Savannah’s Hidden Gems to Explore

• Bonaventure Cemetery – A hauntingly beautiful historic cemetery with intricate headstones, live oaks, and Spanish moss.
• Wormsloe Historic Site – Famous for its picturesque oak-lined driveway, trails, and ruins of Georgia’s oldest tabby structure.
• The Paris Market – A charming boutique with curated home goods, antiques, and a cozy café, perfect for a quiet afternoon.
• Cathedral of St. John the Baptist – A stunning cathedral often overlooked by tourists sticking to River Street.
• The Graveface Museum – A quirky museum with oddities, horror memorabilia, and true crime exhibits.
• Skidaway Island State Park – A peaceful retreat with scenic trails, boardwalks, and abundant wildlife.
• The Davenport House Museum – A lesser-visited historic home showcasing early 19th-century Savannah life and architecture.
• Isle of Hope and Bluff Drive – A picturesque neighborhood with waterfront views and historic cottages.
• Starland District – An artsy area filled with local galleries, vintage shops, and unique eateries.
• Pin Point Heritage Museum – A waterfront museum highlighting Gullah-Geechee culture and local African American history.

Nature Spots:

• Oatland Island Wildlife Center – A serene nature preserve with trails winding through marshes and forests, home to rescued wildlife like wolves and bobcats.
• Butter Bean Beach – A quiet, tucked-away beach perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or enjoying a sunset without the crowds.
• Laurel Grove Cemetery – Less famous than Bonaventure but just as beautiful, with winding paths and intricate, historic graves.
• Whitemarsh Preserve – A hidden trail system perfect for hiking, biking, and spotting local wildlife in a peaceful setting.
• McQueen’s Island Trail – A scenic trail along an old railroad line, offering views of salt marshes and plenty of birdwatching opportunities.

Artsy Hangouts:

• Graveface Records & Curiosities – A vinyl shop meets oddity museum, full of records, vintage finds, and quirky art pieces.
• Sulfur Studios – A contemporary art space hosting rotating exhibits, open studios, and creative community events.
• The Sentient Bean – A cozy, art-filled coffee shop that doubles as a venue for live music, poetry readings, and indie film screenings.
• Starland Yard – A vibrant outdoor venue with food trucks, colorful murals, and plenty of space to hang out and catch local art shows.
• Savannah African Art Museum – A lesser-known gem showcasing a rich collection of West and Central African art, with free guided tours.

Hidden Gem Parks:

• Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens – A peaceful, sprawling garden with vibrant flowers, bamboo groves, and quiet walking trails.
• Forsyth Park Fragrant Garden – A tucked-away sensory garden within the iconic park, filled with aromatic plants.
• Amherst Street Park – A small, quiet park along the water with benches and scenic views, perfect for a picnic.
• Wormsloe State Historic Site – Famous for its stunning oak-lined entrance, with trails leading through historic ruins and marshland.

Local Food Spots:

• Back in the Day Bakery – A cozy, vintage-style bakery serving up delicious, scratch-made pastries and biscuits.
• The Wyld Dock Bar – A laid-back waterside eatery with seafood, fire pits, and gorgeous sunset views.
• Bull Street Taco – A neighborhood spot with creative tacos, vibrant decor, and a relaxed vibe.
• Green Truck Pub – A hidden gem for juicy burgers and locally sourced ingredients in a casual setting.

Historical Hidden Gems:

• Pin Point Heritage Museum – A small museum dedicated to Gullah-Geechee culture, located in a former oyster factory.
• The Harper Fowlkes House – An underrated historic home with beautiful architecture and fascinating stories.
• Old Fort Jackson – A lesser-known fort with interactive cannon firings and panoramic river views.
• Laurel Grove Cemetery – A quieter, more intimate alternative to Bonaventure, with historic graves and serene pathways.

Outdoor Adventures:

• Skidaway Island State Park – Perfect for hiking, with lush trails, scenic marsh views, and wildlife spotting.
• McQueen’s Island Trail – A peaceful, off-the-beaten-path trail along an old railroad line, great for biking or walking.
• Lake Mayer Park – A local favorite for fishing, kayaking, and jogging around the lake.
• Kayaking in Ebenezer Creek – A magical paddle through blackwater swamps, surrounded by ancient cypress trees.

