Why Is Savannah, Georgia, Famous?

Did you know Savannah, GA, attracted a record-breaking 17 million visitors in 2023?

Many tourists are beginning to realize Savannah has so much to offer as a vacation destination (even though we've known it this whole time — wink!). The reason? Savannah's rich history, vibrant culture, haunted past, beautiful architecture, and culinary scene make it a can't-miss vacation spot in the US.

Below, we've rounded up some fun facts about Savannah and the city's history to help you better understand why tourists love "The Hostess City” — and to maybe inspire your next getaway, too!

9 Fascinating (& Fun!) Facts About Savannah, GA

1. Savannah Is Known as "America's Most Haunted City"

If you're a fan of spooky ghost tours and spine-chilling haunted stories, you'll be pleased to learn that Savannah is not just one of the most haunted cities in America — it's considered by many to be the most haunted city in the entire country!

While visiting Savannah, one of the best ways to explore the city's haunted hotels, houses, and cemeteries, including Bonaventure Cemetery and the Mercer Williams House Museum, is to embark on a ghost tour in Savannah. While there are dozens to choose from, our team at South Key Management highly recommends Blue Orb Tours and The Witching Hour Paranormal Ghost Tours.

2. Historic Savannah Is Pedestrian-Friendly

Don't have a rental car in Savannah? No problem! Savannah is a walkable city, which is convenient for tourists who are flying in from across the country and want to save on the cost of a rental car.

If you're staying in Savannah's Historic District, all the city's most notable attractions should be within walking distance of your vacation rental — from the cobblestone streets of River Street and beautiful architecture on Jones Street to the lush greenery, old oak trees, and Spanish moss in Forsyth Park.

3. You Can Walk Around With Your Drinks In a To-Go Cup in the Savannah Historic District

If you're out for dinner at one of the best restaurants in Savannah and don't have time to finish your drink before leaving — don't chug it just yet! You can take your drinks in a to-go cup to enjoy while walking around Downtown Savannah, as long as you stay within the boundaries of the Historic District (from River Street to Jones Street and from West Boundary Street to East Broad Street).

You can even pop into the best bars in Savannah and order a drink to-go at the bar without sitting down at a table. Grabbing a cold cocktail is a great thing to do on a hot, sunny day or to take the edge off during a hauntingly scary ghost tour.

4. Savannah Is Home to the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, the Founder of the Girl Scouts

If you've ever devoured a box of Thin Mints, Samoas, or Tagalongs sold to you by a troop of Girl Scouts — you have a Savannah native to thank!

Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA, was born and raised in Savannah before launching the Girl Scouts in 1912. While in Savannah, you can visit the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum to learn more about how this impactful woman shaped the course of women's history through her leadership, life, and legacy.

5. Many Famous Books and Movies Take Place in Savannah, GA

You might not realize it, but Savannah could be the filming site of one of your favorite movies or TV shows. One of the most popular movies filmed in Savannah — Forrest Gump — features several locations in and around Savannah, including Chippewa Square, where the iconic bench scene was filmed.

Other famous movies filmed in Savannah include Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (based on a book about real-life events), The Last Song, Something to Talk About, and Lady and the Tramp.

6. Savannah's First African Baptist Church Was the First Black Church in the Country

The First African Baptist Church, located on Montgomery Street in Downtown Savannah, is the oldest Black church in North America, founded in 1777.

In addition to its long-standing history as a place of worship for the Black community, First African Baptist Church played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement as a stop on the Underground Railroad. You can learn more about this church's fascinating history and see the church’s original light fixtures, pews, and baptismal pool on a tour of the church while visiting Savannah.

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7. Savannah Is Considered "America's First Planned City."

Savannah's Historic District is often considered one of the first "planned" cities in the United States.

General James Oglethorpe, who founded the Savannah on the Savannah River in 1733, planned the city to be built in a grid pattern, weaving residential blocks and public squares together in an ingenious design. This original design was executed and has been well-preserved for nearly 300 years, with 22 out of 24 of the original squares still standing today and a design that accommodates both traffic and pedestrians well.

8. Savannah's History Offers an Enlightening Glimpse Into the Revolutionary War and Civil War

Savannah's rich history dates back to the early 1700s. This means the city was around for two of the country's most crucial events — the American Revolutionary War and the Civil War.

When it was still called the "British Colony of Savannah," Savannah played a critical role in the Revolutionary War as a strategic port city and was the site of several battles, most notably the Siege of Savannah in 1779. During the Civil War, Savannah was one of the only towns left untouched during General Sherman's catastrophic "March to the Sea" in 1864 before he surrendered to Union Forces in April 1865. During your visit, you can learn about Savannah's history at the Savannah History Museum and other museums around the city.

9. Savannah Is a Short Drive From Beautiful Beaches in Georgia and South Carolina

Savannah, GA, might be built on a river, but fortunately for beach lovers, it's only a 30-minute to one-hour drive away from some of the most beautiful beaches in the Southeast, including Hilton Head Island, Dafuskie Island, and, more importantly — Tybee Island.

Tybee Island, considered "Savannah's Beach," is just a 30-minute drive from Historic Savannah and offers several gorgeous beaches to explore, plenty of local shopping, delicious coastal dining, and other fun things to do, including dolphin-watching tours and climbing to the top of the Tybee Island Lighthouse (the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Savannah!).

Discover What Makes Savannah, GA, Special During a Stay at a Charming Vacation Rental in Downtown Savannah

Savannah, GA, is famous for a reason. Our city is filled with fascinating history, vibrant culture, and, most importantly — plenty of fun!

So, what are you waiting for? Plan your next vacation to Savannah, GA, to see what makes our southern city so special. If you're looking for somewhere to stay in the heart of Savannah's Historic District, browse our collection of beautiful vacation rentals to find the perfect "home away from home" that blends historic charm with modern convenience. We can't wait to host you when you visit Savannah!

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