Savannah holidays

With its antebellum homes and horse-drawn carriages, you might think Georgia’s oldest city is obsessed with the past. But holidays in Savannah find a city with its eyes fixed on the future. Explore trendy neighbourhoods, cutting-edge restaurants and must-see galleries — plus enough Southern hospitality to go around. Known as the ‘Hostess City,’ Savannah always serves up a good time.

Savannah holiday highlights

Southern heritage

Founded in 1733, Savannah has history around every corner. The Bonaventure Cemetery and the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum offer glimpses into the city’s richly textured past. And you’ll find traces of the Underground Railroad in the First African Baptist Church. For lavish architecture and US Civil War history, visit the Green-Meldrim House, a historic military headquarters.

Elegant architecture

Savannah is a patchwork of architectural styles, with candy-coloured antebellum mansions sitting alongside Romanesque Revival houses and English Regency buildings. The Cathedral Basilica of St John the Baptist is a must-see during any Savannah holiday for its Gothic Revival spires. And the Victorian-style Gingerbread House looks like it came straight out of a fairytale.

Outdoor adventures

With the city’s nearby state parks and historic sites, you can easily pair your holiday in Savannah with time in the great outdoors. Skidaway Island State Park is less than 30 minutes away, offering hiking trails through forests and salt marshes. And you’ll find the Civil War–era Fort Pulaski National Monument on the beach-lined Cockspur Island.

Savannah: Know before you go

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)

High season

March – April

Low season

January – February

Find the best time to go to Savannah

Weather in Savannah

March – May: Savannah is beautiful in spring — the weather is pleasant, and the azaleas are in bloom. The season starts out on the dry side, with showers picking up as summer nears.

June – August: Summers in the South are hot and steamy, with temperatures above 32°C. Expect lots of humidity and thunderstorms most afternoons.

September – November: Autumn sees a return to comfortable weather and less rain. Hurricanes can still derail your travel plans, so keep an eye on the forecast.

December – February: Winters in Savannah are dry and brisk but rarely ice cold. The cooler temperatures keep the crowds away. Some attractions limit their hours in the off-season.

Events in Savannah

Saint Patrick’s Day (March): Savannah hosts one of the largest Saint Patrick’s Day parades in the United States. More than 300,000 people turn out dressed in green and ready to celebrate Irish heritage.

Savannah Music Festival (March to April): This festival has something for everyone, with international artists performing dozens of musical genres.

Savannah Pride (October): The city celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with several days of concerts, food and drink events, a parade and more.

SCAD Savannah Film Festival (October to November): See why Georgia has earned the nickname the ‘Hollywood of the South’ with this autumn lineup of celebrity-studded film screenings, panels and lectures.

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The best neighbourhoods in Savannah

Historic District

Savannah’s Historic District is the largest National Historic Landmark District in the country. Here you’ll find manicured squares, museums, restaurants and beautifully restored homes from the 18th and 19th centuries. When you need an air-conditioned break from all the outdoor scenery, stop by the Savannah History Museum and the Telfair Academy, the oldest public art museum in the American South.

Good for: Historic squares, art museums, restaurants

Midtown

If you’re looking for a more low-key location, this is where to stay in Savannah. You’ll see Victorian and craftsman homes as you stroll towards Habersham Village’s boutiques, cafes and art galleries. And Daffin Park is always a popular spot with joggers. Love live sports? Catch a baseball game at Grayson Stadium and cheer on the Savannah Bananas.

Good for: Baseball, boutiques, parks

Starland District

An artsy area packed with trendy coffee shops and cocktail bars, the Starland District is one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Savannah. Colourful murals line the streets, and shops range from vintage boutiques and record stores to art galleries. For a culture fix, spend an afternoon at the Savannah African Art Museum.

Good for: Coffee shops, vintage boutiques, street art

Things to do in Savannah

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Beaches

Located less than 30 minutes from downtown, Tybee Island’s white sands and blue water offer plenty of fun for swimmers and sun-worshippers. Along with the ocean beach, you’ll find river beaches here too. There’s a chance to spot dolphins from Savannah River Beach to the island’s north. And Back River Beach is known for its fishing spots and fiery sunsets.

