If you’re trying to decide whether Savannah’s museums are worth your time, the Telfair Museum’s 3-Site Pass is the simplest way to see what the city is really about beyond the squares and Spanish moss.
As someone who lives in Savannah, I finally spent time visiting all three sites in one week, and I was surprised by how different they felt from each other. This is not three versions of the same museum. One leans modern and interactive, one feels classic and refined, and one gives you a heavier, more honest look at Savannah’s past.
The pass costs $30 and is valid for seven days, which makes it easy to spread out instead of museum hopping in one exhausting afternoon. It includes the Jepson Center, Telfair Academy, and the Owens-Thompson House and Slave Quarters.
Below, I break down what each museum is actually like, what stood out to me, and who will appreciate it most so you can decide how to spend your time.
If you enjoy architecture, art, and understanding how a city became what it is today, this pass is absolutely worth it. If you prefer fast-paced attractions, or are not interested in the history at all, you may want to prioritize something else.
#1. Jepson Center: A Must-See Museum of Modern Art in Savannah GA
The first time I ever visited the Jepson Center, I felt like I had been transported to New York City. Its sleek modern design stands in striking contrast to Savannah’s surrounding historic architecture, and inside you’ll find three floors of contemporary art, rotating exhibitions, and interactive installations.
The Jepson is more than a museum—it’s an exquisite experience that is ever-changing. As I wandered through rooms of vivid color and creativity, I was drawn to Photographer Parker Stewart’s Tideland exhibit. His black and white photography focuses on Georgia’s Lowcountry, invoking fond memories of my childhood, where I spent weekends with my family at Yellow Bluff Fishing Camp exploring the sand, marsh, and sea.
Even though I didn’t have my grandchildren with me on my outing, I loved the toddler and children areas of Jepson!
They are bright, airy, and endlessly imaginative. I watched a mother and son in the Shadow Play area where they watched shapes of all sizes make shadows on the wall while exploring colors. If you’re visiting with older children, the ArtZeum (an interactive family gallery) offers hands-on fun for all ages. For more information on what to do with families in Savannah, download my 3-day Savannah Travel Itinerary.
If you are coming to Savannah for a girls’ trip, Actress Glenn Close’s Costume Collection is also on display and is absolutely marvelous.
Fifty outfits out of 800 in the collection are on exhibit from twelve of her movies. I particularly loved the Cruella de Vil costume from the 1996 movie “101 Dalmatians.” Speaking of girls’ getaways, women would also be interested in my suggestions for a “chill weekend” at Tybee Island since it’s only 20 minutes away.
#2. Telfair Academy: A Historic Art Museum in Savannah’s Cultural District
Step out the front door of the Jepson Center, and the Telfair Academy is right next door. If you love 19th-century Gilded-Age elegance, you will find the Telfair Family Mansion a blend of Greek and Roman architecture. Built in 1819 for Alexander Telfair, the home now stands as one of the oldest public art museums in the South, thanks to Mary Telfair, who bequeathed it to the Georgia Historical Society upon her death.
As you walk into the front hall, the sweeping staircases, period rooms, and classical sculptures set the stage for an unforgettable stroll through history. I particularly enjoy sitting on the gigantic, circular velvet pouf in the main gallery, among the Academy’s collection of European and American art. It’s the perfect spot to cool off from the South Georgia heat and slow down to really take in and reflect on the paintings. The architecture alone is worth the visit—the museum feels like stepping into Savannah’s past, where art, prestige, and society are intertwined.
Speaking of intertwining, I met six ladies who were literally banded together outside the Telfair Museum as they were gearing up for a Pedal Pub Bar Crawl. The group of ladies was visiting Savannah from Jacksonville, FL, for a girls’ weekend to celebrate one of their birthdays, and they were about to “pedal” their way through Savannah to taste beers and visit different pubs.
Peddle tours are an excellent idea for a city like Savannah because you can see the downtown area AND get exercise at the same time. Check out the different kinds of pedal and segway tours in Savannah for unique ways to see our historic city.
For other must-see Savannah tours, I always recommend the Savannah Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour at the beginning of your trip to help you get oriented with our beautiful historic city.
And if you love true crime and killer cocktails, you have to check out True Crime Pub Crawl – The Original Savannah Murder Tour. It’s got an excellent rating on Viator and promises a city walking tour that includes an Oglethorpe Square and Colonial Park Cemetery investigation of murders, scandals, and cocktail bars. For those of you who’ve never been to Savannah, here’s a heads-up. We have tons of cobblestones so pack shoes that are comfy and sturdy.
Pro tip: When you are touring cities, crossbody sling bags are the best choice because you can keep everything neatly in front of your body for convenience and safety against pickpockets. I want to stress that Savannah does NOT have pickpocketing issues at all. I bring this up, however, because when I traveled to Barcelona, Spain on a Virgin Voyage cruise, I cannot tell you how many people I heard from our cruise ship who had been pickpocketed. And guess what they all had in common? Backpacks! The criminals easily unzipped their backpacks because you can’t see or feel what’s happening behind you.
#3. Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters: Savannah’s Most Powerful History Museum
Perhaps the most impactful stop on my three-site journey is the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters. We did this stop last, as it was just a seven-minute walk from the Telfair Academy. This part of the experience lasts one hour. It’s a guided tour, and you must select a tour time when you purchase your ticket, so be sure to plan your day accordingly. The tours are given at 15-minute intervals and run until the last tour at 4:00 p.m.
Why I loved this powerful Savannah history museum tour? We had a knowledgeable female tour guide who walked us through the experience with care and detail. We saw the slave quarters first, followed by a walk-through of the meticulously preserved 1820s Regency-style home, once one of Savannah’s grandest residences.
Since I like to cook, I found the kitchen and butler’s pantry in the main house highly interesting. The Owens-Thomas house has a “range” and “warming oven” built into the brick chimney wall (think brick oven pizza). Since most people in the early 19th century cooked over open fires, this modern kitchen was an example of their wealth and I got to peek into the “range.” The contrast between the slave quarters and the mansion allows you to examine and reflect upon how slaves lived and labored. It’s emotional and educational.
Speaking of education, part of the fun of travel blogging is taking photos. The picture above is my favorite one in this blog. Why? Because I love the monochromatic look. White, silver and creams. To capture this photo, I used my DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Camera.
When you visit a city as visually stunning as Savannah, Georgia, you want to return home with more than just memories—you’ll want beautiful photographs that truly capture the magic. That’s why I’m so excited to collaborate with Alexandra with The Bucket List Mermaid, a talented photographer and blogger who not only creates gorgeous imagery, but also shares incredibly helpful tips for taking better photos wherever your travels take you.
Her blog is a go-to resource for anyone who wants to elevate their travel photography, whether you’re shooting with a professional camera or just your phone. Be sure to sign up for her newsletter for photography inspiration, practical tips, and creative guidance—and I’m thrilled that she’ll be sharing my Savannah travel content with her audience as well.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a full week, exploring these cultural attractions and museums in Savannah GA with the Telfair 3-Site Pass is one of the best ways to experience Savannah culture, art, and history—and an absolute must for curious travelers who want to experience the city beyond its beautiful streets.
Disclaimer: This helpful post contains some affiliate links. This means that if you click on any of the links in this post (AND make a purchase), I may receive a small commission at absolutely no cost to you. As such, I thank you in advance should you decide to click and buy.
