Savannah Travel Guide
Happy Wednesday Ladies! Today I am sharing a handy little Savannah Travel Guide. I am spending this week at Tybee Island, and one of my favorite things to do between beach days and pool days is spend the day in Savannah. With interesting historical tours, great shopping, and so many good restaurants, Savannah is my favorite city in the Southeast.Â
About Savannah
A short drive (only about 4 hours) from my home in Athens, Savannah is the oldest city in Georgia. It was founded in 1733 by General James Earl Oglethorpe. Often called “America’s first planned city,” Savannah was designed in a grid layout with 24 squares. Originally used as areas for colonists to practice militia training exercises, the 22 remaining squares are beautiful green spaces for the public to gather in park-like settings.Â
The city of Savannah is one of the largest National Historic Landmark districts in the country. There is something for everyone; if you love architecture, a variety of historical architecture like Federal, Victorian Regency, Greek and Gothic Revival, and Italianate can be seen throughout the historical district. Colonial cemeteries, like the Colonial Park Cemetary, which was opened in the mid-1700s, is the final resting place of many of Savannah’s earliest citizens.Â
More to See
The Riverfront area offers a glimpse into the past with its cobblestone streets that are paved with stones carried as ballast material from all over the world. River Street has a reputation for being haunted by spirits, and this is the part of Savannah where pirate lore is the strongest. You can dine at the Pirate’s House restaurant which opened back in 1753 as an inn for seafarers and quickly became a meeting point for pirates and sailors from the Seven Seas.
If you’re an art enthusiast, a must-visit is the oldest public art museum in the south, Telfair Museum of Art. The museum began in 1886, housed in the Telfair family home, it has grown to encompass three buildings: Telfair Academy of Arts & Sciences, the Owens-Thomas House, and the dramatic Jepson Center for the Arts. Also tour the Telfair Academy, an 1820s historical mansion that features romantic interiors and works from the 18th and 19th centuries. The Owens-Thomas House will immerse you in the Savannah of the 1800s.
The Summary
 Today, We are sharing our Savannah Travel Guide
 Find our recommendations for what to do, where to eat and what to wear
 Plus, find a shoppable collection of Beth's Travel Must-Haves
Savannah Travel Guide
Our Favorite Restaurants in Savannah
Collins Quarter - Brunch and Dinner
I usually make it a priority to have brunch or dinner at Collins Quarter every time I visit Savannah. A casual restaurant, known for all-day brunch, Collins Quarter has a fun atmosphere with delicious seasonal cocktails and wonderful food.
Collins Quarter
Cocktails at Collins Quarter
The Tavern, downstairs at The Olde Pink House - Cocktails and Dinner
This tavern feels like stepping back in time to have an ale and a meal with George Washington. No kidding! The tavern is only lit by (electric) flickering candlelight, and though it’s dimly lit, once your eyes adjust, history feels alive! Located in the basement of the historical Olde Pink House, the tavern is said to be haunted. If you go, get there right when they open at 5 PM and grab a seat at the bar. The place fills up incredibly quickly. Eat right at the bar, I recommend the BLT Salad, with fried green tomatoes, bacon, and a thyme buttermilk dressing.Â
The Tavern, downstairs at The Olde Pink House
Chive Sea Bar & Lounge - Dinner
If you’re looking for something a little exotic, try Chive Sea Bar & Lounge. A very eclectic vibe based on the decadence of the 1920s, Chive offers vintage cocktails, with lunch and dinner fare focused on seafood. I recommend the Chive Mussels in a creamy yellow curry and white wine sauce. Or go for the She Crab Soup. Kelly’s favorite entree at Chive is the Ocean’s Five Gaeng Phet Talay, which is a spicy Thai Soup with noodles, clams, mussels, shrimp, and scallops. Â
The Grey - Dinner and Brunch on Sundays
