Explore Savannah, Georgia: The Complete Travel Guide to the Hostess City of the South

Welcome to Savannah, a city where time slows down under Spanish moss, and every street tells a story. As Georgia’s oldest city, Savannah is a magical blend of Southern elegance, historic preservation, ghostly legends, and laid-back charm.
 

Whether you're drawn to its cobblestone streets, antebellum architecture, or riverfront breezes, Savannah is a city that captivates the heart. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the reasons Savannah should be at the top of your U.S. travel list.

📍 Where I

s Savannah?

State: Georgia

Region: Southeastern United States

Nearest Airport: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)

🚗 Getting to and Around Savannah

✈️ By Air

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is just 20 minutes from downtown.

🚗 By Car

Easily accessible via I-95 or I-16.

Many travelers also combine a visit with nearby Charleston, SC or Tybee Island.

🧭 Getting Around

The DOT free shuttle covers much of downtown.

Savannah is very walkable—especially the Historic District.

Pedicabs and trolleys are popular for tourists.

🌟 Top Things to Do in Savannah

🌳 1. Explore the Historic District

Savannah’s Historic District is one of the largest and best-preserved in the United States. It’s known for:

22 shaded public squares surrounded by historic homes

Cobbled streets, old churches, and horse-drawn carriages

Architectural styles from Georgian to Gothic Revival

👉 Don’t miss: Lafayette Square, Monterey Square, and Chippewa Square (famous from Forrest Gump).

🏡 2. Tour the Mercer-Williams House

Made famous by the book and film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

Take a guided tour to learn about its architecture and the real-life story behind the mystery

👻 3. Join a Savannah Ghost Tour

Savannah is considered one of the most haunted cities in America.

Choose from walking ghost tours, hearse rides, or haunted pub crawls.

Visit sites like the Sorrel-Weed House, Colonial Park Cemetery, and Bonaventure Cemetery.

🌊 4. Stroll the Savannah Riverfront

Old cotton warehouses now host shops, restaurants, and pubs.

Walk the cobblestone River Street and watch ships pass under the Talmadge Bridge.

Ride the Georgia Queen Riverboat for a scenic cruise.

🎨 5. Visit SCAD and the SCAD Museum of Art

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has transformed the city’s creative energy.

The SCAD Museum of Art features contemporary exhibitions and student works.

🌴 6. Bonaventure Cemetery

Iconic Southern Gothic cemetery beneath moss-draped oaks

Made famous by the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

Take a guided tour to hear stories of Savannah’s famous residents

🏖️ 7. Day Trip to Tybee Island

Just 20 minutes away, Tybee Island offers sandy beaches and a historic lighthouse

Great for kayaking, dolphin tours, and seafood dining

🍽️ What to Eat in Savannah

🍤 1. Southern Comfort Food

Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room: Legendary family-style Southern cooking

The Grey: Fine dining in a restored Greyhound bus station

The Olde Pink House: Elegant Southern cuisine in an 18th-century mansion

🥘 2. Lowcountry Favorites

Shrimp and grits

She-crab soup

Fried green tomatoes

🍩 3. Sweet Treats

Leopold’s Ice Cream: A classic since 1919

Back in the Day Bakery: Known for biscuits, cupcakes, and comfort bakes

🛍️ Shopping in Savannah

🛍️ Broughton Street

Home to local boutiques, national retailers, and the Paris Market café.

🎨 City Market

A four-block open-air market with art galleries, gift shops, and restaurants.

🖼️ River Street

Unique shops selling coastal décor, candies, and Savannah souvenirs.

🏨 Where to Stay in Savannah

🏛️ Historic Hotels

The Marshall House – Built in 1851 with ghost stories and gas lamps

Kehoe House – A Victorian mansion turned luxury B&B

Hamilton-Turner Inn – One of the South’s most romantic stays

💲 Budget-Friendly

Thunderbird Inn – A funky retro motel with donuts and moon pies

Holiday Inn Express Savannah Historic District – Great location, modern comfort

📸 Most Instagrammable Spots in Savannah

Forsyth Park fountain

Jones Street – Often called the “prettiest street in America”

The Wormsloe Historic Site – Oak-lined avenue with Spanish moss

The Paris Market – Café and boutique in one charming space

Colonial Park Cemetery at dusk

🕓 Best Time to Visit Savannah

🌸 Spring (March–May)

Ideal weather, blooming azaleas, and major festivals like the Savannah Music Festival

🍂 Fall (September–November)

Comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and golden foliage

☀️ Summer (June–August)

Hot and humid but lively with events and riverfront energy

❄️ Winter (December–February)

Mild winters and festive holiday decorations

🎭 Annual Events in Savannah

Savannah Music Festival (March–April): A globally renowned cultural event

Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade: One of the largest in the U.S.

Savannah Food & Wine Festival (November): Culinary excellence and tastings

SCAD Savannah Film Festival: Highlights emerging and established filmmakers

🎒 What to Pack

Light clothing and breathable fabrics in summer

A hat and sunscreen for sunny days

A reusable water bottle for long walks

Comfortable shoes—Savannah’s streets are best explored on foot

An umbrella just in case—Savannah gets its fair share of rain

🧠 Interesting Facts About Savannah

Founded in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe, Savannah was America’s first planned city.

The city was spared from destruction in the Civil War by General Sherman, who gifted it to President Lincoln.

Savannah has no open container laws in the Historic District—you can sip while you stroll!

Over 1,000 historic buildings still stand in the downtown area.

Forrest Gump’s famous bench scene was filmed in Chippewa Square.

💬 Local Tips

Many museums and tours offer discounts if booked online in advance.

Locals dine early—reservations are recommended for popular restaurants.

Tipping is standard: 15–20% at restaurants and for guided tours.

Avoid flip-flops on cobblestone streets—they’re not your feet’s friends!

🏁 Final Thoughts

Savannah is more than a postcard-perfect city—it’s a living museum of Southern culture, with a warm welcome for every visitor. Whether you come for the architecture, the food, the ghost stories, or just the slow rhythm of the streets, Savannah will enchant you.

Lose yourself in its charm, soak up its stories, and you’ll understand why so many travelers return to this magical Southern city again and again.