Savannah Food Trucks:

• Chazito’s Latin Cuisine – Serving up flavorful Puerto Rican dishes like empanadas, mofongo, and tostones.
• The Naked Dog – Gourmet hot dogs with creative toppings, perfect for a quick and delicious bite.
• Dark Shark Taco Attack – A local favorite for bold, flavorful tacos and fresh ingredients.
• Yoshi’s Kitchen – A fusion food truck blending Japanese and Southern flavors in unique dishes.
• Big Bon Pizza – Wood-fired pizzas with crispy crusts and inventive toppings, often parked in the Starland District.
• BowTie Barbecue Co. – A food truck version of their restaurant, serving up smoky BBQ classics and tasty sides.

Nature & Scenic Spots:

• Butter Bean Beach – A peaceful riverside spot perfect for kayaking, fishing, or catching a sunset.
• Whitemarsh Island Nature Trail – A quiet, marsh-lined trail where you can stroll and spot wildlife.
• Isle of Hope Marina – A picturesque waterfront with historic homes and oak-lined streets.

Historic & Cultural Gems:

• Pin Point Heritage Museum – A small but powerful museum showcasing Gullah-Geechee history in a former oyster factory.
• The Harper Fowlkes House – An underrated historic home with stunning architecture and lush gardens.
• Savannah History Museum – Tucked inside an old railway station, this museum offers deep insights into the city’s past.

Artsy Hangouts:

• Sulfur Studios – A creative hub with local art exhibits, open studios, and community events.
• Graveface Records & Curiosities – A quirky record store with vintage finds, oddities, and underground vibes.
• Starland Yard – A vibrant gathering spot with rotating food trucks, murals, and live music.

Hidden Foodie Finds:

• The Wyld Dock Bar – A laid-back seafood spot with marsh views and fire pits.
• Back in the Day Bakery – A cozy bakery known for mouthwatering biscuits and old-fashioned treats.
• Mint to Be Mojito Bar & Bites – A colorful spot serving up authentic Cuban flavors and refreshing drinks.

Outdoor Adventures:

• Kayak Ebenezer Creek – Paddle through a hauntingly beautiful blackwater swamp lined with ancient cypress trees.
• McQueen’s Island Trail – A peaceful, off-the-beaten-path trail along an old railway, perfect for biking or walking.
• Skidaway Island State Park Night Hikes – Explore the park’s trails under the stars for a unique nighttime adventure.

History & Culture:

• Bonaventure After Hours Tour – Take a twilight tour of this iconic cemetery to hear eerie stories and local legends.
• Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum – A powerful museum highlighting Savannah’s role in the civil rights movement.
• Fort Pulaski National Monument – A historic fort with lesser-known trails, cannon firings, and panoramic water views.

Creative & Artsy Activities:

• First Friday Art March – A local art crawl through Savannah’s Starland District, with galleries, live music, and street food.
• Pinch of the Past Architectural Salvage – A treasure trove of vintage architectural pieces, perfect for inspiration or unique souvenirs.
• The Sentient Bean Open Mic Nights – A cozy coffee shop hosting live music, poetry readings, and indie performances.

Unique Food & Drink Experiences:

• Savannah Secret Speakeasy – Hunt for hidden cocktail bars with vintage vibes and expertly crafted drinks.
• Fork & Dagger Latin Diner – A fusion diner serving up bold Latin flavors in a casual, artsy atmosphere.
• Starland Strange & Bazaar – A funky market with local artisans, vintage goods, and pop-up food vendors.

Hidden Gem Beaches:

• Little Tybee Island – A pristine, uninhabited barrier island accessible only by boat or kayak, perfect for secluded beach days and wildlife watching.
• Cockspur Island – A quiet beach near Fort Pulaski with scenic views and a historic lighthouse.
• North Beach on Tybee Island – Less crowded than the main beach, with a peaceful vibe and nearby nature trails.

Lesser-Known Foodie Spots:

• The Wyld Dock Bar – A tucked-away waterfront spot serving fresh seafood and craft cocktails with stunning marsh views.
• BowTie Barbecue Co. (Food Truck) – A mobile gem offering smoky BBQ dishes with unique twists.
• Pie Society – A cozy British-style bakery serving savory pies and classic desserts.

