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Want to experience Savannah’s Southern charm without blowing your travel budget? Check out these five ways to enjoy Savannah on the cheap.

Forsyth Park

A trip to Savannah isn’t complete without experiencing Forsyth Park; the park’s 30 acres embody all the grandeur of this Southern city. The stone fountain is one of the park’s main draws, as are the centuries-old oak trees and military memorials. Pack a picnic and enjoy the park’s abundance of green space in this uniquely Savannah-esque area.

Bonaventure Cemetery

You can’t visit the South without taking time to stop by one of the ornate cemeteries that reflect a somewhat romanticized relationship with death. In Savannah, the must-see cemetery is Bonaventure, made famous in the novel “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” Within the cemetery’s 100 acres, you’ll find an incredible collection of Gothic statues and the final resting places of famous authors, musicians and military generals, all under the cover of Bonaventure’s grand oak trees.

River Street

Take a stroll along the cobblestone path of River Street to soak up Savannah’s Waterfront District, where you’ll find plenty of gift shops, restaurants and people-watching opportunities. This lively district is also one of the city’s best bets for after-dark fun thanks to the pubs and bars that line River Street. Ongoing events like live entertainment and monthly fireworks add to the fun.

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

See the wilder side of Savannah as you ride down the four-mile wildlife drive at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, which is free to visit. The refuge is a haven for all sorts of bird life, including ducks, geese, eagles and owls. Also calling the refuge home are Florida manatees and alligators. If you’re craving outdoor adventure, you can spend your day hiking or fishing at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, too.

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

This 19th-century Gothic cathedral is a stunning sight in historic Savannah, and you can visit for free to take a peak at the cathedral’s stained glass windows, white Italian marble altars and French Gothic spires.

(Main image: D&S McSpadden)

About the author

Marissa WillmanMarissa Willman earned a bachelor's degree in journalism before downsizing her life into two suitcases for a teaching gig in South Korea. Seoul was her home base for two years of wanderlusting throughout six countries in Asia. In 2011, Marissa swapped teaching for travel writing and now calls Southern California home.

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