Discover Savannah’s (Georgia) charm with our ultimate guide. Explore historic districts, lush parks, and unique ghost tours.
Introduction
As I stood beneath the Spanish moss-draped live oaks of Savannah’s historic district, a sense of timelessness washed over me. The air was thick with the scent of magnolias and the faintest hint of salt from the nearby river. This wasn’t just a city—it was a living museum where history whispered from every cobblestone and antebellum façade. Savannah blends its rich past with a vibrant present, offering ghost tours, world-class cuisine, and serene riverfront strolls.
Why Visit Savannah?
– Home to 22 historic squares, each with unique charm and stories to tell.
– Ranked among the “Best Small Cities in the U.S.” by Travel + Leisure for its walkability and Southern hospitality.
– A foodie paradise with Southern classics like shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and pralines.
– A haven for art lovers, with galleries, live music, and the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) shaping the city’s creative pulse.
Best Time to Visit Savannah
Weather Breakdown
| Season | Avg. Temp | Highlights | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | 70–85°F (21–29°C) | Azaleas in bloom, Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick’s Day Parade (one of the largest in the U.S.) | Moderate |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 90°F+ (32°C+) | Tybee Island beach trips, fireworks on the 4th of July | Busy, especially on weekends |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | 65–80°F (18–27°C) | Fewer crowds, Halloween ghost tours, Savannah Food & Wine Festival | Low to Moderate |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 40–60°F (4–15°C) | Holiday lights, lower hotel rates, Savannah Theatre’s Christmas shows | Quiet |
Best Months: March–April and October–November for ideal weather and events.
Personal Insight: I visited in late October, and the crisp air combined with the golden light filtering through the oak trees made every stroll feel magical. The city was alive with fall festivals, yet it never felt overcrowded.
How to Get to Savannah
By Air
- Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV): Direct flights from major hubs (Atlanta, NYC, Chicago, Dallas).
- Budget Tip: I snagged a $100 round-trip from Atlanta via Delta by booking six weeks in advance.
- Ground Transportation: Rideshares (Uber/Lyft) cost ~$20 to downtown. Taxis are flat-rate $28.
By Car
- From Atlanta: 4-hour drive via I-16 E. Stop in Macon for a lunch break at The Rookery for their famous burgers.
- From Charleston: 2-hour drive via US-17 S. Scenic route with marshland views—perfect for a sunrise drive.
Public Transport
- CAT Route 100X: $1.50 from the airport to downtown (30-min intervals). Runs 5:30 AM–11:30 PM.
- Free DOT Shuttles: Operate in the historic district. The Belles Ferry connects River Street to Hutchinson Island.
Note: Book your flights early for the best deals!
Top Attractions in Savannah
1. Historic District
- Must-See:
- Owens-Thomas House ($20): A masterpiece of Regency architecture with original slave quarters. The guided tour is a sobering yet essential look at Savannah’s past.
- Mercer-Williams House ($12.50): Made famous by Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The docents share juicy tidbits about the home’s scandalous history.
- Free Walk: Stroll Jones Street (voted “Most Beautiful Street in America”). The cobblestones and gas lamps feel like stepping into a Jane Austen novel.
2. Forsyth Park
- Iconic Fountain: Installed in 1858, this Parisian-style fountain is a prime photo spot. Arrive early to avoid crowds.
- Saturday Farmers Market: 9 AM–1 PM (March–December). Try the peach jam from local vendors—it’s like summer in a jar.
- Hidden Gem: The Fragrant Garden for the visually impaired, where you can touch and smell herbs and flowers.
3. Bonaventure Cemetery
- Hauntingly Beautiful: Spanish moss-covered graves and celebrity resting places (like poet Conrad Aiken).
- Tour Tip: Join a guided ghost tour ($25) with Bonaventure Don for eerie tales of Savannah’s elite.
4. River Street
- Waterfront Dining: Try The Olde Pink House for shrimp and grits ($28)—the she-crab soup is also divine.
- Sunset Views: Watch cargo ships glide by with a cocktail from Wet Willie’s (their “Call a Cab” slushie is legendary).
5. Wormsloe Historic Site
- Avenue of Oaks: A breathtaking mile-long tunnel of live oaks. Arrive at golden hour for the best photos.
- Admission: $10 (open 9 AM–5 PM). The museum showcases colonial-era artifacts.
