Stop by Savannah on Your Next Group Trip

What do you think of when you hear Savannah?  Charming brick streets lined with elegantly preserved colonial homes?  Spanish moss dripping from ancient oak trees?  Horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping through historic sites riddled with mysteries and secrets?  Beautiful coastal Savannah and neighboring Tybee Island are all of this and so much more.  Stop by Savannah on your next group trip!

A Bit of History

In 1733, General James Oglethorpe and 120 passengers on the Anne landed in the area looking for a new start.  Oglethorpe named the land “Georgia” after King George II.  This was the last of the 13 colonies, and Savannah became America’s first “planned” city.

Savannah played key roles in both the revolutionary and civil wars because of its coastal location and status as an important trade city.  It was also a leader in the production of cotton, setting many of the world’s cotton prices right on the steps of the Savannah Cotton Exchange (which was restored and is now the Masonic Solomon’s Lodge.)

Salvaged Treasures Tell its Stories

In fact, many of its original buildings have been salvaged and lovingly restored for the public.

The Pirates’ House (1734) – the oldest structure in Georgia and referenced in Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island.

The Olde Pink House (1789) – the site of Georgia’s first bank.

Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace (1821) – now owned and operated by the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. as a memorial to their founder.

The First African Baptist Church (1788) – the oldest black church in North America.

These are just a few of the places that tell Savannah’s story – one of triumph, devastation, cultural shifts, and unimaginable wealth.  Stop by Savannah on your next group trip for a deeper dive into its stunning architecture and unique history.

Great for Groups

There’s a ton of great stuff for groups in Savannah!  Whether you savor a slower pace or want to do as much as you can while you’re there, you’ll always have a terrific time.

A few fun ideas to consider…

River Cruises

Plan an unforgettable evening (or afternoon) on the river as you cruise the waterfront.  The sites, sounds, and refreshing energy of Savannah are on full display.

Food Tours

Sample Savannah favorites on one of several food tours.  Enjoy classic southern comfort foods, historic bits and bites, and local cuisine that makes your mouth water as you tour this low-country city.

Haunted Pub Crawls

Enjoy a ‘spirited’ tour of Savannah’s haunted watering holes!  Expert guides will lead you by candlelight to some of the city’s spookiest spots.  Don’t worry- the only spirits leaving with you are the ones you’ve consumed!

6 Savannah Must-Dos

Every great group destination has a few must-dos.  While you’re in Savannah, be sure to add these six to your list.

American Prohibition Museum

Ironically, you can follow your pub tour with a stop at America’s only prohibition museum. You can make your own hooch while learning about gangsters, rum runners, stills, and the prohibition movement.

Don’t forget to grab a drink at the Congress Street Up Speakeasy (it’s legal now!)

Old Fort Jackson

Visit Old Fort Jackson, a restored 1808 fort with a long history of standing watch in Savannah.

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

Built in 1799, The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is a Savannah landmark with towering steeples and rich history.  Take a guided tour to learn how it has played a key role in the city’s religious and civic life for centuries.

Leopold’s Ice Cream

Scoop up some homemade goodness at Leopold’s Ice Cream.  It’s been a Savannah tradition since 1919.

Wormsloe Historic Site

Remember that Spanish moss we mentioned?  It’s on full display at Wormsloe, the colonial estate of Noble Jones.  Jones was a passenger on the Anne who went on to serve the colony as a doctor, constable, Indian agent, Royal Councilor, surveyor, and commander of marines.

Pin Point Heritage Museum

Experience Gullah and Geechee culture and tradition in Pin Point on the Moon River.

In 1890, this vibrant but isolated community was founded by freed slaves.  They continued to live and work there for more than 100+ years.  Now Pin Point is thought to be the largest African-American owned waterfront property on the East Coast.

And Then There’s Tybee Island

When it’s time to relax and enjoy some of the most beautiful water in the U.S., Tybee Island is just a 20-minute jaunt from Savannah.

Tybee boasts warm, gentle waves, wide stretches of sand, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, and rich ecology and history.

Take a dolphin tour, learn about sea turtles on Tybee, or tour the island’s iconic lighthouse.  Tybee is a little slice of heaven east of Savannah!

Stop by Savannah on Your Next Group Trip

Savannah promises a warm welcome and southern hospitality when you stop by on your next group trip.  Its long history, rich culture, delectable dining, and adventurous spirit will simply enchant you and entice you to return again and again!

To learn more about this delightful city, tune in to the most recent episode of Destination Dispatch.  Anjuli King, Director of Domestic Group Tour & Entertainment Sales for Visit Savannah shares her favorite itineraries and hidden secrets perfect for your groups!

Destination Dispatch Dishes on Savannah