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Free Things to Do in Savannah, Georga

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If you’re looking for free things to do in Savannah, GA then this is the post you want to read. We have collected the top things to do that are not only fun, but are also educational. 

Your Guide to Free Things to Do in Savannah

Visit the Squares of Savannah

When General James Oglethrope landed in Savannah in 1733, he was the architect of the city streets and planned out the squares.  The 22 squares are all free to visit of course and provide lush greenery and interesting history. Here are our top squares to visit: 

  1. Forsyth Park: This is where the famous fountain that’s used to represent Savannah is located and is the perfect photo location for your group. There’s also a public playground and large expanse of space to have a picnic as well. 
  2. Chippewa Square: was made famous by the film Forrest Gump and is where Actor Tom Hanks sat on the bench. The bench is no longer there and can be viewd in the Savannah History Museum (included with TourPass). 
  3. Monterey Square: A large statue of Native American Chief Tomochichi and his grave site are located here as well. 

River Street

Is located along the Savannah savannah skyline River and is where merchant ships unloaded and loaded the cotton and goods brought from overseas and also shipped abroad. The buildings along River Street were where cotton was stored and Cotton Factors where the people who bought and sold cotton and controlled the prices of the valuable commodity. 

Today you can stroll River Street and enjoy the many merchant shops, restaurants, bars and take a Savannah Riverboat Cruise (included on TourPass). 

 

 

Tour Pass Logo Want to save money and visit all that Savannah has to offer? If so, then we recommend purchasing TourPass Savannah. You can purchase a 1-day pass which will more than pay for itself by visiting only 3 attractions. 

The City Market

city market City Market is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. An ode to the original City Market, which was used by farmers and traders in the 18th century to sell their goods, the open-air market has a little bit of something for everyone. There are several gift shops that boast an array of Savannah souvenirs and other goodies, among them All Things Georgia, Trolley Stop Gifts and Cinnamon Bear. Specialty retailers include Twinkle, which features fun fashion accessories, perfumery Scents of Savannah, bookstore Savannah Prose and Poetry, and Savannah Cigars. In addition to great shops, City Market also has a number of places to grab a light snack, sweet treat or hearty meal.

Tybee Island Beach

tybee island beachOnce known as the “playground of the southeast,” this quirky beach town on the Atlantic coast some 20 minutes from downtown Savannah, offers the perfect beach escape. South Beach – the busiest area – extends south from 14th St and features soft sands, mild waves and rotating lifeguards making it an ideal spot for families and light swimmers. Restaurants, shops, bars, hotels and motels are just a few steps away, providing a perfect family experience. North Beach – the closest to Savannah – presents a quieter scene. The sand here is peppered with shells may not be as soft, but the view of Tybee Lighthouse across the road is an added bonus. Access to restaurants, public restrooms and shops is easy at the beach near the Tybee Pier and Pavilion. Attractions on the island include the Tybee Marine Science Center and the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum. Several festivals throughout the year draw lively crowds, among them the Beach Bum Parade in the spring and the Pirates Fest in the fall.

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

St. John Cathedral Dating back to 1799, this is the oldest Catholic Church in Georgia and is the Mother Church of the Roman Catholic Dioceses of Savannah. Its current Victorian Gothic form with its imposing twin spires is the result of being rebuilt and reformed to its former glory in 1900 after a devastating fire ravaged it. The building was renovated again between 1998 and 2000. During that time, the 24 distinctive Renaissance-style murals were restored, a new altar and baptismal font crafted from Carrara marble were added, as was a new pulpit with engravings of the four evangelists. Inside, you’ll also find 1904 stained-glass windows from Austria, large carved wooden Stations of the Cross (created in Munich, Germany, and installed in 1900), and a 2,081-lb Noack pipe organ. Visitors are welcome to tour the cathedral daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The public may attend noon mass Monday through Saturday, however, no pictures are allowed during the service.

Bonaventure Cemetery

bonaventure cemetery A visit to a cemetery might not immediately come to mind as a romantic outing, but Bonaventure is no ordinary cemetery. The storied 150-year-old resting place of many of Savannah’s glitterati, perched on a bluff overlooking the Wilmington River was once the site of Bonaventure Plantation. Striking sculptures, monuments and elaborate burial vaults adorn the 160-acres dotted by graceful, moss-draped live oak trees. Visitors can explore mid-19th century gravesites with breathtaking views of the nearby river, or venture further to the Greenwich section and hike the area with its reflection pond, river and marsh. The newer Greenwich section was once the scene of early 20th-century silent films.