The Grey has quite a reputation for a fresh and authentic take on Southern food. Chef Mashama Baily has been featured on the beloved Netflix show, Chef’s Table and her Port City Southern-based culinary vision at The Grey is soulful and inspiring. Make reservations well ahead, if you plan to go. From the brunch menu, the Fried Chicken & Hoe Cakes are a must-have. Or go for the Crab Beignets. (Go with two to three people if you can, so you can try more than one dish – you won’t regret it!)Â
What to Wear to Dinner in Savannah
Recreate the Outfit
Zebra Print Tie-Front Blouse | Bias Cut Satin Midi Skirt | Wedge Sandal | Black Envelope Clutch
Elizabeth on Thirty-Seventh - Fine Dining Dinner
For a fine dining experience, consider Elizabeth on Thirty-Seventh. This restaurant embodies the Southern Hospitality that Savannah is known for, housed in a Victorian Mansion, each dining room is intimate and fully decorated with historical Savannah patterns and colors, original paintings, fresh flowers, and ceramics. A perfect spot for a romantic dinner. While Elizabeth on Thirty-Seventh does not have a bar to sit at before dining, do get there a little before your reservation because you can sit on the front porch with a cocktail before dinner. As a fine dining restaurant, Elizabeth on Thirty-Seventh offers a chef’s tasting menu with seven courses, most of which have two choices per course. They do make accommodations for dietary restrictions and food allergies - let them know when you make your reservation.Â
Peregrin
Peregrin is the rooftop bar and restaurant atop the Perry Lane Hotel in the Historic District. Stunning views of Savannah’s cityscape and beyond, this bar is beautifully appointed with clever, artfully created cocktails and small bites. A perfect spot for enjoying a cocktail, an appetizer, and watching the sunset. Â
Peregrin Rooftop Bar
Frosé at Peregrin
Leopold’s Ice Cream - Dessert & Sweets
Founded in 1919 by three brothers from Greece, Leopold’s Ice Cream is a Savannah Tradition. With premium flavors and quality ingredients, Leopold’s ice cream is still handmade in downtown historic Savannah. The original location was on Gwinnett and Habersham Streets, the location on Broughton is the flagship location in Savannah and features many of the old fixtures from the original location, including the soda fountain, which is a blast from the past. From the Fountain, go for an Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Soda. If scoops are more your style, try Leopold’s famous Tutti Frutti, The Savannah Socialite, or if it’s in season, the Lavender is to die for!Â
Our Favorite Sights to See and Things to Do in Savannah
Forsyth Park
Forsyth Park is 30 acres and features Savannah’s most famous fountain. The fountain was installed in 1858 and is modeled after the fountains at the Place de la Concorde in Paris. With playgrounds and sports courts, the park also offers winding paths and open greenways. If you’re there in spring, be sure to visit the Fragrance Garden.
Bonaventure Cemetery
One of the most beautiful cemeteries in the south for its grand oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, Bonaventure Cemetery was designed as a Victorian private cemetery in 1846 on a 600-acre plot of the Bonaventure Plantation, which was owned by the Tattnall and Mullryne Families. In fact, the oldest grave in Bonaventure contains the remains of Harriet Tattnall, wife of Josiah Tattnall, she died in 1802. In 1907, Bonaventure Cemetery (then called Evergreen) was purchased by the city of Savannah and became a public cemetery.
A popular destination for tourists and locals alike for over 150 years, Bonaventure Cemetery has become quite famous thanks to the book and movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The iconic Bird Girl statue made famous in the movie has been moved from its original location in the cemetery due to tourist traffic. It is now at the Telfair Academy.
Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
With steep gables, pointed arch windows and doorways, and an imposing sense of height, the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist is a gorgeous example of High Victorian Gothic Architecture. The first parish, the Congregation de Saint Jean-Baptiste was established in the late 1700s by Haitian and French immigrants who settled in Savannah after fleeing turmoil in their homelands.
