Plan Your Trip to Savannah: Best of Savannah Tourism
Savannah, Georgia
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Essential Savannah
Things to do
Places to stay
Food & drink
Best places to drink cocktails in Savannah
Mint to be mojito bar and bites43For a vacation from your vacation, head to this tropical spot specializing in mojitos. I promise that the drinks made from fresh fruit and mint leaves will have you ordering another round. The mojitos pair perfectly with the homemade empanadas (pork and chicken are top choices). Lean in for a local secret: There’s a speakeasy in the back of the restaurant that you can enter with a password—just ask the bartender.
Bar Julian31This rooftop bar is the perfect place for an evening with friends. It has weekly live music (go on weekends when DJ Miss Paradise spins), Mediterranean bites, and a sweeping view of the Savannah River. Whether I’m ordering a lemon drop or one of the curated cocktails, the bartenders at Bar Julian shine every time. Sunsets are magical here, so try and time your visit accordingly.
Bar Bubbly7Bar Bubbly is probably not what you expect a champagne bar to be, and that’s a large part of its charm. Instead of a stuffy sipping space, the bar has homey vibes with antique furniture, cozy couches, and a menu of champagne cocktails that make bubbly seem more accessible. Tip: Try the chocolate-covered strawberries from the snack menu with a hibiscus or espresso champagne cocktail.
The Peacock Lounge29You can’t end a meal at Flock to the Wok—one of the best restaurants in Savannah—without venturing downstairs to its speakeasy-style Peacock Lounge. With creative craft drinks, DJ sets, small bites, and an atmosphere that brings NYC to the South, it’s my go-to for a dressed-up girls' night out.
Savoy Society28Ditching the tourists and finding where locals hang out can be a difficult game, so I’ll cut to the chase: All the cool kids and in-the-know residents go to Savoy Society. It features funky decor and retro collections (hello, aquarium in a 50’s TV console and piles of Elvis memorabilia). I love coming on vinyl nights when customers bring their personal records and live out their DJ dreams.
The Wyld311Away from Savannah’s bustling downtown, this no-frills shack sits on a dock, providing one of the best views of the lowcountry waterways. This is southern living at its best—mingling with locals, drinking cocktails, eating fresh seafood, watching the boats zip by, and catching mesmerizing sunsets.
Starland Yard34The rotating food trucks at Starland Yard may be the attention grabbers, but the bartenders at Yard Bar are the real highlight. They’ll greet you at the entrance and make sure your cocktail of choice goes down just right with a variety of delicious snacks. I always visit with a group of friends because we can eat, drink, play lawn games, and listen to live music, all in one spot.
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Savannah Travel Guide
Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Savannah
Chris O
Savannah, or at least its historic downtown, is very walkable. Wear comfy shoes when you hit the streets.
onemoreroad
The "real" Savannah can be found by strolling her 22 squares. Wander from Bay street to Forsyth Park and come back a different route.
ScoutandBoo
The highlight of Savannah is those beautiful squares, shaded with enormous live oaks dripping with Spanish moss. You can walk in the shade almost anywhere, and most of the squares have some kind of seating.
julesencore15
There are historic house museums and art galleries to visit during rainy weather (or anytime, really) plus the Savannah Visitor’s Center has the Savannah History Museum … Savannah's rain doesn’t last all day but tends to come and go. Don't let the rain keep you from enjoying the city.
onemoreroad
Stroll River Street for a few minutes and duck into one of the candy shops for a free praline sample. Don't spend all of your time on River Street because there's a lot more to Savannah than just River Street.
Chris O
Make dinner reservations, and don’t be surprised if popular breakfast and lunch spots have lines out the front.
Angela A
Make sure you leave time to simply wander the cobblestoned streets. The most popular areas are easily accessible on foot, and getting just a little lost is always a romantic adventure!
lewbar
For us, it is beautiful, historic, eerie, romantic, sultry and truly southern because of its general atmosphere. A real walking city with great people, great seafood and excellent sweet tea.
h6p8gv
For me Savannah is a town that is littered in both history and ghosts; it is not known as America's most haunted city for nothing.
wings1980
A wonderful blend of the Old South and young art students.
MZVikkee
If you're looking for a laid back city with a little quirkiness thrown in, Savannah is the place.
