Savannah, Georgia Travel Guide

Savannah, Georgia, is a city steeped in history, draped in Spanish moss, and bursting with Southern charm. From cobblestone streets and elegant squares to vibrant art scenes and delectable cuisine, this coastal gem offers something for every traveler. Pack your walking shoes and your appetite and prepare to be enchanted by the magic of Savannah. It’s one of my favorite places to visit!

Updated: February 2024

Let’s get into all of the best things to do in Savannah, Georgia!

About Savannah, Georgia

Located along the Atlantic coast in southeastern Georgia, Savannah basks in the warm embrace of the sun and the gentle caress of the ocean breeze. Just north of Florida and south of South Carolina, the city sits at the mouth of the Savannah River, where its vibrant spirit seamlessly blends with the charm of the Lowcountry.

Savannah, Georgia, is a city that beautifully combines its rich history with a lively present. Stepping into its streets is like taking a stroll through the past, with gorgeous architecture and Southern charm evident in every corner. The well-preserved buildings, from grand mansions to cozy cottages, tell the story of Savannah’s roots.

The Historic District, with its squares and oak-lined streets draped in Spanish moss, captures the city’s essence. But Savannah isn’t just about history; it’s a vibrant, living city. The city’s culinary scene adds to its appeal, featuring a mix of Southern flavors and creative dishes. Savannah’s cultural life shines through annual events and festivals, showcasing its artistic and musical spirit. It’s a place where the past and present blend seamlessly, inviting everyone to experience the timeless charm of Savannah, where history and modern life coexist harmoniously.

Immerse yourself in history at River Street, where waterfront bars and shops pulse with lively energy. Explore the Plant Riverside district, a revitalized power plant complex now buzzing with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Discover hidden gems in City Market, a bustling marketplace teeming with local artisans and eclectic finds. Stroll down Broughton Street, the heart of the historic district, lined with charming boutiques, trendy cafes, and architectural marvels. Each corner of Savannah unfolds a new layer of its alluring personality, promising an unforgettable Southern adventure.

Where to Stay in Savannah, Georgia

From grand historic mansions to modern havens with city views, Savannah’s accommodations cater to every taste. Choose from charming historic home rentals nestled in quiet squares, modern hotels with skyline views, or cozy inns brimming with character. Families can splash in hotel pools, foodies can savor Michelin-starred bites near chic hotels, and budget travelers can discover historic finds. No matter your style, Savannah holds the key to unlocking your perfect stay, each offering a unique slice of Southern charm.

• JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District: A reimagined historic power plant has become a contemporary riverside retreat, offering luxurious stays, diverse dining, and vibrant entertainment.
• Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront: This hotel blends Georgian-era grandeur with modern amenities, offering waterfront views, rooftop tapas, and an intimate Southern charm.
• Kimpton Brice Hotel: Infusing historic Savannah with playful sophistication and boasting stylish rooms and a gorgeous pool area.
• DoubleTree Savannah Historic District: Nestled amidst Savannah’s iconic squares, the DoubleTree Savannah Historic District charms with classic hospitality, spacious rooms, and a warm welcome complete with their signature chocolate chip cookie.
• Homewood Suites Savannah Historic District/ Riverfront: With a blend of modern comfort with riverside charm, offering spacious suites, and easy access to Savannah’s historic squares.

Where to Eat in Savannah, Georgia

Savannah’s dining landscape mirrors the city’s rich history, offering a culinary adventure as diverse as its past. Whether you’re craving classic Southern comfort food, eager to explore inventive dishes, or simply looking for a quick and casual bite, the city has it all. From renowned restaurants to hidden gems, Savannah invites you to savor its gastronomic delights, creating a tapestry of flavors that complement the city’s multifaceted charm.

Famous Savannah Restaurants

• The Pirate’s House:  The Pirate’s House is one of the oldest buildings in Georgia and where Robert Louis Stevenson wrote a part of the novel, Treasure Island. It serves up Southern fare and seafood alongside spooky charm and ghost stories.
• The Olde Pink House: Steeped in history, The Olde Pink House, serves up delectable Lowcountry cuisine within the elegant setting of a restored 18th-century mansion.
• Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room: Serving heaping plates of family-style Southern comfort food in a historic boarding house setting, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, is a favorite. A line of people gathers each weekday morning for the doors to open at 11:00 AM, hoping to get a seat.
• The Grey: In Savannah’s historic Greyhound bus terminal, The Grey reinvents Southern cuisine with innovative flair, offering an unforgettable dining experience steeped in history and soul.

