This place is beautiful. There is a large fountain in the center of the northern part of park. This is an amazing spot for pictures. There are paths to walk through the park, which are lined with large trees that have Spanish Moss hanging from them. It is serene!
There are tennis courts available and a large open area perfect for playing football or just relaxing. This is a great park to stroll around and relax in. I highly recommend visiting this park. I have taken beautiful pictures here and have enjoyed this park every time I have visited it.
There is parking located near East Hall Street and Drayton Street by the Forsyth Park Cafe. The Main entrance to the park is at Bull Street and Gaston Street.
Historic River Street
If one visits Savannah, one has to visit Historic River Street. River Street sits along the Savannah River, and this is a beautiful area to visit. There are many restaurants and shops located along River Street, but one can walk and take in the beauty for free. All of the buildings on River Street are extremely old, and there are old staircases, bridges, and cobblestone roads. One really gets the sense of looking into the past when visiting this place. I have spent much of my time in Savannah on River Street. I have enjoyed watching the boats and large cargo ships go up and down the Savannah River. There is a nice breeze from the river, and I have spent hours just sitting there taking in all the beauty.
Cars are permitted to drive on River Street; however, I recommend walking. River Street can be accessed by many paths and walkways from Bay Street.
For more information about River Street, visit the Savannah Riverfront webpage.
City Market
The City Market in Savannah is great place to hang out and relax. This is the place to find fun things to do. This area is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and bars. There is always something fun going on here.
I celebrated New Year’s Eve here in the City Market a few years ago, and we had a terrific time. There celebration itself was a large outdoor street party! There was a live band that played all night long, and the party did not stop until after 1 a.m. We really had a great time. There are always events taking place here, and it is a great place to visit in the heart of Savannah. I highly recommend going to the City Market when visiting. I go every time I visit this beautiful city.
The City Market is located between Montgomery Street and Barnard Street and Bryan Street and Congress Street.
For additional information about the City Market, visit the City Market website.
Colonial Park Cemetery
Colonial Park Cemetery is located right in Savannah’s Historic District. This is a beautiful cemetery. I have walked through it several times, and each time, I’ve discover something new. I understand that it seems a bit morbid or odd to visit a cemetery while on vacation; however, this one is located in the heart of Savannah, and it is within walking distance to many different locations. I have some amazing pictures I took while visiting this cemetery. Visiting this place will not disappoint in any way.
Colonial Park Cemetery is located at 201 Abercorn St., Savannah. For information about Colonial Park Cemetery, visit the City of Savannah website, or for the history of the aforementioned, visit the Visit-Historic-Savannah website.
Every time I am in Savannah, I visit these places. Their appeal has not diminished over time, and I will surely visit this beautiful “jewel of the South” again in the future.