I still remember my first walk through Forsyth Park, completely caught off guard by how much this city had to offer.
Savannah isn’t just another Southern town. It’s got history, character, and food that’ll make you rethink your travel plans.
This guide breaks down exactly how to spend 3, 4, or 5 days here based on what I learned exploring every corner.
You’ll get realistic daily plans that actually work, not just a list of tourist spots. Whether squeezing in a quick trip or taking your time, I’ve got you covered.
Planning Your Savannah Trip
Spring and fall bring the best weather, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s. Summer gets hot and humid, while winter stays mild but quieter.
St. Patrick’s Day draws massive crowds, so book early if that’s your target.
Stay in the Historic District for walkable access to everything. River Street puts you near restaurants and nightlife. Midtown offers better prices if you don’t mind a short drive.
The Historic District is incredibly walkable. Most squares and attractions sit within a mile of each other. Hop-on, hop-off trolleys work great for covering more ground.
Parking can be tricky, so walking beats driving most days.
Savannah Itinerary Overview
Three days covers the Historic District’s top squares, a few historic homes, and the best restaurants. You’ll see Forsyth Park, River Street, and catch a ghost tour.
Four days adds Bonaventure Cemetery, more museums, and a trolley tour without the rush.
Five days lets you take a day trip to Tybee Island or Hilton Head. You’ll have time to revisit favorites and explore at a comfortable pace.
Day 1 Savannah Itinerary – Historic District Highlights
Walk the historic squares, see River Street’s waterfront, and end with sunset views over dinner.
Morning Walk Through Savannah’s Historic Squares
Start at Chippewa Square, the famous Forrest Gump spot. The bench is gone, but the fountain and shade trees still make it worth seeing.
Walk to Wright Square next. You’ll find a granite boulder marking Tomochichi’s grave, a Yamacraw chief who helped the city’s founders. Each square has its own feel.
River Street and Waterfront Attractions
Head to River Street for lunch. The cobblestone streets came over as ballast in old cargo ships. Now they’re lined with shops in converted cotton warehouses.
Browse local art and souvenirs while watching cargo ships pass by.
City Market and Plant Riverside District
City Market has restaurants, bars, and local artists in an open-air setting. Live music fills the courtyard most evenings.
Plant Riverside District is a restored power plant with dining and entertainment spots. The rooftop areas overlook the river.
Evening Dinner and Rooftop Views
Try The Collins Quarter or The Grey for dinner. Catch sunset at a rooftop bar like the Bohemian Hotel or Top Deck.
Walk back through the lit squares afterward for a different nighttime vibe.
Day 2 Savannah Itinerary – Culture, Parks, and History
Tour historic homes and Forsyth Park, then cap off the evening with a ghost tour through haunted streets.
Forsyth Park and Iconic Fountain
Get to Forsyth Park early. The 30-acre space sits at the south end of the Historic District. That white fountain photographs best in morning light.
Walk the perimeter if you want exercise. The Spanish moss on the oak trees gives the park a timeless look.
Historic Homes and Museums
Tour the Owens-Thomas House to see Regency architecture and the original slave quarters.
Mercer-Williams House gained fame from “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” Both tours take about an hour each.
Cathedral Basilica and Colonial Park Cemetery
Stop by the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. The Gothic Revival architecture and stained glass windows are impressive even if you’re not religious.
Colonial Park Cemetery dates back to 1750. You’ll see graves from Revolutionary War soldiers and yellow fever victims.
Guided Walking or Ghost Tour
Book an evening walking tour. History tours cover the city’s founding and Civil War stories.
Ghost tours lean into Savannah’s haunted reputation. Guides share local legends and take you to reportedly haunted spots.
Day 3 Savannah Itinerary – Art, Food, and Local Life
Brunch at local favorites, check out SCAD’s art scene, shop Broughton Street, and hit the nightlife spots.
Brunch in the Historic District
Hit brunch at Collins Quarter or Clary’s Cafe. Collins Quarter does modern Australian-inspired dishes. Clary’s is an old-school diner from “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”
Both get crowded by 10 AM on weekends, so arrive early.
SCAD Museums and Art Scene
Visit the SCAD Museum of Art. The Savannah College of Art and Design runs it, so you’ll see contemporary and modern pieces.