Breakfast Restaurants in Savannah

• Two Cracked Eggs: Two Cracked Eggs serves up hearty breakfast comfort food and lunch favorites in a rustic café setting, known for its oversized portions and friendly service.
• Double Wide Diner: At Double Wide Diner, fuel your Savannah adventure with hearty breakfast plates like fluffy pancakes, savory sausage links, and cheesy grits, served in a fun, diner-themed atmosphere.

Savannah Coffee Shops

• Savannah Coffee Roasters: Savannah Coffee Roasters, an aroma-filled haven in the heart of the city, serves freshly roasted brews, delectable pastries, and a taste of Georgia’s oldest roasting tradition.circle
• The Paris Market Cafe: Nestled inside Savannah’s iconic design emporium, The Paris Market Cafe, offers a charming Parisian escape with delectable pastries, light bites, and coffee, perfect for a chic break amidst your shopping spree.
• The Coffee Fox: Located on a bustling corner of Broughton Street, The Coffee Fox brews up craft coffee and delectable pastries in a retro-chic haven, offering both indoor comfort and vibrant sidewalk seating.
• Mirabelle Savannah: Mirabelle Savannah combines Belgian liege waffle indulgence with vintage charm, offering sweet delights and boutique suites overlooking the iconic St. John’s Cathedral.

Casual Dining Options in Savannah

• Treylor Park: Treylor Park in Savannah serves up Southern comfort food with a playful twist in a vintage-chic setting, offering creative cocktails and lively energy day and night.
• Vinnie Van GoGo’s: Vinnie Van Gogh’s in City Market, a quirky art bar and eatery, fuels creative spirits with eclectic dishes, craft cocktails, and live music under a canopy of twinkling lights and painted vines.
• The Shrimp Factory: The Shrimp Factory, a Savannah tradition since 1977, reels in seafood lovers with its historic setting, panoramic river views, and heaping platters of shrimp in every imaginable style.
• Sweet Potatoes: Sweet Potatoes in Savannah offers soul-warming Southern favorites with vegan and gluten-free options, served in a colorful, casual setting with friendly smiles.tunesharemore_vert

Fine Dining Options in Savannah

• Vic’s on the River: Vic’s on the River elevates classic Southern cuisine with waterfront elegance, offering panoramic views, delectable seafood dishes, and an unforgettable fine-dining experience.

• Elizabeth on 37th: This Savannah gem boasts an award-winning wine list and an upscale take on traditional Southern fare.
• Belford’s: In the heart of Savannah’s City Market, Belford’s blends historic charm with award-winning steaks and seafood, offering an elegant atmosphere, impeccable service, and a taste of Southern culinary excellence.
• Alligator Soul: Alligator Soul tantalizes taste buds with eclectic Southern cuisine featuring organic ingredients, local day boat fish, and even a dash of gator, all served in a romantic and elegant downtown setting.
• Collins Quarter: Collins Quarter offers a taste of Australia in Savannah with a vibrant cafe, bar, and restaurant serving up espresso drinks, craft beers, and Aussie-inspired meals in a stylish space.
• The Public Kitchen & Bar: This Savannah hotspot elevates casual dining with farm-to-table American fare, offering stylish digs, delectable burgers, and trendy cocktails in a mid-century modern setting.

Where to Get Drinks in Savannah. Georgia

Craft beer aficionados raise pints at buzzing gastropubs, while cocktail connoisseurs sip bespoke creations in swanky bars in Savannah. Rooftop revelers soak in cityscape views with their drinks, while live music spills out of vibrant nightspots. Whether you crave a casual pint or a chic cocktail with a view, Savannah has a toast waiting for you.

