Savannah, Georgia is the quintessential southern town with historic homes, ancient oak trees covered in Spanish moss, and beaches that encourage a slower pace of life. Being a Georgia native, we’ve found ourselves in Savannah numerous times over the last few years and we’re finally putting together a guide to help you get the most out of your trip to Savannah, Georgia!
There’s so much to do in Savannah that we decided to divide our information into 3 different blog posts. There’s this post that you’re reading now that is all about logistics: weather, where to stay, how to get there, what to pack, and how to get around town. The other two blog posts are all about what to do in Savannah: 1) 23 Free and Cheap Things to do in Savanna, Georgia, 2) The Best Food and Drinks in Savannah, Georgia.
Located in the southeast corner of Georgia, right on the border of South Carolina and just 120 miles north of the Florida border. This coastal town is situated just a few miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean, right on the Savannah River. When you visit Savannah you’ll be arriving either by car or plane.
Savannah is conveniently located just off of interstate 95 (I-95).
Charleston, SC to Savannah, GA = 2 hours or 107 miles
Jacksonville, FL to Savannah, GA = 2 hours and 15 minutes or 143 miles
Atlanta, GA to Savannah, GA = 3 hours and 40 minutes or 248 miles
Savannah Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is located ~20 minutes from downtown. For being a relatively small city, Savannah has a great airport with regular flights to major cities including daily direct flights to New York City on both Delta and Jetblue.
If you’re staying in the immediate downtown area and plan to stay in that area for your entire trip, you won’t need a car since much of the city is walkable.
Public transit is limited to buses and will take much longer than using ride share options (Lyft or Uber). For just a quick hop or two across town we’d recommend using a ride share program (Uber or Lyft). There’s no sense in renting a car if you aren't planning to venture outside of downtown.
If you’re planning to take day trips outside of town to destinations such as Tybee Island or Wormsloe State Historic Site, we’d recommend renting a car. Rental cars can be picked up at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport using a variety of companies including Enterprise, Budget, Alamo and more.
Parking usually isn’t too difficult to find in Savannah, but do know most street parking is pay parking during the day and most spots are parallel. There are also several parking garage options throughout downtown as well.
Savannah is generally moderate in the winter and very hot and humid in the summer months. Weather can also be unpredictable with frequent afternoon storms during the hotter months. To check for exact weather conditions for your trip, be sure to check the forecast a few days before you hit the road.
Because Savannah is in a more moderate climate there’s really not a bad season for visiting. You’ll be able to get out and about by foot and enjoy walking the old city streets every season of the year. However, summer does get very hot and humid. But, if you’re wanting to hit up the beach those hot summer months are the perfect time for your vacation! Even on the hottest days you’ll have plenty of protection from direct sunlight thanks to all those beautiful giant trees covered in Spanish moss.
If you’re wanting to visit Savannah primarily for the food and drink scene, consider going in one of the more moderate seasons (spring or fall) so you’re not sweating too much while enjoying the city.
Note: Savannah sits on the Atlantic Ocean and is occasionally in the path of hurricanes. While it’s not incredibly common for Savannah to get hit directly, it’s very possible. If you don’t want to risk having your vacation washed out consider not visiting between July-November as those are the months Savannah is most likely to get hit by a hurricane.
When packing for Savannah there’s one thing you’ll definitely want to consider: the weather. If you’re traveling in the warmer months we recommend light, cool clothing (sundresses and shorts).
Savannah is full of delicious food! While southern comfort food reigns supreme, that doesn’t mean it’s all fried chicken and biscuits. There are plenty of foods and drinks to choose from in this amazing little city. We've rounded up a list of what we think are some of the must try foods in Savannah, Georgia.
Mirabelle Savannah ($) - While Mirabelle is famous for its waffles, in addition to their delicious waffles we love it for its proximity to the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist (a must visit when visiting Savannah).
The Paris Market ($) - If you're looking for a simple breakfast of a coffee + pastry, it's hard to go wrong with beautiful Paris Market. This gorgeous space is not just a beautiful coffee shop though, it's also a boutique shop selling French gifts.
Goose Feathers ($) - Quick casual dining in the heart of downtown Savannah. This spot is perfect for a hearty breakfast before a full day of exploring the city.
Back in the Day Bakery ($) - Owned and operated by New York Times Best Selling author, Cheryl Day, Back in the Day Bakery is the best place in Savannah to grab a fresh baked pastry. While Day is best known for her pies, you really can't go wrong with anything at this little shop.
The Grey ($$) - Classic southern food served in a classy, retro space that was formerly a Greyhound station. This space features indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying a warm, comforting breakfast.
