When taking a cruise in Savannah, Georgia, your options for entertainment, sightseeing, history, dining, and relaxation are nearly unlimited. Savannah is a destination where Southern charm meets fascinating history, beautiful waterfront scenery, and a lively entertainment scene. Whether you are visiting for a day as part of a cruise itinerary or planning to stay for several nights, there is always something interesting waiting around the next corner.
From narrated harbor cruises and historic landmarks to delicious Southern cuisine, live entertainment, moonlit river excursions, and beautiful parks, Savannah offers experiences for visitors of all ages.
Cruise Along Savannah’s Historic Waterfront
One of the most popular ways to experience Savannah is from the water. A narrated sightseeing cruise along the Savannah River and harbor provides visitors with a unique perspective of this historic Southern city.
As your cruise travels along the river, you can enjoy views of Savannah’s waterfront while learning about the people, events, ships, and cultures that helped shape the region. Savannah has long been an important port city, and its location on the river has played a major role in its history and development.
A cruise may also provide views of Old Fort Jackson, one of the area’s most important historic landmarks. The fort offers visitors a glimpse into America’s military history and is known for its impressive collection of historic artillery. Seeing this historic site from the water can be an especially memorable experience and adds another dimension to a Savannah sightseeing adventure.
The narrated experience makes a harbor cruise enjoyable for both first-time visitors and history enthusiasts. Instead of simply looking at the scenery, passengers can gain a better understanding of the fascinating stories behind the buildings, landmarks, and waterways around them.
A Beautiful City Filled With Southern Charm
Savannah, Georgia, is often considered one of the most beautiful cities in the United States. Its historic streets, distinctive architecture, public squares, towering trees, Spanish moss, and waterfront areas give the city a personality unlike almost anywhere else.
Walking through Savannah can feel like stepping back in time. Cobblestone streets lead visitors through historic districts, while elegant homes and narrow buildings reflect centuries of architectural history. At the same time, Savannah remains a vibrant and modern city filled with restaurants, shops, galleries, entertainment venues, and cultural attractions.
One of the most enjoyable things about Savannah is that the city encourages visitors to slow down. You can spend an afternoon walking beneath the trees, relaxing in one of the city’s famous public squares, browsing local shops, or simply enjoying a meal at an outdoor restaurant.
Savannah has received national recognition over the years as a desirable travel destination, and it is easy to understand why. The combination of history, beauty, food, hospitality, and entertainment makes it a city that appeals to a wide variety of travelers.
Enjoy an Evening of Entertainment
After a day of sightseeing, the fun does not have to end. Many cruise experiences offer evening entertainment designed to keep guests laughing, dancing, and enjoying themselves long after the sun goes down.
Nightly shows can include live music, dancing, performers, and other forms of entertainment. Depending on the cruise, guests may experience different musical styles and performances throughout their journey. Some cruises even offer a changing entertainment schedule, giving passengers something new to enjoy each evening.
One of the best parts of an evening cruise is the combination of entertainment and dining. Imagine enjoying a delicious meal while listening to live music and watching the lights of Savannah’s waterfront pass by outside.
The dining experience can be just as memorable as the entertainment. Southern-inspired dishes, seafood, traditional favorites, and a variety of other cuisines may be available depending on the cruise and venue. Whether you are looking for a romantic evening, a family celebration, or simply a fun night out, an entertainment cruise can provide an experience that combines several activities into one memorable event.
As the Sun Goes Down
Perhaps one of the most popular experiences for visitors is an evening or moonlight cruise. There is something especially relaxing about being on the water after dark, surrounded by the sights and sounds of Savannah.
As the sun begins to set, the waterfront takes on a completely different appearance. The sky changes colors, city lights begin to reflect on the water, and the atmosphere becomes more relaxed and romantic.
A moonlight cruise offers the opportunity to dance, enjoy music, share a meal, or simply sit back and admire the scenery. Couples may find it to be a romantic experience, while families and groups of friends can enjoy the lively entertainment and beautiful nighttime views.
For visitors who want to make the most of their time, day-long cruise experiences can offer an entire schedule of activities. The day might begin with breakfast before moving into sightseeing and historical narration. After lunch, passengers may enjoy additional activities, music, dancing, and entertainment before ending the evening with dinner.
These experiences can turn an ordinary day of sightseeing into a complete vacation adventure.