Oatland Island Wildlife Center

oatland island wildlife center Although not free (small entrance fee), The Oatland Island Wildlife Center of Savannah is home to more than 150 animals from 50 different species. The animals are exhibited in large natural habitats along a rustic trail through forest and marsh lands. The “Wolf Wilderness” exhibit features gray wolves, armadillos, flying squirrels, screech owls and a selection of reptiles. Along the trail are cougars, bobcats, bison, alligators, red fox and birds of prey. Cows, sheep, goats and rabbits can be viewed in the “Georgia Farm” area. The center is a unit of the Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education and is open daily from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The center is located 5 miles east of Historic Downtown Savannah on President Street (Islands Expressway).

Savannah Botanical Gardens

savannah botanical garden Owned and operated by the Savannah Area Council of Garden Clubs, this beautiful botanical garden features an array of diverse plant life, including a rose garden, perennial garden, camellia collection, fern garden, herb parterre, vegetable garden and children’s garden, along with a native plant collection and more. The sprawling green space also features a two-acre pond, peaceful walking trails, an amphitheater and the historic Reinhard House, a 19th-century vernacular farmhouse. The garden is open every day during daylight hours throughout the year. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. The garden’s walkways are largely wheelchair accessible, and benches are located throughout.

Colonial Park Cemetery

colonial park cemetery, savannah Colonial Park Cemetery was established in 1750. Having served as Savannah’s only cemetery for more than a century, the six-acre tract is the final resting place for more than 9,000 Savannah residents who died between 1750 and 1853. Like many cemeteries of the same age, Colonial Park has separate areas for the graves of Jews, Negroes and “strangers.” Many graves are distinguished by special markers placed by the Georgia Historical Commission, highlighting an individual who had special historic significance: 

  • Button Gwinnet Grave – Perhaps the most famous
    person to be interred in Colonial Park is Button
    Gwinnet. A signer of the Declaration of
    Independence, he was killed in a duel with Gen.
    Lachlan McIntosh, who also is buried here.
  • Yellow Fever Epidemic – It is estimated that more
    than 700 people who lost their lives in the tragic days
    of the yellow fever epidemic were laid to rest here,
    many in unmarked graves.
  • Gravestone Wall – Many of Colonial Park’s graves
    are unmarked. Visitors often comment about the
    headstones propped up against the cemetery walls.
    They were cleared by Union soldiers when Gen.
    Sherman used the cemetery as an army camp, and
    their original location was lost to history.

Buy a Savannah TourPass

tour pass mobile pass Visiting free attractions is great, however you won’t get a real feel for the city and learn it’s history without taking a few guided tours. TourPass includes all of the top attractions and museums and by visiting just 3 attractions it will more than pay for itself. View Savannah TourPass info

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1 DAY PASS

Adults: $119
Children: $66

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2 DAY PASS

Only $84 per day

Adults: $177 $168
Children: $94 $89

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3 DAY PASS

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St. Augustine Saving Examples

Pro Tip #1: Hop On Hop Off Trolleys

  • If you plan on riding the Hop On Hop Off Trolley you can park for free at the Trolley bus station. If staying in the historic district they will also provide hotel pick-up (call them to schedule). 
  • If you want to ride the Hop On Hop Off Trolley for more than 1-day, you can use an additional Featured Tour or we recommend upgrading your 1-day ticket to multiple days when you get there. You’ll have to pay out-of-pocket to upgrade.

Pro Tip #2: Use Maps on Mobile Pass

  • Utilize the maps on the Mobile Pass you’ll receive after purchasing Tour Pass (interactive maps, attraction map, Trolley map and parking garage & restroom map). You can use the Mobile Pass for planning to see what’s near attractions of interest.

Day #1 Example Itinerary

  • Choose a total of 2 Featured Tours + Visit as Many Standard Attractions as You Wish for 1-Day.
  • The selections below are an example. You can choose whatever you want from the available tours.

Price w/o Tour Pass

Totals

1-Day per Person Savings = $47.69

Save 30% Off of Retail Ticket Prices

Day #3 Example Itinerary

  • Choose a total of 4 Featured Tours + Visit as Many Standard Attractions as You Wish for 3-Days.
  • The selections below are an example. You can choose whatever you want from the available tours.

