Savannah with the Family

Family journeys to theme parks and national parks are wonderful and can be filled with memories that will last a lifetime, but visits to towns and cities can be just as jam-packed and fun for members of the whole family.

Savannah, Georgia, is located just south of the South Carolina–Georgia border, situated conveniently near the shoreline. Attractions in Savannah run the gamut from ghost tours to great restaurants, beautiful parks and landmarks to the charming Tybee Island. There is no shortage of things for families to do in the city.

One of the coolest parts of visiting Savannah is the ability to walk for just a few minutes in any direction and come upon a new landmark, park or restaurant. Specifically, on the north side of town, just south of the Savannah River, there are parks every few blocks. These are great spaces to break up the walking and rest for a few minutes under lush foliage. If your family is traveling from the north, you will notice Spanish Moss hanging from the trees. This moss grows all throughout the south, but it really adds to the character of the town.

On your stroll through Savannah, make sure to make a stop at Forsyth Park. This major park is home to an iconic fountain and is a great opportunity for some impromptu family photos.

Canopy of oak trees covered in moss and path in Forsyth Park. Savannah, Georgia. Photo: Irina88w – Dreamstime.com

If you don’t want to walk the town on your own, there are always guided and professional tours. These are great for families with kids a little bit older who want to learn about the geography and history of the city.

While you’re in town, make sure to book some spots on one of the several water tours. There are several tours, ranging from sunset cruises and river excursions to dolphin sightseeing tours. The tours let groups see a different side of Savannah itself, but also a few of the nearby landmarks and wildlife.

After the water tours, consider some of the Savannah ghost tours. Whether mom and dad or kids believe in ghosts or not, there is no better place for a ghost tour than in one of the most haunted cities in the country. Ghost tours can be fun, but make sure your kids are comfortable with the nature of the tours. Some of these tours make stops at cemeteries and gravesites. One tour is even conducted via a hearse. This is an aspect of Savannah that shouldn’t be missed, but only if the entire family is well onboard.

After a full day of tours, you’re bound to be hungry. Check out a comprehensive list of dining options in Savannah so you can cater to the pickiest eaters in the family before you even arrive. Savannah’s diverse dining options mean there will be something to feed everyone, from those who love Southern flavors to folks happy eating the local flavors.

Savannah proper has tons of recreational, historical, spooky, fun and delicious attractions, but there is just as much to see in the vicinity beyond the city.

Tybee Island is a popular beach destination. Located just outside of the main metropolitan areas of Savannah, Tybee Island is accessible by route 80. The ride takes just 20 minutes.

Tybee Island Lighthouse. Photo: Robert Stephens – Dreamstime.com

Tybee Island is broken into three distinct beaches, each with its own unique flavors and reasons to visit. South Beach is the island’s busiest beach and is usually the one where most tourists flock. The beach has tons of parking, local restaurants, bars and some of the softest sand on Tybee Island. Mid Beach has no dedicated parking and has fewer amenities than South Beach. The result is fewer tourists, save for those staying at the single hotel on location. Finally, North Beach is where the locals typically go. Here, the sand isn’t as soft, but the crowds are much smaller than what is typically found on North Beach.

At the end of the day, any of these beaches will offer a great experience for visitors. If you want a different beach experience, the Savannah River beach and Back River beach offer dolphin viewing and serene atmosphere. Take care when visiting these beaches though, because there are no lifeguards serving these spots.

Tybee Island also acts as a staging area for many water sports and fishing itineraries. Deep sea fishing charters are perfect for family excursions and a great way to bond as a family. Aside from fishing, kayaking excursions and paddle boarding are also popular activities for water-minded families.

Savannah is a great destination, no matter how your family is traveling. When you consider nearby attractions, like Charleston, South Carolina, and other charming towns, there is no reason not to make this region a part of your next family trip.