This Savannah travel guide covers everything you need to plan a great trip to Savannah, Georgia. Savannah is a romantic Southern city of 22 leafy squares, Spanish moss, historic houses and a relaxed riverfront.
Whether you are flying in for a long weekend or building a bigger road trip, this guide covers access, timing, neighbourhoods, costs and insider tips.
Savannah travel guide: quick facts
| Savannah at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Location | Georgia |
| Nearest airport | Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV) |
| Getting there | About 2 hours to Charleston |
| Best time to visit | March to May and October to November |
| Time needed | 2–3 days |
| Best for | Couples, history lovers and foodies |
Why visit Savannah
Savannah is ideal for couples, history lovers and foodies. Its headline experiences include Historic squares, Forsyth Park, River Street and Bonaventure Cemetery, and it pairs well with Charleston. First-time visitors and returning travellers alike find plenty to love.
How to get to Savannah
- By air: Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV).
- By road: About 2 hours to Charleston.
- Rental cars: available at Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV); book early for summer and holiday weekends.
Getting around Savannah
A car is useful for day trips, but the central districts are walkable and well served by rideshare. Rideshare apps work everywhere, and many downtown hotels charge high nightly parking fees, so think twice before keeping a car for city days.
Top things to do in Savannah
Historic squares
Leafy squares laid out by James Oglethorpe in 1733.
Forsyth Park
The famous fountain and Saturday farmers’ market.
River Street
Cobblestones, pralines and riverboats.
Bonaventure Cemetery
An atmospheric Victorian cemetery.
Mercer-Williams House
Made famous by Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
Tybee Island
A beach town 30 minutes away. It is a highlight for most visitors.
Wormsloe Historic Site
An oak avenue draped in moss.
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
French Gothic architecture. It is a highlight for most visitors.
Other favourite experiences include trolley and ghost tours, food tours, beach days, shopping and architecture walks. See our full list of things to do in Savannah.
Pack smarter
- Carry-on travel backpacks we rate BuyrSkip
A 30–40 litre backpack handles a long weekend and fits under most airline seats. - Travel phones and smartwatches Buyzello
Phones with great cameras and wearables that track your hikes. - Top-rated wireless earbuds VerdictFox
Compact earbuds for flights, trains and long drives.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Best time to visit Savannah
The best time to visit Savannah is March to May and October to November. Here is how the seasons compare:
| 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. |
Shoulder seasons usually offer the best mix of weather, prices and crowds.
Where to stay in Savannah
- Historic District: Charming inns.
- Riverfront: Views of ships.
- Tybee Island: Beach.
Typical nightly rates:
| 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 |
Book early for summer weekends and holidays, and compare total prices, including taxes and any resort or parking fees.
What to eat in Savannah
Don’t leave without trying shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, pralines and Lowcountry boil. Reserve popular restaurants ahead on weekends.
Suggested 3 days in Savannah
- Day 1: Historic squares and Forsyth Park.
- Day 2: River Street and Bonaventure Cemetery.
- Day 3: Mercer-Williams House, Tybee Island, Wormsloe Historic Site and Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.
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.
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.
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.
Accessibility and family travel
Most major attractions, museums and transit systems are wheelchair accessible, though older buildings and historic districts can have steps and uneven sidewalks. Families will find plenty of stroller-friendly parks and child-friendly museums, and many attractions offer discounted tickets for children and seniors.
Practical tips
- Savannah allows open containers in parts of the Historic District.
- St. Patrick’s Day is huge and busy.
- Summers are very hot.
- Tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
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.
Travelling responsibly
Follow Leave No Trace principles: stay on marked trails, pack out everything you bring in, and never feed wildlife. Support locally owned restaurants, guides and shops, and visit popular places early or late to spread out the crowds. In busy parks, use shuttles where they exist to cut traffic and parking pressure.
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.
Our road trip gear picks
- Best dash cams for road trips VerdictFox
Record scenic drives and protect yourself if something happens on the highway. - 12V car fridges for road trips VerdictFox
Keep drinks and picnic food cold on long road trips without buying ice every day. - Best portable power stations VerdictFox
Run a cooler, charge cameras and power a CPAP at campsites without hookups.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby places to add to your trip
- Charleston: Charleston is a beautifully preserved Southern city of cobblestone streets, pastel houses, plantations and some of the best food in the country.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Savannah?
Plan 2–3 days to see the highlights without rushing, and add a day for day trips or hikes.
What is the best time to visit Savannah?
The best time is March to May and October to November.
How do you get to Savannah?
Fly into Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV). By road, it is about 2 hours to Charleston.
How much does a trip to Savannah cost?
Hotels typically cost $180–300 a night for mid-range rooms, and most travellers spend $250–$400 per person per day.
Is Savannah good for families?
Yes. It suits couples, history lovers and foodies, and families do best with a central base, early starts and a mix of sightseeing and downtime.
Final thoughts on Savannah travel guide
Savannah rewards travellers who plan the essentials and leave room for surprises. Book key stays and timed-entry or tour reservations early, travel in the shoulder seasons if you can, and give yourself time to enjoy the places that charm you most.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Best Things to Do in Savannah: Top Experiences and Local Tips
- Charleston Travel Guide: History, Food and Beaches
- How to Plan a Budget Vacation in the USA: 25 Money-Saving Tips