What is the best way to get there?
flying
Savannah/Hilton Head Island International Airport is 10 miles from the city center. Rental cars, shuttles, and taxis are available on the lower level.
train
Amtrak’s Palmetto and Silver Service trains run between New York and Miami with three southbound and three northbound trains stopping at the station every day.
Do I need a visa?
If you’re visiting Savannah from overseas, use the State Department’s Visa Wizard to see if you need a visa.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring: A great time to visit Savannah is from March to May when the magnificent azaleas and dogwoods are blooming and the city is alive with St. Patrick's Day celebrations and the Savannah Music Festival. High temperatures in this season are between 65°F and 79°F (18°C - 26°C). Spring does, however, bring crowds, high rates, and booked-out hotels. An alternative is to visit between September and November when it is much quieter and daily high temperatures go from 86°F (30°C) in September to 69°F (20°C) in November.
Get around
walking
The Historic District is easy to explore by foot, though you should limit your exploration to the daytime.
pedicab
If you tire of walking, you can page or call a pedicab. These usually cost $1 a minute for a ride.
car
Driving is usually fairly easy in Savannah but note that finding parking around the Historic District can be challenging.
bus
Chatham Area Transit operates buses around the city as well as the free dot Shuttle (Route #5) around the Historic District; the free Savannah Belles Ferry, and a free streetcar along River Street on weekends.
For more information about the network and fares, see here.
On the ground
What is the timezone?
Eastern Standard Time.
What are the voltage/plug types?
The standard voltage in the United States is 120 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. The plug has two flat parallel pins.
What is the currency?
The U.S. Dollar.
Are ATMs readily accessible?
Yes.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes.
How much do I tip?
Bartender
$1 a drink or $2 for a more labor-intensive cocktail
Restaurant
15-20%
Bellhop
$1-3 per bag
Housekeeper
$2-3 per night
Taxis/rideshare
15-20%
Shuttle driver
$1-$2 per person
Tour guide
10-20%
Are there local customs I should know?
Drinking
The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 21 years old.
Take your drink to go
Savannah’s open container laws allow you to walk around downtown historic Savannah with your beverage in a plastic container. Just ask for a “to go” cup at the bar.
Don't trespass
Respect private property; especially around the famed Rainbow Row where residents have been bothered by people photographing their homes.
Say "hello"
Locals are warm and friendly. Smile and say hello and you might make a new friend and get some great local insights.
Slow down
There’s a more relaxed pace of life in the south. Embrace the laid-back pace.
Savannah travel advice
Public Transportation Availability
According to forum posts, Savannah lacks robust public transportation options directly from the airport as the previous bus route was discontinued due to financial losses. Travelers interested in public transportation can refer to the Chatham Area Transit (CAT) system, which offers routes within the city but may not extend conveniently from the airport.
Rideshare and Taxi Services
For many users, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available and can be picked up at the north entrance of the baggage claim area at Savannah Airport. Taxi services are also accessible, with permitted companies available for pickups at the airport, offering a flat rate to various destinations.
Specialized Transport
Some travelers mentioned using specialized tour services like Dashtours for specific destinations such as Bonaventure Cemetery, which includes transportation from downtown areas. This could be an alternative for targeted travel needs within Savannah.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?Historic Sites and Tours
According to forum posts, Savannah offers many historical attractions worth visiting. Travelers have called out the Telfair Museums, Bonaventure Cemetery, and the Wormsloe Historic Site as notable destinations. The Owens Thomas House is recommended for those interested in historic house tours, and it includes access to the Telfair Academy and the Jepson Center for Modern Art.
Outdoor and Recreational Activities
For many users, outdoor activities enhance the Savannah experience. Posts suggest taking a dolphin tour or riverboat cruise, with Bull River Cruises and Captain Mike’s highlighted as popular providers. The Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens are another recommended spot, especially during azalea blooming season.
Cultural Events
Some travelers mentioned the Savannah Music Festival as a significant event, suggesting timing a visit to coincide with this festival. The annual art walk and the Saturday farmers market in Forsyth Park are also recommended for those visiting around Easter.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?Outdoor Attractions
According to forum posts, Savannah offers various outdoor activities suitable for families. Tybee Island is recommended for its beaches and shallow tidal pools, ideal for young children to splash around. Forsyth Park is highlighted for its beautiful scenery and children's playground, making it a perfect spot for picnics.
