The Ultimate Savannah Itinerary & Guide

Table of Contents

1 When to Visit Savannah
2 How to Get Around Savannah
3 Things to Do in Savannah
4 Other Popular Savannah Tours
5 Where to Eat in Savannah
6 Where to Stay in Savannah
7 Conclusion
8 Pin it for Later

Last updated on December 3rd, 2022

Savannah is the perfect weekend getaway destination located in the south of Georgia. Savannah, Georgia is known for its beautiful architecture, historical homes, delicious food, nightlife, and haunted locations. In my opinion, it is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States.

Taking a stroll down the Spanish moss-lined roads with restored mansions on either side makes you feel like you are in another time.

This Savannah itinerary and guide focuses on all the things you can see and do in the southern city. Of course, I will also talk about all the must-try restaurants!

When to Visit Savannah

Savannah gets extremely humid and hot in the summer, so most people like to visit either in the spring or fall when the weather is a little cooler.

Also, the most crowded time of the year is St. Patty’s Day. The entire city is packed full of visitors celebrating, and many hotels will be booked solid for the weekend.

Seeing how Savannah is known for being a haunted town, October would also be another great time to go.

The nice thing about Savannah is the weather never really gets too cold. Even if you visit during the winter, the weather will still be in the low 60° range.

However, at night it will drop to the mid 40°s, so you will need to bring some warmer clothes.

How to Get Around Savannah

The city of Savannah is small enough where you can walk around easily on foot. If you do happen to visit in the summer, just know you will be hot walking around all day.

The easiest way to get around the city is to walk. The city does also offers a free shuttle. All you have to do is tip the driver.

You will need to download the Downtowner App on your phone to use the service.

Things to Do in Savannah

Walk Through Savannah’s Squares

Savannah has 22 historic squares to enjoy. Each contains beautiful monuments, large oak trees, sitting areas, and lush green grass.

Savannah’s streets are built around these fabulous grassy areas, so no matter where you walk, you are bound to find one.

Chippewa and Lafayette are two popular squares to visit in Savannah, but if you get a chance to see more, I definitely recommend that you do.

Chippewa Square is a popular square to visit for a few reasons. Many people know it for its cameo in the Forest Gump bus scene.

The actual bench now sits in one of Savannah’s museums. The second reason is to see the monument of James Edward Oglethorpe, the founder of Savannah.

Lafayette Square is another popular square to visit. It is surrounded by some beautiful buildings and great places to visit.

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, The Andrew Low House, and Hamilton Turner Inn are all located on the perimeter of the square.

Relax at Forsyth Park

Forsyth Park is the largest park in Savannah and is where you will find the most well-known fountain in Savannah.

The fountain was designed after the fountain at the Place de Concorde in Paris. You can also find monuments scattered throughout the park, beautiful trees, and winding paths.

From early morning to late a night, you will also find people sitting around the fountain or hanging out under the trees in the grass areas.

Walk Around the City

One of the best things to do is get lost in Savannah. Stop into a local coffee shop for a refreshing drink and take a stroll down one of the many lovely shaded roads.

One of the famous streets in Savannah is Jones Street. Lined with charming buildings dating back to the 1850s, it was named the most beautiful street in the United States.

Many of these buildings have been perfectly restored by the Historic Savannah Foundation.

Visit River Street

You cannot visit Savannah without walking along the river. The old River Street cotton warehouse has been turned into over 70 shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Walk along the cobblestone street along the water, and explore all River Street has to offer. I do recommend picking a place to eat with either outdoor seating or rooftops for views of the river.

Explore some Art Museums

Savannah is known for being an art city and has many little galleries around. It is also home to the Savannah College of Art and Design. Two of the top museums to visit are the SCAD Museum and the Telfair Museum.

Do Some Shopping

Savannah has a little bit of everything. There are numerous boutiques, art galleries, candy shops, and other unique stores to explore. The best shopping in Savannah is on Broughton Street, Whitaker Street, and River Street.

Broughton Street has the largest collection of stores. You can find both local boutiques and brand name stores here. One of the best stores in Savannah, The Paris Market, is located on Broughton Street.

The Parisian-style store is filled with all types of objects from around the world. The first floor has a café, where you can enjoy a variety of desserts and coffee while you shop. You will find everything from soaps and books to jewelry and home decor.

Whitaker Street is located in the Design District. The street is full of decor stores, boutique shops, and numerous restaurants and bars.

River Street is a pretty cobblestone street that runs along the river. It is perfect for a walk with views of the harbor but also has some shops and restaurants. The majority of the shops here only sell souvenirs.

They have restored over 400 homes to their former glory. Many of these homes have been turned into museums for us to tour. While in Savannah, one of the top things to do is visit some of these beautiful historic homes.

The Davenport Museum was the first home the Savannah Historic Foundation restored. The mansion is open daily for visits but also hosts numerous events and weddings. Tickets to tour the museum are $9 for adults and $5 for children.

