Savannah Travel Guide
Best neighborhoods, things to do, and when to visit
Savannah, GA
Savannah's downtown is laid out around 22 shaded squares, where live oaks draped in Spanish moss frame brick townhouses and cast-iron balconies. Riverfront warehouses now hold galleries and cafes, and art students sketch on benches a block from 18th-century cemeteries.
Historic squares · Southern cuisine · Ghost tours
Airport
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, just outside the city
Language
English, with a warm Southern accent
Currency
US dollar (USD, $); cards widely taken, some cash
Ideal trip length
Three to four days, ideal over a long weekend
Best time to visit Savannah
October – November
Average temperature
48-79°F (9-26°C), Mild, mostly sunny days with the year's lowest rainfall arriving in November.
Crowd Level
Moderate
Reason To Visit
Autumn brings mild afternoons near 79°F (26°C), cool evenings, and the driest stretch of the year, so walking the squares under live oaks feels comfortable for hours.
Fall eventSavannah Holiday Tree Lighting
Plant Riverside District
Things to do
Wander the shaded squares of the Historic District, drive out to Tybee Island for a beach afternoon, and join an evening walking tour once the air turns cool.
Popular events
Spring
Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade, Shamrocks and Shenanigans Celebration, FoodeesFest Savannah
Summer
Juneteenth Savannah, 9th Annual Love & Soul Family Festival, Southeast Crab Feast - Savannah (GA)
Fall
Savannah Holiday Tree Lighting, Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair, Lowcountry Fish and Grits Music Festival
Winter
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade, 2026 Mountainfilm on Tour Savannah Festival, Stout Fest
Where to stay in Savannah
Six Savannah bases, from square-lined historic streets to sand a short drive east.
North Historic District
Oak-shaded squares and riverfront blocks put much of old Savannah within a short walk.
Known for
Squares, riverfront strolls, antebellum architecture
Things to do nearby
Forsyth Park, Johnson Square
Nearby neighborhoods
South Historic District, East Victorian District
South Historic District
Quiet streets sit near the south end of the historic grid, close to Forsyth Park.
Known for
Forsyth Park access and townhouse blocks
Things to do nearby
Forsyth Park, Monterey Square, The Mercer Williams House Museum
Nearby neighborhoods
North Historic District, Thomas Square
East Victorian District
Victorian porches and shady sidewalks sit just east of the busiest historic blocks.
Known for
Victorian houses on quiet streets
Things to do nearby
Forsyth Park, Colonial Park Cemetery
Nearby neighborhoods
North Historic District, South Historic District
Thomas Square
Bungalow streets and corner bakeries make a steady base, with easy bus and bike rides downtown.
Known for
Bungalows, coffee stops, bike access downtown
Things to do nearby
Forsyth Park, Daffin Park
Nearby neighborhoods
Baldwin Park, South Historic District
Baldwin Park
A small residential pocket east of the historic core, handy for longer, slower stays.
Known for
Calm streets and park proximity
Things to do nearby
Daffin Park, Forsyth Park
Nearby neighborhoods
Thomas Square, East Victorian District
Tybee Island
Wide Atlantic sand and stilt cottages sit about 30 minutes east of downtown by car.
Known for
Beach cottages and the Tybee lighthouse
Nearby neighborhoods
Thunderbolt, Isle of Hope
Must see places in Savannah
Twenty-two shaded squares, Spanish moss, and antebellum architecture within one walkable historic grid.
Forsyth Park
Thirty acres of live oaks around an 1858 fountain, with a Saturday farmers market.
Neighborhood
North Historic District
Things to do nearby
The Mercer Williams House Museum, Savannah College of Art and Design
Time needed
1–2 hours
Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist
French Gothic twin spires with stained glass and Italian marble; modest dress appreciated.
Neighborhood
North Historic District
Things to do nearby
Lafayette Square, Colonial Park Cemetery
Time needed
30–45 minutes
River Street Rocks
Cobblestone waterfront lined with shops and cafes; watch cargo ships pass close to shore.
Things to do nearby
Plant Riverside District, Savannah's Waving Girl Statue
Time needed
1–2 hours
Bonaventure Cemetery
Oak-shaded avenues and marble sculpture beside the Wilmington River; free guided tours monthly.
Neighborhood
Thunderbolt
Things to do nearby
Savannah State University
Time needed
1–2 hours
Wormsloe Historic Site
A 1.5-mile avenue of 400 live oaks leads to tabby ruins and marsh trails.
Neighborhood
Isle of Hope
Things to do nearby
Skidaway Island State Park, Pin Point Heritage Museum
Time needed
2 hours
Owens-Thomas House
Regency mansion tour centered on the lives of the enslaved people who worked here.
Neighborhood
North Historic District
Things to do nearby
Oglethorpe Square, Telfair Academy
Time needed
1 hour
Jones Street - Prettiest Street in Savannah
Brick townhouses and arching oaks make this the most photographed street in the city.
