Cheers Travelers! This post comes to you while enjoying a delicious Gin and Lavender Lemonade. Savannah is one of the most romantic and charming cities in the United States, which is why I LOVE having a weekend in Savannah. Whether you are planning 2 days in Savannah, or 3 days in Savannah, your weekend will be a pleasure. There are so many beautiful places to see and diverse things to do in Savannah that your weekend in Savannah will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Nestled along the Atlantic Coast in Southern Georgia, Savannah blends impressive historic buildings, swanky fun spots for great cocktails and cuisine, and some of the most beautiful Inns and Bed and Breakfast options. I absolutely love the atmosphere, and have spent many weekends in Savannah. Her lush shaded squares, carefully preserved properties with grand homes, and brick lined streets that take you back into time. I love to share my favorite things to do, and instantly said yes when asked to share how to spend a fabulous 2 or 3 days in Savannah!
By the way, I am Kristin. I am a resident of the south, and have spent a lot of time in Savannah. But, many people know me as the Sippin Gypsy, as I like to explore destinations, and find the best cocktails in every city. You can find a lot of delicious beverages on my new Books and Booze Podcast.
Anyway, this Guide for a Weekend in Savannah includes:
- Getting to Savannah
- Quick Tips on Where to Stay in Savannah
- Things to Know About Savannah
- My 10 Favorite Things to Do in Savannah
So, if you are ready, I am ready. Lets get on with how you can have a charming weekend in Savannah.
Getting to Savannah
Traveling into Savannah is easy. SAV is an International Airport 12 miles outside of Savannah. There are options for car rentals or take a cab or Uber into the historic district. JAX airport is larger, sitting outside of Jacksonville FL, and is just under 50 miles south of Savannah.
If you drive into Savannah you will use Interstate 95 coming from the north or the south, and Interstate 15 out of Macon from the west. There is street parking throughout the city, but you must be mindful of when the ‘no parking’ times start on those streets. Parking garages are also sprinkled throughout the city.
Where to Stay in Savannah
There is a variety of beautiful accommodations available throughout the historic district. To really experience true Southern charm during your visit, you can choose one from many of the hotels, inns and bed and breakfasts sprinkled throughout the city…most are in impressive historic buildings with their own story to tell.
However, I like to stay right in the historic downtown area. A favorite, also called one of USA Today’s best romantic hotels, is the Hamilton-Turner Inn. This delightful Inn has unique named rooms and suites, and includes daily free breakfast, daily manager’s reception, a garden, terrace, and fireplace in the lobby. Guests must be 12 or over to stay, and they do not accept cash.
If that is a little more posh than you prefer, you’ll find plenty of other options. You really can’t go wrong in Savannah, but I think staying within the downtown area allows for the best experience of the city.
Search other historic rooms in downtown Savannah, at a great price!
Things to Know about Savannah
- Your weekend in Savannah can be arranged to be packed full of historic tours, exploring, and even a day at the beach, or be a relaxing getaway with an afternoon at the spa and shopping along the charming Broughton St.
- Whatever your agenda is for your 2 or 3 days in Savannah, pack comfortable shoes.
Savannah is easy to walk and you will want to take some time to stroll up and down some of the streets to take in the impressive homes that have been beautifully preserved and restored.
- Savannah is also an ‘open container city’ within the historic district. This means you can pop in and out of restaurants, bars and hotel lobby bars, have them craft you a refreshing cocktail ‘to go’ and you can keep exploring!
Things to Do in Savannah
Below are some of the top things to do during your weekend in Savannah GA. Cheers!
Book a Trolley Tour
There are several companies each that offer different packages that you choose from to enhance your time in Savannah. I like to use the Old Town Trolley Tour with on/off privileges so I can ride towards my destination and continue the tidbits of history along the way. I’m also a huge sucker for Ghost Tours when I visit a city. I find it an enjoyable way to continue the history lesson with a darker twist. I also can’t pass up a water tour, anywhere in the world. Savannah’s Georgia Queen offers paddleboat tours on the river, including a sunset dinner cruise.
You can get tickets for your Savannah Trolley Tour now, or, if something spookier is more your style, you can reserve the night time Ghostly Trolley Tour.
Museums
What visit to a historic city would be complete without stepping into the past and walking in the footsteps of the men and women who shaped the city towards its current splendor. From the American Revolution to today, Savannah has made its mark on history, and it offers many different ways to take in the past.
Explore the African History of Savannah at the Beach Institute and King-Tisdale Cottage, or head out to the Pin Point Heritage Museum to learn the history of the Gullah Geechie peoples, in on of the places where their story actually unfolded. The Telfair Museum offers a bundle to visit the historic Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters, The Jepson Center and Telfair Academy during your time in Savannah.
Those with a seafaring heart will enjoy the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, housed at the William Scarbrough House and Gardens. It features exact replicas of many historic ships, including the Steamship Savannah and the Titanic, and the home is stunning.
I also truly enjoyed The Prohibition Museum and Speakeasy. It is not what you expect of a museum, and unlike anything else you will ever come across- it may be one of the best things to do in Savannah! Not only can you understand the tumultuous past of the prohibition era, and the men and women who kept the spirit of the cocktail alive, but you can step back into time and indulge in the upstairs speakeasy often with live music only available on the weekend.
Tybee Island
Peaceful, relaxing and beautiful. Tybee Island is a perfect way to spend an afternoon during your 3 days in Savannah. There is gorgeous beach, lighthouses, museums, and grassy areas with a view of the Atlantic. The island also offers several local restaurants and bars, but I enjoy packing a lunch and going picnic style. If reclining in the sun isn’t your preference, there are several trails to explore for a more active experience.
