A Complete Guide To Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is home to brick streets, charming architecture, ghost stories, and more. The quaint city located on the northern Georgia coast is a lovely place for a weekend getaway in the USA. This complete guide to Savannah, Georgia is full of all the information you need to plan a spectacular trip.

About Savannah

Safety - Overall Savannah is a super safe city to visit. There are so many tourist who go through the city each year so it is very safe in the tourist areas. Some places to avoid in Savannah include West Savannah, Cloverdale, Carver Heights, and the area around Waters Avenue north as these area tend to have some safety issues. Other than that just take normal precautions (beware of pickpockets, be vigilant at night, ect.)

History - Savannah is full of so much history. One of the reasons it is such a popular destination is because of its history. Savannah was established in 1733 and was named the 13th and final American colony. Some of the most significant things that happened in Savannah were the yellow fever outbreak and the role it played as a port city in the Civil War. There is so much Savannah History worth learning about. Read this article all about the history of Savannah, Georgia to learn more about the 13th colony.

Where To Stay In Savannah - Best Hotels In Savannah, Ga

Luxury Savannah Hotels

Perry Lane Hotel - The Perry Lane Hotel is one of the best hotels in Savannah, especially if you are looking for a luxurious stay. At the Perry Lane Hotel you will find stylish rooms, a pool, a restaurant, a bar, and more!

Bellwether House - The Bellwether House is one of the most charming bed & breakfasts I have ever seen. The house, rooms, and garden are all stunning. Enjoy a spa, restaurant, bar, and more at The Bellwether House.

The Bohemian Hotel - The Bohemian Hotel is a super cool boutique hotel with so much style. At The Bohemian Hotel you will find a restaurant, gym, and more!

Middle Range Savannah Hotels

The Drayton Hotel - The Drayton Hotel is a stylish hotel with comfortable rooms. The pet friendly hotel in downtown Savannah offers a restaurant, bar, twenty four hours front desk service, and more.

River Street Inn - The River Street Inn in downtown Savannah provides comfortable rooms, a gym, a bar, and more.

Planters Inn - Located in the picturesque Reynolds Square is the adorable Planters Inn. At the Planters Inn you will find a spa, two restaurants, a gym, and more.

Budget Savannah Hotels

The Grant - Located in the downtown area you will find The Grant. A lovely apartment style hotel that is perfect if you are on a budget or are doing a longer stay in Savannah.

Sonder The Broughton - The Sonder Broughton is a great budget friendly option in Savannah. I loved my stay here as the checkin and checkout was easy and the apartments are spacious with a kitchen, living room, bedroom and bathroom.

What To Do In Savannah

Wander Around Forsyth Park

This Savannah travel guide would not be complete without a mention of Forsyth Park. Forsyth Park was one of my favorite activities in Savannah that I did. The thirty arce Forsyth Park is full of green spaces, oak trees, fountains, and more. Be sure to find the magnificent Forsyth Fountain that was built in 1858.

For more information on Forsyth Park check out their website here.

Explore the Victoria District

Located right next to Forsyth Park you will find Savannahs stunning Victorica District. The Victoria District is mostly residential, but it is lovely to walk around in. You can find Late Victorian, Queen Anne, and other architectural styles in Savannahs Victoria District.

East River Street

Located along the Savannah River you can find shopping a restaurants on East River Street. Honestly the restaurants aren't the best, but you can find souvenir shops and The Savannah Market on East Street. The street itself is super cute and great for photos.

Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters

Located in Savannah's Historic District you will find Owens - Thomas House & Slave Quarters. At the Owen - Thomas House you will have the opportunity to learn all about Savannahs history with slaves and visit a gorgeous mansion. I found the Owens - Thomas House & Slave Quarters interesting because I got to see how the wealthiest and poorest people lived among each other in old Savannah.

For more information on the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters checkout there website here.

Sorrel Weed House Museum

Also located in Savannah's Historic district is the Sorrel Weed House Museum. The mansion built in 1840 perfectly replicates what life was like in the 1840s. The Sorrel Weed House is stunning, but the real reason many people visit the house is because of the interesting ghost stories.

👻Our Favorite Tour Company In Savannah - US Ghost Adventures

The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist is probably the most impressive buildings in Savannah. Opening in 1873 the spectacular Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist is 214 feet tall and has 81 stained glass windows, so you can imagine that this is a beautiful building worth a visit.

To check hours of operation visit The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist website here.

Bonaventure Cemetery

For some reason cemeteries are always a popular thing to see in these southern cities. Bonaventure Cemetery, Located on the outskirts of Savannah is worth visiting because of its beauty. At The Bonaventure Cemetery you will find a bluff that looks out at the Wilmington River, old road ways lined with weeping willow trees, and unique statues.

More on the Bonaventure Cemetery here.

