19 Absolutely Free Things To Do In Savannah, GA

Savannah, Georgia, is a splendid city filled with southern charm, fantastic food, picturesque squares, Spanish moss-draped trees, inviting gardens, and a rich history.

Savannah is also a prime vacation destination: art, history, delicious food scene, beaches, and more. You’re sure to be busy as long as your visit lasts. But hotels, especially in the city center and during the high season, can be a bit pricey and with plenty of paid activities you could easily exceed your budget.

Yet, visiting Savannah doesn’t have to be super expensive. There are many free things to do in Savannah, making the city absolutely affordable and an attractive destination for budget travelers.

Since the Savannah Historic District is compact and easy to walk (where many free things to do are located) you don’t need to spend a lot on taxis and parking. Just leave the car at the hotel and explore on foot. As a matter of fact, I think exploring Savannah on foot is one of the best ways to experience its incredible squares, stunning architecture, and beautiful live oak trees.

The Best Things To Do In Savannah For Free

The best free things to do in Savannah start in the Savannah Historic District.

 Explore Savannah’s Historic Squares

The Squares that make up Savannah’s Historic District, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, have been here since the city was created. There were 24, now 22.

General James Oglethorpe, who is credited with designing Savannah back in 1733, laid the city out in a series of grids with homes and businesses arranged in squares around a central park area. That grid and the historic buildings still exist today, much as it did back then.

Some of the best squares in Savannah are:

• Ellis Square - Close to the riverfront district and Congress Street, Ellis Square was converted into a “playground” many years ago. Today you’ll find a children’s splash pad, grand chess, and green spaces surrounded by trees. The popular City Market borders it on one side. The square is especially fun for families with younger kids.
• Chippewa Square - Perhaps best known for its use in the movie Forest Gump, Chippewa Square is centrally located in the Savannah Historic District, about halfway between Forsyth Park and the river. The park has a large, bronze statue honoring General Oglethorpe. Stately oaks add to the grandeur of the square.
• Madison Square - To see the best architecture in Savannah’s Historic District, head to Madison Square, just a few blocks north of Forsyth Park. Buildings that frame the square include imposing examples of Gothic, Greek Revival, and Romanesque architecture.
• Johnson Square - For history buffs, head to Johnson Square, which is the first square Oglethorpe designed and is fairly close to the Savannah River. City Hall and Christ Episcopal Church sit on the square, as well, both worth touring.
• Monterey Square - Monterey Square was made famous by the Mercer Williams House that stands right next to it. Remember the grisly murder of Danny Hansford from the movie, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil? That happened right here!  

Stop By City Market

Savannah’s City Market is an open air market that dates back to the 1700s. After a major update in the 1980s, the Savannah City Market became a hot tourist attraction.

Today, visitors and residents enjoy shopping, dining, and art studios that fill this four block space. It’s a great place for window shopping (free), souvenir shopping, and to grab a bite to eat.

Enjoy a Free Praline at Savannah’s Candy Kitchen 

In 1979, Savannah’s Candy Kitchen was opened on River Street. Using family recipes, the store quickly became popular for their Pecan Pralines, Hand Rolled Pecan Logs, Glazed Pecans, Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle, and more. Many people visit the shop. All the candy looks delicious and you can even watch some of it being made. One of the best parts is that you can get a free Praline sample when visiting. Just be careful; the free sample is obviously meant to entice you to make a purchase, and the taste of the candy is truly remarkable, which might make this “free” stop not so free anymore!

Walk Jones Street

Jones Street is considered the prettiest street in Savannah. It is studded with beautiful Greek Revival houses, manicured gardens, brick-lined sidewalks and large moss-covered trees.

Bonus: Jones Street makes for a great photo opportunity. Really any of the streets around Jones Street are great options for a relaxing (and historic) walk while in Savannah

Pro Tip: Be careful walking the sidewalks; with historic streets come uneven sidewalks, so watch your step!

Revel In Forsyth Park and Its Majestic Fountain

Forsyth Park is one of Savannah’s most beautiful places, serving as a green oasis right in the heart of the Historic District. With its expansive 300 acres it offers a refreshing space to relax, have a picnic, or take a pleasant stroll.

The most iconic of Forsyth Park’s allures is the majestic fountain.

Modeled after the water fountains of Place de la Concorde in Paris, this cast iron fountain is more than 150 years old and is staggeringly beautiful. It is a go-to spot for romantic photo shoots in Savannah, including weddings, proposals, and engagements.

Celebrate African Culture at the Savannah African Art Museum

One of the few museums in town to offer free admissions, this gallery features a collection of art and artifacts from West and Central Africa, across 28 countries and 180 cultural and ethnic groups, including those who have influenced the history, culture, and flavors of Savannah.

Stroll Along River Street

River Street, perched along the Savannah River, is a bustling, cobble-stoned stretch known for its gorgeous waterfront views, historic buildings, and dynamic atmosphere. This spirited area offers scores of shopping, dining, and entertainment choices, all housed in beautifully restored, centuries-old warehouses.

River Street’s Old World charm and scenic beauty make it an essential stop when visiting Savannah.

