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.

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.

Built in 1819 in the Greek Revival architectural style, the William Scarbrough house was built for one of the principal owners of the SS Savannah, William Scarbrough. Seeing that the SS Savannah was the first steamship in the world to cross the Atlantic Ocean, the site of his house became the perfect historical landmark to house the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum. Here, as guests roam through the halls of one of the final surviving works of architect William Jay, they can also learn all about the history of maritime travel and how it has evolved greatly over the years. With nine galleries of ship models, maritime paintings and other artifacts, there are few other maritime museums that offer this kind of in-depth experience. One of many unique things to do in Savannah, the William Scarbrough House and Maritime Museum is a choice you won’t regret.

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.