Savannah

Exploring the Old World Glamour of Savannah, Georgia

They don’t call Savannah, GA “The Hostess City of the South” for nothing. This charming city, known for its history, architecture, antique scene, and antebellum hospitality, checks all the boxes for a sweet escape, whether you are planning a romantic weekend or a fun-filled girls get-away. Savannah is in my top 10 destination cities in the US and this article will tell you all the reasons why.

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Savannah is located along the Georgia coast just south of the South Carolina & Georgia state border. As you can imagine, the weather is mild but humid. The proximity to the water and the marshy lowlands keep Savannah pretty steamy year-round. Although there isn’t a bad time of the year to visit, the summer months tend to be a little bit more uncomfortable. Of course, that is exactly when we visited.

A long weekend is the perfect length of time to soak up Savannah’s southern vibes. With a couple extra days, you can also venture out for a beach day or a wildlife tour of the low country. A few shortcut links are below if you want to drop down to something specific:

• Where we stayed
• Top things to do
• Where we ate
• Getting around

Above photos: Savannah’s historic charm

Where we stayed

Savannah has beautiful accommodation offerings, including many boutique hotels and quaint B&B’s. I would recommend staying in the heart of the historic center especially if you won’t have your own car. The river front area is also nice, albeit a bit rowdy in the evening. I spent a few nights in each area, and preferred the historic center.

We stayed at The Perry Lane Hotel for the first half of our trip. This luxury property is located on a quiet side street in the heart of the historic district and within walking distance to most of the historic homes and parks. The lobby and common areas were beautiful! The Peregrin Rooftop Bar is worth a visit even if you aren’t staying at the hotel. The sweeping views are great, the atmosphere is swanky, and the cocktails are on-point.

Above photos: The Perry Lane Hotel

Above photos: The Peregrin, rooftop bar at The Perry Lane Hotel

To book your stay at The Perry Lane Hotel, click here.

We did a little switcharoo for the last few days of our stay in Savannah so we could experience staying closer to the waterfront in a historic building. The Alida fit the bill. It had an industrial vibe, but was still pretty swanky. There was some noise from the nightlife on River Street, but we were okay with that. The best part of the hotel is the Rhett restaurant on the bottom floor – great brunch!

Above photos: The Alida Hotel

Above photos: Rhett at The Alida Hotel

To book your stay at The Alida Hotel, click here.

Top 18 things to do in Savannah

Historic Houses

Touring Savannah’s historic homes was one of my favorite activities. Most of the homes are within walking distance of each other, making it easy to visit one after another. I created a walking itinerary for each day so I could see as many as possible, while also seeing other attractions en route. It is important to look up the opening hours ahead for each home because most of them only offer tours on certain days of the week between the hours of 10 am – 4 pm. You can also purchase tickets online in advance for some of the homes, but I didn’t find it necessary.

The homes and gardens are well-preserved and cared for by various historical preservation groups. The guides and staff were incredibly knowledgable about the architecture, artwork, furnishings, and former occupants. If you have any interest in history at all, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to pass through these wonderful treasures.

Above photos: Andrew Low House

Above photos: Green-Meldrim House

The homes I visited are listed below. Pressed for time and need to narrow this down? My favorites were the Green-Meldrim House and the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters.

• Andrew Low House, 329 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31401
• Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum, 10 E Oglethorpe Ave, Savannah, GA 31401
• Harper Fowlkes House, 230 Barnard St, Savannah, GA 31401
• Mercer Williams House Museum, 429 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401
• Green-Meldrim House, 14 W Macon St, Savannah, GA 31401
• Sorrel Weed House Museum, 6 W Harris St, Savannah, GA 31401
• Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, 124 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31401
• Davenport House Museum, 323 E Broughton St, Savannah, GA 31401

Above photo: Harper-Fowlkes House

For more information and photos of each of the historic homes listed above, read my related post here.

Savannah’s Squares

One of the coolest – and most iconic – features of Savannah’s historic center is the 23 park-like squares that are uniformly placed within the city’s perfect street grid design. It is impossible to walk the city and not wander through several of these. Some of the squares are more interesting than others, featuring fountains, monuments, historic markers, or huge oak trees. My favorites are listed below. Surprisingly, these squares were really quiet and peaceful. I expected more foot traffic, but found more folks making use of the cozy benches to sip on coffee or read.