Ticket Price w/o Tour Pass

Totals

3-Day per Person Savings = $139.14

Save 42% Off of Retail Ticket Prices

Savannah 

Saving Examples

Pro Tip #1: Hop On Hop Off Trolleys

  • If you plan on riding the Hop On Hop Off Trolley, ride it for 1-day to get familiarized with Savannah, then ride the free DOT Hop On Hop Off Trolley for additional days.
  • If you want to ride the narrated or paid Hop On Hop Off Trolley for more than 1-day, you can upgrade your 1-day ticket to multiple days when you get there. You’ll have to pay out-of-pocket to upgrade.
  • Park at the Visitor Center: 301 Martin Luther King Blvd.

Pro Tip #2: Use Maps on Mobile Pass

  • Utilize the maps on the Mobile Pass you’ll receive after purchasing Tour Pass (interactive maps, attraction map, Trolley map and parking garage & restroom map). You can use the Mobile Pass for planning to see what’s near attractions of interest.
  • Trolley maps are also available on the Mobile Pass.

Day #1 Example Itinerary

  • Choose a total of 2 Featured Tours + Visit as Many Standard Attractions as You Wish for 1-Day.
  • The selections below are an example. You can choose whatever you want from the available tours.

Price w/o Tour Pass

Totals

1-Day per Person Savings = $38.68

Save 25% Off of Retail Ticket Prices

Charleston Saving Examples

  • Pro Tip #1: Charleston has a free trolley (DASH) that you can ride for downtown transportation. There are 3 routes. All routes intersect at the Visitor’s Center (375 Meeting Street). To switch buses, get off at the Visitor Center and wait for the appropriate bus. We recommend parking here if you intend on riding the trolley.
  • Pro Tip #2: Utilize the maps on the Mobile Pass you’ll receive after purchasing Tour Pass (interactive maps, attraction map, Trolley map and parking garage & restroom map). You can use the Mobile Pass for planning to see what’s near attractions of interest.
  • Trolley maps are also available on the Mobile Pass.

Day #1 Example Itinerary

  • Choose a total of 2 Featured Tours + Visit as Many Standard Attractions as You Wish for 1-Day.
  • The selections below are an example. You can choose whatever you want from the available tours.

Price w/o Tour Pass

Totals

1-Day per Person Savings = $37

Save 25% Off of Retail Ticket Price

Day #2 Example Itinerary

  • Choose a total of 3 Featured Tours + Visit as Many Standard Attractions as You Wish for 2-Days.
  • The selections below are an example. You can choose whatever you want from the available tours.

Price w/o Tour Pass

Totals

2-Day per Person Savings = $91

Save 37% Off of Retail Ticket Prices

Day #3 Example Itinerary

  • Choose a total of 4 Featured Tours + Visit as Many Standard Attractions as You Wish for 3-Days.
  • The selections below are an example. You can choose whatever you want from the available tours.

Price w/o Tour Pass

Totals

3-Day per Person Savings = $127

Save 38% Off of Retail Ticket Prices

risk free gurantee

Pass purchases can be refunded (minus 3% credit card processing fees) if requested within thirty-days of purchase date (for unused passes). Optional Trip Protection (5% of total amount) can be purchased at checkout which extends the refund period up to one-year from purchase date. Conditions apply. View full refund policy by clicking button below.

Charleston Saving Examples

Save $111.40 per person which is 44% off of retail rates with a 3-day pass!

(Examples below are suggestions. You can choose whatever you’d like to do from the available tours/attractions.)


1-Day Pass Savings Example

Retail Price

1-Day Pass Includes: 2 featured tours + visit unlimited walk-in attractions for 1-day
Boone Hall Plantation (featured tour #1)$27
Carriage Tour (featured tour #2)$35
Nathaniel Russell House (walk-in)$12
Aiken Rhett House Museum (walk-in)$12
Charleston Fun Park (walk-in)$20
1-Day Without Pass$106
Cost of 1-Day Tour Pass($72)
Save 5%: Enter Email$3.60
Save per Person: 35% Off Retail=$37.60

1-Day Tour Pass Cost: $72

SAVE $37.60 PER PERSON, 35% OFF OF TICKET PRICES!


