Full of history, charming cobblestone streets, and mouthwatering cuisine Savannah, Georgia is a perfect destination for a quick weekend getaway. Whether you’re a history buff, enjoy taking in grand historic architecture, a food lover, or even a ghost hunter, this Southern gem has something for everyone. Having recently made it a goal of mine to take more weekend trips, I couldn’t wait to visit picturesque Savannah!

From exploring the city’s rich history in the Historic District to immersing yourself in its arts and culture, discover the magic of Savannah in two short days. Keep reading to see how you can make the most of your time in this gorgeous city and experience an amazing weekend in Savannah, Georgia.

Before You Go

Best time to visit Savannah

As a city in the Southern United States, Savannah can be hot and humid in the summer months. Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are considered the best seasons to visit Savannah. During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm, and the daytime temperatures is comfortable for exploring the city on foot (which you will be doing a lot of!).

My personal recommendation would be to visit in the Spring, when the azaleas are in full bloom, making the city look even more beautiful. But this is also peak season for tourists to be prepared to plan and book well in advance! On the other hand, during the Winter months (December to February) you will have much cooler temperatures, but it also brings the holiday season and lower accommodation rates.

Pre Trip Reading

When going around Savannah, be prepared to hear multiple references to ‘The Book’, the book being ‘Midnight in the garden of good and evil’ by John Berendt. The book is a true crime novel set in Savannah, Georgia, about the murder of Danny Hansford and the subsequent trial of his killer, Jim Williams. The book offers an intimate glimpse into unique culture of Savannah, and is worth reading to get a better feel of the city during your visit!

Getting Around

Savannah is a very walkable city and exploring by foot is a great way to get acquainted with the many renowned squares of the historic district. However, if you don’t feel like walking around, the city also has free trolley transportation around the downtown area seven days a week! You can get updated information on the DOT website here.

Where to Stay

For easy access to the top spots, and to fully immerse yourself in the historical charm of Savannah, it is best to stay in the Historic District. We stayed at the 17Hundred90 Inn (see here) and it worked out really well for our short stay. For a more personalized experience, there are also a number of bed and breakfasts offer a offer a chance to stay in an original building from the 1800s and include delicious homemade breakfasts. While we did not stay there, we have heard good things about the Eliza Thompson House (website here).

Itinerary

Day 1

Savannah Walking Tour

There is no better way to get familiar with Savannah than by starting your trip off with a walking tour of the Historic District. And for this I cannot recommend the history tour by Genteel and Bard highly enough (check them out here). In addition to walking through meticulously preserved neighbourhoods and listening to the captivating stories that have shaped the city, our lovely guide also showed us photographs, reconstructions, and even played music to really help us feel like we had stepped back in time.

Continue exploring and shopping

By now you will be armed with knowledge of Savannah’s founding, its role in the American Revolution and more. Continue meandering along the charming streets, marvel at the centuries-old oak trees draped in Spanish moss, elegant mansions and charming townhouses. Once you’ve had your fill of the historic district, walk down towards the waterfront and enjoy lunch with a view at any of the restaurants on East River Street.

After lunch, enjoy a leisurely stroll on the waterfront and enjoy the breeze. There are also plenty of opportunities to pick up some souvenirs here at places like the Savannah Bee Company and River Street Sweets. To continue shopping, continue to the City Market, or to Broughton Street. The Paris Market (W Broughton Street) in particular was a favourite of mine.

Have a fancy dinner

Round off your day by indulging in the mouthwatering delights the city has to offer. Savannah is well known for its culinary scene that showcases the best of Southern cooking such as fried chicken and pulled pork, buttery biscuits and creamy shrimp and grits. If however, like me, you are a vegetarian, fret not! I was able to find plenty of options around the city.

For an unforgettable dining experience, try to snag a reservation at The Olde Pink House: an iconic Savannah restaurant that serves Southern food in a sophisticated setting. If not, find yourself at one of the numerous restaurants

Day 2

Owen-Thomas House & Slave Quarters

Get an early start in the morning, and get a deeper look into Savannah’s antebellum era by touring one of the elegant mansions you saw on the walking tour. While there are many options here, we heard good things about the Owen-Thomas house, and it did not disappoint. There are guided tours available, which is a big reason to get here early, as they fill up fast. The tours are definitely worth it as provide captivating insights into the lives of the families who lived here and shed light on the history of slavery in the region without brushing it under the rug.

Once you are done with the tour, take some time to enjoy the enchanting English-inspired garden. Your ticket to the Owen-Thomas House (more details here) also includes entrance to the Telfair academy and the Jepson Center. So once you are done, move onwards to those to continue learning more.

Stroll around Forsyth Park

If the weather is playing along, head to Forsyth park take in more of Savannah’s greenery. As you enter the park, you’ll be greeted by the iconic Forsyth Fountain, a magnificent centerpiece that is great for photo opportunities. Stroll along the numerous pathways and enjoy the blooming flowers, lawns and vibrant botanical gardens. This is also a great place to find yourself a spot to have a picnic, read a book or people watch. Alternatively, you can have lunch at Collins Quarters (website here), right in the middle of the park. If you do, make sure to try their signature Lavender coffee!

Take a Savannah ghost tour

Many cities offer ghost tours, but with its rich history and reputation as one of America’s most haunted cities, Savannah is the perfect backdrop for an exploration into the paranormal. Joining a ghost tour allows you to delve into the dark secrets and mysterious legends that shroud the city’s historic streets and supposedly haunted buildings. You will stop at the notorious Mercer House (from ‘The Book’) of course, but you also get to hear about historic tales, folklore, and anecdotes that provide a unique perspective on the city’s supernatural side. Whatever your belief in the supernatural may be, this is a worthwhile experience.

Have more time?

Savannah has more to offer than the various attractions listed above. So if you have more time, be sure to check out the Bonaventure Cemetery, the Savannah College of Art and Design Museum or even head to the coast to explore Tybee island.

Interested in more weekend getaways?

Check out more weekend itineraries here!

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