Hidden Historical Treasures:

• Pin Point Heritage Museum – A small museum dedicated to Gullah-Geechee culture, housed in a former oyster and crab factory.
• The Harper Fowlkes House – A lesser-known historic home with beautiful architecture and rich local history.
• Bonaventure Cemetery (Off the Main Path) – Wander past the famous graves to find quiet, moss-draped corners full of mystery.

Outdoor Adventures:

• Ebenezer Creek – Kayak through ancient cypress trees in a hauntingly beautiful blackwater swamp.
• McQueen’s Island Trail – A scenic trail along an old railroad bed, perfect for biking or walking with marsh views.
• Skidaway Island State Park – A peaceful escape with winding trails, boardwalks, and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Secluded Nature & Coastal Spots:

• Wassaw Island – A remote barrier island accessible only by boat, perfect for exploring untouched beaches and spotting wildlife.
• Butter Bean Beach – A peaceful riverside beach, great for kayaking, fishing, or a quiet sunset.
• Savannah National Wildlife Refuge – Just outside the city, this refuge offers scenic drives and trails through marshes teeming with birds and alligators.

Hidden Food & Drink Gems:

• The Vault Kitchen & Market – A stylish, hidden-away eatery in a former bank, serving up Asian fusion dishes.
• Treylor Park Hitch – A quirky spot with creative comfort food, like PB&J chicken wings and shrimp & grits tacos.
• Common Thread – A lesser-known gem focusing on locally sourced ingredients and elevated Southern flavors.

Under-the-Radar Historic Sites:

• The Davenport House Museum – A beautifully preserved Federal-style home with guided tours that share intimate stories of early Savannah life.
• Laurel Grove Cemetery – Often overshadowed by Bonaventure, this historic cemetery is full of intricate headstones and peaceful paths.
• Fort McAllister State Park – A well-preserved Civil War fort with scenic trails, a riverfront, and fascinating history.

Adventure & Exploration:

• Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge – A hidden gem for birdwatching, with trails winding through woodlands, marshes, and old airstrips.
• Moon River District – A quieter area with beautiful waterways, hidden trails, and rustic seafood spots.
• Tybee Island Back River Beach – A quieter alternative to the main beach, ideal for shell hunting and dolphin watching.

Hidden Bars & Speakeasies:

• Alley Cat Lounge – A tucked-away basement bar with a massive cocktail menu and vintage vibes.
• Mata Hari’s Speakeasy – A secret bar requiring a physical key for entry, with dim lighting and jazz music.
• The Peacock Lounge – A cozy, art-deco-inspired bar with creative cocktails and an intimate atmosphere.

Live Music & Performances:

• The Wormhole – A dive bar and music venue hosting live bands, comedy shows, and even karaoke nights.
• El-Rocko Lounge – A funky bar with glittering gold decor, live music, and a laid-back crowd.
• Jazz’d Tapas Bar – A subterranean spot with live jazz music and delicious small plates.

Unique Nightlife Experiences:

• Club One – Savannah’s iconic drag club, famous for high-energy shows and an inclusive atmosphere.
• Starland Yard – A lively outdoor venue with rotating food trucks, local art, and occasional DJ sets or live bands.
• Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos – A raucous, interactive piano bar where the audience helps shape the night’s playlist.

Chill Speakeasy Vibes:

• Alley Cat Lounge – A hidden basement bar with an extensive cocktail menu and relaxed, vintage charm. Perfect for unwinding with a crafted drink.
• Mata Hari’s Speakeasy – An exclusive bar with a secret entrance, dim lighting, and sultry jazz music. Great for an intimate, mysterious night.
• The Peacock Lounge – A small, beautifully decorated bar with art-deco aesthetics and unique cocktails — perfect for low-key conversations.

Live Music & Laid-Back Fun:

• El-Rocko Lounge – A quirky bar with glittering gold decor, live local bands, and an eclectic vibe.
• Jazz’d Tapas Bar – A basement venue offering smooth live jazz, delicious small plates, and a sophisticated atmosphere.
• The Wormhole – A dive bar with regular live music, comedy nights, and a casual, welcoming crowd.

Dance Party & High-Energy Nights:

• Club One – A legendary drag club with lively shows, a dance floor, and an inclusive, electric atmosphere.
• Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos – A rowdy piano bar with audience-driven performances, sing-alongs, and lots of energy.
• Barrelhouse South – A bar-meets-music venue with live rock bands and a dance-ready crowd.