Savannah, Georgia Travel Guide
City Historic city known for its architecture
A grid of shady squares and live oaks defines Savannah’s historic district; visitors linger in Forsyth Park, stroll River Street, sign up for ghost tours and sample coastal shrimp and buttery biscuits.
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Why Visit Savannah, Georgia? #
Moss-draped oaks and a grid of shaded squares set a leisurely pace in Savannah’s Historic District, where Forsyth Park and River Street frame everyday life. Southern food traditions are on display: try fried green tomatoes, shrimp boils and pecan desserts at neighborhood eateries. Evening ghost tours and well-preserved cemeteries add atmospheric depth without feeling theatrical. The mix of antebellum architecture, art galleries and café culture rewards slow exploration.
Who's Savannah, Georgia For?
Savannah’s leafy squares, Spanish moss-lined streets and riverfront dining are tailor-made for romantic strolls. Forsyth Park and quiet Broughton Street cafés create intimate moments without needing high budgets.
Southern classics and seafood thrive in downtown eateries and gastropubs; try Leopold’s, local oyster spots and chef-driven comfort food. Prices are moderate with standout fine-dining sprinkled through the Historic District.
Nearby marsh walks, Tybee Island beaches and the Bonaventure Cemetery offer calm coastal and green escapes within a short drive. Kayaking the marshes and birdwatching are easy day-trip options.
Parks, Telfair Museums and riverboat tours keep kids engaged, while walkable squares mean short distances between sights. Family-friendly accommodation clusters around the Historic District for convenience.
Best Things to Do in Savannah, Georgia
All Attractions ›
Savannah, Georgia Bucket List
- Savannah Historic District - Cobblestone streets, oak-shaded squares, and preserved architecture tracing centuries of Southern history.
- Forsyth Park and Fountain - Iconic 1858 cast-iron fountain centered in downtown's largest park, popular for photos.
- River Street - Historic cobblestone waterfront with shops, seafood restaurants, and frequent riverboat traffic.
- Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist - Lavish Gothic church downtown featuring twin spires, stained glass, and ornate plasterwork.
- Bonaventure Cemetery - Riverside cemetery known for live oaks draped in Spanish moss and historic gravesites.
- Leopold's Ice Cream - 1920s-style ice cream parlor serving house-made flavors since 1919; popular with locals.
- Wormsloe Historic Site - Long oak-lined avenue and colonial-era tabby ruins, quieter than downtown squares.
- The Grey (restaurant) - Restaurant in a restored Greyhound terminal offering inventive Southern cuisine and great ambiance.
- Savannah Botanical Gardens - Eight-acre public garden with lovely trails, native plants, and occasional community events.
- Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum - Compact museum chronicling Savannah's civil-rights history and the Reverend Gilbert's leadership.
- The Paris Market - Quirky boutique-café mixing antiques, home goods, and a cozy coffee counter.
- Tybee Island - Sandy beaches, the Tybee Island Light Station and relaxed seaside restaurants a short drive away.
- Hilton Head Island, South Carolina - South Carolina island with golf, beaches, bike paths, and upscale dining options.
- Jekyll Island - Historic district, coastal trails, and Driftwood Beach offering evocative coastal scenery and history.
- Charleston, South Carolina - Two-hour drive to a well-preserved historic city with churches, markets, and plantations.
- Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (Stephen C. Foster Area) - Vast swamp accessible from Folkston for boat tours, wildlife viewing, and boardwalks.
Regions of Savannah, Georgia #
Historic District
Savannah’s Historic District is a grid of moss-draped squares, antebellum architecture and coffee shops on every corner. It’s endlessly walkable and great for wandering aimlessly. Perfect for people who love laid-back southern hospitality, slow meals and photography.
Top Spots
- Forsyth Park - Iconic fountain and green space.
- The Olde Pink House - Famous Southern dining in a historic building.
- Cathedral Basilica - Striking landmark near the squares.
Riverfront
The Riverfront is noisy and fun: cobbles, riverboats and converted warehouses now full of shops and bars. It’s touristy but scenic, and a good place for an evening drink watching the barges go by. Expect crowds but also great people-watching.
Top Spots
- River Street - Cobblestone promenade with shops and bars.
- Savannah Riverboat Cruises - Sightseeing cruises and dinner options.
- City Market - Indoor/outdoor market with local artists and eateries.
Starland District
Starland is the creative fringe north of the historic core - gallery nights, murals and cosy cafés full of locals. It’s where you’ll find alternative bars and emerging chefs. Visit for evening music or a slower, neighbourhood-feel away from the tourist hubs.
Top Spots
- The Sentient Bean - Long-running café with live music.
- Local galleries - Independent artist spaces and murals.
- Starland Street art - Colourful storefronts and weekend markets.
Tybee Island
A 20-30 minute drive east of Savannah, Tybee Island is the easy beach day trip with relaxed bars, seafood shacks and a full-on coastal mood. Families and beach lovers come for the sand, lighthouse and slower pace - bring sunscreen and patience for slow ferry lanes.
Top Spots
- Tybee Pier & Pavilion - Classic beach pier with fishing and views.
