Best Time to Visit
March to May, October to November
Currency
US Dollar ($)
Language
English
Timezone
EST (UTC-5)
Discover Savannah
Savannah is a city that feels like stepping into a living novel, where Spanish moss drapes from ancient live oaks in 22 historic squares, each with its own story. This isn't just a museum piece; it's a vibrant, walkable city where you can sip a to-go cocktail from a historic pub while admiring Gothic Revival architecture, then stumble upon a cutting-edge student art installation from the renowned SCAD around the next corner. The atmosphere is a unique blend of Southern Gothic mystery, artistic energy, and genuine hospitality that's more relaxed than its polished cousin, Charleston.
From the haunting beauty of Bonaventure Cemetery to the bustling, cobblestoned energy of River Street, Savannah engages all the senses. You'll hear tales of pirates and ghosts on nightly tours, taste rich, slow-cooked Southern cuisine, and feel the palpable history in the meticulously preserved mansions. It's a city designed for strolling, discovery, and savoring the moment, whether you're people-watching in Forsyth Park or finding a quiet bench in Chippewa Square where Forrest Gump once waited for a bus.
Why Visit Savannah?
The Historic Squares & Parks: Savannah's 22 squares are the city's lush, green living rooms, each with unique monuments, fountains, and stories. From the iconic Forsyth Park fountain to the serene Chippewa Square, they create a pedestrian-friendly urban plan unlike any other in America.
A Deep Dive into Southern Gothic & Ghost Lore: The city is arguably the haunted house capital of the U.S. Take a lantern-lit tour through the Colonial Park Cemetery or hear chilling tales in the Mercer-Williams House for an unforgettable peek into its eerie past.
A Thriving, Accessible Art Scene: Fueled by the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), the city pulses with creativity. Explore the SCAD Museum of Art, shop student work at shopSCAD, and see stunning adaptive reuse of historic buildings into galleries and studios.
The Famous 'To-Go Cup' Culture: Savannah's unique open container laws allow you to enjoy an adult beverage in a plastic cup as you stroll through the historic district. It epitomizes the city's laid-back, social, and leisurely pace of life.
Unparalleled Southern Food & Hospitality: Indulge in classic Lowcountry cuisine like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and fried green tomatoes at historic spots like The Olde Pink House or Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room, served with genuine warmth.
Stunning Architecture & Gardens: From the Regency-style Owens-Thomas House to the Italianate Mercer-Williams House, the city is an open-air museum of architectural styles, often surrounded by fragrant, blooming gardens like those at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.
Savannah is Known For
Ready to explore Savannah?
Savannah Neighborhoods
Historic District
The heart of Savannah, encompassing the famous squares, grand mansions, and cobblestone streets. This is where you'll find the iconic postcard views, most ghost tours, and a dense concentration of history, shops, and restaurants.
Highlights:
Best for:
Victorian District
South of the Historic District, this area boasts stunning, colorful Victorian homes and a slightly more residential, quiet vibe. It's elegant, walkable, and home to some of the city's best-preserved 19th-century architecture.
Highlights:
Best for:
Starland District
The trendy, up-and-coming arts hub centered around Bull Street. Once industrial, it's now filled with funky murals, indie galleries, vintage shops, hip coffee roasters, and innovative restaurants, heavily influenced by SCAD.
Highlights:
Best for:
River Street/Waterfront
A bustling, tourist-friendly strip along the Savannah River, lined with converted cotton warehouses now housing souvenir shops, pubs, and seafood restaurants. The vibe is energetic, with great views of passing cargo ships.
Highlights:
Best for:
Top Attractions
Local Tips & Insider Knowledge
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes. Savannah's historic district is best explored on foot, and the cobblestones on River Street are notoriously uneven.
- •Book popular restaurant dinners (like The Olde Pink House) weeks, not days, in advance, especially during peak seasons and weekends.
- •Take a free ferry ride across the river to Hutchinson Island for a great photo op of the Savannah skyline. The ferry departs from River Street.
- •Don't just stick to the squares—explore the beautiful trust lots and side streets like Jones Street, often called the most beautiful street in Savannah.
- •For a less crowded cemetery experience than Bonaventure, visit the hauntingly beautiful Colonial Park Cemetery right in the historic district.
- •Parking can be tricky. Use the city's parking garages (like the one on Bryan Street) for affordable all-day parking and walk from there.
- •Visit the SCAD Shop (at 340 Bull St) for unique, high-quality souvenirs and art created by students and alumni, far better than generic trinkets.