• Lafayette Square
• Wright Square
• Chippewa Square
• Monterey Square
• Madison Square
• Orleans Square

Above photos: LaFayette Square (left); Chippewa Square (right)

Above photo: Madison Square

Forsyth Park

Probably the most photographed place in Savannah is the Forsyth Park Fountain that stands at the north entrance to the park. It is a wildly romantic setting with huge oak trees draped in Spanish moss and lush greenery lining the path. Because it is such a popular spot, not to mention a busy recreational area, don’t expect to find yourself alone. Early morning and dusk are the best times to come for photo shoots.

Above photo: Forsyth Park Fountain

The Forsyth Park Fountain was originally constructed to provide clean drinking water to residents. During the time of yellow fever and other epidemics, the clean water was crucial to stop the spreading of disease. Today, it stands as a reminder of hope during difficult times in the city’s history.

Above photos: Forsyth Park Fountain

Jones Street

Often touted as the most beautiful street in America, Jones Street is a residential, brick-paved street lined with picturesque homes and long-standing oak trees. There is pride in ownership evidenced by wreaths hanging on front doors, American flags flying from mounted flagpoles, and flowers overflowing from matching planters.

Above photos: Jones Street

Clearly, Jones Street was designed for Savannah’s upper class to show off their wealth. The architectural designs and intricate wrought-iron stair railings had me smitten. Ever hear the phrase, “Keeping up with the Joneses?” This is where it came from!

Above photos: Jones Street

Historic Theaters

Unbeknownst to most travelers, Savannah plays home to numerous historic theaters, all of which still welcome audiences for live performances and/or film festivals. If you are a patron of the arts, you will likely want to peruse the box offices for upcoming shows. Otherwise, these landmark venues are great to catch a glimpse of while passing by.

• Savannah Theater | Website
• Lucas Theater for the Arts | Website
• SCAD Trustees Theater | Website
• Tybee Post Theater | Website
• Johnny Mercer Theater inside Savannah Civic Center | Website

Above photos: Savannah’s historical theaters

Telfair Museums

121 Barnard St, Savannah, GA | Standard Pass $30 | Website

Speaking of the arts, the Telfair Museums offer some of the city’s most distinct and celebrated collections of art, architecture, and history. Their three museums include the Telfair Academy, the Jepson Center, and the Thomas-Owens House & Slave Quarters (also mentioned above in the Historic Houses section). One ticket provides access to all three museums and is valid for seven days. Plenty of time to get your money’s worth!

We made it to two of the three museums – Telfair Academy and Thomas-Owens – and enjoyed both experiences. If you are a fan of the book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” you won’t want to miss Telfair Academy where you can see the Bonaventure exhibition and the Bird Girl statue that graced the cover of the book.

The Telfair Academy is housed in a historic mansion built in 1819 that contains two nineteenth-century period rooms along with other fine art. The Sculpture Gallery and Rotunda Gallery are beautiful spaces that were added on to the mansion after it was converted into a museum around 1883,

Above photos: Telfair Academy

The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

222 E Harris St, Savannah, GA | Free Entry | Website

Religious faith has been an integral part of life in the South. There is a church in every neighborhood, and also diversity in denominations. The Roman Catholic parish of The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist is a profound landmark dating back to the 1700s. If you think all the awe-inspiring cathedrals are located in Europe, this will change your mind.

Above photos: The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

The Cathedral was built in a High Victorian Gothic style reminiscent of French Gothic cathedrals. The vaulted ceilings, ornate architectural decorations, and stunning colors used in the sanctuary are impressive by any standard. I came here twice during our visit to Savannah just so I could see it again in different light.

If you are super lucky, you may even be able to catch a live music performance at The Cathedral. Special choruses and chamber musicians perform for special occasions and/ or ticketed concerts. The event calendar can be found here.

Above photos: The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

First Baptist Church

223 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401 | Website

First Baptist Church is the oldest standing house of worship in the City of Savannah, and also one of the oldest congregations in the state of Georgia, established in 1800. The church is a Greek-Revival building that opens up to Chippewa Square. I had to take a peek inside, but it was closed on my first try. So, I had to come back later in the week. Tours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm.

