I’ve walked Savannah’s cobblestone streets dozens of times, and I know you’re wondering: Is Savannah, Georgia, safe?
Here’s the truth. This city is safe for most visitors, but like any Southern destination, it needs smart planning.
I’ll show you exactly which areas to stay in, what times to avoid certain spots, and how to keep your family protected. You’ll learn 11 tested safety tips that work.
I’ve lived through the good and sketchy parts, so I’m giving you real advice, not tourist brochures.
We’ll cover crime stats, safe neighborhoods, nighttime rules, hurricane prep, and family travel tips.
Let’s keep your Savannah trip worry-free.
Savannah Safety Overview
Understanding crime patterns and safe zones helps you plan a worry-free visit to this historic Southern city. Savannah balances charm with caution. Property crime happens more than violent crime.
Car break-ins are common in tourist zones. Black families and visitors will find themselves right at home. Savannah has a majority-black population celebrating African American heritage through museums, churches, and community events.
Safe spots include Historic District during the day, Starland District, Forsyth Park area, Victorian District, and Ardsley Park. Use caution in City Market after 10 PM, Ellis Square late at night, and West Savannah.
Daytime Savannah feels relaxed. Nighttime changes things. River Street stays lit and crowded until late, but quiet squares become risky after dark. I walked alone at 11 PM near Broughton Street and felt fine. Then I cut through Calhoun Square, too quiet, no lights. Keep kids close after sunset. Solo walkers should use the buddy system.
11 Important Travel Safety Tips for Savannah
These proven strategies keep your belongings secure and your family protected throughout your Savannah trip.
1. Practice Situational Awareness
Keep your head up. Put the phone away when walking. Watch who’s around you. Trust your gut when something feels off.
I learned this the hard way. Texting while crossing Bull Street nearly got me hit by a trolley. Pay attention.
Avoid dark alleys. If a street looks sketchy, it probably is. Turn around. Take the longer route.
2. Lock Cars & Hide Valuable
Lock it or lose it. Savannah has a serious car break-in problem. Thieves check door handles constantly. Don’t leave anything visible in your car.
No purses. No GPS units. No shopping bags. Put everything in the trunk before you park. This goes for bikes, too. Use a quality lock. Bike theft happens daily.
Is Savannah safe to visit? Yes, but protect your stuff. Tourists make easy targets when they’re careless.
3. Watch Out for Distracted or Aggressive Drivers
Savannah drivers can be wild. Bay Street, Drayton Street, and MLK Boulevard get especially crazy during rush hour. Look both ways at every intersection.
Some drivers run red lights. Others text while turning. Is Savannah a safe destination in 2024? Traffic hasn’t improved. Stay alert when crossing streets.
I’ve seen near-misses at River Street’s cobblestone crossings. Tourists step out without looking. Cars don’t always slow down.
4. Follow Nighttime Safety Rules
Never walk deserted areas after dark. This includes empty squares, poorly lit streets, and shortcuts through parks.
Use the Downtowner app for free rides within the downtown area. Or call an Uber. Don’t risk walking alone.
Travel in groups when possible. There’s safety in numbers.
5. Wear Sensible Shoes
Cobblestones will destroy your heels. River Street and Bay Street have uneven bricks. One wrong step means a twisted ankle. I’ve watched countless women hobble in stilettos.
Don’t be that person. Exception: Plant Riverside District and Eastern Wharf have smooth pavement. Heels work there.
For everywhere else? Flats or sneakers. Your feet will thank you.
6. Never Leave Guns or Valuables in Vehicles
Gun thefts from cars happen weekly. If you carry, use a lockbox, or keep it on you. Never leave firearms in vehicles.
The same goes for laptops, cameras, and electronics. Take them with you or lock them in hotel safes.
7. Don’t Leave Drinks Unattended
Bars get crowded fast. Keep your drink in hand. Watch bartenders make it. Don’t accept drinks from strangers.
This applies to everyone. Is Savannah welcoming and safe for LGBTQ travelers? Yes, but use the same precautions. Date rape drugs don’t discriminate.
I never set my glass down at Congress Street bars. Too risky.
8. Avoid Shortcuts in Lanes & Alleys
Savannah’s alleys aren’t maintained. They’re private property. City codes don’t require lighting or upkeep.
Cutting through that dark lane might save two minutes. It might also put you in danger.
Take the main street.
9. Don’t Be a “Looky-Loo.”
Don’t stop to watch fights. If you see an argument escalating, walk the other way. Fast. Bystanders sometimes get hurt.
Stray punches land. Objects get thrown. I saw a bar fight spill onto Broughton Street last summer.
