A Weekend Itinerary for Savannah

Before taking a closer look at how you’ll map out your days, here are a few tips to help you in advance of your planning:

When Is the Best Time To Visit Savannah?
Wondering about the ideal time to enact your Savannah, Georgia, weekend itinerary? The city truly shines during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) months. During these seasons, temperatures are comfortably mild, ranging from the high 50s to mid-80s, and the city’s abundant azaleas and other flora burst into vibrant bloom. While summer can be hot and humid, and winter is quieter, spring and fall offer the perfect climate for exploring on foot and enjoying outdoor activities. Expect delightful weather and lively festivals during these peak times.

How Can You Best Get Around Savannah This Weekend?
Savannah’s historic district is remarkably walkable, making it a joy to explore on foot and truly soak in its beauty. For longer distances or a break from walking, the city offers several convenient transportation options. Additionally, trolley tours, such as the Old Town Trolley Tours®, offer narrated sightseeing experiences, giving you an excellent overview of the city’s landmarks. Ride-sharing services and taxis are also readily available for quick trips.

Where Should You Stay for Your Savannah Getaway?
Savannah boasts a wide array of accommodations, from grand historic hotels to charming bed-and-breakfasts, catering to every preference and budget. Options for a river view include the River Street Inn or The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront. If you prefer a heritage B & B experience, consider the Forsyth Park Inn, with its period furnishings and proximity to the park, or the historic Marshall House. Many hotels are located within the historic district, putting you within walking distance of the city’s main attractions, ensuring a convenient Savannah, Georgia, weekend itinerary.

What Awaits You on Your First Morning in Savannah?
Upon your arrival in Savannah, after checking into your chosen accommodation, kick off your Savannah, Georgia, weekend itinerary with an excellent introduction to the city’s layout and rich history. An Old Town Trolley Tour is a fantastic way to get oriented, offering a narrated journey past significant landmarks and providing insights into Savannah’s storied past. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through Forsyth Park, a sprawling 30-acre urban oasis. The iconic Forsyth Park Fountain, a stunning centerpiece reminiscent of the Place de la Concorde in Paris, is the centerpiece along with the Fragrant Garden. They work together to create a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for soaking in the Southern ambiance.

How Can You Explore Savannah’s Architectural Wonders and Historic Squares?
The afternoon invites you to delve deeper into Savannah’s unique urban planning and architectural splendor. Embark on a self-guided or expert-led walking tour through some of Savannah’s most famous historic squares. Chippewa Square, known as a partial set piece in Forrest Gump, is just one example of the city’s 22 picturesque squares, each with its own stories and monuments. As you wander, you’ll encounter magnificent examples of Savannah architecture. Marvel at the grand Mercer-Williams House, an imposing Italianate mansion completed in 1868, or admire the breathtaking French Gothic design of The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, a spiritual and architectural marvel. For a glimpse into Federal-style architecture and the city’s preservation efforts, a visit to the Davenport House Museum, built in 1820, is highly recommended. These things to do in Savannah this weekend offer a profound appreciation for the city’s preserved beauty.

What Southern Flavors and Haunted Histories Can You Experience in the Evening?
As dusk settles over Savannah, prepare for an evening that tantalizes your taste buds and sends shivers down your spine. For dinner, discover classic Southern cuisine at a renowned Savannah restaurant. The Olde Pink House, housed in an elegant 18th-century mansion, offers a refined dining experience with a hint of historical intrigue. 

After dinner, prepare to explore Savannah’s famously haunted past with a spine-chilling ghost tour. The Ghosts & Gravestones® tour, for instance, takes you on the Trolley of the Doomed to explore the city’s darker side. You’ll hear ghastly tales and potentially encounter unseen spirits with exclusive nighttime entry to eerie locations like the Andrew Low House and Perkins & Sons Chandlery. 

If you’re brave enough to delve deeper into the paranormal, consider a paranormal investigation with the Ghost Hunters of Savannah® Paranormal Investigation team. These things to do in Savannah this weekend are a must for anyone intrigued by the supernatural.

