TranslateOverview
Savannah is Georgia's oldest city, founded in 1733 on a bluff above the Savannah River. It is widely regarded as one of the best-preserved historic cities in the United States, with a grid of 22 surviving public squares shaded by live oaks draped in Spanish moss. The city's compact Historic District is a National Historic Landmark, and much of its antebellum streetscape remains intact.
Beyond architecture, Savannah is a working port city and home to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), which infuses the city with a steady creative energy — galleries, pop-up exhibitions, and design-forward restaurants are found throughout the downtown core.
The city has a year-round tourism economy but retains a genuine neighborhood character, particularly in areas like the Victorian District and Starland. Locals are generally accustomed to visitors and the city is easy to navigate on foot within the Historic District.
Before You Go
Visas
Savannah is located in the United States. Entry requirements vary significantly by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for current requirements before booking.
Weather
Savannah has a humid subtropical climate. Summers (June–August) are hot and very humid, with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F (32°C) and the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms. Winters are mild but can bring occasional cold snaps. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for walking the squares.
Health
No vaccinations are specifically required for travel to Savannah. Mosquitoes can be present in warmer months, particularly near the marshes and waterways; insect repellent is useful. Standard U.S. travel health considerations apply.
What to Pack
- Comfortable walking shoes — the historic district involves considerable walking on uneven brick and cobblestone
- Sunscreen and a hat, especially in summer
- A light rain layer for afternoon summer storms
- Layers for autumn and winter evenings, which can be cooler than expected
Getting There
By Air
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is the primary air gateway, located approximately 20 minutes west of downtown. It is served by several major U.S. carriers with direct connections to hubs including Atlanta, Charlotte, New York, and Washington D.C., among others. Verify current routes and schedules directly with airlines or on the airport's official website.
By Car
Savannah sits along Interstate 95 on the East Coast corridor, making it a practical road-trip stop between the Northeast and Florida. Interstate 16 connects the city directly to Atlanta (approximately 4 hours west). Driving into Savannah is straightforward, though parking in the Historic District can be limited and is mostly metered or in paid garages — verify current parking options with the City of Savannah.
By Train
Amtrak's Palmetto and Silver service routes stop at Savannah's small Amtrak station, connecting the city to New York, Washington D.C., and Miami on the East Coast corridor. Journey times are long; confirm current schedules on Amtrak's website.
By Bus
Intercity bus services including Greyhound serve Savannah. Verify current schedules and terminal locations before travel.
Getting Around
On Foot
The Historic District is highly walkable. The squares are spaced at regular intervals and most major attractions, restaurants, and hotels are within a reasonable walk of each other. Comfortable shoes are essential given the brick and cobblestone surfaces.
Dot (Free Shuttle)
Savannah's DOT (Downtown Transportation) shuttle provides free transit loops around much of the Historic District and connects to the Visitor Center on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Routes and hours should be verified locally as they are subject to change.
Rideshare and Taxis
Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) operate in Savannah and are a practical option for reaching neighborhoods beyond the Historic District or for travel to and from the airport.
Cycling
Savannah has a bike-share program and some dedicated cycling infrastructure, though cycling on the brick streets requires care. Verify current bike-share availability locally.
Trolley Tours
Several private companies operate narrated trolley tours that cover the Historic District and can be useful for first-time visitors to get oriented before exploring on their own.
Where to Stay
Savannah offers accommodation across a wide range of types and price points. The Historic District contains a large number of boutique inns and bed-and-breakfasts occupying restored antebellum townhouses, which provide an atmosphere distinct from standard hotel stays. Several well-known hotel brands also operate properties in or near the Historic District.
For budget travelers, options are more limited within the immediate Historic District; more affordable chain hotels can generally be found along the corridors near the highway interchanges and airport. If staying outside the Historic District, factor in transportation costs and time when comparing rates.
St. Patrick's Day (mid-March) is Savannah's largest annual event and draws very large crowds; accommodation books out far in advance and prices rise sharply during that period. The same applies to major SCAD graduation weekends and holiday periods. Book well ahead for any peak-season travel.
Things to See & Do
The Squares
Savannah's 22 surviving public squares are the defining feature of its urban landscape. Each has its own character, monuments, and surrounding architecture. Forsyth Park, the largest green space, anchors the southern end of the Historic District with a prominent fountain that is one of the city's most photographed landmarks.
Historic Homes and Museums
- Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters (operated by Telfair Museums): A Regency-style mansion with one of the best-documented urban slave quarters in the American South. Verify hours and admission on the Telfair Museums website.
- Mercer Williams House Museum: A Italianate mansion made famous by the book and film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Verify hours and admission locally.
- Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace: The childhood home of the founder of Girl Scouts of the USA. Verify hours and admission on the official site.