• Wet Willie’s: Wet Willie’s on River Street offers rainbow-hued frozen daiquiris and offbeat pub fare in a lively brick-walled chain bar setting.
• Myrtle & Rose Rooftop Bar: Perched atop the JW Marriott, Myrtle & Rose Rooftop Bar offers a romantic escape amidst the Savannah skyline. Botanical-inspired cocktails and shareable bites with breathtaking river and city views.
• Rocks on the Roof: Sleek and sophisticated rooftop bar at the Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront boasting globally inspired small plates, swanky drinks, and breathtaking panoramic views of the Savannah River.
• Arco Cocktail Lounge: Step into Arco Cocktail Lounge, where soaring arches and majestic vaults frame a breathtaking river view, inviting you to savor handcrafted cocktails and coastal fare amidst Savannah’s historic charm.
• Congress Street Social Club: In Savannah’s historic district, Congress Street Social Club features live music, delectable pub fare, and downstairs game nights, offering a vibrant escape for diverse tastes.
• Artillery: Artillery beckons with imaginative cocktails and a touch of history within a restored armory, offering a sophisticated escape with a nod to the city’s past.

Sweets in Savannah, Georgia

Sweet tooths rejoice, this Southern gem is a haven for indulging in decadent delights. Picture yourself browsing colorful candy stores bursting with pralines, pecan pralines, and more pralines – a true Southern specialty. Craving something richer? Savannah beckons with melt-in-your-mouth fudge, buttery cookies, ice cream, and towering slices of cake, each promising a flavor explosion. Whether you’re a chocolate devotee or a fruit fanatic, Savannah’s sweet scene has something for your taste buds.

• Leopold’s Ice Cream: Savannah’s iconic Leopold’s Ice Cream tempts with handcrafted scoops since 1919 where movie memorabilia lines the walls. The counter, where creamy scoops in classic and adventurous flavors, like their famed Tutti-Frutti, promise pure indulgence.
• Lulu’s Chocolate Bar: Lulu’s Chocolate Bar in Savannah lures sugar fiends with decadent house-made desserts and specialty cocktails in a lively atmosphere, offering a sweet escape infused with Southern charm.
• Savannah’s Candy Kitchen: Savannah’s Candy Kitchen, a Savannah staple since 1973, tantalizes with sugary nostalgia, whipping up handcrafted pralines, pecan brittle, and creamy fudge amidst the sweet aroma of kettle-cooked goodness.
• Savannah Square Pops: Savannah Square Pops, named after the city’s iconic squares, quench your thirst with gourmet popsicles crafted from fresh fruits and local ingredients, offering a sweet escape on a stick.
• Byrd’s Famous Cookies: From melt-in-your-mouth oatmeal cookies to tangy key lime coolers, Byrd’s Famous Cookies are all baked fresh and waiting to be savored in their charming stores or enjoyed as a sweet souvenir.

Where to Shop in Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is a treasure trove for the shopper seeking something special. Forget your typical mall experience – here, charm reigns supreme. Wander through the bustling City Market or step into Broughton Street’s elegant boutiques. Whether you’re a fashionista, a history buff, or simply a lover of all things unique, Savannah’s shopping scene promises an adventure around every corner.

• The Paris Market: The Paris Market in Savannah transports you to a European wonderland, offering antiques, homewares, gifts, and a charming cafe, all housed in a beautifully restored historic building.
• Savannah Bee Company: The Savannah Bee Company buzzes with sweetness, offering gourmet honey, luxurious body care, and bee-inspired gifts that help save the bees.
• Harper Boutique: Harper Boutique offers a light-filled haven for the modern woman, showcasing a curated selection of high-end feminine clothing, accessories, and shoes with a touch of European flair.
• Terra Cotta: Terra Cotta features stylish women’s clothing, chic accessories, and home decor, offering a curated haven for the Southern sophisticate.
• The Book Lady Bookstore: With its 50,000+ titles tucked within a charming historic mansion, The Book Lady Bookstore invites bookworms to lose themselves in dusty stacks and discover literary gems, new and old.

Looking for other cities in Georgia to explore? Check out some of my favorite spots in Valdosta, Georgia.

Explore the City of Savannah

Savannah’s streets are a testament to history, architecture, and natural beauty. Lace up your walking shoes and discover hidden gems around every corner. Savannah’s sights and sounds promise an unforgettable adventure for every visitor.

