Though Georgia’s most well-known city maybe Atlanta, the coastal town of Savannah is a great town to visit as well. Savannah is known for its rich history, 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.
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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 is not necessary if you’re staying within the city of Savannah.
What is the best time to visit Savannah?
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit Savannah for warm temperatures that are still comfortable. 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.
Where should I stay in Savannah?
Booking.comSavannah 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. The Mansion on Forsyth Park is a fabulous hotel located right on Forsyth Park, Savannah’s oldest and largest public park.
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.
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Sample 3-Day Savannah Weekend Itinerary
Day 1 in Savannah:
Morning
A stroll through Forsyth Park is the perfect way to start your trip to Savannah. 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.
Tip! Want to start off your weekend getting familiar with all the best sites? Check out a guided trolley tour of the city!
Afternoon
A fun way to spend the afternoon is to take a quick drive over to nearby Tybee Island. The island is only about half an hour from downtown Savannah and is a great place to enjoy the beach life. 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!
Evening
Given Savannah’s extensive history, it’s no surprise 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.
Day 2 in Savannah:
Morning
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.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon shopping around and exploring Savannah’s City Market. The market is housed in old warehouses and features four blocks of open-air shops, restaurants, and museums. During the summer, the market will frequently host live concerts and performances. Art-lovers will also enjoy a visit to the market thanks to its Art Center which hosts a number of studios for local artists.
Looking for a more adventurous option or something extra? Try exploring the city via segway tour!
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.
Day 3 in Savannah:
Morning
Begin your day by touring one of Savannah’s many historic homes, 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.
Afternoon
A great afternoon activity is strolling through 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.
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.
Not interested in a show? Switch it out with a Dinner Riverboat Tour!
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: Forsyth Park, Tybee Island, City Ghost Tour
- Day 2: Cathedral, City Market, Olde Pink House
- Day 3: Historic Home tours, Bonaventure Cemetery, Theater or Riverboat
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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