Savannah is famous for its moss-draped oaks, vibrant art, and coastal charm, but its true magic lies in the shadows. Beyond the usual sights, the Ghosts & Gravestones trolley tour offers an unforgettable dive into the city’s deeply rooted history and haunted past. With theatrical Gravediggers and exclusive access to legendary haunts, it’s the ultimate way to experience Savannah’s most spine-tingling secrets.
One thing paranormal experts widely agree upon is that Savannah has no shortage of ghosts. Built on Native American burial grounds in the mid-18th century, the city of Savannah has since been regarded as America’s most ghostly city. Take a Ghosts & Gravestones tour of Savannah to learn all about how it got that unique moniker. What notorious spirits still looming between worlds will you encounter on this haunted tour? Could it be the disgruntled ghost of Robert E. Lee still haunting the Andrew Low House? Or perhaps you will come in contact with the tired spirit of a sailor latched on to an artifact on display at the Perkins & Sons Ship Chandlery. There’s no way of knowing, but hang on to your hats on this Ghost & Gravestones tour of Savannah, as you’re sure to jump out of your seat with fright!
A spectacle for all those who encounter them, the spires of The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist are a must-see for all those who visit Savannah. Built in the French Gothic style, and the first building in Georgia constructed of brick, The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist boasts a long history of stylistic character and healthy dissonance among its congregation. Learn the history of struggle between the Catholic members of the Cathedral’s congregation and the English crown, who feared the churchgoers would pledge loyalty to the Spanish crown, present just a few miles south in Florida. Hear the story of how The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist was the spiritual home of a large congregation of freed slaves from Haiti at the turn of the 18th century. With 81 stained glass windows and 16 gargoyles, attending The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is one of many unique things to do in Savannah that you won’t want to miss.
The Savannah Pirates’ Museum is a historical attraction in Georgia, that explores the city’s connection to pirates and privateers. Visitors can learn about the lives of pirates, see artifacts, and hear stories of buried treasure and sea adventures. The museum offers a glimpse into Savannah’s maritime past, appealing to history enthusiasts.
It was the early 20th century, World War I had come to a close and soldiers were returning home to a new era in the United States — an era free of alcohol (legal alcohol, at least). Searching for unique things to do in Savannah? Your search ends here at America’s only Prohibition museum. Here you can learn all the ins and outs of the cultural effects Prohibition had on Americans of the Roaring Twenties. Partake in moonshine-making demonstrations, and learn how bootleggers of the past stayed off the beaten path and under the radar of the law. Peruse a vast array of exhibits and enjoy a cocktail at a genuine speakeasy, just like the ones flappers danced all over a century ago. Witness a defining moment of American history come to life at the American Prohibition Museum. There’s no other place in the country like it.
For just over two weeks in the springtime, the Savannah Music Festival plays host to some of the most exciting musical acts the world has to offer. Ranging in genres from folk to jazz, country and more, the Savannah Music Festival is perfect for those searching to immerse themselves in the sounds of Savannah. Having just celebrated its 33rd season, with no intention of slowing down any time soon, the Savannah Music Festival is the largest musical arts event in all of Georgia and proudly boasts a roster each year that spreads across all kinds of genres. The Savannah Music Festival is also proud of its outreach to the community, investing in the musical education of students all throughout the city, offering free classes year-round. Rest assured, there is something for everybody at this bustling cultural event.
A myriad of mediums, from blown glass to ceramic, oil painting to photography, wood sculptures to marble sculptures and anything you could imagine in between, Savannah’s plentiful art galleries have it! Tread off the beaten path into some of the most creative galleries Georgia has to offer, like the A.T. Hun Gallery, which prides itself on its quirky attitude and array of pieces. From there, venture over to the Savannah African Art Museum, where the exhibits are a celebration of styles and mediums throughout the African continent and the African diaspora, both rustic and refined. And, do not forget the oldest public art museum in the American South, the Telfair Academy. A historic mansion of Savannah, the Telfair Academy is a free art museum that serves as home to a number of American and European paintings and sculptures, some of which are so iconic you’ll be shocked to be standing before them. Don’t miss out on the beautiful masterpieces scattered throughout the art galleries of Savannah.
A popular vacation spot since the late 1800s, Tybee Island is the perfect place to get your fill of sun, sand and salty ocean air. A hit year-round, a trip to Tybee Island in the fall is the perfect getaway from the temperate change of weather, with great outdoor dining during peak oyster season. Also worth noting is the wildlife just offshore. A prime dolphin-spotting location, there’s nothing quite like watching the majestic creatures breach the water to peer up and say hello, all just 20 minutes from downtown Savannah. For a fresh water critter encounter, hit up Tybee Island’s Back River Beach, and see if you can spot an alligator poking its eyes above the water. With five beaches to choose from, excellent dining options and invigorating live music performances, Tybee Island is high on the sensational list of unique things to do in Savannah.
While in downtown Savannah, be sure to embark on a journey of military history at the Webb Military Museum. Browse a wide selection of artifacts ranging from the Civil War to Operation Desert Storm. An unparalleled selection of items, such as medals, protective gear, uniforms, weapons and more, the Webb Military Museum offers its guests the opportunity to place themselves in the shoes of veterans the way no other museum does. The curator of this museum, Gary Webb, has set out to tell a unique story of military service in this country and hopes that museum-goers leave with a newfound appreciation for the sacrifices made by the men and women who wore the uniforms on display.
A scenic dream accented by live oak and Spanish moss, the Wormsloe State Historic Site is 822 acres of remarkable views and fresh air. Informally known as the Wormsloe Plantation, the historical site was erected by Noble Jones, a member of the first group of European settlers from England, in 1733. The Wormsloe Plantation stayed mostly in the Jones family until the 1970s when the state of Georgia acquired the majority of the land to convert it into a state park. Today, Wormsloe Plantation features a wide range of educational opportunities for tourists, such as historical interpreters, museums housing artifacts discovered on the vast grounds and a short film related to the history of Wormsloe. A trip off the beaten path, the Wormsloe State Historic Site is a piece of American history waiting to be discovered.
Tough to say, but the experts do! According to a number of experts in paranormal studies, Savannah is far and away the most ghostly city in America. Built in the early 18th century on a series of Native American burial grounds, it’s a wonder how it wouldn’t be.