The Owens-Thomas House was built in 1819 and is a perfect example of Regency architecture. Visitors can tour the main house, gardens, and carriage house. The house is open for visitors between 10 am and 5 pm every day except Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Mercer-Williams House was designed for General Hugh W. Mercer but had to stop due to the Civil War. It was eventually finished and bought by John Wilder. Tickets to visit are $12.50 and include a guided tour of the house.

Take a Ghost Tour

Savannah is said to be the second most haunted city in the United States, with New Orleans being the first. There are so many types of ghost tours you can take around town. Here are some popular options:

Haunted Pub Walking Tour – What is better than visiting the local sites while stopping at pubs along the way? The guide will take you to the most haunted pubs in Savannah and tell you all about their spooky history while you pop inside for a drink.

Haunted Trolly Tour – The trolly tour will take you around Savannah to some of the most haunted sites the city has to offer. You will also have nighttime entry into River Street’s Perkins and Sons Ship Chandlery. Your tour guide will tell you all the stories and history to go with all the locations you visit.

Ghost City Tours – This tour company focuses on haunted tours of Savannah. They have a variety of options to choose from.

Bonaventure Cemetery

This Gothic-style cemetery was made famous by the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. It covers 100 acres of property that was originally private to the Bonaventure Plantation. If you decide to visit the cemetery, download the Bonaventure Cemetery Tour App. It will guide you through 31 different locations.

Visit Tybee Island

Tybee Island is around a 30-minute drive from Savannah. It is a small beach town situated on the Atlantic Ocean, with five different beaches. Tybee Island’s website has information on things to do, hotels, travel directions, and information for each beach.

Other Popular Savannah Tours

Trolley Tour – Discover all the fascinating places in Savannah. Visit Davenport House, Forsyth Park, River Street, City Market, Pirates House, and Juliette Gordon Low’s Birthplace, to name just a few attractions.

Walking Tour – This walking tour takes you to several of the historic homes and sites in Savannah.

Night River Cruise – Enjoy dinner on a cruise ship on the Savannah River. Dinner includes a southern-style buffet with live entertainment.

Dolphin Cruise – Take a cruise ship to see the sights of the Savannah cost, including a trip to Tybee Island.

Want more options? Here are some more great city tours!

Where to Eat in Savannah

Savannah is most known for its traditional southern food. However, the city has a delicious assortment of seafood, brunch, sweets, and vegan options as well. Here are just a few tasty places to try.

Café M. Bakery has some of the best French pastries here. They also have a delicious brunch menu and lunch menu. Choose from a variety of sandwiches, salads, cheese and meat platters, and breakfast food.

Collins Quarter is one of the top brunch restaurants in Savannah. They offer a delicious all-day brunch menu as well as a dinner menu.

Peregrin is a rooftop restaurant located on top of the Perry Lane Hotel. They have a great cocktail menu and unique dishes. Enjoy your meal while enjoying the city views.

Mrs. Wikes’ Dining Room has been open since 1943, they serve some delicious southern comfort food.

Leopold’s Ice Cream has some of the best ice cream in Savannah. It has been open since 1919 and has remained one of Savannah’s go-to restaurants. Whether you get ice cream, milkshakes, or sundaes, you can’t go wrong.

Huey’s on the River is another great brunch option. Huey’s is located right on River Street and has some of the tastiest food. Make sure to try their beignets, they are delicious!

The Grove is another great rooftop restaurant. They offer brunch, lunch, and dinner, and have an assortment of dishes. Join them Monday to Friday at 5 pm for happy hour.

Fox and Fig has a creative menu and only serves plant-based dishes. They have a delicious breakfast menu and coffee bar.

Where to Stay in Savannah

Eliza Thompson House – The bed and breakfast was built in 1847 and is located on Jones Street. You can choose to stay in a room in the main house or in the carriage house.

The Mansion on Forsyth Park – Located across the street from Forsyth Park, the hotel is in a great position to see lots of popular attractions. Enjoy the hotel’s pool, rooftop bar, fitness center, and restaurant.

Hamilton-Turner Inn – Stay in this Victorian Mansion during your stay in Savannah. Choose from 17 uniquely decorated bedrooms of the three-bedroom carriage house. Guests enjoy a complimentary breakfast and wine and hors d’oeuvres in the evening.

The Cotton Sail – The former 19th-century cotton mill turned hotel is a unique place to stay with a great location. Enjoy the hotel’s restaurant and rooftop bar overlooking the water.

Want more options? Check out the top Savannah hotels here!

Conclusion

Savannah is one of the most beautiful southern cities in the US with a plethora of cozy restaurants, lively bars, and historic buildings.

Visit as part of a romantic getaways, girls trip, family weekend, or solo trip any time of the year and you will always find plenty to do.

Have any additional unique things to do or have a Savannah itinerary question? Leave a comment below!

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