The cornerstone of the current Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist was laid in 1873. Then the grand spires were added in 1896. After a devastating fire in 1898, the interior structure was repaired and redecorated. In 2023, the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist was designated as a minor Basilica. Definitely worth a self-guided tour, but if you can, try to take a tour from a guide, it’s free, and a wonderful way to learn about the history of the Cathedral Basilica.Â
What to Wear Seeing the Sights in Savannah
Recreate the Outfit
Black and White Printed Shorts | Striped Tee | The Perfect Oversized Blazer | Sperry Sneakers
City Market - Open Air Cafés, Jazz Clubs and Galleries
The City Market of Savannah was established in 1733 as a central hub for commerce and social activity for the colonists. It has remained as such despite fires and hurricanes, always being rebuilt after each destructive event. In the mid-20th century, it fell into disrepair and was controversially demolished. This ignited the Savannah Preservation movement which led to a rebirth of the City Market as a pedestrian-friendly area with restored historical buildings containing shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants.Â
More to do in Savannah
Take a Haunted Tour or go on a Haunted Pub Crawl
There are many, many tours offered, so just go online and find one that suits your interests. Check out Ghost City Tours to find your perfect haunted tour!Â
Walk along River Street
Take your cocktail to go and stroll the riverfront. Savannah has an open container policy, so you will often be asked if you’d like a cocktail to go when you’re finishing up at a restaurant or bar. Alcoholic beverages will be poured into takeaway cups so you can enjoy a walking tour or a trolley tour with your beverage.Â
Shopping on Broughton and Bull Streets
I love a shopping day while I am visiting Savannah. You can find local boutiques and major brands like Anthropologie, Banana Republic, and Faherty, as well as souvenir shops. Don’t forget to refuel with an ice cream from Leopold’s while you’re on Broughton.Â
A must-stop while shopping in Savannah is the Paris Market. The Paris Market is like stepping into Paris; the shop is full of eclectic gifts and items for the home. You will find some fashion and downstairs you will find antiques and kitchen items. There is much more to the Paris Market than shopping; there is a quaint little cafe counter with classic French pastries, sandwiches, and macarons. Get a latte or glass of champagne!Â
Historic home tours: Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, The Davenport House Museum, the Flannery O’Conner Childhood Home, and the Mercer Williams House
Learn about Savannah’s more famous sons and daughters, and get a glimpse of what it was like to live in Savannah over the centuries by taking a house tour.Â
Trolley Tours around Old Town
Like New Orleans or Charleston, Savannah is flat, and very walkable, but a great way to see the sights and learn about 270 years of Savannah's history is to take a trolley tour. With all-day hop-on hop-off tours and overview tours, Check out Old Savannah Trolley Tours to book your tour.Â
Tybee Island Beaches
Only 20 minutes from Savannah, Tybee Island and its beaches are known as Savannah’s Beach. We spend a lot of time at Tybee Island because of its mix of quirky charm and unpretentious beach vacation vibes. The island has North Beaches, Mid-island Beaches, and South Beaches. The south beaches are where most folks go for a lively beach vacation experience, with restaurants, souvenir, and surf shops. While the North Beach is quieter, featuring the Tybee Island Marine Science Center and Fort Screven – and this is where you will find the historical Tybee Light Station and Museum.Â
The Fort Screven district includes many historical sights including Officer’s Row, The Tybee Post Theater, and the Battery Garland. Originally approved by the Georgia Legislature in 1786, Fort Screven (named for the Revolutionary War Hero General James Screven) wasn’t actually built until 1875. Fort Screven was an integral part of America’s Coastal Defense System during the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II.Â
What to Wear on a Visit to Tybee Island
Recreate the Outfit
Straight Leg Linen Pants | Sleeveless Gingham Top | Short Sleeve Gingham Top | Taupe Slide Sandals
Some of our favorite restaurants on Tybee Island
North Beach Bar & Grill
Great Caribbean-inspired fare and fun, beach vacation cocktails like piña coladas. A very casual vibe, with a great outdoor bar that is the perfect stop on the way to, or back from the beach.Â
Huc-a-Poos
The best NY-Style pizza on the island, Huc-a-Poos is a local favorite. With indoor and outdoor seating and a funky vibe, this place is our go-to spot on the island. Truly a local hangout, Huc-a-Poos feels like a classic seaside town bar (but with great food!).
