Free things to do in Savannah: parks, museums, ferry and more

Free in Savannah: Bonaventure Cemetery, the Belles Ferry and DOT shuttle, Forsyth Park, splash pads, the Jepson Center for locals, and river parades.

Last checked Oct. 6, 2026. Every listing below links the official page it comes from. Hours change by season, so check before you go.

Some of Savannah’s best-known sights cost nothing. Bonaventure Cemetery, Forsyth Park, the riverfront, the ferry across the river and the downtown shuttle are all free, and locals can see the Jepson Center’s galleries free with proof of address.

Free, every day

Bonaventure Cemetery: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, (912) 651-6843

Savannah Belles Ferry: every 10 minutes, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

DOT shuttle: 18 Historic District stops, every 10 minutes

City splash pads: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., March through October

Jepson Center: free for local residents with proof of address

Bonaventure Cemetery

The city’s Bonaventure Cemetery, 330 Bonaventure Road, sits on a bluff over the Wilmington River on the site of the old Bonaventure Plantation. It became a public cemetery in 1907 and covers more than 100 acres. The city says it has drawn visitors for more than 150 years for its tree-lined roads, its sculpture and architecture and the notable people buried there. It is open to the public daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Department of Cemeteries office is at the entrance; call (912) 651-6843 for maps or burial searches. Laurel Grove North, Laurel Grove South, Greenwich and Evergreen keep the same hours.

Ride the river and the shuttle for free

The Savannah Belles Ferry, run by Chatham Area Transit, crosses the Savannah River between the Riverwalk and Hutchinson Island at no cost. Boats leave every 10 minutes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. The boats are accessible and take bikes and leashed dogs.
The DOT shuttle is CAT’s free downtown shuttle, funded by the city. Its Forsyth and Downtown loops stop every 10 minutes at 18 stops across the Historic District, linking the visitor centers, parking garages, shops and attractions. Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends. CAT: (912) 233-5767.

Parks, squares and the riverfront

Forsyth Park has its fountain, walking paths, the playground and tennis courts, and the Saturday farmers market. Details in our parks and trails guide.
River Street and the Riverwalk are free to walk. Rousakis Riverfront Plaza and The Park at Eastern Wharf host the free waterfront events on the Savannah’s Waterfront calendar.
City splash pads are free and open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, March through October.
StoryWalk trails: the library’s picture-book paths at Bowles C. Ford Park and Lake Mayer Park.

Free museum days

Jepson Center, 207 W. York St.: Telfair Museums give free admission to residents of Chatham, Effingham, Bryan, Liberty, Bulloch, Beaufort and Jasper counties. Bring a Georgia driver’s license or ID, voter card or utility bill with a local address, or a current SCAD, Georgia Southern Armstrong, Savannah State, Georgia Tech or Savannah Tech ID.
Telfair Free Family Days open a museum free to local residents with hands-on activities. The next is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Jepson Center, for the new exhibition “Michelangelo’s Women.” Children 5 and under are always free at Telfair.
Coastal Heritage Society museums, including the Savannah History Museum, the Children’s Museum, the Georgia State Railroad Museum and Old Fort Jackson, are free for visitors who receive EBT, SNAP or WIC through Museums for All. Bring proof of assistance.
Oatland Island Wildlife Center is free for anyone with a military ID or DD214 on Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, July 5 and Veterans Day. Children 3 and under are always free.

Free events through the year

The Savannah Lighted Boat Parade and the Holiday Kickoff at Eastern Wharf, Saturday, Nov. 28, and the Lighted Christmas Street Parade, Saturday, Dec. 12. See our Christmas parade and tree lighting page.
The Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District, Nov. 19 to Jan. 3, is free to enter. See holiday lights and Christmas events.
New Year’s Eve fireworks over the river at midnight: New Year’s Eve in Savannah.
Library programs: Live Oak Public Libraries’ story times, LEGO clubs and talks are free; see the program calendar.
City pools offer free open swim in summer. See summer camps and pools.

Frequently asked questions

Is Bonaventure Cemetery free to visit? Yes. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the city lists no admission charge.

Is the Savannah ferry free? Yes. The Savannah Belles Ferry is free and runs every 10 minutes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Is there a free shuttle in downtown Savannah? Yes. CAT’s DOT shuttle is free, with 18 stops in the Historic District.

Are any Savannah museums free? The Jepson Center is free for residents of Chatham and six nearby counties, and Coastal Heritage Society museums are free for families on EBT, SNAP or WIC.

What this means for you

Park once and use the DOT and the ferry to get around downtown and across the river.
Keep a local ID or a utility bill handy for free entry to the Jepson Center.
Know a free event that belongs here? Send it through our contact page.