A little dose of Southern hospitality goes a long way, and the charming city of Savannah has got that in spades. No matter your vacation goals, it has an ideal itinerary that'll fit the bill. Read on to discover what to do, where to stay, and what to eat, whatever type of traveler you may be.
For the Gourmand
Make a night of it at Plant Riverside District, home to more than 15 eateries sure to satisfy any craving. Stone & Webster Chophouse, for example, offers a premium selection of wines, prime steaks, seafood, and craft co*cktails in a sleek-meets-rustic space. Diners here love the shellfish tower, pork-belly confit, 45-day aged filet mignon, and the A5 Japanese wagyu—and don't miss the 34-ounce Allen Brothers prime tomahawk with black-truffle butter. Then walk it all off with an after-dinner stroll around the Riverside Fountain, which is custom-choreographed to music and lights.
The Olde Pink House is a Savannah staple, set in a Colonial mansion dating back to 1771. Choose between the fried-green-tomato salad with applewood bacon, sweet-corn cream, shrimp and grits, and the buffalo-shrimp tacos—then top it off with a piece of pecan pie for dessert. Set in a 19th-century warehouse, Vic's on the River features classic Southern cooking like crawfish beignets, pecan fried flounder, fried chicken, and Old Bay French fries.
The DeSoto Savannah, a hotel in the heart of the Historic District known for hosting four presidents and many a celebrity throughout its 130-year history, is where you'll find the popular Edgar's Proof & Provision. Expect craft co*cktails and chef-inspired fare—sipping private-label Edgar's Truth bourbon is almost a rite of passage in Savannah (or you can choose one of the other 120-plus available whiskies).
For the Relaxationist
Savannah Riverboat Cruises has two riverboats each with two climate-controlled decks and an open-air top deck, as well as narrated tours of the harbor. You'll sail down to Old Fort Jackson and back into town over one and a half hours, with plenty of great photo opps of the city's historic riverfront and skyline along the way.
The Eastern Wharf is a walkable 54-acre gathering place with community parks and abundant green space, just perfect for a chill afternoon. Stop for a bite to eat or a refreshing drink (Honeysuckle Gelato is a local favorite, as is Bar Julian, Savannah's tallest rooftop bar), book a rejuvenating treatment at Woodhouse Spa, or take a calming floral workshop at Syd Nichole Fashion + Flowers. And the Park at Eastern Wharf is where you'll find community concerts, yoga classes, cornhole games, and more.
Perhaps the most photographed landmark of Savannah is the Parisian-inspired fountain in Forsyth Park. It's easy to spend hours meandering all 30 acres, marveling at the iconic Spanish moss hanging from the live oak trees, staring at the gorgeous historic homes, and listening to the singing birds. The Garden of Fragrance is an especially nice spot to stop to smell the roses—as it was especially created for the blind to stimulate the olfactory sense. There are also two basketball courts, a canine playground, tennis courts, volleyball nets, and a playing field should you want to kick a soccer ball around. Or visit the farmers market, held every Saturday morning.
For the Outdoor Enthusiast
Head over to Tybee Island, a small coastal community about 18 miles from Historic Savannah that's known for its wide beaches and still-functioning 18th-century lighthouse. Go ahead and climb its 178 steps (it's Georgia's oldest and tallest lighthouse), as you'll be treated to a view of the entire island from up top. Or take a guided kayak tour with Sea Kayak Georgia to check out the surrounding coastal area. To really see the whole island, rent a bicycle from Tim's Bike and Beach Gear—the roads are bike-friendly, and there are plenty of scenic trails to keep you busy.
One of Savannah's best-kept secrets is Skidaway Island State Park, thanks to its miles of nature trails that run through lush forests and salt marshes. There's a scenic campground here for hooking up an RV, or you can rent camper cabins complete with screened porches, air-conditioning, a shower, a kitchen, and bedrooms (you'll just need to bring your own linens, dishes, and cooking utensils). Watch for deer, fiddler crabs, raccoons, egrets, and other birds with binoculars borrowed from the park's interpretive center.
Spend a day at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens and you'll quickly understand why 100,000 visitors flock to this attraction annually. There are a dozen separate gardens on-site, including the Formal Garden (actually four Italian-Renaissance-style gardens, off the back of the visitor center), the Rivers of Iris (with its peak bloom in April and early May), and the Pollinator Garden (where from spring through fall, you'll find bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies).
For the Culture Lover
One of the most interesting aspects of Savannah's rich history is the Gullah Geechee culture, a community of descendants of enslaved Africans who have lived in the area for generations. Learn about their language, traditions, religion, and cuisine from residents who grew up in this community at the Pin Point Heritage Museum, located in a refurbished crab-and-oyster factory on the riverbank.
One great way to get a feel for Savannah is via self-guided or guided tour, where you can peruse cobblestone streets, the riverfront, and well-preserved historic architecture.
Or take the Savannah Trolley Tour, an open-air hop-on/hop-off trolley ride. There are more than 100 points of interest along the 15 stops (it covers all nine miles of the Historic District and the Victorian District, known for its historic homes and elegant architecture), including the Colonial Park Cemetery, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Forsyth Park, Lucas Theatre, and City Market. Don't miss Jones Street, the prettiest in Savannah, thanks to its mixture of Federal-, Italianate-, and Romanesque Revival-style homes and its massive, evocative moss-draped live oak trees.
For a hotel stay at one of the most architecturally stunning properties in town, choose The Gastonian, an award-winning bed and breakfast near Forsyth Park. This grand mansion and its impeccable staff deliver Southern charm and hospitality at every turn. Each of the 17 rooms has a clawfoot tub and a working fireplace. You'll have a gourmet made-to-order breakfast each morning, and afternoon hors d'oeuvres and wine are served from 5 to 6:30 p.m daily.
