Savannah was the state of Georgia's first city, founded in 1733 as a refuge for the poor of England and Ireland. Today it endures as a coastal city filled with southern charm and amazing architecture. Savannah's pedestrian-friendly layout and compact cobblestone streets make this historical and mysterious city easy to explore on foot.
Stop by the Savannah Information Visitor Center. Here you will find maps and brochures for self-guided walking tours as well as information on guided tours and events around the city. The Visitor Center is also home to the Savannah History Museum. The museum features many relics documenting the history of Savannah from the 1700s to the modern day, including the famous park bench from the movie "Forrest Gump."
Admire the majestic Cathedral of St. John the Baptist located in Lafayette Square. This French Gothic-style cathedral was founded in 1799 and is the mother church of the Diocese of Savannah. The interior was remodeled in 2006 but still contains many original details including the original stained glass windows, tabernacle, bishop's chair and altar.
Head north on Abercorn Street and take a left onto East Hull Street, heading towards the Telfair Museum. Make sure to explore the picturesque Chippewa and Orleans Squares along the way. The Telfair is the oldest public art museum in the south and has been touted as an important national resource of the arts, culture and history. Added in 1883, the sculpture garden of the Telfair houses many historical sculptures including the "Bird Girl" from the book and movie "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."
Step next door to the Jepson Center for the Arts. Built in 2006, the Jepson is the Telfair's newest building and is comprised of galleries for traveling exhibits, an African-American art gallery, southern art gallery and photography studio, and also houses a hands-on gallery for children.
Veer west on State Street and walk straight towards Martin Luther King Boulevard. Arrive at the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum. The museum was founded in 1966 and contains exhibits of ship models, paintings and maritime antiques depicting trade and travel between America and England in the early 18th and 19th centuries.
Continue north on MLK and take a right onto West Julian Street. Enjoy a light lunch in City Market, Savannah's arts district. Here you will find many art galleries and locally-owned restaurants, cafes and shops.
Proceed east on Congress Street. Take a right onto Drayton Street and continue to the Davenport House Museum at 324 East State Street. This is where the Savannah restoration movement began. Seven women purchased the house in 1954, saving the Federal-style mansion from its future as a parking lot. They then established the Historic Savannah Foundation which eventually spared the entire city's most historic landmarks.
Walk back up Drayton Street to East Bay Street, arriving at Factor's Walk. Factor's Walk is a group of iron walkways, stairways and cobblestone ramps that connect Bay Street to the Savannah River level.
Explore River Street. River Street is approximately 9 blocks of shopping, bars and restaurants. This is the main hub of the city's famous annual St. Patrick's Day celebration.
Board the Savannah River Queen dinner cruise at 9 East River Street. The triple-decker Savannah River Queen has been cruising the Savannah River for over 14 years. Tickets are available for purchase at the dock or online through the boat's Web site listed in the Who Can Help section below.