To keep the historic experience going, your Tybee Island excursion can be shared with a visit to Ft. Pulaski National Monument This structure was instrumental in defending Savannah during the civil war and is nestled in between beautiful trails to continue exploring.
Dine at The Olde Pink House
This is an iconic landmark in Savannah GA and one of the best locations for true Southern Cuisine, and yes! It really is pink!! There are several ways to enjoy The Olde Pink House, but table seating can book up days in advance. I highly recommend securing a table one of the evenings during your weekend in Savannah well before you arrive. There is also a bar downstairs with live music nightly to accompany great cocktails.
Exploring Broughton St.
This blossoming street is home to many luxury brands for shopping as well as boutique experiences including my favorite Adam Turoni Chocolates. I also truly enjoyed time in The Savannah Bee Company. I was able to do a honey tasting as well as a Meade tasting! No trip to Savannah would be complete without a visit to the famous Leopold’s Ice Cream. There are delicious seasonal ice cream flavors that are so velvety and refreshing! There can be quite a long line later in the afternoon into the evening at Leopold’s. I highly recommend grabbing this earlier in the day.
Experience Forsyth Park
The iconic fountain and large shady oak trees make Forsyth Park a peaceful way to slow down for a little bit while exploring, and it is one of the favorite things to do in Savannah for locals and visitors alike. This is another spot I love to pack a picnic lunch or even better, indulge at The Mansion of Forsyth for a cocktail and bite to eat.
Remember you can order your cocktails ‘to go’ in the city. So if your agenda is packed, and you want to keep exploring, sipping and strolling is my favorite way to take in this quiet area in Savannah.
While on this side of town, take a few minutes to walk along the streets and really enjoy the grandeur of the homes. You’ll find that many of them have been converted into museums or offer tours, particularly those with famous former residents. One example is the Low house, that was the home of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts of America. Who doesn’t love a Girl Scout cookie?
Venture Down River Street
I like to start my evening on River Street. For sunset, I like to head to the top of the Bohemian Hotel to the roof top bar, Rocks On The Roof for a cocktail, lite bite to eat and beautiful views of the setting sun along the river.
Afterward, I follow my ears. There are fun bars all along River Street to pop in and out of to enjoy another cocktail and catch live music on the weekends. Vic’s On The River was another amazing spot for truly great Southern Cuisine in an elegant setting along the river. Consider Vic’s for a special night out and ask about a table near the window during sunset.
Take a stroll through a Cemetery
Savannah has a distinctive look and feel with her mossy oak trees and nods to her old-world inspiration in architecture and design. The cemeteries in Savannah add to the historic experience. If transportation is easy for you, Bonaventure Cemetery is worth the drive. Absolutely peaceful and picturesque.
If it is easier for you to stay within walking distance for all your activities, Colonial Park Cemetery is also a humbling but peaceful stroll. Colonial Park Cemetery is just a few blocks from the impressive Cathedral of St. John The Baptist, and whether you are a church-goer or not, you should step in to see the beautiful vaulted altar room.
If you are a bit nervous about exploring the cemetery on your own, you can join a tour of Bonaventure Cemetery.
Take in the Beauty of Wormsloe
I just can not get enough of the beauty of the moss draped oak trees against historic structures sprinkled throughout Savannah. Wormsloe is so picturesque. If transportation outside of the city is inconvenient for you, this could be a stunning alternative to Tybee Island. (To visit both, you need more than a weekend in Savannah!) There are trails to walk and enjoy Savannah wildlife as well as the history of Savannah and prominent figures such as Nobel Jones and James Oglethorpe.
Pamper yourself at a Spa
I typically do not suggest things to do inside when visiting a city especially if it is something you can replicate in your home town. But Savannah has an air of such elegance and peacefulness, your weekend in Savannah would pair nicely with indulgence of a little self-refurbishment. If your visit in Savannah is indeed based on a little rest and rejuvenate for yourself, consider Spa Bleu set in historic downtown Savannah, or indulge at Poseidon Spa at the Mansion on Forsyth. Both locations blend elegance and comfort with luxurious spa treatments.
Enjoy Your Weekend in Savannah!
Savannah has long been one of my favorite cities for a quick weekend getaway. I’ve enjoyed everything from a girls trip for 2 days in Savannah, to family vacations and romantic retreats for 3 days in Savannah. It is truly a charming and hospitable city.
Every time I visit I uncover new experiences, and new things to do in Savannah. Once you experience it, you will be planning another two days in Savannah soon!
Other Southern Weekends You Might Enjoy
- A Weekend in New Orleans
- A Weekend in Lake Charles, Louisiana
- A Weekend in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
- A Weekend in Nashville
- A Weekend in Memphis
- A Weekend in Coastal Mississippi, Biloxi and Gulfport
- A Weekend in Punta Gorda, Florida
- A Weekend in Key West
You Don’t Want to Forget Savannah, so Pin This.
About the author:
Kristin started Sippin Gypsy as a catalog of her travels as she seeks out a blend of culture, history, cocktails and cuisine. She is passionate about uncovering unique places within each city that celebrate the local talents of its people. Since then she has moved on to leadership consulting at Saige Consultants, and has her own podcast, the Books and Booze Podcast. However, you can find also still find her on Facebook at @SippinGypsy as well as on Instagram @thesippingypsy.
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I can’t agree with you more on this! Thanks for sharing! I’ve done some on this list when I went over to Savannah years back and now it’s 2022, your blog and https://www.visitsavannah.com/events has given me ideas on things to do there this coming weekend! I’m really excited and I want to thank you for these suggestions!
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