City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Savannah, Georgia
With cobblestone streets, 18th-century architecture, horse-drawn carriages, historic cemeteries and waterfront views, Savannah is an excellent Atlantic Coast destination for history lovers as well as nature enthusiasts, boaters, and more. Located between Hilton Head, South Carolina and Fernandina Beach, Florida, the Georgia city sits on the Savannah River and the Wilmington River near the South Carolina border. It’s one of the largest National Historic District Landmarks districts in the U.S.
Let’s take a look at some things to do while boating or staying at a private boat dock for rent in Savannah.
Forsyth Park
Photo: Unsplash
Built in the 1950s, Forsyth Park sits on 30 acres in the historic district and features a relaxed setting of oak trees, Spanish moss, water fountains and ornamental iron fences. Modeled after the fountains at the Place de la Concorde in Paris, the park’s famous water fountain was installed in 1858. There are two playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, event space and a splash pad for hot summer days. Jazz and art festivals take place throughout the year. Don’t miss the Garden of Fragrance, which has fragrant flowers, plants and shrubs.
Riverboat Ride
Photo: Wikimedia
I think we can all agree that one of the best ways to see a city is by boat. You can board the Georgia Queen or the Savannah River Queen for a fun and relaxing cruise along the Savannah River. Dinner, sightseeing, sunset, gospel music and brunch cruises are all available aboard these historic-inspired riverboats (the Georgia Queen was built in 1995).
As you cruise for about an hour and a half, the captain will share facts and interesting trivia about the area and river’s connection to the city. Savannah Riverboat Cruises leave out of the port at E. River Street. An open-air top deck, grand ballrooms and that red and white paddlewheel make this one of our favorite things to do from a boat dock for rent in Savannah.
Flannery O’Connor House
Photo: Wikimedia
Dedicated to the life and works of the novelist, the Flannery O’Connor House is located across from Lafayette Square near St. John the Baptist Cathedral. O’Connor actually lived in the house from 1925 to 1938. Browse through two levels of exhibits. Don’t forget the gift shop for books, t-shirts, mugs and more.
Mercer Williams House
Photo: Wikimedia
Constructed of unique rose-colored bricks known as Philadelphia reds, the Mercer Williams House the house is a must see for its crystal chandeliers, ornate portraits, Chinese porcelain, 18th and 19-century antique furniture, original moldings and 15-foot ceilings. It was designed by New York architect John S. Norris for General Hugh W. Mercer (great-grandfather of songwriter Jonny Mercer). Construction began in 1860 and was completed in 1868.
If it sounds familiar, it was the setting for the 1995 book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt, as well as the 1997 movie of the same name (which was directed by Clint Eastwood and starred John Cusack and Kevin Spacey). Whether you’re a fan of the book or the movie, it makes a nice place to visit from a boat slip for rent.
Fans of the book will remember that iconic cover depicting the Bird Girl statue. Created in 1936, it was originally located at Savannah’s Bonaventure Cemetery. Due to mass popularity and visitors, it was moved to the Telfair Museums (Telfair Academy). So, check that out while you’re at Telfair.
Telfair Museum of Art
Photo: Wikimedia
The Telfair Museum of Art, founded in 1883, is one of the first public art museums in the South. The museum consists of three sites all within walking distance of each other. Visit two 1819 Regency-style mansion and a modern structure. All tell the story of Savannah’s architecture, history and people through American and European paintings, sculptures, photographs and other exhibits. We think it’s a great spot to visit from a private boat lift rental.
American Prohibition Museum
Photo: Wikimedia
One of the coolest museums around, the American Prohibition Museum is the first and only Prohibition-themed Museum in the country. It opened in May 2017 and is located next to Ellis Square in the City Market. Join a costumed tour guide and take a 45-minute guided tour of 1,000 artifacts and more than 35 wax figures spread out over 12 galleries. You’ll learn lots of interesting Prohibition facts and stories while learning about the gangsters, rum runners and other characters of the 1920s and 30s.
There’s even a speakeasy! You can get into it with a password. Called Congress Street Up, it’s located on Congress Street near the museum. The authentic 20s speakeasy bar has period music, costumed bartenders and Prohibition-era cocktails. Whisky and tequila tasting classes are offered as well.
Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
Photo: Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum (Facebook)
The Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is a terrific place for fans of the sea and maritime history. Founded in 1966, it features ship models, paintings, 18th and 19th century antiques, navigational tools and other maritime-related exhibits. Check out intricately detailed scale models of ships such as the Steamship Savannah, the Anne, the Wanderer and the RMS Titanic. It’s located at the elegant William Scarbrough House and Gardens, which was built in 1819 for one of the owners of the Steamship Savannah, the first steamship to cross the Atlantic.
Before you head back to a private boat lift for rent, take some time to wander through the gardens. Modeled after 19th-century parlor gardens, you’ll find a wide array of plants, including broad-leaf evergreens, camellias, magnolias, azaleas and large terracotta pots with seasonal blooming flowers. An interesting item is the Weather Bureau Kiosk, a cast-iron tool that was used by the U.S. Government weather station to record things like wind speed, velocity, temperature and barometric pressure.
We hope you’ve discovered some new sites to see the next time you’re in Savannah. If you’re in town for a week or just at a private boat slip rental for the weekend, have fun. Let us know your favorites!