Things to Do in Savannah
The city is full of little surprises, and that is one of the reasons visitors continue to return. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, food, shopping, art, or simply relaxing, Savannah offers something for almost everyone.
Here are a few favorite ways to spend a day in Savannah:
Explore the Historic District
Savannah’s Historic District is one of the best places to begin your visit. Take your time walking through the streets and public squares while admiring the beautiful homes and historic buildings.
You never know what you might discover. A quiet garden, historic church, interesting shop, or beautiful building could be waiting just around the corner.
Visit Savannah’s Famous Squares
Savannah is known for its unique system of public squares. These green spaces provide a peaceful place to take a break from sightseeing and enjoy the city’s natural beauty.
Bring your camera, sit on a bench, or simply enjoy watching the activity around you.
Take a Walking or Trolley Tour
A guided tour can be a great way to learn more about Savannah’s fascinating past. Tours are available on foot, by trolley, and through other transportation options.
Visitors can choose from general history tours, architecture tours, food tours, ghost tours, and other specialty experiences.
Explore River Street
River Street is one of Savannah’s most popular areas for visitors. Located along the waterfront, it offers restaurants, shops, entertainment, and excellent views of the Savannah River.
The historic atmosphere makes it a wonderful place to spend an afternoon or evening.
Discover Savannah’s Art and Culture
Savannah has a strong artistic and creative community. Visitors can explore galleries, museums, public art, and cultural events throughout the city.
If you enjoy photography, painting, architecture, or history, you will find plenty of inspiration in Savannah.
Take a Ghost Tour
For visitors looking for something a little different, Savannah is well known for its ghost stories and mysterious history. Evening ghost tours are a popular way to explore another side of the city.
Whether you believe in ghosts or simply enjoy a good story, these tours can provide an entertaining nighttime adventure.
Where to Eat
Since you are likely to spend much of the day walking and exploring, you will definitely need to fuel up. Fortunately, Savannah is filled with restaurants offering everything from classic Southern comfort food to fresh seafood and international cuisine.
Visitors should consider trying some of the flavors associated with the region. Southern favorites can include shrimp and grits, fried chicken, biscuits, barbecue, fresh seafood, and other traditional dishes.
Downtown Savannah offers plenty of opportunities to stop for breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, or dessert. You can choose a casual café, a historic restaurant, a waterfront dining location, or an elegant dining experience.
One of the best ways to experience Savannah is to leave room in your schedule for spontaneous discoveries. Sometimes the most memorable meal of your trip may come from a small restaurant you happen to discover while walking through the city.
If you have extra time, consider taking a food tour. These experiences can introduce visitors to several restaurants and local specialties while also providing interesting information about Savannah’s history and culture.
Where to Stay
If you are doing more than just taking a cruise to Savannah, you may want to stay awhile. One day is often enough to introduce you to the city, but several days will give you a chance to explore at a more relaxed pace.
Whether you want to stay right in the heart of downtown or prefer accommodations outside the city center, Savannah offers plenty of lodging choices.
Visitors can choose from:
- Historic hotels
- Modern hotels
- Boutique accommodations
- Bed and breakfasts
- Vacation rentals
- Apartment-style accommodations
- Campgrounds
- RV parks
- Resorts
If you have a large group or are traveling with a big family, a vacation rental or apartment-style accommodation may provide additional space and flexibility. These options can be especially convenient for visitors who plan to stay several days and want room to relax between sightseeing adventures.
Staying near the Historic District can make it easier to walk to many popular attractions, restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. However, accommodations outside the downtown area may offer additional space and sometimes provide a quieter setting.
Make Savannah More Than a Port of Call
A cruise to Savannah can be much more than a brief stop on your travel itinerary. This beautiful Southern city offers enough history, entertainment, food, architecture, and natural beauty to keep visitors busy for days.
Take a narrated cruise along the river, explore historic streets, enjoy live entertainment, experience Savannah after dark, and sample some of the city’s delicious food. Then slow down and spend some time discovering the unexpected places that make Savannah so special.
Whether you are visiting for a few hours, a full day, or an extended vacation, Savannah offers a memorable combination of history and hospitality. From the excitement of the waterfront to the peaceful beauty of its historic squares, every visit provides an opportunity to discover something new.
Once you experience Savannah from the water and explore its charming streets, you may find yourself planning your next visit before your current trip has even ended.
