Entertainment

Music

Savannah's nightclubs offer all types of live music, and since the most popular venues in the historic district are within walking distance, it is possible to sample a few. Several spots offer live Jazz, including the groovy Mercury Lounge. Kevin Barry's Irish Pub offers live, traditional Irish music for those whose celebration of all things Irish is not limited to the city's gigantic annual St. Patrick's Day Parade.

The live music menu at JJ Cagney's varies, but regular customers say no matter what music is played, the talent is always good. Bay Street Blues is a deli and bar, and also a popular spot for live blues music on the weekends. Pianos, singing, and heavy audience-participation are the scene at Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos Saloon.

Most live music venues have space available for dancing, and it is always appropriate to move to the music in your seat. But if a true high-energy dance club is what you seek, try Deja Groove and Hip Huggers.

Theater

The historic Lucas Theatre for the Arts hosts events throughout the year, and is worth visiting just to see this recently and beautifully restored 1920s theater. The Savannah Civic Center hosts a variety of Broadway shows, concerts, comedians and even the circus. The annual Savannah Shakespeare Festival is a highpoint of the arts calendar and brings theater to Savannah's famous Forsyth Park.

Sports

A small town, Savannah does not have the spectator sports of a large city, but it does have plenty of sporting activities to keep visitors busy. The Savannah Sand Gnats, Savannah's minor league baseball team play at Grayson Stadium.

Golf is available throughout the year. In fact, Savannah claims to have had the very first golf course in America, established in 1794. There are no golf courses located in the immediate downtown Savannah area, but there are many within a short drive. Savannah's Creative Loafing Magazine rated the Henderson Golf Course Best Public Golf Course in 2000. Southbridge Golf Club semi-private course is another area favorite.

Car racing is a southern passion, and Savannah offers racing enthusiasts Stock Car racing at the Oglethorpe Speedway and drag racing at the Savannah Dragway.

Tired of walking? Bicycle rentals are available for those who would rather pedal their way thorough Savannah. Cycling is a great way to see the city. For a more open ride, try the 6-mile long McQueens Island Historic Trail.

Fishing/Wildlife

Savannah is a great place for fishing. Charter fishing trips can be scheduled for both inshore and offshore fishing for sea trout, red drum, flounder, king mackerel, grouper, snapper, and more. Tybee Island and Thunderbolt areas are home to many charter boats, most of which may also be chartered for dolphin watching and sunset cruises.

If you have a desire to get even closer to the water and to nature, Sea Kayak Georgia offers sea kayak rentals, a kayaking school for all levels and guided tours of secluded rivers and barrier islands in the Savannah area. Kayaking near the scenic salt marshes provides an opportunity to view native wildlife such as sea turtles, river otter, osprey, herons, and a multitude of other birds.

Nature trails are located at Fort Pulaski National Monument, and at the Savannah Ogeechee Canal Museum and Nature Center.

Museums

In many ways, Savannah, itself, is one big museum. Many visitors enjoy simply walking along the streets and through the more than 20 city parks. However, true museums are scattered throughout the city. The Telfair Museum of Art, which consists of the Telfair Academy and the Owens-Thomas House is the south's oldest art museum. The Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum features model ships and maritime art and the River Street Train Museum has old model trains. Museums within a short drive of downtown Savannah are the Tybee Island Lighthouse Museum on Tybee Island and the Wormsloe Plantation Historic Site in Isle of Hope.

Beaches

If you would like to visit the beach while on the Georgia coast, take the 15-mile drive from downtown Savannah to Tybee Island. This relaxed beach community is a fun day-trip for those staying in downtown Savannah, and a great place to stay if you think you will want to spend more time in the sand than on the historic streets of Savannah. Be sure to visit the Tybee Island Lighthouse Museum.

River Street

A walk down River Street is a popular activity, and a good choice if you are having problems deciding what to do. Here you will find restaurants, bars, and gift shops situated along the Savannah River. Sit and watch the boats and people pass by while you enjoy an ice cream cone. Many of the River Street establishments offer live music during the evenings and on weekends, and street performers are also common along the waterfront. River Street is also home to the Savannah River Queen, which offers sightseeing, dinner, and even murder mystery cruises on the river. While on River Street, check out the waving girl statue.

Children's Attractions Girl Scouts, young and old, will enjoy a visit to Juliette Gordon Low's Birthplace and the Girl Scout National Center. Low, who founded the Girl Scouts in 1912, was born in Savannah in 1860. Her birthplace, The Wayne Gordon House, is now a museum and the national center offers hands-on activities.

The hands-on atmosphere at the Savannah Science Museum makes learning fun. The museum has reptiles and amphibians and a planetarium show that teaches astronomy.

The Tybee Island Marine Science Center is a small museum with beach ecology-related exhibits, aquariums, and a “touch tank,” where visitors can get better acquainted with some of the creatures of the sea.