- •If you're on a budget, many museums (like the Telfair's Jepson Center) have free admission on specific days or times—check their websites.
- •The best ghost tours are the smaller, guided walking tours, not the large trolley tours, for more intimate and detailed stories.
- •Respect the privacy of residents. Many beautiful homes in the historic district are private residences, not museums.
Savannah Food Scene
Savannah's food is a delicious testament to its Southern and coastal location. Expect hearty, comforting dishes where seafood meets soul food, from crispy fried chicken to fresh Georgia shrimp, all often served family-style in historic settings.
Must-Try Dishes
Classic Southern Fine Dining
- • The Olde Pink House (reservations essential)
- • Elizabeth on 37th
- • The Grey (in a restored Greyhound bus station)
Dress is typically 'smart casual.' Men often wear collared shirts, and reservations are non-negotiable.
Family-Style & Historic Eateries
- • Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room (lunch only, cash only)
- • The Pirates' House
- • The Collins Quarter at Forsyth
Arrive early for Mrs. Wilkes'—the line forms well before the 11am opening. Be prepared to share a table with strangers.
Casual & Modern Southern
- • Treylor Park (creative sandwiches)
- • The Vault Kitchen & Market
- • Starland Yard (rotating food trucks)
These spots are great for a more relaxed, innovative take on Southern staples and often have shorter wait times.
Sweets & Bakeries
- • Leopold's Ice Cream (historic parlor)
- • River Street Sweets (pralines)
- • Back in the Day Bakery (cupcakes)
Be prepared to wait in line at Leopold's, especially on weekends. It's a Savannah institution worth the patience.
Popular With
Best Time to Visit Savannah
Spring
Spring is sublime, with mild temperatures, blooming azaleas and gardenias scenting the air, and vibrant green foliage on the oak trees.
Pros:
- + Ideal weather for walking
- + Stunning floral displays
- + Outdoor festivals begin
Cons:
- - Peak tourist season (especially March-April)
- - Higher hotel rates
- - Need for advance bookings
Summer
Hot, humid, and lush. Days are long but can be oppressively warm, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms providing brief relief.
Pros:
- + Longer daylight hours
- + Lush, green scenery
- + Potential for lower hotel rates mid-week
Cons:
- - Intense heat and humidity
- - Afternoon rain showers
- - More crowded with families
Autumn
A second peak season with comfortable, crisp air, fewer bugs, and the leaves beginning to turn. A perfect time for outdoor exploration.
Pros:
- + Pleasant, cooler temperatures
- + Beautiful fall ambiance
- + Major events like Savannah Food & Wine Fest
Cons:
- - Another busy tourist period
- - Hotel prices rise again
- - Can be unpredictable with occasional rain
Winter
Generally mild with occasional cold snaps. The city is quieter and decorated for the holidays in December, creating a magical atmosphere.
Pros:
- + Lowest crowds (except December)
- + Mild weather compared to the north
- + Festive holiday decorations and events
Cons:
- - Some attractions have shorter hours
- - Can be chilly and damp
- - Fewer outdoor dining options
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Book Activities in Savannah
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Day Trips from Savannah
Tybee Island
25 min by car
Savannah's laid-back beach escape, offering a classic pier, lighthouse, and relaxed vibe. It's the perfect contrast to the city's historic grandeur.
Charleston, South Carolina
2 hours by car
Explore another iconic Southern gem. Compare Savannah's relaxed squares to Charleston's elegant battery and enjoy its distinct culinary and historical offerings.
Jekyll Island
1.5 hours by car
A serene barrier island known for its preserved Millionaires' Village, driftwood-strewn Driftwood Beach, and abundant wildlife, including sea turtles.
Savannah Budget Guide
Savannah can be visited on a range of budgets. Accommodation in the historic district is the biggest expense, but many attractions (like the squares) are free, and food options span from cheap eats to high-end dining.
Budget
$75-125 per person for hostels/budget hotels, street food, free walks, and public transit.
per day
Mid-Range
$150-250 per person for a comfortable hotel/B&B, sit-down meals, paid tours, and occasional rideshares.
per day
Luxury
$350+ per person for historic inns, fine dining, private tours, and spa treatments.
per day
Money-Saving Tips
- •Stay just outside the historic district (Victorian District) for better hotel rates while remaining walkable.
- •Take advantage of free attractions: the squares, cathedral, riverfront, and cemetery walks.