Above photo: First Baptist Church, Savannah

The gentleman who greeted me inside the doors was obviously a member of the congregation who loved talking about the history of the church and its incredible pipe organ built by the Skinner Organ Company. I’m not sure what I enjoyed more – seeing this wonderful church or listening to my guide share his passion for ministry. Both were true gems!

Above photo: First Baptist Church, Savannah

First African Baptist Church

23 Montgomery Street, Savannah, GA 31401 | Website

The First African Baptist Church is the oldest Black Church in North America. The first members organized their congregation in 1773, and were later officially organized in 1788. The church building that opens up to Franklin Square dates to 1850 and has been in continuous use as the First African Baptist Church ever since.

Sadly, I did not get to see the inside of the church. Not only is there a museum of archives and memorabilia dating back to the original congregation, but there is history and evidence of its use by the Underground Railroad, which helped escaped slaves travel north during the Civil War. Daily tours are offered Monday – Saturday at 1:00 pm, but be sure to check their website for additional tour times, church events, and holiday closures.

Above photo: First African Baptist Church, Savannah

Colonial Park Cemetery

200 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA | Website

Colonial Park Cemetery is an 18th- and early 19th-century cemetery that is no longer used for interments. There is an abundance of war heroes and patriots buried here, which makes for a fascinating walk through the park-like grounds.

Above photo: Colonial Park Cemetery

Among the 9,000 burials here, only about 600 are actually marked due to changes over the years and deterioration. I immediately noticed several brick vaults that I later learned were constructed with brick due to lack of marble during the earliest years of the cemetery’s existence. There are quite a few historical markers posted throughout the grounds explaining the significance of historical events and people.

Above photos: Colonial Park Cemetery

One of the more famous graves here is that of Button Gwinnett, a Georgia signer of the Declaration of Independence. There are also numerous Revolutionary War heroes. Walking through a historical cemetery in the US hits a bit different than, say, seeing old crypts in Europe. Closer to home, literally.

Above photos: Button Gwinnet Grave

River District

Savannah’s waterfront River District is a super fun area known for its nightlife. Once upon a time, it was an industrial area lined with cotton warehouses. The centuries-old buildings have been converted into shops, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues. Heads up: the main street is very cobble-y cobblestone. Ditch the stilettos for this one.

Above photos: Historic Steps and cobblestone streets in the waterfront River District

We started our walk up River Street near Factors Walk, the former site of Savannah’s Cotton Exchange, and the Historic Steps. Some people believe James Oglethorpe purposely made these steps steep and an odd height to slow down pirates or other invaders. Regardless, just take your time going down them!

Above photo: Cotton warehouses that have been converted into shops, offices, and residences along River Street

The River District is also where you can embark on one of Savannah’s riverboats — more on that shortly. Another stop you cannot miss is River Street Sweets, a candy and ice cream shop that specializes in homemade pralines.

Above photos: River Street Sweets

Plant Riverside is the former power company-turned Marriott hotel and entertainment complex. Even if you aren’t staying at the Marriott, you can still go inside to browse the amazing galleries, shops, and restaurants. There is always live music along the riverfront and other ticketed event at District Live, which features national and regional recording artists.

Above photos: Plant Riverside

Shopping

Savannah is a great shopping destination. Yes, you will find all the major national chains here. But, the real stand-outs are the fabulous southern boutiques, antique shops, and one-of-a-kind custom experiences. The main concentration of shops will be along Broughton Street and River Street. The more charming boutiques are scattered all over the historic district. Among my favorite stops were One-Fish Two-Fish Gift Shop, The Paris Market and Mamie Ruth’s Custom Hat Bar. City Market, which runs between Ellis and Franklin Squares, was also nice, but mostly restaurants and art galleries.

Above photos: Custard Boutique (top); The Paris Market (left and center); Savannah Bee Company (right)

Mamie Ruth’s is especially fun if you are traveling with a group of friends or with a bachelorette party. I booked a private in-store hat making experience for a group of 8 of us and it was a complete blast! We each were able to choose a hat style and color and then embellish it with ribbons, studs, and branding.

