The Complete Savannah Travel Guide

Destinations

Apr 10

Savannah is a fairytale-like city on the coast of Georgia, known for beautiful, historic houses, lush squares, and Spanish moss-draped trees. Being from the North and not knowing a lot about Savannah, I was quickly charmed by this southern city. You will simultaneously feel like you are stepping back in time while also meeting modern luxuries. Here you can take life a little slower and stroll through one of the many gorgeous, shaded parks and admire the centuries-old houses.

This complete Savannah travel guide will take you through what to expect, where to stay, the best things to do, and where to eat vegan during your time in Savannah!

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What to Expect

How to get there: You can fly into the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) or take a road trip there. Savannah and Charleston are only 2 hours apart, making these two cities the perfect southern road trip!

When to go: If you want to avoid the crowds (and heat) that the summer months bring, I would suggest visiting during the shoulder seasons (March-May or September-November).

Language: Located in Georgia, USA, the primary language spoken is English with a sweet southern accent.

Currency: US Dollar

Safety: In general, I felt safe and comfortable walking around the historic district. Note that Savannah allows drinking in public (parks, sidewalks, etc.), which can be fun but also leads some people to make poor decisions. Like always, be cautious and use common sense while you explore a new city.

Packing: If you are visiting during the warm months, be sure to pack light clothing as temperatures can be very hot. If you are visiting in the winter, pack layers and a light jacket for mild, cool temperatures. Always check the weather for the time you will be there as temperatures can be inconsistent. And bring good walking shoes to explore the historic district!

Food: Savannah is a great place to dive into classic Southern dishes. For my fellow vegans, you will be pleasantly surprised to find lots of great, affordable options!

Transportation: Depending on where your accommodation is, you might have to drive or take an Uber to the historic district. Once there, the area is very walkable.

Where to Stay

If I had my first choice of where to stay in Savannah, I would definitely choose the historic district. However, hotel prices can be quite expensive in this area. If you are on a budget and are able to drive or Uber from a hotel outside of the city to the historic district, you can save over $100 a night. There are quite a few hotels to choose from inside and outside of the historic district, check out booking.com for options.

Booking.com

How long should I stay in Savannah?

Depending on the time of year and the activities you would like, I recommend at least 2 days in Savannah. If you are a history buff and want to visit all of the museums that Savannah offers, stay at least 4 days.

Best Things to Do in Savannah

Historic Downtown District

I absolutely loved walking around the historic district in Savannah. The city is set up in a grid made up of squares, so it’s easy to find your way around. Plus, many of the buildings have old, beautiful architecture and large trees with sweeping Spanish moss. I constantly felt like I was walking around a movie set or in a fairy tale.

What to See in Savannah’s Historic District

Jones Street
Bull Street
Waterfront
Forsyth Park & Fountain
Lafayette Square
Monterey Square
St. John Cathedral
Chippewa Square (Filming location of Forrest Gump)
Green-Meldrim House

Green-Meldrim House in Savannah, GA — Green-Meldrim House

Jones street in Savannah, GA — Jones Street

Free Walking Tour

Savannah was founded in 1733 and was the 13th colony, making it one of the oldest cities in the USA. With such a long, rich history, there is a ton to see and learn about on a walking tour. I went with the company, Free Savannah Tours and learned about the fascinating history of Savannah while walking through the historic district.

Bonaventure Cemetery

Personally, I love visiting cemeteries while I travel because it shows an often overlooked but very important part of different cultures. Not only that, they are typically some of the most beautiful areas in a city. Bonaventure Cemetery is no exception. I loved wandering through the paths surrounded by flowers and Spanish moss hanging from trees. The graves themselves were also beautifully ornate and grand. I could have spent a couple of hours strolling and admiring this picturesque cemetery but I showed up with only 30 minutes until close. If you would like to visit, be sure to check the hours and plan your day accordingly.

Picnic in Forsyth Park

I think Savannah has more parks than any other city I have visited and the best way to take advantage of that is by having a picnic! I recommend picking up a yummy, affordable sandwich from Brighter Days Natural Foods, grabbing a blanket (and maybe a bottle of wine?), and spending the afternoon lounging under a shady tree.

Extra note: In case you missed it, Savannah has no open-container law so you are allowed to drink in public areas.

Tybee Island

If you need a little break from strolling through the historic district, take a short drive to Tybee Island and relax on the beach. Here you can also find a lighthouse, a pier, and spacious beaches.

Other suggestions

Take a trolley tour

Tour Wormsloe Plantation

Take a ghost tour

SCAD Museum of Art

chipotle mac at fox and fig in Savannah, Georgia

Where to Eat Vegan in Savannah

Savannah surprised me with amazing vegan options that were also quite affordable. The Sentient Bean is a hip coffee shop that serves food all day long with delicious vegan options. Take your coffee and food to-go and sit in Forsyth Park across the street or eat in their cute courtyard in the back. Right next door, is another one of my favorite places, Brighter Days Natural Foods. This one is a grocery store that has a deli in the back corner where you can order custom, fresh sandwiches, and smoothies. If you are on a tight budget, this place is a must! Another wonderful option is Fox & Fig, a fully vegan restaurant with a limited menu that is served all day. I ordered the chipotle mac and it was amazing!

Other suggestions

The Haunt

Bull Street Taco

Leopold’s Ice Cream

Kayak Kafe

My Favorite Coffee Shop in Savannah

For delicious coffee, a cozy atmosphere, and kind service, check out Mirabelle. They also incorporate a sustainably sourced “chocolate library” into their shop, as well as breakfast items (unfortunately no vegan options). Located across the street from St. John’s Cathedral, you can sip coffee outside while you enjoy views of the cathedral, or take your coffee to-go and sightsee.