Walk around the SCAD district to see student work and galleries.
Shopping and Antiques in Savannah
Broughton Street is the main shopping corridor. You’ll find national retailers mixed with local boutiques and vintage shops.
Check out Paris Market for French-inspired home goods and antiques. The Red Clover has locally made items.
Nightlife and Live Music
Savannah’s nightlife centers around Congress Street and River Street. Jazz’d Tapas Bar has live jazz most nights.
Congress Street bars stay open late. Most places have outdoor seating where you can drink on the street.
Optional Day 4 Savannah Itinerary – Coastal & Outdoor Experiences
Head to Tybee Island’s beaches, visit Wormsloe’s oak avenue, and photograph Bonaventure Cemetery at sunset.
Tybee Island Day Trip
Drive 20 minutes to Tybee Island for beach time. Climb the Tybee Lighthouse for coastal views.
The beach isn’t fancy, but it’s clean and less crowded than other Atlantic beaches. Grab lunch at The Crab Shack for casual seafood.
Wormsloe Historic Site
Stop at Wormsloe on your way back from Tybee. The 1.5-mile oak avenue lined with trees is one of the most photographed spots in Georgia.
Walking the oak avenue is free, but the ruins area charges a small fee.
Bonaventure Cemetery
End your day at Bonaventure Cemetery. This Victorian cemetery sits along the river with massive oak trees and ornate grave markers.
Go before sunset for the best light. The cemetery inspired parts of “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”
Optional Day 5 Savannah Itinerary – Slow Travel & Hidden Gems
Wander the Victorian and Starland districts, take a food tour, and spend your last hours soaking in the city’s pace.
Neighborhood Walks Beyond Downtown
Check out the Victorian District south of Forsyth Park. The homes here are less touristy but equally impressive architecturally.
Starland District has a younger, artsy feel with murals, independent shops, and local restaurants.
Food Tours and Southern Cuisine
Book a food tour if you haven’t already. Savannah Taste Experience and Savannah Food Tours both cover the city’s food history while sampling local spots.
You’ll try she-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, pralines, and other Southern staples.
Relaxation and Scenic Walks
Spend your last day at a slower pace. Walk the riverfront paths without rushing to the next attraction.
Revisit your favorite square with a book or coffee. Sometimes the best part of Savannah is just being there.
Savannah Itinerary Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Plan for at least 3 days: to cover the Historic District without rushing. Add a 4th day if you want Tybee Island or more museum time.
- Wear comfortable shoes: for walking on cobblestones and uneven sidewalks. The Historic District is compact, so you’ll walk several miles daily.
- Book ghost tours 2-3 days ahead: especially on weekends. Popular walking tours fill up fast during peak season.
- Make dinner reservations: at places like The Grey and Collins Quarter at least a week in advance. Walk-ins work fine for lunch and brunch most days.
- Start your days early: to beat the heat and crowds at parks and squares. Take afternoon breaks indoors during summer months.
Conclusion
Savannah gives you everything you need in one place. History, food, architecture, and that Southern hospitality people talk about.
Three days hits the highlights. Four or five lets you really settle in.
I always tell people to skip something if it doesn’t interest them. Not into ghost tours? Sleep in and catch a late dinner instead. Want more beach time? Add Tybee to your plans.
The best itinerary is the one that fits your pace. Take these suggestions and make them work for you.
Drop a comment below if you have questions about your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Savannah?
Three days covers the main attractions in the Historic District comfortably. If you want day trips to Tybee Island or more time at museums, plan for four or five days.
What is the best time of year to visit Savannah?
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Avoid summer if you’re sensitive to heat and humidity, as temperatures regularly hit the 90s.
Is Savannah easy to walk around?
Yes, the Historic District is very walkable with most attractions within a mile of each other. The flat terrain and grid layout make navigation simple, though cobblestones can be tricky in certain shoes.
Do I need to book tours in advance?
Ghost tours and popular restaurants should be booked 2-3 days ahead, especially on weekends. Trolley tours and walking tours often have same-day availability during off-peak seasons.
Can you do Savannah and Tybee Island in one day?
Yes, Tybee Island is only 20 minutes from downtown Savannah. You can spend the morning at the beach and lighthouse, then return for dinner in the Historic District.