- Fort Pulaski National Monument - Nearby Civil War-era fort and grounds.
- Tybee Island beaches - Wide sands and gentle surf.
Plan Your Visit to Savannah, Georgia #
Best Time to Visit Savannah, Georgia #
Visit Savannah in spring (March-May) or late fall (October-November) for comfortable temperatures, blooming gardens and easy walking through the historic district. Summers are hot, humid and thunderstorm-prone with some hurricane risk, while winters stay generally mild.
Best Time to Visit Savannah, Georgia #
Savannah, Georgia's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 4°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1265 mm/year), wettest in August.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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June
June is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (151 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (183 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is easiest to reach by air via Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV); Amtrak's Silver Service trains also stop in the city. Intercity buses serve Savannah as well, but once you're here the compact Historic District is best explored on foot or by short rideshare/taxi rides.
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV): SAV is the city’s primary airport, about 13 miles northwest of the Historic District. Taxis and rideshares (Uber/Lyft) to downtown typically take 20-30 minutes and cost roughly $25-45 depending on traffic and time of day. Chatham Area Transit (CAT) also provides limited scheduled service between the airport and parts of the city (cash fares are low; check CAT schedules for current times and connections).
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX): JAX is a larger regional alternative roughly 80-100 miles north of Savannah; driving takes about 1.5-2 hours depending on route. If you fly into Jacksonville to reach Savannah expect a rental car or intercity bus/coach (drive ~1.5-2 hours; bus fares commonly range from about $20-40) - rideshare/taxi over that distance is generally impractical and expensive.
Train: Savannah is served by Amtrak’s Savannah station (stops: Silver Meteor and Silver Star), which connects to points north and south along the East Coast. The station is a short taxi or rideshare ride from the Historic District (typically 5-15 minutes); short taxi/rideshare trips into town commonly cost in the low double digits.
Bus: Intercity bus operators (Greyhound and other coach services/seasonal carriers) serve Savannah with routes to Atlanta, Charleston, Jacksonville and beyond. Travel times and fares vary by route - for example, trips to nearby regional cities commonly take 2-4 hours with fares often in the ~$15-40 range - and the bus station is a short drive from the historic core.
How to Get Around Savannah, Georgia
Savannah's compact Historic District is best navigated on foot; sidewalks and the city squares make walking the most enjoyable option. For longer trips or to reach beaches and nearby towns use CAT buses for budget travel or rideshare/car rental for speed and convenience.
- Chatham Area Transit (CAT) buses ($1.75) - CAT operates the city's public bus network connecting neighborhoods, shopping areas and some routes into the downtown area. Buses are the cheapest way to get around for longer hops inside the metro area; services have modest schedules outside weekday peak hours so check times in advance. If you plan to rely on public transit, use CAT's route maps to plan connections to the historic district and major attractions.
- Historic Trolley & Hop‑On Tours ($25-40) - Hop‑on hop‑off trolley tours are popular for first‑time visitors - they combine narrated history with convenient stops around the Historic District and Forsyth Park. These are tourist services rather than local transit but are very useful for sightseeing and short transfers between attractions. Expect single‑day tickets in the neighborhood of $25-40 depending on operator and inclusions.
- Rideshare & Taxis (Uber/Lyft & local cabs) ($6-40) - Rideshares and taxis are the most flexible way to move around the city, especially evenings or to reach neighborhoods not well served by buses. Short trips inside the Historic District typically cost $6-20; airport transfers are more expensive (see airport card). During events or heavy tourist periods surge pricing can push fares higher. Drivers are plentiful but allow extra time during festivals and riverfront events.
- Car Rental ($40-90 per day) - A rental car gives you freedom to explore the region (Tybee Island, Hilton Head, coastal Georgia) but is unnecessary for purely downtown stays because streets in the Historic District are narrow and parking can be limited and costly. Daily rental rates vary seasonally - off‑season deals are common, while summer and holiday periods are pricier. If you rent, look for hotels or public garages with secure parking to avoid repeated parking hassles.
- Bicycle & Electric Scooter Rentals ($10-40) - Bikes and e‑scooters are a pleasant way to cover more ground around the Historic District and riverfront on fair weather days - several local shops rent city and cruiser bikes by the hour or day. Use bike lanes where provided and lock rentals when leaving them; some streets are very cobbled or narrow, so choose a bike suited to relaxed urban cruising. Rentals typically cost roughly $10-20 per hour or $20-40 per day.
- Walking - Walking is the best way to experience Savannah's Historic District - many attractions, parks and restaurants are clustered close together and the grid of squares makes for scenic, easy walking. Bring comfortable shoes and a water bottle in summer; the flat terrain makes most longer strolls pleasant. For evening walks stick to well‑lit streets and use a rideshare for late returns if needed.
