15 Places Locals Love That Most Savannah Visitors Miss
The Savannah spots I’d recommend to my own friends
When people visit Savannah for the first time, they usually have the same itinerary: River Street, Forsyth Park, City Market, and maybe a ghost tour.
And while those places are absolutely worth seeing, they’re only a small part of what makes this city so special.
After spending the last decade working in Savannah’s hospitality industry, and helping plan hundreds of weddings, corporate events, and destination experiences, I’ve found that the places people remember most are often the ones they almost didn’t visit.
These are the places I recommend when friends ask me, “Where should we go that isn’t on every tourist list?”
1. Factors Walk
Most visitors stay on River Street, but they don’t realize there’s an entire historic network of bridges, staircases, and old cotton warehouses just above it.
Factors Walk feels like stepping back into Savannah’s trading history and is one of the most interesting places to wander with a camera.
2. Starland District
If you’ve already explored the Historic District, spend an afternoon in Starland.
Honestly? Some of my favorite restaurants are in Starland and it’s the first place you’ll find locals on the weekends.
Guide coming next!
- Starland Yard
- Two Tides Brewery
- Fish Bar
- Ardsley Station
- Brochus
- Bull Street Taco
- Big Bon Bodega
- The Vault
- Moodrights
- Starland Strange & Bazar
- Flora and Fauna
- Front Porch Improv
3. The Paris Market
Yes, it’s a shop, and yes it’s kind of popular, but it’s also an experience.
Take your time wandering through the upstairs and downstairs, grab a coffee and a treat and wander.
It’s one of my favorite places to browse when I’m downtown for some unique gifts and home finds.
4. Asher + Rye
A local favorite! Coffee shop + furniture shop = every woman’s dream.
Grab a coffee, browse the store, and leave happy with some new goodies.
If you have the time to check out One Fish, Two Fish across the street that’s an added bonus!
5. Eastern Wharf
If River Street feels a little too busy, head toward Eastern Wharf.
You’ll still have beautiful river views, but with more space to relax and watch the ships come in. It’s a great place to watch the sunrise or enjoy a morning workout.
6. Savannah Bee Gardens Tour
You’ll need a car or Lyft to get here, but this is truly one of my favorite places in the city.
Savannah Bee Company is a worldwide name, however, most people don’t know that you can actually tour the gardens where the bees are making their honey.
Learn from local experts and guides who have a wealth of knowledge and leave with some delicious souvenirs.
7. The Savannah Botanical Gardens
A lot of visitors don’t realize Savannah has free botanical gardens just outside downtown.
If you have a car and a little extra time, it’s a peaceful place to spend an hour.
8. Orleans Square
Orleans Square often gets overlooked because it’s off to the side and doesn’t have much around it.
Slow down here for a few minutes and you’ll understand why it’s one of my favorite squares downtown. The spanish moss, the oak trees, the fountain, it’s a great place to sit with a book and relax.
9. Isle of Hope
If you have a car, take a short drive to Isle of Hope.
The marina, beautiful homes, and oak lined roads feel like a completely different side of Savannah that many visitors never experience. It feels like a scene straight out of the Notebook and I guarantee you’ll have Zillow pulled up before you’re back to your hotel.
10. Savannah African Art Museum
Admission is free and it’s a great way to spend some time indoors away from the heat.
It’s a wonderful stop if you’re looking for something different from the typical historic house tours and being outside.
11. Bonaventure Cemetery’s Quiet Corners
Most people visit Bonaventure, take a few photos, and leave.
Walk a little farther than everyone else. Some of the most beautiful areas are away from the main entrance.
Bonaventure also offers tours and trips
12. Origin Coffee Bar
How could you not love watching a local business flourish?
What started as a local husband and wife with a dream and a mobile coffee cart, has turned into Savannah’s favorites!
Their flavors are phenomenal, and they have amazing seasonal flavors that will make you want to come back once a month.
Heads up! The line is usually long but for good reason. You’ll regret missing out on this local gem while you’re here.
13. The Wyld
I am letting you in on a TRUE local hidden gem, don’t make me regret it.
The Wyld is laid back, and very causal dining.
Some of the most stunning lowcountry views and relaxed vibes, this place is truly what living in the lowcountry feels like.
14. A Sunrise Walk on Tybee
Who wouldn’t love starting their day watching the sunrise over the ocean?
Tybee is beautiful and serene, especially in the morning. You’ll beat the crowds and I can give you a few places to stop on your way back to Savannah!
Tybee Guide coming soon 😉
15. Columbia Square
I may be a little biased because I got engaged in this square BUT I truly have always found Columbia Square so peaceful and serene. It’s off the beaten path, it’s quiet, it has a beautiful green fountain and STUNNING azaleas in the spring.
Quick history lesson! The square dates back to 1799 and is home to two of Savannah’s most beautiful historic homes: the Isaiah Davenport House and the Kehoe House. (The Davenport House tour is wonderful, I’d highly recommend it!)
The fountain in the center, called the Wormsloe Fountain, was moved here from the historic Wormsloe Historic Site in 1970. Whole Wormsloe is not a ‘hidden gem’ per se but it is a beautiful site to go see if you have the time!
Final Thoughts
One of the reasons I love Savannah so much is that it’s a city that rewards curiosity.
Take the side streets. Walk one block farther. Step into the bookstore. Sit in the quiet square.
Some of the best memories you’ll make here won’t be the ones you planned, they’ll be the ones you stumbled upon.
Bonus!! My Savannah Day Bag;
These are 5 things that don’t leave my bag-