- Telfair Academy: Part of the Telfair Museums complex, it is one of the oldest public art museums in the American South.
River Street
The cobblestone riverfront strip along the Savannah River is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars housed in converted cotton warehouses. It is a lively area most evenings, though it can be crowded on weekends.
Bonaventure Cemetery
A Victorian-era garden cemetery on the Wilmington River, notable for its elaborate monuments and dense oak canopy. It gained wider recognition through Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Open to visitors; verify current hours locally.
SCAD Museum of Art
The Savannah College of Art and Design operates a well-regarded contemporary art museum in a historic building in the downtown core. Verify hours and admission on the SCAD website.
Day Trip: Tybee Island
Savannah's nearest beach, approximately 18 miles east, is a casual barrier island with public beaches, a historic lighthouse, and a relaxed atmosphere. Reachable by car in roughly 30 minutes.
Food & Drink
Savannah has a strong culinary identity rooted in Lowcountry and Southern cooking traditions — think shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, fried chicken, and collard greens. The restaurant scene has expanded considerably in recent years to include farm-to-table spots, international cuisine, and chef-driven bistros, particularly in the Starland and Thomas Square neighborhoods.
What to Eat and Drink
- Shrimp and grits: A Lowcountry staple found on menus across the city, with wide variation in preparation
- Peaches and pecans: Regional produce that appears in both savory and sweet dishes
- Sweet tea: The default iced tea throughout the South; unsweetened is usually available on request
- Craft beer: Savannah has a growing craft brewing scene with several taprooms in the downtown area
Neighborhoods for Dining
- City Market area: Convenient for visitors, with a concentration of casual and mid-range restaurants
- Broughton Street and surrounds: Mix of local spots and some national chains
- Starland District: A younger, more eclectic dining and café scene
Book tables in advance at popular restaurants, especially on weekends and during peak season (St. Patrick's Day week in particular). Note that Savannah has open-container laws that permit alcohol in plastic cups on public streets within a designated zone — verify current boundaries locally.
Shopping
Broughton Street is Savannah's primary retail corridor, with a mix of independent boutiques, national retailers, and design-focused stores. The City Market area offers art galleries, gift shops, and artisan goods. SCAD-affiliated shops and pop-up galleries can be found throughout the Historic District and are good sources of locally made art and design objects.
For antiques and vintage goods, the area around Bull Street and the Victorian District has a number of independent dealers. Tybee Island has small surf and beachwear shops if you're making a day trip to the coast.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In any emergency in the United States, dial 911 for police, fire, or ambulance.
Medical Care
Savannah has hospital facilities including Memorial Health University Medical Center. For non-emergency care, urgent care clinics are available in the city; verify locations locally.
Connectivity
Cell coverage from major U.S. carriers is good throughout Savannah. Free Wi-Fi is available at the Visitor Center and many cafés and hotels.
Visitor Center
The Savannah Area Tourism & Visitors Bureau operates a visitor center on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in a converted historic railroad station. It is a practical first stop for maps, event listings, and local advice. Verify current hours on the official tourism website.
Tipping
Standard U.S. tipping conventions apply: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, a few dollars for hotel housekeeping per night, and discretionary for tour guides and other services.
Accessibility
The historic brick and cobblestone streets can be challenging for wheelchairs and mobility aids. Many historic buildings have limited accessibility due to their age and protected status. The DOT shuttle is more accessible than walking for some visitors; verify specifics locally.
Safety
Savannah is generally considered safe for tourists within the Historic District and riverfront areas, which are well-trafficked and well-lit at night. As with any city, standard precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying valuables unnecessarily, and be cautious in less-trafficked areas after dark.
Some neighborhoods adjacent to the Historic District have higher crime rates; if you are uncertain about an area, ask your hotel for local guidance. The areas immediately around the Visitor Center on MLK Jr. Boulevard and parts of the city beyond the tourist core warrant normal urban awareness.
St. Patrick's Day week brings very large crowds and increased alcohol consumption; be particularly mindful of personal belongings during this period.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Savannah's cultural identity is deeply shaped by its history, including its role in the antebellum South and the Civil War — it was notably spared destruction when General Sherman reached the city in 1864. The city has a substantial African American heritage and history, including the Beach Institute, which preserves African American art and history, and numerous sites associated with the Civil Rights era and earlier.
St. Patrick's Day is the city's most prominent annual celebration, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors for one of the largest such festivals in the United States. The Savannah Music Festival (spring) and Savannah Film Festival (autumn, organized by SCAD) are well-regarded events; verify current dates and programming on their official sites.
Savannah has a reputation for a relaxed social atmosphere. The legal open-container zone in the Historic District is culturally significant to how locals and visitors use public space in the evenings. Etiquette in historic homes and houses of worship calls for respectful, quiet conduct.