Neighborhood
North Historic District
Things to do nearby
Monterey Square, Chatham Square
Time needed
30 minutes
Fort Pulaski National Monument
Civil War brick fort with cannon-scarred walls, a moat, and marsh boardwalks to a lighthouse view.
Neighborhood
North Beach
Time needed
2 hours
Local recommendations by Airbnb hosts in Savannah
The spots Savannah hosts send guests to - and the tips they pass along
Forsyth Park
- Stroll the park’s beautiful walking trails, then relax with a picnic under the live oaks.
- Visit the famous Forsyth fountain for photos, then explore the nearby garden designed for the blind.
- Bring kids to enjoy the park’s playgrounds, open fields, and space for walking and jogging.
- Plan a Saturday morning visit for the Forsyth Farmers Market with local produce, crafts, and live music.
- Stop at Collins Quarter inside the park for coffee or brunch during your visit.
The Olde Pink House
- Immerse yourself in Southern cuisine inside an 18th-century mansion, complete with period furnishings and rich history.
- Try house specialties like Crispy Scored Flounder, Corn Bread Fried Oysters, grilled pork tenderloin, and shrimp and grits.
- Book a reservation well in advance; if not, line up around 4:30 pm for first-come seating at the downstairs bar.
- Consider this spot for special occasions, with private rooms and a romantic, home-like atmosphere; in winter, request a fireplace table.
Fort Pulaski National Monument
- Explore the well-preserved 19th-century brick fort, barracks, artillery displays, ramparts, and historic museum exhibits.
- Look for Civil War battle damage, including unexploded shells still lodged in the fort’s thick brick walls.
- Join guided tours, watch living historians, and see artillery or weapon demonstrations that bring the fort’s history to life.
- Walk, bike, or take short hikes on island trails past marshes, small beaches, a historic dike system, and a lighthouse.
- Enjoy nature with birdwatching, fishing, and views of extensive saltwater marsh surrounding Cockspur Island.
Wormsloe Historic Site
- Walk or drive the breathtaking live oak avenue draped in Spanish moss for memorable photos.
- Explore the tabby ruins of Noble Jones’s colonial estate, considered the oldest standing structure in Savannah.
- Visit the museum and visitor center to watch short historical films and view artifacts from Savannah’s early days.
- Follow nature trails past marsh views to the Colonial Life Area, where afternoon living-history demonstrations may be offered.
- Plan time to walk, hike, or bike up to seven miles of trails across the thousand-acre historic site.
City Market
- Explore four blocks of open-air shopping surrounded by restored warehouses, dining options, and art galleries.
- Browse local artist studios and art shops, then pick up unique souvenirs and gifts.
- Relax at open-air cafes or jazz clubs and enjoy lively nightlife, including several bars.
- Check ahead for street music, festivals, or holiday events like ornament-making and face painting.
Tybee Island Light Station
- Climb the 178 steps to the top for sweeping views over Tybee and North Beach.
- Explore Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse, nearby keeper cottages, Summer Kitchen, and 1900s raised cottage.
- Consider an after-hours private tour for a ninety-minute visit and sunset from the lighthouse top.
- If visiting between mid-March and October, check out the Monday farmers market on the lighthouse grounds.
Places to eat and drink in Savannah
Historic settings, afternoon tea, and craft cocktails across Savannah
The Grey
Port City Southern cooking inside a restored 1938 Greyhound bus terminal.
Highlights
Art Deco terminal interior
Why do locals love it
The old ticket counter now serves as a bar under curved terminal lines.
Leopold's Ice Cream - Broughton Street
Ice cream parlor founded in 1919, still using the family's original recipes.
Highlights
Tutti Frutti ice cream
Why do locals love it
The marble fountain and wooden phone booth came from the original shop.
The Wyld
Open-air seafood spot on the Herb River with tables set along a working dock.
Highlights
Outdoor seating
Why do locals love it
Tidal creek and marsh grass sit just past the picnic tables.
Service Brewing Company
Veteran-owned brewery pouring IPAs and pilsners in a dog-friendly taproom.
Highlights
IPAs and pilsners, live music
Why do locals love it
Dogs are welcome while the taps and bands keep going
Lone Wolf Lounge
Neighborhood bar mixing creative cocktails in a small retro-leaning room.
Highlights
Creative cocktails, retro decor
Why do locals love it
Low-key room where a drink turns into conversation
Vic's On the River
Elevated Southern cooking and fresh seafood along historic River Street, with water views.
Highlights
Fresh seafood, waterfront views
Why do locals love it
River views come with the Southern plates
Rhett
Southern coastal cooking downtown, with handcrafted cocktails and weekend brunch.
Highlights
Fresh seafood, handcrafted cocktails
Why do locals love it
Brunch and happy hour both fit the same downtown stop
The Pirates' House
Southern cooking in a historic restaurant layered with pirate lore.
