Southern Summer on the Hill
Just minutes from historic downtown Savannah, Richmond Hill is a genuine cultural hotspot with revered dining, historic, and waterfront activities that especially come to life in the Southern summers. Head to the hill – Richmond Hill – for breathtaking sights, treks in nature, local shopping, and fantastic food and drink.
Richmond Hill's locally influenced restaurant scene has something for every palate. Seafood enthusiasts can be experimental in discovering the freshly prepared oysters, fishes, and shrimp served with waterfront views. This is a destination that also boasts Southern heritage cuisine and authentic pub fare.
Download the Dining Passport and let the fork, knife, spoon, chopstick, glass, and pint guide you in all the tasteful directions.
Join friends for a picnic at Fort McAllister State Park (3894 Fort McAllister Rd.) and relax in the shade of giant oak trees with Spanish moss swaying in the warm breezes above you. Gaze upon the Great Ogeechee River between hikes and bring your binoculars to view songbirds, migratory waterfowl, and raptors, including bald eagles and ospreys.
Efforts to restore the fort – a Civil War stronghold and national historic landmark – began in the 1930s by automobile magnate Henry Ford. Fort McAllister became a state park in 1958. See the preserved gun emplacements, earthen walls, and an onsite museum where the gift shop is a “must stop”, plus live, interpretive demonstrations throughout the year.
“We are a Civil War fort as well as a state park. This fort was the site of Sherman’s last stop on his march to the sea,” said Julie Scott, who greeted us at the welcome desk. She also recommends the June 10-13 and July 8-11 Junior Ranger day camps. Kids ages 6 to 12 get to spend four days with park rangers and learn new skills – from Civil War-era soldier training and outdoor survival to archery.
Interested in fishing, escaping into the wilderness on an eco-tour, or finding a boat launch? Fishing and Eco Tour charters are available out of Fort McAllister and Kilkenny marinas. Our rivers offer myriad spots for boating, kayaking, and canoeing.
Explore J.F. Gregory Park (520 Cedar St.) and its more than 300 acres of walking and biking trails, state-of-the-art playground, open spaces for picnics, and event venues. This summer, the Richmond Hill Farmers Market relocated here for its third annual market season. Come every Saturday from 3-6 pm. Visiting a farmers market is the best way to learn about a new city, or your own city’s collective of local farmers, artisans, small business owners, and entertainers.
Download the free Coastal Bryan Heritage Trail app and visit dozens of landmarks and points of interest representing Richmond Hill’s history, from the original inhabitants, the Guale, on through to rice planters, and the town Henry Ford built.
Henry Ford made Richmond Hill his winter home for a quarter of a century. Experience his influence through exhibits at the Richmond Hill History Museum and on the Coastal Bryan Heritage Trail while also enjoying the scenic beauty of the area.
A dozen-plus cozy hotels, cottages and campsites mean there’s a place for you in Richmond Hill tonight, whether you are enjoying time with family and friends, here for a wedding, a birthday, or a corporate retreat.
You are a hop from Historic Savannah, Tybee Island, and all coastal Georgia, each offering a quintessential Southern summer experience. Check in with the Visit Richmond Hill calendar and cultural itineraries to uncover more Southern charms, festivals, and special events.