5 Unmissable Savannah Experiences: Iconic Sights, Haunts, and Flavors
Founded in 1733, Savannah—Georgia's oldest city—is experiencing a renaissance ahead of its 300th anniversary in 2033. With new hotels opening and more on the horizon, competition is fierce, driving unbeatable deals for travelers.
While your accommodations may be luxurious, Savannah's real allure lies beyond: its historic charm draped in Spanish moss. Here are five signature experiences that capture the city's essence.
Meet the Iconic 'Bird Girl' Statue
The famous 'Bird Girl' from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil has drawn countless visitors to Savannah. This bronze statue with outstretched arms, once in Bonaventure Cemetery, was relocated to the Jepson Center for the Arts downtown due to vandalism. It's now a must-see pilgrimage site. 
Embark on a Ghost Tour
Dubbed America's most haunted city, Savannah overflows with spectral stories and guided tours. If you're curious but cautious, choose a walking tour through the historic district's legendary haunts. Open-container laws let you enjoy a drink for bravery, and many tours combine ghosts with pub crawls for the perfect evening. 
Queue for Southern Comfort at Mrs. Wilkes
Amid Savannah's wave of gourmet restaurants and celebrity chefs, savor a true local gem: Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room. Their motto? "If the colonel made chicken this good, he'd be a general." Arrive early for the lunch line and feast on family-style, all-you-can-eat classics—fried chicken, black-eyed peas, rutabaga, mashed potatoes, and more—at communal tables with new friends. 
Indulge in Leopold's Ice Cream
Save room for Leopold's Ice Cream, a Savannah institution since 1929. Their hand-churned delights, like Honey Almond and Cream or Peanut Butter Chippy, are pure bliss. 
Escape to Tybee Island Beach
Just 20 minutes from downtown, Tybee Island—Savannah's beach—offers a serene getaway. Mild winter temps in the 60s°F make it ideal now. Spot birds on the North Beach Birding Trail by the lighthouse, rent a bike or kayak, or relax on nearly empty sands. 