Historical and Wildlife Exploration
Travelers have called out several historical and wildlife attractions suitable for families. The Oatland Island Wildlife Center allows for close encounters with animals, and Fort Pulaski offers a historical experience with activities for children. Additionally, Old Fort Jackson has been mentioned as an engaging site, particularly when it schedules cannon firings.
Interactive and Learning Experiences
For many users, interactive experiences like the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the newly opened Marine Museum on Tybee Island provide educational fun for children. The Jepson - Telfair Museum, known for its children’s section and hands-on events, is also a popular choice among families.
Unique Suggestions
Some travelers suggest more unique activities such as watching the cargo ships along River Street or taking a free ferry ride from River Street to Hutchinson Island, which can be an exciting experience for kids.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?Popular Restaurants
According to forum posts, popular dining options in Savannah include Vics on the River, Crystal Beer Parlor, and The Olde Pink House, with each offering unique local flavors. The Olde Pink House is highly recommended for its ambiance and Southern cuisine.
Unique Dining Experiences
Some travelers have highlighted B. Matthews and River House Seafood for their exceptional breakfast and seafood offerings, respectively. For those looking for a unique local drink, Chatham Artillery Punch was mentioned as a must-try.
Outdoor and Casual Dining
Travelers have called out several places for casual and outdoor dining experiences. Hueys on the River and the Peregrin rooftop offer enjoyable settings for a meal. The Six Pence Pub is noted for its more laid-back atmosphere.
Vegan Options
For vegan diners, Savannah is considered accommodating due to its student-heavy population, suggesting that a good variety of plant-based options is available, although specific restaurants were not listed in the posts.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?Parking Availability
According to forum posts, Savannah's historic district offers various parking options, including street parking, public parking garages, and metered parking. Street parking is free on Sundays and holidays, and metered parking is free after certain hours on Saturday nights.
Parking Costs
Some travelers mentioned that parking costs in Savannah are reasonable compared to other cities. Public parking garages provide affordable rates, with some garages offering parking for under $20 per day. The Bryan Street garage was highlighted for its proximity to key areas in the historic district.
Additional Parking Tips
For convenience, travelers can use the Park Savannah app, which allows users to manage their parking time remotely and is useful for metered spaces. This app sends notifications when parking time is about to expire, offering an easy option to extend parking time directly from a smartphone.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?Shuttle and Bus Services
According to forum posts, there is currently no active shuttle or bus service running from Savannah to Tybee Island. Previous attempts to establish a consistent shuttle service have been unsuccessful.
Ride-Sharing Options
Some travelers mentioned using Uber or Lyft as a potential option to reach Tybee Island. However, these can be expensive, especially for the return trip, as drivers are reluctant to travel to Tybee without a guaranteed fare back to Savannah.
Rental Cars
For many users, renting a car seems to be the preferred method to visit Tybee Island. This provides flexibility and ease, particularly for those traveling with children or planning to visit multiple nearby locations such as Wormsloe Historic Site or Bonaventure Cemetery.
Specialized Transportation Services
A few travelers have noted a service called Tybee Beach Bus, which offers pick-up in Savannah, transport to the beach, and includes beach gear for a fee. This service has received positive feedback from those who used it.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?Transportation Options
According to forum posts, the most common transportation options to Wormsloe without a car are taxis or rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. Some travelers suggested prearranging the return trip due to potential long waits for a pick-up from Wormsloe.
Tour Availability
Some travelers mentioned that there are bus tours available which include transportation to Wormsloe. These tours often include other sites and are packaged with narrated walking tours, making them a convenient option for visitors staying in the historic district without a car.
Bus Travel
According to one post, there is a public bus service available, but it may involve transfers and can take nearly an hour, making it less convenient than other options.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?
- We recommend staying at one of the most popular hotels in Savannah, which include:
- Some of the most popular restaurants in Savannah include:
- Savannah is known for some of its popular attractions, which include:
- We recommend checking out these popular tours when looking for something to do in Savannah:
- If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Savannah between December and February, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between September and November.