What to do in Savannah GA while house and pet sitting

With its well-preserved antebellum architecture, shady cobblestone squares and Spanish moss draped oak trees, Savannah Georgia has a reputation as one of the most atmospheric cities in the USA's south. Its charm goes further than its historic beauty and intriguing ghost stories. This vibrant city also has a bustling art scene and fashionable boutiques, keeping it firmly in the modern era.

If you're considering a house or pet sit there, you're probably wondering "what is there to do in Savannah GA?" We've gathered some top tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Savannah GA attractions

Bursting with history and southern charm, Savannah GA has lots of incredible attractions to visit.

1. Take a history tour: History buffs will be spoiled for choice when it comes to cool things to do in Savannah. The oldest city in the state of Georgia, it was once a British colonial capital and a strategic port city during the American Revolution and Civil War. Plenty of tour companies offer guided history tours to help you make sense of the long and storied history of the city. As well as classic walking tours there are also options to hop on a historic trolley (tram), ride through the Historic Downtown on Segway or choose a specialised paranormal tour to hear all about the city's restless spirits.

2. Visit the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist: This French-Gothic cathedral dominates the Savannah skyline with its towering double spires. The building itself dates back to 1874 – although the congregation itself was launched by French and Haitian immigrants in the 1700's. The outside architecture is impressive, but so is the inside. It's open twice a day for self-guided tours. Wander in and explore the colourful interior with its Austrian stained glass, Italian marble and Persian rugs.

3. Enjoy sun, sea and sand at Tybee Island : If you're in the mood for a beach day, head to Tybee Island. Its wide, sandy beaches are perfect for sunbathing, and are home to the nesting sites of rare sea creatures like Loggerhead sea turtles as well as migratory birds. This is why you can't bring dogs on the beach, however you can bring them to other parts of the island. Take a stroll along the nature trails, or grab an al-fresco bite with your four-legged friend at one of the seafood shacks. There are some historic attractions to visit too, like the 18th Century lighthouse and Fort Screven with its 19th century batteries.

Free things to do in Savannah GA

You don’t need a lot of money to have a good time in Savannah. These are some of our favourite free things to do during a day in the city.

1. Take a stroll around Forsyth Park: This sprawling city park is ideal for a stroll, either alone or with a doggy friend in tow. Visit on a sunny day and you may be treated to the sounds of street musicians while you bask on the wide, grassy lawns. Don't miss a chance to snap a selfie at the famous fountain, installed in 1858 and based on the ones in Place de la Concorde in Paris. Strolling through the park, you'll find lots of other monuments including Savannah's Memorial to Confederate Soldiers. There's also the Garden of Fragrance, originally designed for the blind and set inside a mock fort. This peaceful spot is filled with the perfume of plants such as Meyer lemon trees and a wide variety of roses and lilies.

2. Explore Savannah City Market: This open-air market spans four blocks and has been the heart of Savannah's public sphere since the 1700s. The restored warehouses are home to shops, restaurants and art galleries. The shady, cobblestone squares are often filled with the sound of street musicians. If you're dog sitting, your four-legged friend can join you on a trip to City Market. Pets are welcome in restaurant patios, so you can enjoy a bite together. Don't miss a stop at Woof Gang Bakery pet store to pick up some tasty treats to reward them for being a good boy/girl.

3. Pay your respects at Bonaventure Cemetery: If you're a fan of the film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997), you'll recognise this atmospheric cemetery on the outskirts of Savannah. It may sound like a creepy attraction, but actually it's known as one of the world's most beautiful cemeteries with ornate tombs scattered between oak trees, draped elegantly with Spanish moss. Free guided tours are available on the second weekend of every month, but there's also an app available if you want to enjoy a self-guided stroll. 

Fun things to do in Savannah GA

If you're looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon in Savannah GA, look no further.

1. Enjoy the buzz of River Street: Live music and the smell of freshly made candy wafts through the air at Savannah's waterfront. This lively district looks onto the Savannah River, leading to the busy port. Grab a coffee (or craft beer) and watch colourful riverboats and giant container ships float by. Strolling around the cobblestone streets, you'll find plenty of antique shops, cool boutiques and quirky souvenir shops to pick up something special to remind you of your house sitting adventure.