Seawolf
Another go-to spot for the Djalalis, Seawolf features uncomplicated, yet elevated food served up in a quaint house-turned-restaurant, decorated in quirky detail. The mariner theme is evident in vintage advertising posters and artwork. While you will find hot dogs as a prevalent item on the menu, these are no ordinary hot dogs. Think Angus beef, unique and interesting combinations. If you visit Seawolf, definitely get the Smorgasbord, it’s the perfect snacking board for a group.Â
Seawolf's Slogan
The Deck
Located Mid-Beach, The Deck is the only beachside restaurant on the Island. Operated by the same group that runs Collins Quarter in Savannah, you can expect the same level of service and quality of food. A fantastic spot for a sunset dinner.
What to Wear on a Visit to Tybee Island
Shop Maxi Dresses
Chiffon Maxi Dress | Chevron Maxi Dress | Voile Wrap-Waist Maxi Dress | Textured Floral Linen Maxi Dress
View of Chimney Creek from The Original Crabshack
The Original Crabshack
The Crabshack is tucked away along Chimney Creek, at the north end of Tybee Island. Originally a fish camp, the space, though large, still retains its fish camp origins with all the charm of an old-school seafood joint; think fish nets, baskets, and a very casual vibe. There is indoor dining, but the waterfront outdoor tables are the best, with great sunset views. This is the best place for Lowcountry boils and seafood sampler platters.Â
Captains Sampler Platter at the Original Crabshack
Where to Stay
Airbnb is a great idea for your stay in Savannah. Staying at an Airbnb lets you feel like a local! Of course, there are many hotels along the riverfront. If you want to stay at a quaint hotel with historical charm, right across the street from the Olde Pink House, I recommend the Planters Inn. And if you’re looking for a chic and modern hotel, I recommend The Perry Lane Hotel, part of Marriot’s Luxury Collection.Â
If you want to stay on Tybee Island, consider a vacation home rental through Tybee Vacation Rentals.
Must-Have Travel Items
I regularly talk about the great travel finds at Amazon in my travel posts on the blog. There’s no easier way to check off all the items on my travel accessories list than to take a quick trip over to my Amazon Storefront and shop for items I have collected in my travel storefront.
Shop Travel Must-Haves
1.
Long Garment Bag
2.
Compact Lighted Magnifying Makeup Mirror
3.
Travel Makeup Bag
4.
Mag-Safe Wireless Portable Charger
5.
Handheld Travel Steamer
6.
Packing Cubes - Set of 9
7.
Travel Makeup Brush Set
8.
5-Pack Travel Shoe Bags
9.
One by Sonicare Travel Toothbrush
10.
Hair Tools Travel Bag and Heat Resistant Mat
In Case You Missed It
Yesterday, Beth shared her fall dress guide. Make sure to click the title or image below to read the article.
I LOVE this post, Beth! Thanks so much. I’ll use it for our next Savannah trip. Boy, it’s a coin toss because Charleston, S.C., has my heart too!
Maybe sometime your followers can meet you in Savannah or Tybee Island and you can give us some in-person tips, etc. ? 🙂
Loved this post, Beth! This New Yorker hasn’t traveled south in a very long time. Need to plan a trip down and visit some of your recommendations. Thank you for sharing all the great destinations!
Thank you so much! I cannot believe the time and thought you put into this piece. And, your writing is just wonderful. We were supposed to visit Savannah before covid, and I really hope we can reschedule for 2025. Thanks again!!!
There is nothing I don’t love about this post! Places to go, things to see, and where to eat. WOW!!! It’s a keeper
What an outstanding work! Even while discussing more advanced subjects, your writing style remains plain and simple. I value the time and energy you invested in providing such specific details and real-world situations. Your knowledge and insight are much appreciated.
Love your Savannah tour! I lived there 5 yrs. In the 60s. Wonderful city !! Your post brought back lovely memories! Thanks so much.