Savannah, Georgia is a beautiful river city offering exceptional parks, lovingly preserved historic architecture, a riverfront like no other, and close proximity to the beach and other special places. This historic city offers the perfect romantic getaway with horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping through the downtown historic district under the live oaks and Spanish moss. There are dozens of charming bed and breakfast accommodations offering all sorts of amenities. Christmas is also a special time to visit. Savannah goes all out with decorations, and the shops and restaurants along River Street are truly unique. Ancient cobblestone streets and gaslights set the tone to step into the past and conjure the days when ships anchored to load and unload and recruit new crew members. Savannah is Georgia’s oldest city, and you’ll feel as though you have stepped back in time. Located on the Savannah River, it is an important Atlantic seaport.
What are some fun things to do in Savannah?
There is much to enjoy in the Savannah Historic District. Founder James Oglethorpe laid out the city in squares, which today are home to 22 parks and one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the U.S. These parks are a must see as you’ll soon discover. You can also tour the birthplace of Girl Scouts founder Juliette Gordon Low, browse art galleries and unique shops, or tuck into The Pirates’ House restaurant next to the famed Trustee’s Garden for some history and refreshment. (We recommend the fried chicken.) Savannah night life is lively, too, with piano bars and nightclubs. Music is a staple of Savannah, as are the theater and ballet.
Take a tour!
Savannah is the town of tours, and whether you do a cultural tour, movie tour, art tour, history tour, trolley tour, archaeological tour, or haunted tour, each offers a unique perspective. Ghost tours are the most popular. Your guide will be well-versed in the town’s history. Savannah is a foodie town, so there are also tasting and wine tours. Also, check the performance calendar at Lucas Theatre for the Arts, which is known to bring in top talent. If you’ve read or seen the film version of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, you’ll feel right at home strolling the streets of Savannah. A short list of sites you don’t want to miss include:
- Bonaventure Cemetery is rich in history, including the famous “duel” gravesite. There is even an app for a self-guided tour.
- Forsyth Park was created in 1840. It is comprised of 30 acres in the historic district featuring lush vegetation, including a Fragrance Garden for the blind. Here you’ll also recognize the frequently photographed Forsyth Fountain.
- Cathedral of St. John the Baptist was built by French Catholic immigrants who arrived in the area at the end of the 18th century. The stunning architecture makes it a favorite destination.
- Sorrel Weed House features ghost tours and history tours. This restored treasure has been featured on the History Channel, HGTV, and the Travel Channel.
- American Prohibition Museum is the country’s only museum that focuses on this particular era of American history. See the Roaring Twenties come to life, and you can even take a whiskey tasting class.
- Mickve Israel Temple is located in the Historic District. Founded in 1733, it is the third oldest Jewish congregation in America.
There’s more to see and do…
- Mercer Williams House Museum was built for General Hugh W. Mercer, the great-grandfather of famed composer Johnny Mercer. Built between 1860 and 1868, the house features Greek, Italianate, and Renaissance Revival architecture.
- City Market lets you shop ‘til your drop – or at least until you need a break. You’ll find food, art, music, and a relaxed vibe that reminds you you’re on vacation.
- River Street is the must stroll street of the south. The old cotton warehouses are now shops, galleries, restaurants, and even homes, but the historic vibe is more 1800s than 21st century, especially at night.
- Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is all about creativity, and you’ll notice signs of the city-strewn campus everywhere you go. The vibrant college community embraces fashion, film, and more.
- The Waving Girl Statue is a favorite photo-op of tourists and a tribute to Florence Martus, the Savannah ship-greeter who waved her cloth from 1887 to 1931 as she awaited her long lost lover.
- Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home curates the story of Flannery’s childhood. Born in 1925, Flannery lived here for the first 15 years of her life. Although she battled lupus and died at 39, O’Connor left a body of literature still revered today.
- Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is for the sailor in all of us. Here you’ll find ship models, maritime antiques, and more.
- Skidaway Island State Park is a favorite destination for nature lovers. Hike trails through the salt marsh and maritime forest. There are campsites and RV hookups.
- Wormsloe Historic Site is operated by Georgia’s State Parks. You’ll be amazed at this avenue lined with live oaks and Spanish moss that takes you to the colonial estate of Noble Jones. This tabby ruin is the oldest structure in Savannah.
What are the nearest attractions to Savannah, Georgia?
If you can pry yourself away from River Street, the surrounding area also offers a lot to see and do. Savannah is a top destination due to its proximity to the ocean and beautiful natural sites. When you visit Savannah, you should at least plan a day trip for an outing to Tybee Island, also known as Savannah’s Beach.
- Oatland Island Wildlife Center offers educational programs for all ages including astronomy nights.
- Tybee Island is a favorite for locals and out-of-towners. Just a 20-minute drive from downtown Savannah, you’ll find clean, uncrowded beaches, some great oyster eateries, and Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse at historic Tybee Island Light Station.
- Fort Pulaski National Monument is the site of a Civil War battle. Take a guided tour, and enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities.
- Hilton Head Island is a popular low country destination and surprisingly close to Savannah – less than an hour’s drive!
Where should I stay in Savannah, Georgia?
Savannah has a wide variety of upscale and boutique hotels and plentiful Airbnb accommodations. There are plenty of affordable chain hotels if you’re bringing the family or romantic Victorian haunts for a couple’s weekend. A few of our favorites include:
- The Kehoe House
- Perry Lane Hotel
- Olde Harbour Inn
- East Bay Inn
- River Street Inn
- The Marshall House
- Hyatt Regency
- Mansion on Forsyth Park
- The DeSoto
- Double Tree by Hilton
- McMillan Inn
- Planters Inn
Bringing the kids? Many hotels offer free breakfast and are family-friendly and pet-friendly. The best time to visit is from March through July when temperatures are warm. Savannah also offers many festivals at this time, including music festivals, black heritage festivals, and of course the famous St. Patrick’s Day festivities. The food and wine festival in November is also popular, and December focuses on Christmas festivities.
Traveling to Savannah, Georgia
A few airlines, such as United and Delta, fly into the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, but if you’re having trouble finding cheap direct flights for the family, consider booking a charter flight with Epic Airways. We can fly you and your family nonstop from New Smyrna Beach, Florida to the Savannah airport. Avoid the crowd at arrivals by flying with Epic, since we take you directly to the FBO at the airport where you can get a rental car or cab. We can even pick you up in Orlando or the airport closest to your home – just one advantage of taking a private plane. Once you compare how much tickets cost for a commercial flight, we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the alternatives offered by Epic Airways. Our safe, comfortable, and surprisingly affordable flights are why so many travelers skip the airlines and book with us first.
Savannah Webcams
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Charter Flight
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Local Climate
Savannah's climate is humid subtropical. Its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, it is more temperate that Georgia's inland cities. Winters are mild, with temperatures ranging from the low 40s to low 60s (F). Summers are warmer, ranging from 70 to low 90s. The weather is pretty nice year-round, and if you catch a summer thunderstorm, be assured it will pass by quickly.
Additional Information
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