Looking for the best things to do in Savannah? Savannah is a romantic Southern city of 22 leafy squares, Spanish moss, historic houses and a relaxed riverfront. This list mixes famous landmarks with local favourites and easy day trips, with practical tips on timing, tickets and costs for American travellers.
Best things to do in Savannah
1. Historic squares
Leafy squares laid out by James Oglethorpe in 1733. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
2. Forsyth Park
The famous fountain and Saturday farmers’ market. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
3. River Street
Cobblestones, pralines and riverboats. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
4. Bonaventure Cemetery
An atmospheric Victorian cemetery. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
5. Mercer-Williams House
Made famous by Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
6. Tybee Island
A beach town 30 minutes away. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
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7. Wormsloe Historic Site
An oak avenue draped in moss. Arrive early for the best light and fewest people.
8. Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
French Gothic architecture. Bring a refillable water bottle.
9. Trolley and ghost tours
One of the most popular ways to experience Savannah; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends.
10. Food tours
One of the most popular ways to experience Savannah; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Wear comfortable shoes; you will walk more than you expect.
11. Beach days
One of the most popular ways to experience Savannah; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Allow at least an hour to enjoy it properly.
12. Shopping
One of the most popular ways to experience Savannah; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Arrive early for the best light and fewest people.
13. Architecture walks
One of the most popular ways to experience Savannah; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Allow at least an hour to enjoy it properly.
14. Take a day trip to Charleston
Charleston is a beautifully preserved Southern city of cobblestone streets, pastel houses, plantations and some of the best food in the country. Read our Charleston travel guide. It is great value for families.
15. Eat your way through the local food scene
Try shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, pralines and Lowcountry boil. Food tours are a fun way to sample several places in one afternoon. Allow at least an hour to enjoy it properly.
When to go
The best time to visit is March to May and October to November.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | March–May | Warm and pleasant, 60–80°F; the best season for most visitors. |
| Summer | June–August | Hot and humid, often 90°F+, with afternoon storms. |
| Fall | September–November | Warm early, comfortable by October; hurricane risk on the coast until November. |
| Winter | December–February | Mild, 40–60°F, with occasional cold snaps. |
Where to stay
- Historic District: Charming inns.
- Riverfront: Views of ships.
- Tybee Island: Beach.
| Style | Typical price per night | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $110–170 | Motels, hostels, simple inns and campground cabins |
| Mid-range | $180–300 | Comfortable hotels and B&Bs, often with breakfast |
| Luxury | $350–700 | Resorts, historic hotels and boutique properties |
For more detail, read our Savannah travel guide.
Tips for visitors
- Savannah allows open containers in parts of the Historic District.
- St. Patrick’s Day is huge and busy.
- Summers are very hot.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Trying to cover every neighbourhood in a day: cluster sights by area instead.
- Renting a car you will barely use and paying high overnight parking fees.
- Eating only in the main tourist zone, where prices are higher and quality lower.
- Skipping reservations for popular restaurants, tours and observation decks on weekends.
- Underestimating walking distances: bring comfortable shoes.
Sample 3-day budget for two
| Item | Mid-range estimate |
|---|---|
| Hotel (3 nights) | $540–$900 |
| Food and drink | $540–$864 |
| Activities and entry fees | $140–$280 |
| Local transport or car | $180–$270 |
| Total | $1,400–$2,314 |
Estimates exclude flights and assume a mid-range hotel; travelling in shoulder season can cut accommodation costs by a third or more.
What to pack for Savannah
- Breathable clothing and a sun hat
- High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen
- A reusable water bottle
- Sandals and comfortable walking shoes
- A light rain jacket for afternoon storms
- Insect repellent
For a complete checklist, see our road trip packing list.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant licence or another accepted ID such as a passport. See our guide to REAL ID and TSA rules.
- Money: Sales tax is added at the register and varies by state and city; tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
- Insurance: Your health plan may have limited out-of-network cover in another state, and trip-cancellation cover is worth having for expensive bookings, especially in hurricane season.
- Driving: Most visitors drive; rental cars are widely available, and a US licence is all you need. Gas prices vary widely by state; California and Hawaii are usually the most expensive.
- Saving money: our budget vacation and cheapest places to travel guides have dozens of practical ideas.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120–$180 | motel or hostel, casual meals, self-drive or transit |
| Mid-range | $250–$400 | good hotel, sit-down meals, some tours |
| Luxury | $600–$1,200 | resort or boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Responsible travel tips
Popular places are under pressure from crowds. Visit on weekdays or in shoulder seasons, carpool or use shuttles, refill a reusable water bottle, and buy from local businesses. Respect Indigenous lands and cultural sites, follow posted closures, and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Travel gear we trust
- Carry-on travel backpacks we rate BuyrSkip
A 30–40 litre backpack handles a long weekend and fits under most airline seats. - Best phones and wearables for travel Buyzello
Phones with great cameras and wearables that track your hikes. - Best wireless earbuds for travel VerdictFox
Compact earbuds for flights, trains and long drives.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the number one thing to do in Savannah?
For most first-time visitors it is Historic squares: leafy squares laid out by James Oglethorpe in 1733.
How many days do you need in Savannah?
Plan 2–3 days to cover the highlights at a relaxed pace.
What is the best time to visit Savannah?
March to May and October to November.
Is Savannah good for families?
Yes. Many of the top attractions suit children, and Savannah is popular with couples, history lovers and foodies.
What should I eat in Savannah?
Try shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, pralines and Lowcountry boil.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Savannah Travel Guide: Squares, Food and Day Trips
- Charleston Travel Guide: History, Food and Beaches