2-Day Pass Savings Example

Retail Price

2-Day Pass Includes: 3 featured tours + visit unlimited walk-in attractions for 2-days
Harbor Tour (featured tour #3)$30
Charleston Museum (walk-in)$12
McLeod Plantation (walk-in)$15
Charleston Tea Plantation (walk-in)$12
Deep Water Vineyards 9 wine tasting (walk-in)$7
2-Days Without Pass$182
Cost of 2-Day Tour Pass($117)
Save 5%. Enter Email$5.85
Save per Person: 39% Off Retail=$70.85

2-Day Tour Pass Cost: $117

SAVE $70.85 PER PERSON, 39% OFF OF TICKET PRICES!


3-Day Pass Savings Example

Retail Price

3-Day Pass Includes: 4 featured tours + visit unlimited walk-in attractions for 3-days
Ghost or History Walking Tour (featured tour #4)$30
Slave Mart Museum (walk-in)$8
Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon (walk-in)$10
Gibbes Museum of Art (walk-in)$12
Palmetto Brewing free flight (walk-in)$10
3-Days Without Pass$252
Cost of 3-Day Tour Pass ($148)
Save 5%. Enter Email$7.40
Save per Person: 44% Off Retail=$106.40

3-Day Tour Pass Cost: $148

SAVE $111.40 PER PERSON, 44% OFF OF TICKET PRICES!

There’s no denying the saving and convenience that Tour Pass offers! Plus you can book your tours in advance with our amazing Mobile Pass that includes maps and detailed attraction information. The more you do the more you save. Imagine how much more you could save with a 4 or 5-day pass!

Savannah Tour Pass Grid
Tour Pass Attraction Grid
tour pass charleston tour grid

Charleston Saving Examples

Save $111.40 per person which is 44% off of retail rates with a 3-day pass!

(Examples below are suggestions. You can choose whatever you’d like to do from the available tours/attractions.)


1-Day Pass Savings Example

Retail Price

1-Day Pass Includes: 2 featured tours + visit unlimited walk-in attractions for 1-day
Boone Hall Plantation (featured tour #1)$27
Carriage Tour (featured tour #2)$35
Nathaniel Russell House (walk-in)$12
Aiken Rhett House Museum (walk-in)$12
Charleston Fun Park (walk-in)$20
1-Day Without Pass$106
Cost of 1-Day Tour Pass($72)
Save 5%: Enter Email$3.60
Save per Person: 35% Off Retail=$37.60

1-Day Tour Pass Cost: $72

SAVE $37.60 PER PERSON, 35% OFF OF TICKET PRICES!


2-Day Pass Savings Example

Retail Price

2-Day Pass Includes: 3 featured tours + visit unlimited walk-in attractions for 2-days
Harbor Tour (featured tour #3)$30
Charleston Museum (walk-in)$12
McLeod Plantation (walk-in)$15
Charleston Tea Plantation (walk-in)$12
Deep Water Vineyards 9 wine tasting (walk-in)$7
2-Days Without Pass$182
Cost of 2-Day Tour Pass($117)
Save 5%. Enter Email$5.85
Save per Person: 39% Off Retail=$70.85

2-Day Tour Pass Cost: $117

SAVE $70.85 PER PERSON, 39% OFF OF TICKET PRICES!


3-Day Pass Savings Example

Retail Price

3-Day Pass Includes: 4 featured tours + visit unlimited walk-in attractions for 3-days
Ghost or History Walking Tour (featured tour #4)$30
Slave Mart Museum (walk-in)$8
Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon (walk-in)$10
Gibbes Museum of Art (walk-in)$12
Palmetto Brewing free flight (walk-in)$10
3-Days Without Pass$252
Cost of 3-Day Tour Pass ($148)
Save 5%. Enter Email$7.40
Save per Person: 44% Off Retail=$106.40

3-Day Tour Pass Cost: $148

SAVE $111.40 PER PERSON, 44% OFF OF TICKET PRICES!

There’s no denying the saving and convenience that Tour Pass offers! Plus you can book your tours in advance with our amazing Mobile Pass that includes maps and detailed attraction information. The more you do the more you save. Imagine how much more you could save with a 4 or 5-day pass!

risk free guarantee

Pass purchases can be refunded (minus 3% credit card processing fees) if requested within thirty-days of purchase date (for unused passes). Optional Trip Insurance can be purchased for a nominal fee at checkout which extends the refund period up to one-year from purchase date. Conditions apply. View full refund policy by clicking button below.