Savannah, GA

Travel Guide

Savannah
Davenport House Museum
Davenport House Museum
Lafayette Square featuring a garden and a fountain
Historic Downtown Savannah showing a house, flowers and heritage elements

Savannah Travel Guide Video

With its elegant antebellum mansions, Spanish moss-draped trees and leafy public squares, Savannah is one of the South’s best-looking cities. 

Savannah is known for its attractive historic homes, moss-carpeted public squares and large, shade-giving oak trees. Pretty as it is, the city has more to offer than just attractive surrounds. Explore it thoroughly to discover a fascinating history, as well as thriving art and spirited nightlife scenes.

For the first century and a half after its founding in 1733, Savannah flourished economically, serving as Georgia’s main port. Learn about local history and life during a trip to the Wormsloe Plantation, where old trades including blacksmithing are demonstrated on the estate of an antebellum mansion. To find out more about naval history, visit Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, where displays include an impressively detailed collection of model ships.

Carry a camera during a wander around the photo-friendly Savannah Historic District. Admire impressive Georgian, Gothic and Greek Revival residences and encounter scenic fountain and statue-dotted squares, such as Chippewa Square, famous for appearing in Oscar-winning blockbuster Forrest Gump. In the center of the historic district is the 30-acre (12-hectare) Forsyth Park. The park is crisscrossed by walking paths, has open green spaces for picnics and features memorials, gardens, a pool and a playground.

Another photogenic spot for a stroll is the Bonaventure Cemetery, which overlooks the Wilmington River. Take a guided tour and examine the hauntingly beautiful funerary sculptures and necropolises.

The city’s renowned Savannah College of Art & Design attracts many artistic-leaning students, who have helped Savannah’s contemporary art scene flourish. Marvel at the modern art pieces displayed at the SCAD Museum of Art and visit the futuristic Moshe Safdie-designed Jepson Center for the Arts to see even more contemporary exhibitions.

Don’t leave without sampling Savannah’s justifiably hyped dining and nightlife scenes. For lunch or dinner, try the restaurant-dotted City Market. Live music can often be heard wafting through the air in this area.

To reach the city, fly into the Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport, located about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from downtown Savannah. Trains and bus services also serve the city. Savannah is a pedestrian-friendly city, but if you tire, ride local buses or use the city’s bike rental scheme instead.

Where to stay in Savannah

Savannah Children\'s Museum featuring a playground and a bridge

Historic Downtown Savannah

4.5/5(5,096 area reviews)

Declared a National Historic Landmark District, this urban area boasts notable sites like Juliette Gordon Low's birthplace, Telfair Academy, and the First African Baptist Church. Unwind in one of Savannah's 22 squares or the 30-acre Forsyth Park.

Historic Downtown Savannah
Savannah

Historic District - North

If you're spending some time in Historic District - North, River Street and Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace are top sights worth seeing.

Historic District - North
Savannah Victorian District

Midtown

4/5(368 area reviews)

Midtown is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Starland District and Grayson Stadium, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Savannah.

Midtown
Isle of Hope Historic District featuring a house

Moon River District

While visiting Moon River District, you might make a stop by sights like Butter Bean Beach and Wormsloe Historic Site.

Moon River District
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Eastside

While Eastside might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like River Street and The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist.

Eastside
Can't say enough great things about this hotel! This is the place to stay if you are in Savannah. Great staff, that go over and beyond from valet to front desk. Beautiful amenities including fitness center and a roof top pool with an excellent view of the boats on the water. Plus it's fairly new only a few months old so none of that clammy hotel germy feel. I really enjoyed my stay here, highly recommended.

Hitch Village - Fred Wessels Homes

If you're spending some time in Hitch Village - Fred Wessels Homes, River Street and Savannah River are top sights worth seeing.

Hitch Village - Fred Wessels Homes
Hyatt Regency Savannah
Hyatt Regency Savannah
4 out of 5
2 W Bay St, Savannah, GA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$133 nightly
The price is $159 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$159 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Savannah. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,249 reviews)
"Second time staying at this hotel. Convenient close to everything."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Hyatt Regency Savannah
Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District by IHG
Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District by IHG
4 out of 5
201 W Bay St, Savannah, GA
$126 nightly
The price is $151 total per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
$151 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Savannah. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,742 reviews)
Choice destination for my birthday
"This is my 3rd time choosing Hotel Indigo for my birthday stay. I have always had an amazing experience, and will continue to use this beautiful establishment for my future stays."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District by IHG
The Desoto Savannah
The Desoto Savannah
4 out of 5
15 East Liberty Street, Savannah, GA
$172 nightly
The price is $204 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$204 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Savannah. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,687 reviews)
"The room wasnt available until 4:30 pm, but my check-in time was 3:00 pm. The female valet attendant on night shift (11:00pm) was very rude and unprofessional. She was on the phone and interrupted me as i was trying to talk. My vehicle was not moved for 30 minutes. I went back and asked her to move ..."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

The Desoto Savannah
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Grant by Black Swan
The Grant by Black Swan
3.5 out of 5
5 W Broughton St, Savannah, GA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Savannah. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room washers/dryers, and air conditioning. Popular attractions River Street and Forsyth Park ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (266 reviews)
"The place was amazing, super clean and just a walk away from everything. Definitely will be back"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

The Grant by Black Swan
Kasa Altmayer Savannah
Kasa Altmayer Savannah
3.5 out of 5
100 Bull Street, Savannah, GA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Savannah. Enjoy free WiFi, concierge services, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions River Street and Forsyth Park ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (241 reviews)
"No market or transportation"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Kasa Altmayer Savannah
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Broughton Apartments Historic District
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Broughton Apartments Historic District
4 out of 5
109 West Broughton Street, Savannah, GA
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Savannah. Enjoy laundry facilities, concierge services, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions River Street and Forsyth ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (384 reviews)
"Very clean. Great location. Sofa sleeper was basically just springs, but the sofa itself was fine to sleep on for my child."

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Broughton Apartments Historic District
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Savannah

The Historic District of Savannah is ideal for walking. To get around the rest of the city, driving a car is your best option. There are some public transportation alternatives, too, but they are not comprehensive. The CAT bus service covers 15 routes, while the free DOT shuttle service will take you around the city center. Use the CAT bike share program to explore the more bike-friendly areas. Visit the Georgia Department of TransportOpens in a new window website.Browse Savannah rental cars.

Best time to visit

Savannah’s high season falls between March and July. Despite the increased number of tourists and the smaller selection of accommodations that comes with high season, this is actually a great time of year to visit. Aim for spring rather than summer if you want to dodge the searing temperatures of June through July. Spring also sees the city brightened up by the many culinary and cultural events.

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