Savannah Travel Guide
Savannah's grid of leafy squares, moss-draped oaks and Gothic Revival houses invites aimless wandering. It is gentle, atmospheric and surprisingly easy to cover.
- Best Time
- March to May, October to November
- Ideal Length
- 2 to 3 days
- Getting Around
- On foot
Planning Your Trip to Savannah
Savannah is a place to wander. Its famous squares, laid out in a regular grid, are shaded by live oaks and surrounded by historic houses, and the pleasure comes from moving from one to the next without much of a plan. A guided tour helps with the stories behind the buildings, and the riverfront provides a livelier counterpoint in the evening. The summer heat is considerable, so build in rest and shade, or visit in spring or autumn. Savannah pairs naturally with Charleston for a longer trip along the coast.
Best Time to Visit Savannah
March to May, October to November is the sweet spot for most visitors. Here is how each season actually feels.
Spring
Warm and bright, with azaleas blooming. The most popular time, and St. Patrick's Day brings large crowds.
Summer
Hot, humid and stormy. Shade from the squares helps, but the afternoons are tough.
Autumn
Mild, clear and comfortable. A good balance of weather and crowds.
Winter
Cool and mostly mild, with quiet streets and good rates.
How Many Days in Savannah?
2 to 3 days
The historic district is small. Two days covers the squares and the riverfront, and a third allows a trip to Tybee Island or a plantation.
Savannah Neighborhoods
Pick the area that matches the kind of trip you want, and you will rarely need to cross town.
Historic District
The famous grid of 22 squares, with mansions, churches and cafés. Walkable and photogenic.
River Street
A cobbled riverfront of shops, bars and restaurants, lively and touristy.
Forsyth Park Area
A large park with a fountain, edged by historic homes and cafés.
Victorian District
A residential area of ornate 19th-century homes, south of the main historic area.
Starland District
An arts-focused area south of the main historic area, with murals and independent shops.
What to Do in Savannah
Walking the Squares
Each square has its own character, with monuments and benches in the shade. Allow plenty of time.
Forsyth Park Fountain
The park's fountain is among the city's best-known images.
Bonaventure Cemetery
A cemetery with moss-covered oaks and sculptural graves, made famous in a popular book.
A Ghost Tour
Savannah is known as one of the most haunted cities in America. Tours are theatrical and good fun.
River Street at Night
Watch the ships and enjoy the old waterfront. Note that the cobbles are uneven.
Southern Food
Fried chicken, shrimp and grits and pralines are local staples.
Tybee Island
A beach town about 20 minutes away, with a lighthouse and a relaxed beach atmosphere.
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
A French Gothic cathedral with rich interiors and twin spires.
Getting Around
The historic district is flat, compact and best explored on foot. A free downtown shuttle runs on a set route, and ride-hailing covers the rest. Cobbled streets can be hard on shoes. A car is only useful for trips to Tybee or beyond.
Practical Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestones and uneven brick paths.
- Check local rules before carrying a drink outside, as open container laws in the historic district differ from most US cities.
- Plan your day around shade and rest in the summer afternoons.
- Book a guided tour if you want the stories behind the squares.
Savannah Travel FAQ
How Many Days Do You Need in Savannah?
Two days covers the historic squares, the riverfront and the cemetery. Three days adds a beach visit or slower meals.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Savannah?
March to May and October to November are the most pleasant. Summer is hot and humid.
Is Savannah Walkable?
Yes, the historic district is flat and made for walking. Take care on cobbles and brick sidewalks.
Is Savannah Worth Visiting?
For its squares, architecture and slow pace, yes. It works well with Charleston on a longer trip.
Plan Your Savannah Itinerary
Tell us when you are going, who is coming and what you love. We will build a day-by-day Savannah plan around it, ready in about twenty minutes.