See Dinosaur Exhibits At the JW Marriott

The JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District is a new hotel located right on River Street and on the riverfront. The hotel used to be a power plant and still resembles this with the two smoke stacks still intact. This hotel is very pricey to stay at, but if you’re not looking to stay here, it is still worth the visit. The hotel’s Generator Hall has a lobby full of exhibits of dinosaur bones, fossils and crystals, as well as a 135-foot chrome dipped dinosaur. This is a great free thing to check out and is great for families too!

Ride the Savannah Belles Ferry

Did you know that Savannah has two free transportation systems? I didn’t know either until I found out about the Dot Shuttle and the Savannah Belles Ferry.

While the shuttle connects visitors to attractions and parking spaces, the ferry takes a more expansive route and provides free passage across the Savannah River.

You can board the ferry at River Street and go to the other side, Hutchinson Island, and vice versa. Hutchinson Island is home to the Savannah Convention Center and the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa.

Catch some amazing views of downtown Savannah by the Talmadge Memorial Bridge during your ferry ride. The ferry is completely free and runs daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Watch Cargo Ships on the Savannah River

This is an unexpected attraction, but these ships are really huge and they pass by regularly on the way to the port through the Savannah River by way of downtown. Hard to describe, but an awesome sight to see. They do pass quickly but make for fantastic photo or video ops.

Walk Around Bonaventure Cemetery

Known as one of the prettiest cemeteries in the USA, Bonaventure is beautiful, historical, and spooky all at once. Glossy granite gravestones shine in the mid afternoon sun but cast shadows over the tombs in the moonlight. With garlands of Spanish moss drooping from the live oak trees and ornately designed mausoleums, this burial ground has become a scenic and revered garden of remembrance. Visitors can explore mid-19th century grave sites with breathtaking views of the nearby river, or venture further to the Greenwich section and hike the area with its reflection pond, river and marsh.

It sits on a former plantation on the banks of the Wilmington River at the eastern edge of the city and it became a cemetery in 1846.

Catch a Glimpse of the Spectacular Wormsloe Live Oak Avenue

The Live Oak Avenue at Wormsloe is an important and influential Savannah attraction, just like the fountain at Forsyth Park.

Wormsloe Historic Site is about 12 miles from downtown Savannah. It was once the estate of an immigrant carpenter, Noble Jones. It features the ruins of a tabby and several nature trails. With its oak and Spanish moss driveway, this spot is enough to take your breath away. Wormsloe Historic Site does charge an admission (well worth the cost). But this article is all about free, and stunning Live Oak Avenue can be viewed for free. There is a parking lot right at the entrance where you can hop out and grab a picture at no cost.

Tour the Savannah Botanical Gardens

Want to spend sometime in nature? Visit the Savannah Botanical Gardens, located just minutes from the historic district. The gardens are spread over 10 acres and filled with roses, camellias, and other seasonal blooms.

It also has an herb garden, beautiful pond, amphitheater, a charming fountain, several nature trails, and the historic Reinhard House. The picnic tables are a great place to enjoy a peaceful lunch or spend quality time with friends and family.

Savannah Botanical Gardens is open all year round during daylight hours and access to all the public areas in the garden is free. It is pet friendly.

Traverse the Talmadge Memorial Bridge

Walk or drive on the bridge and get a great view of the city, especially during sunset. It connects South Carolina and Georgia and has scenic views of the Savannah River.

Be Amazed by the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist

It towers over Lafayette Square in the Historic District, and is the oldest Roman Catholic church in Georgia. It has memorable architecture and is open to the public for viewing during the week.

Head to the Beach on Tybee Island

Tybee Island is located just 25 minutes east of downtown Savannah and is the perfect place to spend a relaxing day in the sun. The island is filled with parks and playgrounds, picnic spots, and nature trails, ideal for hiking and biking. And obviously the biggest draw is the gorgeous sand, sun, and surf of the beach. Just bring your towel and sunscreen and a cool drink and relax to the lull of the waves and the sounds of the gulls.

Don’t forget the fabulous Tybee Pier and Pavilion, which gives you some incredible views at sunset.

Have a Ramble on the McQueen Island Rails to Trails

Standing six miles in length, this packed-gravel trail is great for walking, running or cycling. It is situated on the old abandoned Savannah/Tybee Railroad bed. Now converted for pedestrians, this trail has beautiful scenic water views.

Attend One of Savannah’s Free Festivals

Savannah hosts several festivals every year, many of which do not have admission charges.

The Sidewalk Arts Festival (SCAD) in spring, St. Patrick’s Day Parade in March, the Children’s Book Festival in November, and plenty of performances at the Savannah Jazz Festival in September are all completely free.

Check Out the Savannah Visitor Center

I put this last (so you would remember) but visiting the center is probably the first thing you should do in Savannah. Grab some brochures (sometimes coupons are available for area attractions) and talk to the locals at the counter who have the inside scoop of what’s good in town.

The Savannah Visitor Center is also home to free exhibits that give a brief overview of the city’s history, making it a great introduction to your time in Savannah.

Experience Savannah's Charm Without Spending A Dime

Savannah is a charming city bursting with Southern hospitality, history, design and architecture, dynamic cultural offerings, superlative accommodations, fantastic dining…and it’s located near the beach, too.

You might be seeing dollar signs, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to get a great feeling for the Hostess City. Just take advantage of our 19 absolutely free things to do in Savannah, Georgia.