Best Things to Do in Savannah this Spring
Experience the magic of Savannah in spring while flowers are blooming, weather is mild and festivals are in full swing.
A morning stroll with coffee in hand through Forsyth Park. Serene ocean waves at Tybee Island. Blooming azaleas under a canopy of Spanish-moss-draped trees. Cool breezes off the water along River Street. Refreshing cocktails on a rooftop overlooking the historic district. Spring in Savannah, Georgia has a special vibe that makes an impression you absolutely won’t forget.
Stunning scenery complemented by mild temperatures is enough of a reason to visit Savannah in springtime, but there are also plenty of activities to help soak it all in. Take guided tours, wander leisurely through parks and squares, shop boutiques and relax over memorable meals. And, don't miss the chance to put your toes in the sand and feel the sea breeze on your face on nearby Tybee Island! You’ll find plenty of things to do, entertaining events, great places to eat, and accommodations to suit any style from historic inns to modern hotels that combine the best of old and new.
Keep scrolling to find some top things to do in Savannah this spring, or jump to:
Outdoor Activities
Wormsloe State Historic Site
A new visitor center at Wormsloe State Historic Site opened in January 2024, and a new trolley takes visitors down the long avenue sheltered by live oaks and Spanish moss, one of the state's most photographed locations. In addition to the breathtaking sight of the avenue, you can see the oldest standing structure in Savannah, Wormsloe's tabby ruin, and learn about the first group of settlers from England.
Forsyth Park
Encompassing 30 acres, take in the towering live oaks and colorful azaleas as you stroll, bike, or rollerblade in Forsyth Park, Savannah's largest and oldest public park. Don't miss the fragrant garden for the blind and the iconic 1858 fountain, a must-photograph spot. At any given time, the park hosts concerts and recreational sports, and on Saturdays, swing by to catch the farmers market.
City Market
Four blocks of restored grain warehouses on W. St. Julian Street house Savannah's most vibrant art colony, restaurants, cafes and shops with unique gifts and original works of art. At City Market, there is always something new to encounter, something different to find, something hidden to uncover.
Savannah Botanical Gardens
Sit beside the pond to absorb the peaceful garden sounds and fresh aromas at Savannah Botanical Gardens. The Savannah Botanical Garden includes nature trails, a picturesque pond, and an archaeological exhibit among the formal and natural displays. Enjoy the Southern charm of the historic Reinhard House, the sweet sounds of songbirds, and wander along a path that explores camellias, ferns and a children's garden. Admission is free. Full of roses, herbs, perennials and seasonal blossoms, the garden center is a farmhouse that dates back to the 1840s.
Savannah Riverboat Cruises
For a tour atop the Savannah River, book a cruise with Savannah Riverboat Cruises, where trips range from sightseeing and dinner excursions to brunch and moonlight tours on a paddle-wheel riverboat. Savannah was and is a port town, and the cruise is a great way to learn about the history, and enjoy the water during a leisurely ride. If you go on the 3:30 p.m. tour, you can also see them shoot at Old Fort Jackson.
Skidaway Island State Park
The allure of the coast draws guests to this park bordering Georgia's Intracoastal Waterway. From trails through the maritime forest to a boardwalk over the water, you might see coastal wildlife, including fiddler crabs, egrets, and more. One of 18 sites along Georgia's Colonial Coast Birding Trail, Skidaway Island State Park attracts hundreds of different bird species to its marshes and maritime forest. Locals love the sweeping views of marshlands, spotting rare and migratory birds, and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere under Spanish moss-draped live oaks. The Sandpiper Trail loop is the most popular. Expect to see fiddler crabs, an old liquor still and even Confederate earthworks on this one-mile ADA-accessible loop.
Oatland Island Wildlife Center
Get the kids out for a walk in nature at the Oatland Island Wildlife Center by promising they'll see some cool animals like wolves, cougars, bison and flying squirrels. At Oatland Island Wildlife Center, animals are exhibited in large natural habitats along a rustic trail through forest and marshlands. The “Wolf Wilderness” exhibit features gray wolves, armadillos, flying squirrels, screech owls and a selection of reptiles. Along the trail are cougars, bobcats, bison, alligators, red fox and birds of prey. Cows, sheep, goats and rabbits can be viewed in the “Georgia Farm” area.