First African Baptist Church

The First African Baptist Church in Savannah, Georgia is the oldest black church in North America. Built in 1777 the First African Baptist Church is a must visit in Savannah because it hold so much history. You can find a museum within the church that displays tributes from the 18th century.

For more information on the First African Baptist Church check out the website here.

Take a Day Trip

There are so many amazing destinations all around the Savannah area. A day trip is a great way to spend an extra day in Savannah. two of the best places you can visit from Savannah in a day is Hilton Head, South Carolina and Charleston, South Carolina.

If you are looking for more of a beach day Hilton head is the perfect option. If you want to learn more about the US History and marvel at adorable buildings the checkout Charleston!

⭐Read Next - A Complete Guide To Charleston, South Carolina

Where To Dine In Savannah

Coffee & Breakfast

Foxy Loxy - The Foxy Loxy was my go to coffee shop while I was in Savannah as it was right next to my hotel. Serving amazing latte and pastries, Foxy Loxy is a hip coffee joint I am sure you will love.

Gallery Espresso - Gallery Espresso is a beautiful mess of a cafe. The furniture does not make sense together, the color scheme is off, and it is hard to walk around in the cafe, but somehow it works. The coffee is super good too!

Franklin's - If you are looking for a brunch and breakfast spot in Savannah then head over to Franklins. Serving amazing coffee and food, Franklins is the perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy a morning meal!

Lunch & Dinner

Olde Pink House - The Olde Pink House is definitely the most iconic place to dine in Savannah. Serving some of the best southern cooking in colonial mansion built in the 17oos, The Olde Pink house is worth the price. Reservations are required at the Olde Pink House.

Alligator Soul Restaurant - Based on the name I was hesitant to dine at The Alligator Soul Restaurant, but it was amazing. The Alligator Soul restaurant is on the pricey side and serves amazing Southern Food in a super cool environment.

Common Thread - In the heart of Savannah's downtown area you will find the bright and airy Common Thread Restaurant. Serving incredible farm fresh food, Common Thread is open daily, but you will need a reservation!

When To Visit Savannah

The best time to visit Savannah is in winter or spring. You will find comfortable temperatures, low humidity, and lots of sunshine from December to April. Avoid Savannah during the fall and summer. Honestly the heat and humidity is just unbearable May - November. You will also find that it can get rainy in the fall and summer.

How To Get To Savannah

Flying - Flying into Savannah is super easy. You can find affordable direct flights on airlines such as Jetblue, Allegiant, American, Breeze, Delta, Frontier, Avelo, Silver, and more. The airport to fly into is Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport.

✈️Checkout The Latest Fares To Savannah Here

Train - I took the train to Savannah after visiting Charleston, South Carolina. The train was only about an hour and I booked it on Omio and it was an Amtrak Train.

Road Trip To Savannah - The second time I visited I did a road trip to Savannah from Boston. Checkout my road trip to Savannah blog post if you plan on driving.

Best Tours To Take In Savannah

Hop On Hop Off Trolly - I usually opt for walking while traveling, but with Savannahs intense humidity and heat, this hop on hop off trolly was a life saver. This affordable trolly takes you to all of the top tourist areas of Savannah!

Savannah Food Tour - While Southern food may be the most unhealthy cuisine in the world, it is also quite delicious. This Savannah food tour will take you to all of the best restaurants, cafes, and local joints in the city!

Savannah Ghost Tour - It is no secret that Savannah is a bit of a creepy town. This Savannah Ghost Tour features ghost stories and visits to haunted areas of the city.

Beach Day Trip - You can't visit Savannah without spending the day at one of the stunning nearby beaches. This Beach Day Tour takes you to the picturesque Tybee Island and will bring you on a dolphin cruise!

Savannah FAQs

How far is Savannah from Hilton Head? Savannah, Georgia is only around 45 minutes from Hilton Head, South Carolina.

How far is Savannah from Atlanta? Savannah is around four hours from Atlanta. If you do not want to drive all the way to Atlanta there are daily flights between the two cities on Delta.

Where is Savannah, Georgia? Savannah is located on the Georgia - South Carolina border by the coast.

Is Savannah, Georgia on the beach? Savannah is not on the beach but it is easy to get to a beach from the city. Some of the best beaches near Savannah include Hilton Head Island, Tybee Island, and St Simons Island.

Is Savannah expensive? Coming from Massachusetts I thought that Savannah was incredibly cheap. The hotels, food, and activities were about half the price of what they are in Boston. It all really just depends on what you are used to though.

A Complete Guide To Savannah Wrap Up

Savannah is home to historic homes, amazing restaurants, so much history, and more. The adorable city should be on your USA travel list. If you liked this guide to Savannah I think you will love my Complete Guide To Charleston, South Carolina and my Locals Guide To Boston, Massachusetts.

Happy Travels,

Daisy