One Weekend in Savannah, GA: A 3-Day Savannah Itinerary
Savannah is known for its rich history (a bit spooky), historic architecture, and classic Southern charm. The town has been the setting for many books and movies, and there are plenty of activities for city-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. I visited with a friend for a quick weekend getaway and we were able to see so much of the area in just 3 days! So, without further ado, here’s exactly how to spend one weekend in Savannah.
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Table of Contents
How do I get to Savannah?
Visitors to Savannah have the option of flying into the nearby Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport or the further Charleston International Airport.
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is a convenient option because it is located just about 10 miles from downtown Savannah. Charleston International Airport, meanwhile, is about a 2-hour drive from Savannah, but is significantly larger, which may be ideal for some.
Savannah is a very pedestrian-friendly city, and you can easily walk or bike to most destinations located throughout the city.
There are also several public transportation systems available to choose from. Chatham Area Transit offers buses and shuttles are also available through the DOT.
A rental car may be helpful if you plan to explore along the coast or visit a nearby island, but it is not necessary if you’re staying within the city of Savannah.
What is the best time to visit Savannah?
Savannah is known for having hot and humid summers and mild winters, and it can be fun to visit year-round.
Spring is an especially beautiful time to visit because there are lots of flowers and plants that will be blooming throughout town. St. Patrick’s Day is also a huge celebration in the city and can be a fun time to visit if you like parades and bar crawls and don’t mind large crowds.
Early summer is also a good time to visit if you plan to spend a good amount of time on the beach. July and August tend to see very high temperatures that, coupled with humidity, can make for an unpleasant trip. These are also very popular times to visit, meaning you will run into more crowds.
We visited in the winter (end of November) and had 75-degree sunny days all weekend! We even went for a swim one day!
Savannah, GA Average Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Avg Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 58.1 | 43.7 | 1.38 |
| February | 62.4 | 47.1 | 1.65 |
| March | 67.8 | 52.3 | 1.93 |
| April | 75.7 | 59.9 | 2.52 |
| May | 82.2 | 67.1 | 1.97 |
| June | 88.0 | 73.6 | 3.39 |
| July | 90.5 | 75.7 | 3.15 |
| August | 89.8 | 75.7 | 4.33 |
| September | 85.5 | 72.5 | 2.36 |
| October | 77.0 | 63.1 | 2.36 |
| November | 67.1 | 53.1 | 1.46 |
| December | 61.7 | 49.1 | 2.91 |
Where should I stay in Savannah?
Savannah has several distinct neighborhoods and districts, all of which have plenty of hotels, bed, and breakfast, and Airbnb options. Savannah’s Historic District is a great area for those who want to feel immersed in the city’s antebellum architecture and charm.
Another popular area to stay in is River Street, located right along the Savannah River. River Street is home to lots of shops, restaurants, and bars, making it a great area to walk around and explore. River Street Inn is a great option for this area, putting you right in the heart of the action.
Sample 3-Day Savannah Weekend Itinerary
Day 1 in Savannah: River Street
Morning
Spend your first morning in Savannah wandering around the famous Plant Riverside District. Grab coffee and a pastry from one of the cafés inside the JW Marriott complex, then wander through the stunning lobby filled with fossils, art, and sparkling geodes.
From there, browse the boutique shops, snap photos under the iconic chrome-dipped dinosaurs, and enjoy the lively atmosphere before the crowds roll in.
Then, make your way out to check out the other shops and sights along the river!
Parking Tip! If driving to the riverside, most visitors use the on-site Plant Riverside Garage at 500 West River Street, it offers nearly 500 spaces, is open 24/7, and provides direct access to the district and River Street. We didn’t have any issues finding parking, but it is quite spendy (I think we paid $25 for a few hours). If it is full, there’s plenty of other garages a block or two off the river.
Afternoon
After your laid-back morning, board the Georgia Queen for a sightseeing lunch tour. This 2-hour ride is the perfect way to see the waterfront, shipping port, historic landmarks like Old Fort Jackson, and local wildlife…all while enjoying a hearty Southern-style buffet.
On board you’ll hear engaging stories and historical commentary from the captain, spot modern port activity and natural scenery, and dig into a spread featuring classics like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, creamy mac and cheese, seasonal veggies, and dessert.
Book your Savannah Riverboat Cruise!
Evening
Head to Electric Moon’s rooftop for a light dinner and a few drinks! In addition to the great view, there are yard games, a DJ/dance floor, and even a slide!
If you still have more energy, you could walk to Saddlebags for some line dancing, Coyote Brass for live music, or Savannah Smiles for some dueling piano action! All are within walking distance from Electric Moon!
Note! Most of the bars did charge a cover, so be prepared for this is bar hopping!
Day 2 in Savannah: Tybee Island
Morning
Day 2 is all about the island life! Head on a short day trip to Tybee Island!
The island is only about half an hour from downtown Savannah and is a great place to enjoy the beach vibes. Tybee Island offers a lot of shopping and restaurants as well as museums and historic sites to learn about the history of the area. You also have a really good chance of spotting sea life, like dolphins, while lounging on the beach, so keep your eyes peeled!
After arriving, stop at the Tybee Island Light Station & Museum, one of the oldest and most iconic lighthouses in the U.S. Climb the 178 steps to the top for sweeping views of the coastline, then explore the restored keeper’s cottages and museum across the street.