Above photos: Mamie Ruth Custom Hat Bar Experience

Savannah Riverboat

9 East River Street, Savannah, GA | Website

A cruise on one of Savannah’s riverboats is a fun way to see the city from the water. We did a dinner cruise and I must say, the buffet was pretty good!

Once we got a little bit up river, we were able to see some of the commercial port activity and the massive barges carrying shipping containers out to sea. Believe it or not, Savannah is the third busiest container port in the United States.

Savannah Riverboat Cruises operates two iconic red, white, and blue paddle-wheel river boats, the Savannah River Queen and the Georgia Queen. Cruise options include lunch, brunch, gospel, sightseeing, sunset, and dinner. Most sailings last between 1.5 – 2 hours.

Above photo: The Georgia Queen, Savannah Riverboat Cruises

Low Country Adventure

It would be a shame to come to Savannah and not get out to see the surrounding low country. This area is characterized by marshy wetlands and barrier islands brimming with wildlife.

Above photos: Page Island with Savannah Outside

We booked a tour with Savannah Outside and it was the highlight of our trip! The tour started out with a boat ride to Page Island, followed by kayaking the pristine marshes on the back side of Daufuskie. We saw so many incredible water birds, including herons, pelicans, and egrets.

Above photos: Page Island with Savannah Outside

On the way back, we encountered multiple pods of dolphins jumping and playing around in the water. Our captain, Micky, was extremely knowledgeable about the ecosystem and history of the area, which made it even more interesting. I can’t say enough good things about our experience.

Above photos: Dolphins (left); Fort Jackson (right)

Bonaventure Cemetery

330 Bonaventure Road, Thunderbolt, GA | Free Entry | Website

A visit to Bonaventure Cemetery whilst in Savannah is one of the top things every visitor should do. This idyllic, peaceful cemetery is chok full of the most gorgeous moss-draped oaks, ornate funerary monuments, and romantic tributes to loved ones who have passed.

Bonaventure Cemetery, once known as Evergreen Cemetery, is located on a scenic bluff of the Wilmington River, about three miles southeast of downtown Savannah. If you don’t have your own car, other options include joining a tour group that includes transportation or taking an Uber.

Above photos: Bonaventure Cemetery

If there are specific graves you’d like to see, I recommend downloading and/or printing a map ahead of your visit. We just wandered and ended up recognizing many of the more famous graves, such as little Gracie Watson, a six-year old who passed away from illness. Allow about an hour for your visit, in addition to transportation time.

Above photos: Bonaventure Cemetery

Fort Pulaski

101 Fort Pulaski Road, Savannah, GA | Standard Pass $10 | Website

While en route to Tybee Island for the day, we decided to make a stop at Fort Pulaski National Monument to learn a little more about the Civil War history in Savannah.

Above photo: Fort Pulaski

Fort Pulaski is constructed with red brick walls, some 11 feet thick. It was thought the fort was indestructible until the latest rifle cannon technology used by the Union Army proved otherwise. The fort was quickly surrendered and later used as a prison for about 600 Confederate Army leaders.

Above photos: Fort Pulaski (left); View of the Cockspur Island Lighthouse (website)

Fort Pulaski is worth a visit, all the better if you are there during the musket and artillery demonstrations. The historic weapons programs and cannon demonstrations occur throughout the year. The fort features a reproduction 30-pound Parrott Rifle, one of the largest firing cannons in the National Park Service. And, in case you are wondering, it really goes boom!

Above photos: Fort Pulaski

Tybee Island

Despite Savannah’s proximity to Hilton Head, it is actually Tybee Island that is the beach-to-be for residents and visitors to Savannah. You can absolutely make an entire day or weekend outing of this little beach town.

Tybee Island is full of fun things to do, such as visiting the historic Tybee Island Light Station & Museum, seeing the Marine Science Center, renting bicycles, walking the Tybee Beach Pier & Pavillion, and, of course, beaching it up.

Above photos: Tybee Island Light Station and Museum

The beach can be crowded on weekends and holidays. But, honestly, with the sweltering Savannah summer heat, it is really the only place to be. We scoped out both North Beach and Tybrissa Beach, and preferred the latter. There is a lot of parking available, but even so, it fills up fast and you may end up circling the neighborhood to find a space.