People filming on phones got shoved. Just leave.
10. Stay Cautious in Entertainment Zones
City Market at midnight gets rowdy. Ellis Square fills with drunk crowds after bars close. Arguments happen.
Fights break out. Enjoy the nightlife earlier in the evening. Leave before the messy hours.
Nothing good happens after 2 AM.
11. Limit Flashing Cash or Valuables
Savannah has a wide wealth gap. Don’t wave expensive watches or jewelry around. Don’t pull out thick wads of cash.
Use credit cards when possible. Keep phones in pockets, not hands. Blend in.
This isn’t about fear. It’s about being smart. Why tempt thieves?
Travel Safety for Families & Solo Travelers
Families and solo visitors need different strategies. Here’s what works for each.
- Stick to kid-friendly zones and daytime activities like River Street’s candy shops, JW Marriott’s giant aquarium, Savannah Children’s Museum, and Forsyth Park playground, where security and crowds let kids explore safely, and keep little ones close on busy streets since trolleys don’t always see small children.
- Book hotels in populated neighborhoods near Forsyth Park or in the Historic District, avoid budget motels on the outskirts, and use strollers on smooth surfaces like Broughton Street rather than cobblestone areas.
- Use rideshare apps after dark instead of walking alone late at night, download the Downtowner app before arrival for free vetted rides within the downtown zone, or use Uber and Lyft, which offer quick pickups throughout the city.
- Trust your instincts and leave immediately if someone makes you uncomfortable, find a busy restaurant or shop, and pack snacks to keep kids from wandering off when hungry.
- LGBTQ travelers will generally feel welcome in Savannah’s active LGBTQ community with rainbow crosswalks marking welcoming areas, and free DOT shuttles run through downtown safely during the day as affordable alternatives to late-night walking
Natural Disasters & Emergency Safety
Hurricanes and Weather Preparedness
Monitor weather forecasts during hurricane season. Have an evacuation plan. Know your hotel’s emergency procedures.
The reality? The city has been hit before. It will be hit again. Each storm brings different risks; Helene, Ian, Florence, and Milton all followed different patterns.
Don’t assume safety based on past storms. Check current forecasts for specific threats.
What to do: Stock water and non-perishable food if you’re staying during a storm warning. Fill your gas tank. Charge devices. Follow evacuation orders immediately.
I rode out a tropical storm here once. Not fun. The next time I saw a hurricane warning, I left town early.
Recommended Safe Areas to Stay
Choosing the right neighborhood and hotel puts you in low-crime zones with easy access.
Pick your hotel location carefully. Neighborhood matters more than star ratings.
Best areas: Forsyth Park vicinity, Starland District, Southern Historic District, Victorian District
Top hotels in safe zones:
1790 Inn sits on President Street in the heart of the Historic District. Walking distance to everything. Well-lit street.
Kehoe House faces Columbia Square. Great location. Safe neighborhood. Easy strolls to restaurants.
McMillan Inn near Forsyth Park offers quiet comfort. The park provides green space. Families love it.
These places put you in low-crime areas with good lighting and foot traffic.
Is Savannah, Georgia, safe to live near these hotels? Absolutely. Many locals choose these neighborhoods for the same reasons tourists do.
Conclusion
Savannah stole my heart years ago, and it’ll probably grab yours, too. Yes, you need to stay alert. Yes, certain areas require extra caution.
But don’t let fear keep you away. I’ve walked these streets solo and with family. The city rewards smart travelers. Lock your car. Stick to busy streets at night. Trust your gut.
You’ll have an amazing time.
Drop a comment below with your Savannah safety questions, and share this guide with anyone planning a trip. Safe travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Savannah, Georgia, a friendly destination for families with children?
Yes, Savannah works well for family trips. Stick to the Historic District and Forsyth Park during the day, keep children close on busy streets, and avoid empty areas after dark.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Savannah for tourists?
The Historic District, Starland District, and areas near Forsyth Park offer the best safety with regular police patrols, good lighting, and steady foot traffic.
Can I walk around Savannah at night safely?
You can walk main streets like Broughton Street and River Street at night with reasonable safety. Avoid empty squares and dark alleys after 10 PM, and use rideshare apps instead of walking alone late.
How often do hurricanes hit Savannah?
Savannah faces hurricane threats from June through November, with direct hits being rare but possible. Always monitor weather forecasts during hurricane season and follow evacuation orders if issued.
Is Savannah safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, with standard precautions like staying in well-populated areas, using rideshare at night, and trusting your instincts. Book accommodations in the Historic District or near Forsyth Park for the best safety.