- •Eat a big lunch at mid-range prices instead of dinner; many restaurants offer similar menus for less.
- •Use the free DOT shuttle that loops through the historic district to save your feet.
- •Visit during the week in winter (Jan-Feb) for the absolute lowest prices on flights and hotels.
Savannah Hidden Gems
Wormsloe Historic Site
The breathtaking, mile-long avenue lined with live oaks draped in Spanish moss leading to the ruins of an 18th-century colonial estate.
It's one of the most photographed spots in Georgia but feels worlds away from the city bustle, offering beautiful trails and a glimpse into the area's earliest history.
The Book Lady Bookstore
A charming, packed-to-the-rafters used and rare bookstore on Liberty Street in the historic district.
It's a bibliophile's dream and a quiet, atmospheric refuge from the tourist crowds, with a fantastic selection of Southern literature and history.
Harper Fowlkes House
A stunning 1842 Greek Revival mansion on Orleans Square, operated by the Society of the Cincinnati.
It's far less crowded than the Mercer-Williams or Owens-Thomas houses, offers intimate guided tours, and has one of the most beautiful interior collections in the city.
Moon River Brewing Company
A brewery and restaurant located in one of Savannah's most famously haunted buildings, the old City Hotel.
Even if you're not a beer fan, the building's history is fascinating, and it's a great spot to feel the city's ghostly lore in a lively, social setting.
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Gardens
The serene, fragrant gardens on the side and rear of the magnificent cathedral.
While everyone visits the cathedral's stunning interior, the gardens offer a peaceful, shaded spot to sit and reflect, often with beautiful floral displays.
Savannah Culture & Customs
Savannah's culture is a unique tapestry of deep Southern tradition, artistic innovation from SCAD, and a palpable sense of history—both glorious and ghostly. Manners and hospitality are paramount, but there's also a quirky, laid-back acceptance embodied by the famous 'to-go cup' law.
Cultural Etiquette
- •Always say 'please,' 'thank you,' 'sir,' and 'ma'am.' Southern manners are appreciated.
- •Dress respectfully when visiting houses of worship like the Cathedral.
- •Be patient and polite; the pace of life is slower here.
- •Ask before taking photos of people, especially on tours or in residential areas.
- •Tip your tour guides, servers, and bartenders generously (18-20% is standard).
Useful Phrases
Frequently Asked Questions about Savannah
Is Savannah really haunted?
Savannah is considered one of America's most haunted cities due to its age, turbulent history (wars, fires, yellow fever epidemics), and preservation of old buildings. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the ghost tours offer fascinating historical storytelling you won't find in guidebooks.
Can I really walk around with an alcoholic drink?
Yes, within the historic district. Savannah's open container law allows you to take your drink in a plastic 'to-go cup' (under 16 oz) from most bars and restaurants. You cannot take glass or cans onto the street. This does not apply on Tybee Island or in moving vehicles.
Do I need to rent a car in Savannah?
Not if you're staying in and primarily exploring the Historic and Victorian Districts, which are very walkable. For day trips to Tybee Island, Jekyll Island, or the plantations, a car is necessary. Rideshares are readily available for shorter trips within the city.
What's the difference between Savannah and Charleston?
Both are beautiful historic Southern cities, but Savannah feels more relaxed, open, and quirky with its grid of public squares and famous to-go cup law. Charleston is more formal, polished, and focused on its waterfront battery and peninsula. Savannah is generally considered slightly more affordable.
Is it safe to walk around Savannah at night?
The main tourist areas like the Historic District squares and River Street are generally safe and well-patrolled at night, especially where people are congregating. As in any city, stay aware of your surroundings, stick to well-lit, populated areas, and avoid isolated streets.
What should I wear in Savannah?
Dress is generally casual but neat. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. For spring/summer, light, breathable clothing is key due to heat and humidity. Evenings can be cooler. For nicer restaurants, 'smart casual' (collared shirts, dresses, nice jeans) is appropriate.
Are the trolley tours worth it?
They are an excellent way to get an overview of the city's history and layout, especially on a first visit or if you have mobility issues. For a more in-depth and atmospheric experience, however, a guided walking tour (history, architecture, or ghost) is often more rewarding.
Where is the Forrest Gump bench?
The famous bench from the movie was a prop and is now in the Savannah History Museum. The scenes were filmed in Chippewa Square, and you can visit the square to see the location where Tom Hanks sat, though there is no bench there today.
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