Above photo: Tybrisa Beach path, Tybee Island

The main drag is Butler Avenue. All up and down the avenue and off of its side streets are tons of cafes, beach bars, surf shops, souvenir stores, and motels. It is a really casual area, with most people schlepping around in their beach wear and flip flops. Just how you want it!

Above photo: Tybee Beach Pier, Tybee Island

Wormsloe

7601 Skidaway Road, Savannah, GA | Standard Pass $12 | Website

Most people associate Wormsloe State Historic Site with a long country lane lined with towering oak trees and Spanish moss. But what else is there? Wormsloe is the colonial estate of Noble Jones, a carpenter who arrived in Georgia in 1773 and was amongst the first group of settlers, including James Oglethorpe.

Above photos: Wormsloe

The breathtaking and picturesque lane leads to the tabby ruins of his estate, which is the oldest standing structure in Savannah. We rented bicycles to ride down to the ruins, but you can also walk or take the tourist train. Riding our bikes was every bit as romantic and magical as it looks.

Bicycles can be rented on-site when you arrive at the park. No need to reserve. They are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Above photos: Transportation options at Wormsloe

The tabby ruins are so incredibly interesting. The tabby material is a mixture of oyster shells, sand, ash, and water. It was – and still is – a durable and long-lasting building material. There isn’t much left of the original structure, but enough that you can make out what it was.

Above photos: The tabby ruins at Wormsloe State Historic Site

Adjacent to the estate, we also walked over to the Colonial Life Area and the historic trails. It is a beautiful area to explore. Come early if you want the place to yourself because it gets busy and you’ll have trouble snapping a picture without someone else in your frame. We allowed 2 hours for our visit and it was plenty of time to enjoy the site at an unhurried pace.

Above photos: Colonial Life Area and historic trails at Wormsloe State Historic Site

Where we ate

There are so many great and notable eateries in Savannah. I was able to enjoy a number of them during my visit, ranging from super cute independent coffee shops to fine dining establishments in historic buildings. Below are my favorites that I would go back to again! A couple that I didn’t get a chance to try, but have heard good things about include Mrs. Wilke’s Dining Room and Collins Quarter.

Coffee Shops / Breakfast:

• Franklin’s, 5 W Liberty St, Savannah, GA 31401 | Website
• The Gallery Espresso, 234 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401 | Website
• Savannah Coffee Roasters, 215 W Liberty St, Savannah, GA 31401 | Website
• Mirabelle, 313 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31401 | Website

Above photos: The Gallery Espresso (left); Franklin’s (center); Mirabelle (right)

Lunch:

• St. Neo’s Brasserie, 7 Drayton St, Savannah, GA 31401 | Website
• Sea Wolf, 106 S Campbell Ave, Tybee Island, GA 31328 | Website
• Rhett, 412 Williamson St, Savannah, GA 31401 | Website

Above photos: St. Neo’s Brasserie (left); Sea Wolf (center); Rhett (right)

Dinner:

• The Olde Pink House, 23 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31401 | Website
• Pirates’ House, 20 E Broad St, Savannah, GA 31401 | Website
• The Grey, 109 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401 | Website

Above photos: The Olde Pink House (left); The Pirates’ House (center); The Grey (right)

Getting around Savannah

If you are coming to Savannah for a weekend of historic home tours, a car is not essential. Downtown Savannah is very walkable! There are a couple options if you’d like to save your feet though.

First, consider taking the hop-on-hop-off Trolley Tour! These super cute little trolleys circle the downtown area and stop at all the major points of interest. You can get off at any stop you want to explore, and then hop back on at any other stop to keep going.

The other option that I highly recommend trying at least once is a pedicab! These eco-friendly bicycle rides are all foot-powered and offer a really fun way to get around Savannah. You’ll see them lined up like taxis around the River Street area and at major attractions. Or, plan a ride ahead by booking online.

Of course, there is always Uber too! We used Uber here and there when we were tired and hot. Even though we had a rental car parked at our hotel, we didn’t want to fuss with parking. Uber is always a solid option.

Thank you for reading my post! Please feel free to add friendly comments or questions below!