How Can You Experience the Buzz of Riverfront and City Market?

Your second day begins along historic River Street, where cobblestone streets, converted cotton warehouses, and charming shops offer a vibrant array of boutiques, art galleries, and eateries. Enjoy the scenic views of the Savannah River, watching cargo ships and riverboats glide by. Just a short walk away, City Market provides another hub of activity. This historic complex, once a bustling marketplace, now houses art studios, shops, and casual dining spots, perfect for a relaxed morning of exploration. For a different perspective of the city, consider Savannah Riverboat Cruises, which offers narrated sightseeing tours that pass by landmarks like Old Fort Jackson and provide stunning views of the historic waterfront and skyline, and it’s one of the things to do in Savannah this weekend that you’ll be proud to brag about to friends.

Which Savannah Museums Offer the Best Cultural and Historical Immersion?
The afternoon is dedicated to Savannah’s rich cultural and historical offerings. The city boasts an impressive array of museums, allowing you to tailor your experience to your interests. Art lovers will appreciate the Telfair Museums, comprising three distinct sites: the Telfair Academy, the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, and the contemporary Jepson Center for the Arts. Together, they form the oldest public art museum in the South, showcasing diverse collections. The Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters provide a look into Regency architecture and the lives of both the Owens family and the enslaved people who lived and worked there. It’s a poignant examination of Savannah’s darker past.

For a unique historical experience, visit the American Prohibition Museum® in City Market. The museum brings the Roaring Twenties to life with interactive exhibits and an authentic speakeasy. Just beneath it, the Savannah Pirates and Treasure Museum® is set to open soon. This new attraction showcases the Golden Age of Piracy through rare artifacts, hands-on displays, and stories of the pirates who once sailed the nearby waters.

After your museum visits, find tranquility in one of Savannah’s quieter historic squares or discover a quiet corner of the park for a peaceful retreat amid the city’s bustle.

Where Can You Enjoy Diverse Dining and Nightlife in Savannah?
As evening approaches, continue your experience with Savannah’s rich culinary offerings and dynamic nightlife. The city offers a wide range of dining options, from fresh seafood along River Street to modern interpretations of Southern cuisine at acclaimed local restaurants. For a unique activity, visit Congress Street Up, the 1920s-style bar located inside the American Prohibition Museum®. They offer hands-on cocktail classes that explore classic mixology techniques and the history behind the drinks. Classes are held on select days, so be sure to check the schedule in advance. After dinner, explore Savannah’s nighttime scene, where historic bars, rooftop lounges, and live music venues provide plenty of ways to enjoy the city after dark.

How Can You Further Explore Savannah’s Unique Landmarks?

On your final day, you have a couple of options to round out your Savannah, Georgia, weekend itinerary.

• Option 1: Further Exploration of Savannah’s Distinct Character
  Begin your morning with a profound and beautiful experience at Bonaventure Cemetery. Located just a short drive from downtown, this rural cemetery gained widespread fame from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Its stunning natural beauty, with ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss and intricate Victorian monuments, makes it a captivating place for a contemplative stroll. The cemetery is open to the public with no admission fee, offering a peaceful and historically rich environment. After your visit, enjoy a leisurely brunch at a local favorite spot before departing from Savannah, carrying cherished memories of its unique charm. 

• Option 2: Can You Fit in a Coastal Escape to Tybee Island?
  If time permits and you’re craving some coastal relaxation, a day trip to Tybee Island is an excellent choice. Located approximately 30 minutes from Savannah, Tybee Island offers a refreshing change of pace with its beautiful beaches, the historic Tybee Island lighthouse — the oldest and tallest in Georgia — and opportunities to savor fresh seafood. You can spend the morning relaxing on the sand, climbing the lighthouse for panoramic views, or exploring the island’s unique local shops. After a delightful time on the coast, you can either return to Savannah for a final dinner or depart directly from Tybee Island, making the most of your Savannah, Georgia, weekend itinerary.