2. Uncover the past at Wormsloe State Historic Site: Wormsloe was once the colonial estate and plantation of the carpenter Noble Jones, and the ruins date back to the 1700s. It's an interesting place to learn about local history. Follow the wide avenue of Spanish-moss shrouded oaks to the ruins, and head inside the museum to see artefacts uncovered on the land. There's a number of short nature trails leading past the ruins and marsh, and leashed dogs are welcome. Pets can't come inside the visitor centre unless they're being carried.

3.  Treat your tummy at the Savannah Taste Experience: Savannah Taste Experience offers a wide range of food tours geared towards all fitness levels. First-time visitors should sign up for their First Squares food tour. It combines history and gastronomy, telling tales of Savannah interspersed with stops at destinations like the American Prohibition Museum and Savannah Bee Company. The Southern Fried Expectations tour, which takes place on River Street, is an excellent way to try Southern soul food specialties.

What to do in Savannah GA with pets

Savannah GA is an exceptionally pet-friendly city, with plenty of outdoor attractions that welcome dogs. As well as the attractions we mentioned above, here are some things to do with your four-legged pals.

1. Enjoy an ice-cream sundae together at Leopold's: What better way to cool off from the Savannah sunshine than with an ice cream? And where better to do it than Leopold's – one of the world's top ten ice cream parlours? Furry friends don't have to miss out, either. Leopold’s is proud to serve Doggie Sundaes made from pet-friendly vanilla ice cream and topped with a crunchy dog biscuit. Human customers can choose from a range of delicious regular and seasonal flavours, crafted using local ingredients like roasted Georgia pecans and Bourbon-infused caramel. Grab a seat on the dog-friendly patio and enjoy. 

2. Take your pooch on a walking tour: Spice up your daily stroll by signing up for Oliver Bentley's Historic Dog Walk Tour. This history tour is designed with humans and pooches in mind, taking in 22 of Savannah's historic squares. It covers just over a mile and lasts from 90 to 120 minutes. The pace is set by the four-legged attendees, who are given plenty of time to sniff around. At the end of the tour, they're rewarded with a complimentary bag of dog biscuits. 

3. Meet other doggies at Herty Pines Dog Park: This off-leash park is perfect for letting dogs run free. There's a separate area for smaller dogs who might not feel comfortable around larger animals. There are plenty of trees for shade and low-lying water fountains where your pal can enjoy a refreshment. The park can be quite muddy and dusty, but luckily there are clean-up stations so you can freshen up muddy paws before hopping back in the car. Just remember to bring your own towel.

Best restaurants in Savannah: Food and drink

Savannah is all about Southern hospitality and there are plenty of places to grab a delicious bite to eat. 

1. Husk Savannah: This fine dining restaurant is a celebration of local ingredients. Executive chef Chris Hathcock was born and raised in Savannah, and his pride in Southern cooking is expressed through a constantly changing seasonal menu. Expect dishes like smoked heritage pork served with Bradford cabbage, or pimiento cheese tartine with Bradford okra. The setting is just as spectacular as the food, set inside a mansion in Savannah's historic district. 

2. The Grey: Located inside an art deco former Greyhound bus station, The Grey is one of Savannah's most iconic restaurants. It specialises in Southern fare and soul food, influenced by both European and African culture. Sample dishes include duck confit served with buttermilk dumplings, or triggerfish with swiss chard and ginger.

3. Fox and Fig Café: For a delicious plant-based meal, look no further than vegan favourite Fox and Fig café. Their all-day brunch menu and locally roasted coffee make it the perfect spot for a late breakfast or light lunch. Tuck into dishes like Chia porridge with ginger and seasonal fruit, avocado toast spiked with lime and pico de gallo, or plant-based picnics with a range of dips and pickles.

Ready for your house sit in Savannah GA?

As you can see, there are lots of reasons to take a trip to Savannah. When you get free accommodation in exchange for looking after someone's home and/or pets, you get the opportunity to really immerse yourself in a city and discover it like a local. 

Now that you know the best things to do, the next step is to find house and pet sits in Savannah GA.