Arrive early to beat the crowds and the midday heat. Tickets typically include access to both the lighthouse and museum. Tickets are $14 per person with hours from 9:00 am -4:30 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
(Early) Afternoon
Then head to Tim’s Bike & Beach Gear to grab your bikes to explore more of the island. Tybee is wonderfully bike-friendly, and cruising along quiet streets or right on the beach is one of the best ways to take in the relaxed coastal charm.
There is a bike trail that takes you on a paved road through the neighborhoods, or you can ride right on the beach. We decided to ride on the beach on the way to South Beach and then on the trail on the way back to the rental shop. The beach was quite the workout in the spots with soft sand…so be sure to check the tide before choosing this route (but SUPER worth it!)
It’s about 3 miles from the rental shop to South Beach.
After arriving at South Beach, grab some lunch Spanky’s and spend an hour or two checking out the beach shops.
Evening
To close out day 2 of your Savannah trip, grab dinner at The Olde Pink House, a historic mansion-turned restaurant. The Olde Pink House is an amazing slice of Savannah history; it was first built in 1771 as a personal home and, after falling into neglect, was restored in the 1990s. The mansion is now the home of a swanky restaurant that is well-known for serving up delicious lunches and dinners.
If you are unable to get reservations here, check out Bella Napoli for a delicious Italian meal! It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but it was delish!
Late Night
Given Savannah’s extensive history, it’s no surprise that Savannah is considered one of the most haunted cities in America. Going on a ghost tour is a fun and spooky way to learn about some of Savannah’s history while visiting some reportedly haunted spots.
There are tons of ghost tour options to choose from depending on how long of a tour you’d like to go on and how much you’d like to spend. Even if you’re not a big believer in the paranormal, embarking on a Savannah ghost tour is a great way to experience a whole other side of the city.
We booked ours with the Ghosts and Graveyard Trolley tour, and it was so much fun (from someone who had NO idea what to expect. It included entry to the Low house, and the guides were excellent!
Day 3 in Savannah: Historic District
Morning
Start your last day in Savannah with a Visit to the Wormsloe Historic Site. We quickly learned that this site was much more than just the famous tree-lined street that you see all over Instagram.
As you enter, you’re greeted by the iconic mile-long avenue of live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, one of the most photographed spots in Savannah (you can walk it or hop on their tractor/shuttle).
Beyond the stunning entrance, you can explore walking trails through the marsh, visit the tabby ruins of Noble Jones’s 18th-century estate, and learn about Georgia’s early colonial history through interpretive exhibits.
We spent way more time here than we expected, as the museum employees were giving us a full history lesson! They were all great and super helpful!
Afternoon
On your way to the Historic District, stop at the Bonaventure Cemetery. Although it may seem a bit morbid, Bonaventure Cemetery is known as one of the most beautiful historic cemeteries in America. The cemetery is massive with over 100 acres of land and is well-known for being featured in the book, and subsequent movie, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The cemetery features some beautiful gothic architecture and is a great place to experience a darker side to Savannah’s history.
Then head to the famous Forsyth Park for a picnic! Forsyth Park is a 30-acre historic park in the heart of the city. The park boasts massive oak trees and Spanish moss that make for a picturesque experience. Forsyth Park has a lot of interesting history and is a beautiful area to walk around, jog, or bring some food to enjoy on a park bench.
After eating, you can wander around the historic district a bit and visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, a church whose congregation has been around for over 200 years. The church as it stands today was built in the 1800s, and the building features some stunning architecture. You can attend a church service there or go on a self-guided tour of the property. The church is free to visit, but donations are always appreciated.
If you have extra time, you can check out other sites such as the Sorrel-Weed House or the Mercer Williams House Museum. It’s one thing to enjoy the beautiful exteriors of Savannah’s historic homes, but to actually step inside and learn about their history and the history of Savannah is truly amazing. Many of these homes are also considered haunted which adds an extra layer of interest.
Evening
Closeout your trip to Savannah by catching a show at the historic Savannah Theatre. The theater is one of the oldest in the country and has been in operation since the early 1800s. The Savannah Theatre puts on all kinds of performances ranging from musicals and plays to comedy shows. The theater has a wonderfully retro ambiance that makes for an amazing experience.
Other things to do in Savannah
- Visit some of the city’s finest breweries, such as Moon River and Southbound Brewing
- Enjoy the work of local artists on display at the SCAD Museum of Art (free!)
- Learn about the history of prohibition at the American Prohibition Museum ($10.70 for kids, $16 for adults)
- Learn about the city in a fun and competitive self-guided scavenger hunt!
- Taste all the city has to offer during a 3-hour Food Tour!
- Turn back time during a Carriage Ride!
Other tips to know before spending one weekend Savannah
Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and bug spray! Savannah is known for having a very hot and humid environment where mosquitoes are plentiful.
3-day Savannah Itinerary Recap:
- Day 1: Plant Riverside District
- Day 2: Tybee Island, Olde Pink House, Ghost Tour
- Day 3: Wormsloe Historic Site, Historic Home tours, Bonaventure Cemetery, Theater
One Weekend In Savannah Isn’t Enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in Savannah that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Savannah itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Savannah!
What else would you add to this “One Weekend in Savannah” Itinerary?
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