Places to eat

Savannah is full of great local eateries, offering everything from Southern classics to fresh seafood and barbeque. City Market has a wide range of restaurants to suit all tastes. And Starland Yard’s food trucks are perfect for a casual bite. Looking for an authentic taste of Savannah? Try The Olde Pink House restaurant, located inside a mansion from 1771.

Shopping

Broughton Street in downtown Savannah is known for its antique shops, independent boutiques and brand-name fashion stores. And the shops along River Street are excellent for picking up local souvenirs. Exploring the Historic District? Keep an eye out for shops tucked away in the area’s Georgian mansions.

Take in the culture

Savannah’s rich history comes to life in its cultural institutions, from the American Prohibition Museum to the Jepson Center & Telfair Children’s Art Museum. For a full day of fun and learning, make your way to Tricentennial Park, home to the Savannah History Museum, Georgia State Railroad Museum and Savannah Children’s Museum.

Nightlife

You’ll find artisanal cocktail bars and late-night hipster hangouts in the Starland District. Historical pubs and taverns make the City Market area a go-to destination after dark. Don’t miss sipping a Chatham Artillery Punch, the city’s signature cocktail, made with rum, whisky, brandy and champagne.

Free things to do

The Savannah Botanical Gardens is free to visit, offering nature trails, a pond and an 1840s farmhouse. And nothing beats an afternoon stroll through sprawling Forsyth Park. If you’re a movie fan, head to Chippewa Square, where Tom Hanks famously uttered the line, “Life is like a box of chocolates”, in ‘Forrest Gump’.

Plan your holiday to Savannah

Budget

Many of the city’s top attractions don’t require a ticket. Between the parks, pretty beaches and charming public squares, a cheap holiday to Savannah is easy. An inexpensive meal of Southern cuisine can be had for around 16 US dollars ($). A domestic beer costs just about $4.

Day trips from Savannah

Only 45 minutes up the coast, Hilton Head Island is great for oceanfront golfing, hiking and biking. If you love history, drive an hour to the town of Beaufort, home to the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park. Or take the 90-minute trip down the coast to Jekyll Island, a former holiday destination for the 19th-century elite.

Getting around Savannah

Savannah’s squares, gardens and riverfront are great for walking. If you’d rather ride, take the CAT buses or the free DOT shuttle, which covers downtown and the Historic District. The free Savannah Belles Ferry also connects River Street to Hutchinson Island’s hotels and convention centre.

FAQs about Savannah holidays

With around 20 cm of rainfall, August is the rainiest month. If you're taking your Savannah holiday then, it's a good idea to have a few indoor activities in mind. Grab a bite at one of the city's best restaurants, unwind in a cosy cafe, or treat yourself to some retail therapy.
You'll have a hard time running out of things to do in Savannah. From Forsyth Park to Historic District of Savannah and more, this city has everything you need for a great trip.
For warm weather and to see the city’s flowers in bloom, plan your flights and hotels to Savannah between March and July. Travelling on a budget
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for payments throughout your trip to Savannah. Pay by card when it's possible, but have some cash as a backup for places where card payments aren't an option.
During your city break in Savannah, you'll hear the locals speaking mostly in English.
You’ll want to spend at least three days exploring Savannah’s museums, neighbourhoods and beaches. If you plan on taking day trips around the wider Georgia area or to South Carolina, consider extending your Savannah holiday to five days.
Savannah is a very safe tourist destination, but as in any major city, it helps to exercise common sense. Opt for a taxi or pedicab if you don’t feel comfortable walking alone at night. And watch your footing around River Street, where uneven bricks are tripping hazards. If you’re planning a summer holiday to Savannah, stay hydrated to avoid overheating.
Whether you're a discover-it-all traveller or a go-with-the-flow explorer, the cost of your city break in Savannah will depend on how you want to spend your time. You'll want to factor in everything from entry fees to meals, on top of your Savannah flights and hotels.
January is the coolest time of year to visit. Take your Savannah trip then and you can anticipate lows of 3ºC (37ºF).
July is the hottest month in Savannah, with temperatures hitting highs of 34ºC (93ºF).

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