I just got back from a glorious few days in Savannah, Georgia and I’m absolutely charmed and elated with this gorgeous city. I took the core of my team, Jenny and Garet, for our biannual meet up. Garet works out of North Carolina and Jenny is mostly remote in SLC so getting together in person is so important and I finally realized that we can have an inspiration trip while we’re at it and soak in a city we’ve all never been to. There were no misses on our itinerary and the only thing I bummed at is that we didn’t get to do more! We need a Savannah part 2 trip! Our Savannah City Guide is definitely one to bookmark for your next trip!
I had been dreaming about visiting Savannah for decades at this point. I looked into it SCAD for grad school and was really interested in historic perservation at one point. In my mind, Savannah was this perfectly preserved historic town but like in a boring way, you know? Well, we arrived on St. Patrick’s Day, their biggest holiday, and reader, this is no boring city! Ha! In fact, quite the opposite. I mean, drinking holidays tend to show a different side to any city, but even besides the lingering chaos, this city is vibrant and alive with so many great restaurants and things to do. Not to mention it’s sordid history, which really shines in its iconic ghost tours.
Basically, if you’ve ever dreamed of sipping sweet tea under a canopy of live oaks draped in Spanish moss, Savannah, Georgia, should be at the top of your travel list. With its cobblestone streets, historic homes, and a hauntingly romantic vibe, Savannah is a city that begs you to slow down, stroll a while, and soak it all in. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or adding it to a Southern road trip, here’s a curated city guide to help you make the most of your time in Georgia’s oldest — and arguably most enchanting — city.
Where to stay
The Perry Lane Hotel – A luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the Historic District with rooftop views, chic design, and a rooftop bar that locals love just as much as visitors. A lot of people recommended this one but we needed something different for our needs.
The Gastonian – For something cozier and classically Southern, this 19th-century mansion turned B&B is known for its romantic vibes and personalized service.
Thunderbird Inn – A retro-inspired motor lodge near downtown with playful, nostalgic flair. Bonus: free popcorn and MoonPies.
If you go the Airbnb/house rental way, this is a city totally equipped for it. Plus, with some big coastal tourist spots, they’ve got everything you’d need. We rented this AirBNB and it was perfect for our needs. I loved the location–it felt safe and beautiful. Plus, we each had our own room and bathroom with a great communal space to work while we were there.
Where to Eat & Drink
Please note–this is city that loves reservations so you will most likely need to book everything in advance.
Breakfast spots: We found there to be a lot of quick breakfast spots but also have great menus like Franklin’s and Mirabelle’s. It’s always such a surprise because I live in a place where most people don’t drink coffee so we don’t have much of a brunch/breakfast culture.
The Public — so delicious!
The Vault — sushi and tacos!
The Collins Quarter – Aussie-style café culture meets Southern ingredients. Think avocado toast and lavender lattes by day, craft cocktails and bistro vibes by night. So many people recommended this one and for good reason! We loved it.
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room – A Savannah institution. Communal tables, fried chicken, collard greens, and banana pudding that might make you tear up. (Get there early—it’s popular for a reason.) So many of you recommended this and alas, we couldn’t make it work because they don’t take reservations and we didn’t have the time to wait in line.
The Grey – Housed in a restored 1938 Greyhound bus terminal, this upscale spot offers inventive Southern cuisine with a modern twist. Chef Mashama Bailey is a James Beard Award winner, and the food is worth the hype. This one also came super recommended and I wish we could have made it work but it didn’t. Next time!
The Gryphon – This is a charming restaurant set in the old pharmacy of the town and now owned by SCAD. They don’t take reservations so I’d recommend going early.
Back in the Day Bakery – Small batch, scratch-made Southern baking with a cozy vintage aesthetic. Don’t leave without a biscuit.
Vic’s on the River –yummy food for a restaurant on the river.
Bull Street Taco – very yum!
Leopold’s Ice Cream – This seems like it could be a tourist trap BUT it really is the best ice cream! Possibly ever? I adored their chocolate chip cookie dough.
Things to Do
Walk the Historic District – With its 22 leafy squares, pre-Civil War architecture, and romantic ambiance, simply walking around is one of the best things to do in Savannah. Jones Street is known as one of the most beautiful streets in the world! For one who could spend all my time house looking, this is all I need!
House Tours – I had no idea there were so many house and garden tours and now I’m bummed I didn’t come in April when they have their official garden tours. A lot of people recommended the Mercer Williams House Tour, but I didn’t realize they didn’t take reservations–it’s first come first serve so they were sold out by the time we got there. We ended up going to the next closest, which was the Davenport House. It was a great tour with a very interesting history about the woman who owned it and the s, but probably not the most interesting hour or garden, though I also appreciated the simplicity.
Forsyth Park – Spend a slow morning under the moss-draped oaks. The iconic fountain makes for a perfect photo op. And bonus–if you go there on St. Patrick’s Day, like we did, then all the fountains are green.
Savannah River Street – Lined with old cotton warehouses turned shops, bars, and restaurants, it’s touristy but charming. Pop into Savannah Bee Company for honey tastings or take a riverboat cruise.
Take a Ghost Tour – If you love history, you’re going to LOVE their ghost tours. Savannah is famously haunted, and its ghost tours range from spine-tingling to family-friendly. We did this ghost tour and our guide was VERY good. But there’s all sorts–carriage rides, we even saw a hearse tour.
Bonaventure Cemetery – Just outside the city, this Gothic cemetery is hauntingly beautiful, filled with statues, Spanish moss, and Southern storytelling. It’s iconic for a reason.
Savannah Botanical Gardens
Where to Shop
The Paris Market – A dreamy, French-inspired boutique filled with curated finds, vintage treasures, and an adorable café in front. Things you normally can only find in Paris!
ShopSCAD – Run by the Savannah College of Art and Design, this shop features work by SCAD students, alumni, and faculty. Great for unique art, jewelry, and gifts.
E. Shaver Bookseller – An indie bookstore tucked into a historic building with cozy nooks and several resident cats.
Provisions — a cute little market with specialty items.
Tapley’s Mercantile and Antiques – We ended up leaving the main part of town during the St. Patrick’s Day festivities and went here instead and found some goodies! It’s more of a booth style antique market.
Asher and Rye — homewares
Jones and Bull — antiques
House of Stut –vintage clothes
🌞 Bonus: Day Trips & Nature
Tybee Island – Just 20 minutes away, Tybee offers a laid-back beach escape. Climb the lighthouse, eat fresh seafood, or kayak with dolphins.
Wormsloe Historic Site – Known for its stunning mile-long avenue of oak trees, this former plantation is perfect for a scenic walk and some history.
Final Thoughts
Savannah is a city that wraps around you like a warm breeze — relaxed, a little mysterious, and full of Southern soul. Whether you’re wandering through sun-dappled squares or sipping cocktails on a rooftop, there’s something about this place that lingers long after you’ve left.
Take it slow, say yes to dessert, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning your return before you even leave. I know I am! And next time I’m going back in April for the garden tours!
Leave me a comment if there’s something I missed!
Comments