McQueen's Island Trail
Built on a stretch of the Savannah & Atlantic Railroad line, the 6-mile McQueen's Island Trail offers a salt-air excursion for nature lovers and history buffs. From its trailhead just 15 miles east of town near Fort Pulaski National Monument, the trail parallels the South Channel of the Savannah River, a major shipping route and entry point to the Port of Savannah. Short bridges spirit you across saltwater marshes.
Find more things to do in Savannah.
Tybee Island
Drive just 20 minutes from Savannah to wade in the surf and take in the laid-back vibes of Tybee Island. In addition to the beach, check out:
Tybee Post Theater
Offering a mix of classic and first-run movies as well as local theater productions, this fully restored 1930s movie theater is a hidden gem on Tybee Island. The Tybee Post Theater offers live music almost every weekend, including local performers, tribute concerts, singer-songwriters, and musicians from all across the country.
Tybee Island Lighthouse
The Tybee Island Lighthouse and Museum is the tallest and oldest lighthouse in Georgia. A 178-step climb to the top offers amazing views you don't want to miss, and then head to the museum for exhibits on the island’s unique history.
Tybee Marine Science Center
Learn about local conservation efforts and see local critters, from sea turtles to sharks, at the non-profit Tybee Island Marine Science Center. Don't miss the touch tank, and learn about marine life, shells from around the world and environmental issues in the region.
Events
St. Patrick's Day Parade, March 16
Celebrate the 200th anniversary of the second-largest St. Patrick's Day parade in the United States. Arrive early for a great viewing spot, and enjoy all the bands, floats and performers as they march through the historic district, starting at 10:15 a.m.
More: Everything You Need to Know about St. Patrick's Day in Savannah
Savannah Music Festival, March 28 - April 13
Known for its mix of jazz, classical and American and global roots music performances in venues across Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District, the Savannah Music Festival is a signature event for music lovers. During the 17-day festival, enjoy performances by talented musicians from around the world.
Publix Savannah Women's Half Marathon & 5K, April 6
Join thousands of other women for the Publix Savannah Women's Half Marathon & 5K, and run through some of the city’s most scenic spots, finishing in front of the Forsyth Park Fountain. It’s the perfect setting for a girls’ getaway weekend!
NOGS Tour of Hidden Gardens, April 19-20
The NOGS Tour of Hidden Gardens unlocks the garden gates of selected private gardens and historic gardens for self-guided exploration. Enjoy springtime gardens in Savannah’s Landmark Historic District, and sample Southern tea favorites at the Green-Meldrim House, a National Historic Landmark and one of the South’s finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture.
SCAD Sand Arts Festival on Tybee Island, May 3
Pack a picnic lunch and your sunglasses, and be amazed at the artful creations of Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) students and alumni competing for awards in this ultimate sand sculpture-building event.
Savannah Scottish Games, May 4
In its 46th year, the Savannah Scottish Games are one of the Southeast's largest and fourth oldest Games. Join the celebration of Scottish heritage at Historic Bethesda Academy, with Celtic music, Scottish clans/societies, pipe bands, highland dancing, heavy athletic events (athletes throwing telephone poles), children's activities, sheep herding, falconry, genealogy, food, refreshments and fun for the entire family.
Eat & Drink
Savannah’s culinary scene is unmatched for its various restaurants serving everything from regional favorites to international specialties. Sample it all in settings from food trucks to diners to historic homes and modern rooftop bars. In addition to icons like The Olde Pink House, which is rumored to be haunted, and Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room, where you’ll likely make new friends around the dinner table, be sure to make reservations at The Grey, helmed by James Beard Award-winning Chef Mashama Bailey, and seek out newcomers like Brochu’s Family Tradition and Shuk Savannah. Wake up with breakfast at The Collins Quarter and stop for an afternoon treat at Leopold’s Ice Cream. Get the inside scoop on some of the city’s best eateries with a Flavors Food Tour or Savannah Taste Experience tour.
Stay
Book a getaway at the newest boutique hotel in Savannah’s historic district, Hotel Bardo, overlooking Forsyth Park. Billed as an “urban resort,” the two-acre property includes a fitness and wellness spa, kids program, rooftop bar and coastal Italian restaurant Saint Bibiana.
If you prefer a view of Savannah River, check out the JW Marriott at Plant Riverside District. Just steps away from the high-energy entertainment district and River Street’s shops and restaurants, you’ll love the luxurious accommodations and rooftop bar.
The Kimpton Brice is a popular option for dog owners. The recently renovated property in the historic district even offers a dog-friendly room service menu.
