Things to Do in Savannah
(Beyond Bar-Hopping)
Looking to make the most of Savannah—without relying on bars or generic tourist traps? This curated list highlights unique experiences that go beyond the usual stroll-and-sip routine. Whether you're into improv and rooftop views, giant ships slipping between historic buildings, or river cruises and mini golf, you'll find something memorable to do. Use this guide to plan your perfect mix of fun, creativity, nature, and surprise—Savannah style.
🎭 Live Shows & Theater
Savannah’s theater and music scene mixes historic charm with modern acts—perfect for a night out that feels uniquely local.
🕺 Front Porch Improv
High-energy local improv shows packed with personality. It’s a short Uber/Lyft ride from downtown but worth the trip.
🎶 Music at Plant Riverside
Live music plays many nights along the riverfront at Plant Riverside, ranging from jazz to cover bands to acoustic sets. Great for listening to music while watching boats pass in the river.
🎦 Lucas Theatre
Classic 1921 venue with concerts, indie films, and SCAD events.
🎧 District Live at Plant Riverside
An indoor venue hosting national touring acts, tribute bands, and local concerts. A more polished live experience right in the Plant Riverside District.
🎦 Trustees Theatre (right next to Leopold’s)
A beautifully restored Art Deco venue owned by SCAD, hosting film festivals, concerts, and special screenings.
🎤 Savannah Theatre
America’s oldest continuously operating theater, famous for lively musical revues.
🧰 Play & Compete
Challenge your crew to an escape room, arcade game, or round of mini golf. These activities add just the right dose of fun and/or competition.
🔐 Escape Rooms
The Escape Company and Encryption Escape sit very close to each other in the North Historic District near City Market and both offer immersive, themed escape rooms ideal for groups. While The Escape Company leans into dramatic set design and a lively atmosphere—with a cocktail bar on-site for post-game hangs—Encryption Escape is a bit more cerebral, focusing on puzzle quality and room difficulty. Both are solid picks for friends or families looking to challenge themselves and laugh along the way.
🎳 Broughton Street Bowl and Brew
A stylish entertainment space on the east side of Broughton Street featuring duckpin bowling lanes, retro arcade games, a full bar, and live music on weekends — and surprisingly good food. It’s a fun indoor pick for groups, date nights, or a rainy-day hang.
⛳️ Bogey’s Sports Bar + Mini Golf
Just 12 minutes from downtown on the way to Tybee, Bogey’s combines mini golf, batting cages, pool tables, and a small arcade—all with food and a bar on site. You can even play mini golf with a drink in hand (putting accuracy not guaranteed), making it a perfect casual stop for families or groups. It’s also perfect if you’re spending a half-day at Tybee. You can sneak in a little mini golf before heading back downtown.
🚲 Group Pedal Biking
See the city in motion—choose group fun or a private ride. Extremely popular with bridal parties, but it’s also a fun family activity if there are enough of you.
🧐 Trivia, Games & Local Fun
Looking for laid-back fun with a local twist? These spots offer trivia nights, yard games, and social energy without the bar crawl.
🧠 Trivia Nights
Starland Yard: Outdoor trivia, karaoke, pizza, and more. starlandyard.com
Service Brewing: Trivia, Thursday run club, beer yoga, darts. servicebrewing.com
🌿Cornhole at Plant Riverside
Sometimes they remove the corn hole boards for events, but, more often than not, they have them out in the grassy area by the Starbucks. It’s a fun thing to do with/without kids, and with a waterfront view!
🏞️ Nature & Day Trips
Slow down and soak up Savannah’s natural side, from dolphin cruises to paddleboard adventures and picture-perfect parks.
🛶 Kayak Tours
Guided eco-tours or solo rentals for nature lovers and photographers. This is a great departure — especially in the summer — from the heat of downtown Savannah!
🏖️ Tybee Island
Take a quick drive (about 20-25 minutes) via Uber or Lyft out to Tybee for an easy, breezy day-trip. Swim, relax, or hop on a dolphin tour—Tybee’s playful dolphin population is one of the most active along the Southeast coast. It’s the kind of coastal escape most visitors skip, but absolutely shouldn’t. Here are the tours we personally recommend: The Savannah Shuttle one below includes transportation!
🌊 Paddleboard Tours
Calm water adventures through marshes and tidal creeks around Tybee. You can rent the boards or take a tour. This is only about 20 minutes away and easy to get there via Uber or Lyft.
🧺 Picnic in Forsyth Park
Picnic under Spanish moss in Savannah’s most iconic park—a simple pleasure many visitors overlook. Fall and spring offer ideal weather for lounging in the fields, and nearby spots like Provisions and Urban Deli make grabbing supplies easy. It’s an effortlessly charming way to spend an afternoon.
🍍Savannah-Only Vibes
Some experiences just feel like Savannah. These hometown favorites bring the city’s quirky, creative spirit to life.
📚 E. Shaver’s Cats
Step into one of the coziest indie bookstores in the South, tucked into a historic building just off Madison Square. Beyond the shelves of thoughtfully curated titles, you’ll find a couple of resident cats lounging in windows or curled up beside the register. It's a peaceful escape for readers, writers, and cat lovers alike. eshaverbooks.com
⚾ Savannah Bananas
Part baseball game, part variety show, the Savannah Bananas have transformed minor league sports into a viral spectacle. Expect dance routines, banana-themed antics, and wild twists on traditional rules—all in a stadium buzzing with energy. It’s an experience you don’t just watch—you become part of the show. thesavannahbananas.com
🏒 Savannah Ghost Pirates
Savannah’s very own minor league hockey team brings fast-paced action and serious crowd enthusiasm to Enmarket Arena. With creative theme nights, slick branding, and a devoted fan base, the Ghost Pirates offer a cool-weather counterpoint to the city’s warm charm. Even non-hockey fans get swept up in the fun. ghostpirateshockey.com
🎟️ Enmarket Arena Events
As Savannah’s premier indoor venue, Enmarket Arena hosts everything from chart-topping concerts and comedy tours to sporting events and expos. Whether you're catching a big-name act or a local showcase, it’s your go-to destination for high-energy, big-stage entertainment.
🌺 Scenic Strolls & Iconic Moments
From riverfront rambles to once-in-a-lifetime photo ops, these local walks and moments bring Savannah’s character into full view.
🚢 Time a Photo with a Container Ship
Capture a surreal moment as a towering cargo ship slips between old brick buildings. Best spot: Plant Riverside near JW Marriott.
🥤 Walk the Riverwalk to Bar Julian
Take a 1.5-mile walk along the Savannah River from Plant Riverside to Eastern Wharf. End at Bar Julian on top of the Thompson Hotel for panoramic rooftop views.