Highlights
Pirate lore, family-friendly dining
Why do locals love it
Kids and grandparents can share the same table here
Explore Savannah: The best travel itineraries
Savannah moves at a walking pace, with shaded squares every few blocks giving you reasons to slow down between landmarks, meals, and riverfront views.
Experienced Airbnb hosts in Savannah
1,320+
Places to stay in Savannah
3,790+
Things to do in Savannah
40+
Verified guest reviews in Savannah
278,110+
1 Day trip
Built around Forsyth Park's fountain, the oak-lined squares of the Historic District, Low Country cooking on Jones Street, and the cobblestones of River Street. Expect short walks and long sits.
Morning
Start under the oaks
Arrive before 9am for cooler air and the fountain mostly to yourself.
Afternoon
Low Country lunch on Jones Street
Lines form by 11am, so arrive early and expect communal tables.
Evening
Walk the squares to the river
Cobblestone ramps are uneven; the Bay Street elevators offer a smoother route down.
3 Day trip
Three days across Forsyth Park, Bull Street squares, City Market, and River Street, plus Bonaventure Cemetery, the Wormsloe oak avenue, and Tybee Island beach and lighthouse.
Morning
Forsyth Park and its fountain
Arrive before 9am for soft light on the fountain and shade under the live oaks.
Afternoon
Squares along Bull Street
Walk north on Bull Street and rest a few minutes in each square you pass.
Evening
Riverfront at dusk
The cobblestone ramps are uneven, so take the elevator or stairs at City Hall instead.
Morning
Mercer Williams House
Tours run on a timed schedule, so book your slot a day ahead.
Afternoon
Cathedral and City Market
The cathedral welcomes visitors outside Mass times; City Market sits a short walk northwest.
Evening
Low Country supper
Expect a queue at peak hours; arriving right at opening shortens the wait.
Morning
Bonaventure Cemetery
Free to enter; stay on the lanes and keep voices low out of respect for families.
Afternoon
Wormsloe oak avenue
The 1.5-mile oak avenue is the highlight; wear closed shoes for the sandy trails.
Evening
Tybee Island sunset
Summer afternoons reach about 90°F (32°C), so bring water and sun cover.
5-7 Day trip
Five days across Forsyth Park, Bull Street squares, City Market, and River Street, plus Bonaventure Cemetery, Wormsloe's oak avenue, Tybee Island beach, and shrimp and grits.
Morning
Start under the live oaks
Arrive before 9am for soft light and quiet paths around the fountain.
Afternoon
Walk the Bull Street squares
Benches sit in shade at most squares, so pace the route with short rests.
Evening
Supper near City Market
Tables fill by 6:30pm, so arrive early or put your name in and stroll.
Morning
Cotton-era warehouses
Cobblestones and ramps are uneven; the Bay Street elevators offer a smoother route.
Afternoon
Harbor history indoors
Allow about 90 minutes, and save time for the garden behind the house.
Evening
Dinner by the plaza
Ask for a window seat to watch cargo ships pass at dusk.
Morning
Civil rights history
Three floors of exhibits; start on the top floor and work down.
Afternoon
A Regency house tour
Tours run on the half hour; the last one often leaves by 4pm.
Evening
Courtyard evening
Open-air courtyards get busy after 7pm; weeknights are calmer.
Morning
Riverside cemetery walk
Pick up a map at the gate; the Bonaventure Road loop takes about an hour.
Afternoon
The oak avenue
The 1.5-mile avenue has no shade breaks by car, so bring water for the trails.
Evening
Seafood on the water
Sunset seating books out; reserve a day ahead in spring and autumn.
Morning
Fort on the river
Tide-flooded moat paths can be muddy; closed-toe shoes help.
Afternoon
Sand and a climb
Metered lots fill by noon in summer; 178 steps lead to the lighthouse gallery.
Evening
Last meal by the pier
Summer evenings hover near 80°F (27°C), so a patio table works well.
Family travel
Tybee Island Marine Science Center suits curious kids, and the Tybee Island Light Station climb rewards them with ocean views.
Couple travel
Stroll under the live oaks of Forsyth Park, then take the ferry across the Savannah River for skyline views at dusk.
Solo travel
Wander the Historic District squares on foot, then linger over the Telfair Museums and the shelves at E. Shaver, Bookseller.
How to get around Savannah
Metro and train
Rail service is long-distance rather than local, and the station sits outside the Historic District, so arrange onward transport for your arrival.
Bus
City buses connect downtown with outlying neighborhoods, and a free downtown shuttle links many squares. Check the local transit authority for current routes.
Rental car
A car helps for Tybee Island and other day trips. Park in a garage near the Historic District, then continue on foot to save circling the squares.
Walking
The terrain is flat and shaded, so walking between squares is pleasant. Wear sturdy shoes for the older cobblestone stretches near the river.
Generated with AI and may contain mistakes. Sources include third-party travel data and Airbnb data from listings, hosts, and host guidebooks. Updated September 2026.
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