6. Telfair Museums
- Jepson Center: Modern art lovers will adore the interactive exhibits.
- Telfair Academy: Houses works by Childe Hassam and American Impressionists.
Where to Stay in Savannah
| Type | Hotel | Price/Night | Why Stay? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury | The Mansion on Forsyth Park | $300+ | Rooftop pool, art gallery, and spa services. The 700 Drayton Restaurant is a culinary gem. |
| Boutique | The Alida | $200 | Riverfront location, retro vibe, and Rhett rooftop bar with skyline views. |
| Budget | Thunderbird Inn | $120 | Retro motel with free breakfast and a “stay weird” ethos. Pet-friendly! |
| Unique | The Gastonian | $250 | A historic B&B with complimentary wine hour and gourmet breakfast. |
Pro Tip: Book 3+ months ahead for peak seasons (spring/fall). Many B&Bs require a 2-night minimum on weekends.
Local Cuisine: Must-Try Dishes
1. Shrimp & Grits
- Best Spot: The Olde Pink House (creamy, with tasso ham gravy). Husk Savannah also does a killer version with roasted mushrooms.
2. Fried Green Tomatoes
- Where: Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room (family-style Southern feast). Pro tip: Arrive by 10:30 AM to avoid the line.
3. Pralines
- Try: Savannah’s Candy Kitchen (free samples!). The butter pecan flavor is my favorite.
4. Low Country Boil
- Best Bet: The Wyld Dock Bar—a casual spot with waterfront views.
Personal Anecdote: I still dream about the peach cobbler at The Grey—served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s worth every calorie.
3-Day Savannah Itinerary
Day 1: Historic Savannah
- Morning:
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at Collins Quarter (avocado smash toast + spiced lavender mocha).
- 9:30 AM: Walking tour of the Historic District with Savannah Walks ($25).
- Afternoon:
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at Leopold’s Ice Cream (since 1919). Try the Tutti Frutti flavor—invented here!
- 2:00 PM: Explore the SCAD Museum of Art ($10).
- Evening:
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at The Grey (reservations essential).
- 8:30 PM: Ghost tour with Savannah Dan—his storytelling is spellbinding.
Day 2: Nature & Culture
- Morning:
- 7:30 AM: Bike ride through Forsyth Park (rentals from Savannah on Wheels).
- 10:00 AM: Coffee at The Sentient Bean.
- Afternoon:
- 12:00 PM: Picnic at Wormsloe Historic Site.
- 3:00 PM: Tour the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace (founder of the Girl Scouts).
- Evening:
- 6:30 PM: Sunset cruise on the Savannah River with River Street Riverboat Company ($35).
Day 3: Day Trips
- Option 1: Tybee Island
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at The Breakfast Club.
- 10:30 AM: Kayak tour with Tybee Island Jet Ski & Kayak.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at The Crab Shack.
- Option 2: Charleston, SC
- 8:00 AM: Drive to Charleston (2 hours).
- 10:00 AM: Tour the Historic District and Rainbow Row.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at Hominy Grill.
Savannah Travel Tips
Money-Saving Hacks
- Free Tours: First-come, first-served at the Savannah Visitor Center.
- Parking: Use street meters ($1/hour) or free shuttles. Avoid parking garages—they’re pricey.
Packing List
- Comfortable shoes (cobblestones are unforgiving!).
- Light layers (humidity fluctuates).
- A reusable water bottle—Savannah’s tap water is safe and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Savannah walkable?
Yes! The Historic District is 2.5 square miles and flat. Most attractions are within a 20-minute walk.
2. Are ghost tours worth it?
Absolutely—Savannah is America’s most haunted city. Try 6th Sense Tours for paranormal thrills.
3. What’s the best way to see the squares?
Hop on a horse-drawn carriage tour ($25) for a romantic overview.
4. Can I visit Tybee Island without a car?
Yes! Take the #100 CAT bus ($1.50 each way).
5. Is Savannah safe at night?
Stick to well-lit areas like River Street and avoid isolated squares after dark.
Conclusion: Start Your Savannah Adventure!
From its haunted history to foodie delights, Savannah is a must-visit destination. Whether you’re sipping sweet tea in Forsyth Park or exploring Bonaventure Cemetery, this city will steal your heart.
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