PERC ($) - Are you a coffee only kinda person in the morning? PERC is the place for you. This space is 1/2 coffee shop and 1/2 coffee roasters. We love their coffee shop so much we actually listed it as one of our 29 favorite coffee shop in America.
The Collins Quarter ($$) - While this Australian (yes, I'm recommending an Australian restaurant in Savannah) restaurant serves an incredible breakfast, I'm putting them up the lunch/dinner section of this list mostly because their signature cocktails.
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room ($$) - LUNCH ONLY AND CASH ONLY - If you're looking for the quintessential southern comfort food lunch, this is the place to go. Situated in a historic home in the heart of Savannah, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room serves up all the best, classic southern dishes seated around community tables. Because all meals are served family style, each adult is $25 USD (half price for children 10 and under) and includes drink, main course, and dessert.
Starland Yard ($) - Looking for a fun, casual setting to grab dinner and a drink with friends? Starland Yard is just the place for you! Located in the historic Starland District, this space features a pizzeria, bar, and rotating food trucks in a fun, outdoor seating area.
The Vault Kitchen & Market ($$) - This Asian fusion restaurant is located in an old bank turned chic restaurant. Serving up delicious cocktails and entrees, this is a must visit if you enjoy tradition Asian cuisine with a fun twist.
Cotton & Rye ($$) - Creative American fare served up in a brightly lit, modern space. This place is perfect for both dates and group dinners.
Husk ($$$) - A more formal take on Souther cuisine served in a historic mansion. The menu at Husk changes regularly depending on locally sourced ingredients available at the time and season so be sure to check their current menu before visiting you're a more picky eater. Do not that reservations are not required but the are recommended and preferred.
Leopold's Ice Cream ($) - Leopold's is a longtime favorite in Savannah for both locals and visitors alike. This old fashioned ice cream parlor is authentically old (it's been in this same space since 1919!) and still serves up some of the sam original flavors that it did when it first opened in 1919.
Two Tides Brewing Company ($) - Located on the upper floor of a historic home, this brewery is a fun place to grab a beer and sit on one of the porches. This is a small, intimate space so if you're visiting with a group, you might be better off visiting Starland Yard located directly behind the brewery.
Artillery Bar ($$) - This is the most beautiful space to enjoy a cocktail in all of Savannah (at least in my opinion). Located between two of Savannah's most beautiful squares (Chippewa and Madison, this historic building is home to one of the poshest bars in town serving delicious signature cocktails along with beer and wine.
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History, beaches, and gorgeous parks top the list of things to do in Savannah. There is so much to do in Savannah but because some of the best things to do are free or cheap we wrote an entire blog post about budget friendly options in the city which you can checkout HERE.
If you're in a hurry and looking for a few ideas to get your trip planning started, here are a few of our must try things in Savannah:
For the must up to date list of what to do in Savannah today, we recommend checking out the Visit Savannah events page HERE.
Savannah, Georgia has so many quaint, beautiful old homes converted to apartments that are available to rent on Airbnb. If you’re looking for maximum historic southern charm during your visit, Airbnb is the way to go!
Airbnb Option 1
Sleeps 2 // Averages $162 per night
Perfect for: Romantic getaway
Airbnb Option 2
Sleeps up to 4 // Averages $252 per night
Perfect for: Casual getaway
Airbnb Option 3
Sleeps up to 4 // Averages $142 per night
Perfect for: Romantic getaway
Airbnb Option 4
Sleeps up to 8 // Averages $275 per night
Perfect for: Group beach getaway
If you like the consistency and convenience of hotels over Airbnbs there are plenty of options for you to choose from in Savannah, Georgia. All the options we’re listing here are within walking distance to most of Savannah’s most popular attractions including loads of restaurants and shopping.
Andaz Savannah by Hyatt
14 Barnard St, Savannah, GA 31401
Four star hotel in the heart of Savannah.
The DeSoto Savannah
15 E Liberty, Savannah, GA 31401
Three star hotel located halfway between downtown and Forsyth Park.
Mansion on Forsyth Park (Autograph Collection by Marriott)
700 Drayton St, Savannah, GA 31401
Four star hotel in a historic mansion right on Forsyth Park.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
135 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401
Budget friendly option just as conveniently located in the city center.
If you’ve never been to the Deep South before, come prepared for beautiful streets, southern hospitality, and delicious food. If you’ve been to Savannah, Georgia before and have a suggestion for our readers to help them plan their own trips, be sure to drop it in the comments below.
As always, if you have a question while planning your own vacation to Savannah, Georgia, be sure to drop that in the comments as well and we’ll be sure to answer that ASAP.
Happy travelin’, y’all!