Where to Stay in Savannah, Georgia #
- Hostel Hoot (local hostels) - Dorms and private rooms in walkable areas
- The Marshall House (economy deals sometimes) - Historic budget option near riverfront
- The Brice, a Kimpton Hotel - Stylish rooms, central for exploring
- The DeSoto - Classic hotel on Oglethorpe Square
- The DeSoto - Historic luxury with rooftop pool option
- Hyatt Regency Savannah - Riverside views and full-service amenities
- The Brice, a Kimpton Hotel - Central to squares and nearby attractions
- The DeSoto - Classic base for first visits to Savannah
- Hyatt Regency Savannah - Spacious rooms and riverfront location
- The Brice, a Kimpton Hotel - Family-friendly suites and concierge help
- The Brice, a Kimpton Hotel - Good Wi‑Fi and calm work areas
- Hyatt Regency Savannah - Business facilities and riverside views
Where to Eat in Savannah, Georgia #
Savannah’s culinary draw is its deep Southern roots: low-country flavors, seafood from the nearby coast and a hospitality-first dining culture. Historic inns and restored buildings house restaurants that emphasize slow, seasonal cooking and recipes passed down through generations.
Don’t miss a family-style lunch at Mrs. Wilkes’ for an old-school experience; for something modern, reserve at The Grey. For a sweet finish, Leopold’s Ice Cream has been a local staple for generations.
- Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room - Family-style Southern lunch served on long tables.
- The Grey - Modern reinterpretation of Southern classics in an artful space.
- The Olde Pink House - Historic setting serving classic Savannah dishes and sides.
- Local 11 Ten - Contemporary plates with seasonal and global influences.
- 700 Drayton (hotel dining) - Upscale options blending Southern and international techniques.
- Vic's On the River - Riverfront spot with diverse menu and regional touches.
- Fox & Fig Café - Popular all-vegan café for brunch and pastries.
- Sentient Bean - Café with daily vegetarian and vegan specials.
- The Vault Kitchen & Market - Fresh salads and veggie-forward plates in downtown.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Savannah, Georgia's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Savannah, Georgia #
Savannah’s nights are atmospheric and strollable: think lantern‑lit squares, River Street’s lively bars, and intimate live music rooms. The city favors craft cocktails, seafood, and historic venues; local breweries and rooftop lounges are growing. Nightlife centers on River Street, City Market and Broughton Street, with many places winding down by 2AM. Be cautious around very late crowds on River Street and use official taxis or rideshares after dark.
Best Bets
- River Street - Historic cobblestone strip with bars, music and river views.
- Moon River Brewing Company - Longtime local brewery with hearty pub food and live music.
- The Grey (restaurant) - High‑end dining in a converted Greyhound terminal, great for nights out.
- City Market - Cluster of bars, galleries and late eateries in the Historic District.
- Savannah Theatre - Evening shows and cabaret in a restored historic theatre.
- Local live‑music venues - Check calendars for jazz, indie and Americana performances nightly.
Shopping in Savannah, Georgia #
Savannah’s shopping is a relaxed mix of antique stores, Southern boutiques and specialty food shops. Broughton Street hosts national retailers and independent boutiques; City Market sits between the historic squares with galleries, crafts and restaurants. Don’t miss The Paris Market for curated homeware and antiques, and Forsyth Farmers’ Market for local produce and artisanal goods. Prices vary widely - expect set prices in boutiques and the chance to negotiate at flea markets and stalls.
Best Bets
- Broughton Street - Main shopping thoroughfare with boutiques, cafés and galleries.
- City Market (Savannah) - Pedestrian art, craft stalls and souvenir shops near the river.
- The Paris Market & Brocante - Eclectic antiques, homeware and curated gifts in a charming shop.
- River Street shops - Waterfront stores selling pralines, souvenirs and local treats.
- Forsyth Park Farmers' Market - Weekend market for produce, baked goods and local crafts.
- E. Shaver, Bookseller - Historic independent bookstore offering rare and new titles.
Digital Nomads in Savannah, Georgia #
Savannah is attractive for remote workers who want a compact, walkable historic city with lower U.S. living costs and easy access to coastline. Visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries can enter the U.S. for up to 90 days on ESTA; other nationals need B‑1/B‑2 visitor visas (typically up to six months). The U.S. currently does not offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Budget-wise, expect modest costs compared with California: studio or one‑bed rentals often $1,000-$1,800/month depending on proximity to the historic district, food and transport about $400-$700, and coworking $150-$350/month. Internet in town is adequate for professional work - cable/fibre in many neighborhoods (100-500 Mbps common), reliable mobile coverage from major carriers.
- The Creative Coast - tech nonprofit, coworking + events
- Regus Savannah - business-grade offices, downtown location
- HotDesks at local cafés - coffee shops, informal work spots
- Savannah Entrepreneurial Center - startup programming, small offices
- Xfinity - widely available cable internet
- AT&T - DSL/fibre where rolled out
- T‑Mobile / Verizon - solid 5G in parts of city
- Public libraries - free Wi‑Fi, quiet workspaces available
- Savannah Social & Tech Meetups - regular tech and creative meetups
- Coastal Makers & Entrepreneurs - creative networking, workshops
- Chamber of Commerce events - business mixers, local introductions
- Facebook groups for expats - housing tips, meetups, classifieds
Demographics
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