Savannah's 1733 Oglethorpe Plan is North America's first planned city grid, creating 24 squares, 22 of which remain. This design fosters a walkable historic district of Antebellum mansions. Notice the haint blue porch ceilings, a Gullah Geechee tradition, and you will see what is Savannah famous for.
Beyond the city, explore Forsyth Park's 30 acres or kayak through the vast coastal salt marshes. A short drive leads to Tybee Island's Atlantic beaches. For a quieter outing, take a boat tour through Skidaway Narrows to spot local dolphins. Bird watchers should look for the vibrant painted bunting in summer.
Savannah's Lowcountry cuisine blends coastal flavors with Southern tradition. Savor classic shrimp and grits or a communal Lowcountry boil. For a truly local taste, seek out benne wafers, thin sesame cookies with West African roots. Don't miss the potent Chatham Artillery Punch, a historic concoction.
Exploring Savannah reveals antebellum architecture in the Historic District, serene Spanish moss in Forsyth Park, and fine art at the Telfair Academy. Discover the city's cobblestone streets, ornate squares, and the historic River Street.
Take a guided ghost tour through historic cemeteries, enjoy the annual Savannah Music Festival, or explore Gullah Geechee culture. Stroll through the City Market for local crafts and join a trolley tour for a comprehensive city overview.
Iconic park with a famous fountain and Spanish moss trees.
Large urban historic district with 22 park-like squares.
Gothic-style cemetery featured in popular literature.
The South's oldest public art museum in a classic mansion.
Cobblestone street along the river with shops and views.
Open-air market with shops, art galleries, and events.
French Gothic cathedral with twin spires and murals.
Fly into Savannah/Hilton Head Int'l Airport (SAV). Get from the Savannah airport to city center via taxi (~20 min, ~$28 flat rate), or the CAT 100X Airport Express bus. The train to Savannah, Amtrak's Palmetto line, serves a station 4 miles from downtown.
The Historic District is best seen on foot. For public transport in Savannah, use Chatham Area Transit (CAT) buses or the free dot Express Shuttle. The Savannah Belles Ferry, also free, connects downtown with Hutchinson Island and offers skyline views.
Useful Savannah travel tips for first-timers: driving in Savannah's historic squares is tricky due to one-way streets. The city's "to-go cup" policy is legal within designated zones. Consider a car rental in Savannah for trips to nearby islands.
To truly explore Savannah, taste traditional food in Savannah like shrimp & grits or pecan pralines. The city's unique open-container policy means you can sip a cocktail from a to-go cup while you walk through the historic squares.
Eat at The Olde Pink House for elegant Southern fare in a historic mansion; book ahead. Head to Jazz'd Tapas Bar for a moody vibe with live music; share plates. Grab a scoop at Leopold's Ice Cream, a nostalgic parlor; expect lines.
Fine dining in a historic 18th-century mansion. Book early.
Communal tables with classic Southern fare. Cash only.
Historic spot known for its fun, pirate theme. Kid-friendly.
Award-winning barbecue in a casual setting. Get there early.
Explore Savannah's heritage through must-see events. The St. Patrick's Day Parade, a tradition since 1824, is one of the largest in the USA. Also, experience the Savannah Black Heritage Festival celebrating African American culture and history.
Discover Savannah cultural activities with diverse sounds and sights. The Savannah Music Festival presents jazz, classical, and blues. The SCAD Savannah Film Festival showcases cinematic creativity from emerging and established filmmakers every October.
A massive March parade with floats and marching bands.
A 17-day spring event with world-class, multi-genre acts.
October festival with film screenings, workshops and panels.
February celebration of African American history and culture.
European-style market with lights, food and Santa.
October celebration for the LGBT community in Forsyth Park.
June event in Forsyth Park with live music and food trucks.
A truly beautiful city
Savannah is just a lovely place to walk around. The Spanish moss in the trees gives everything such a unique feel. The squares are beautiful, perfect for a quiet break from exploring the streets.
So much history to see
Loved exploring the historic district and seeing all the amazing old homes. It's so well-preserved. Taking a trolley tour was a great way to see a lot and learn about the city's past.
Great food and easy to get around
Savannah is full of fantastic spots to eat. The shrimp and grits I had were out of this world. Everything is so walkable, you can just wander from one square to the next and find something new.
A perfect, slow-paced getaway
This city has such a relaxed pace. I spent a lot of time just sitting in Forsyth Park and enjoying the scenery. It's a great place to unwind without feeling rushed to see everything at once.
Fun times on River Street
Had a great time down by the water. River Street has a lot going on at night with plenty of places to get a drink. The open container policy makes it easy to walk around and enjoy the evening.
Lots of unique shops
Found so many cool little boutiques and art galleries, especially around the City Market area. It's not just the usual tourist stuff. I picked up some great local pralines to bring home.