• Historic Squares: Stroll through the 22 beautifully landscaped squares, each with its unique charm and history. One square might burst with vibrant blooms, another with stately monuments, each has its own personality. Whether you wander solo or join a tour, one thing is certain: exploring Savannah’s squares is a must-do.
• Forsyth Park: A 30-acre haven, Forsyth Park boasts the iconic Parisian-inspired fountain, sprawling lawns for picnics and play, and hidden gems like the Fragrant Garden. Grab a coffee at the Sentient Bean, fuel up at the Farmer’s Market, or simply relax under the live oaks.
• River Street: Savannah’s River Street is a cobblestone gem along the waterfront. Once bustling cotton warehouses, its buildings now house quirky shops, restaurants, and lively bars, all overlooking the Savannah River. Grab a praline, watch ships roll by, or indulge in fresh seafood – there’s something for everyone.
• Mercer-Williams House: Monterey Square’s star, the Mercer Williams House, is an Italianate beauty with antebellum elegance. Infamous for a true-crime tale, it’s now a museum offering glimpses into Savannah’s rich past, from grand architecture to scandalous secrets. Beauty, history, and intrigue – all under one roof.
• Telfair Museums: Telfair Museums are a trio of historic sites brimming with art, history, and architecture. Explore the opulent Telfair Academy, wander the Owens-Thomas House with its preserved slave quarters, and marvel at modern art at the Jepson Center, home to a captivating children’s museum too.
• Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist: This French Gothic gem, built in 1873, boasts 81 stained glass stories and 16 watchful gargoyles. Take a self-guided tour when services aren’t happening, and admire its grandeur, from intricate windows to the mighty pipe organ. It’s a must-see for history buffs and architecture lovers alike.
• Savannah History Museum: Housed in a historic train depot, the Savannah History Museum whisks you on a journey through time. Explore interactive exhibits, marvel at Buster the coal-saving dog’s medal, and witness the city’s role in the American Revolution. This treasure trove of artifacts promises a captivating trip through Savannah’s past.
• Ghosts and Gravestones:  Whether you believe in ghosts or not, it is still a unique activity to add to your trip. Savannah is widely considered to be America’s Most Haunted City. The stories and the history alone are interesting enough!  This trolley tour lasts about an hour and a half. You can save on ticket prices if you purchase online ahead of time, but regular adult tickets are about $35 per person.
• Old Savannah Trolley Tours:  Savannah is a town best explored on foot.  Years ago, on our first visit, we opted for an all-day on and off trolley tour with almost 20 stops to make sure we could fit all of the best spots into our one full day.  It was so convenient and it was full of historical information. It is a great way to see most of the historic parts of the city, especially if you’ve never been before. The tickets are $38 per adult.
• Tybee Island: Sunshine, beaches, and Southern charm – that’s Tybee Island in a nutshell. This barrier island is a short trip from Savannah and boasts soft sand, gentle waves, and endless ocean views. Explore Civil War history at Fort Screven, climb the iconic lighthouse, or kayak through vibrant salt marshes. Escape to Tybee for relaxation, adventure, and island vibes.

Take a look at some of the top tours in Savannah on Viator.

Famous Movies Filmed in Savannah

Step onto the cobblestone streets of Savannah, Georgia, and you might just feel like you’ve stepped onto a movie set. This charming Southern city has served as a captivating backdrop for countless films. Here are some of the most famous films:

• Glory (1989)
• Forrest Gump (1994)
• Something to Talk About (1995)
• Now and Then (1995)
• Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997)
• The Last Song (2010)
• Lady & the Tramp (2019)

Tips for Visiting Savannah, Georgia

• Walking is a great way to see the Historic District, and the city is very pedestrian-friendly. Wear comfortable shoes for all of the walking you’ll do!
• Savannah is a year-round travel destination, however, the summers can be very hot and humid.
• You can enjoy a stroll down the cobblestone streets while sipping on a beverage in a to-go cup (beer, wine, or mixed drinks) because of the open container laws.
• Make dinner reservations ahead of time, especially for popular spots. They can fill up quickly!
• Many shops and restaurants close early on Sundays, so plan accordingly and check the hours ahead of time.
• Spending three days in Savannah is the perfect amount of time to experience a lot of what the city has to offer.
• Read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil before your visit.

Need some packing help? Check out these tips!

With its friendly locals, picturesque scenery, and endless charm, Savannah promises an unforgettable Southern experience. So, pack your bags, embrace the slow pace, and let the magic of this captivating city sweep you away.

Have you ever been to Savannah?  I would love to hear your favorite places because I am sure we will be back!  If not, I hope some of these hot spots can help you plan your next getaway.