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2-Day Solo Shopping Extravaganza in Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia

2 days

Historic District waterfront
Greek eatery Olympia Cafe on River Street
Forsyth Park fountain
Benches on historic River Street at night
Savannah Cathedral of St. John the Baptist from up high

About Savannah, Georgia

Experience the charm of the South in Savannah, Georgia, a city brimming with history, culture, and natural beauty. Walk through the city's Historic District, home to cobblestone streets, manicured gardens, and antebellum architecture. Visit the iconic Forsyth Park, known for its beautiful fountain, or explore the hauntingly beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery. Discover Savannah's rich history at the Savannah History Museum and the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters. Enjoy the city's vibrant arts scene at the Telfair Museums or take a riverboat cruise along the Savannah River. Indulge in Southern cuisine at local eateries and enjoy the city's nightlife at River Street. Savannah's warm hospitality, combined with its unique blend of history and modernity, makes it a must-visit destination.

2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the Historic and Cultural Side of Savannah

Morning

Start your day with a stroll through the historic Savannah Historic District. This area is known for its cobblestone streets, gardens, and antebellum homes. Stop by the many boutiques and antique shops for unique finds.

Lunch

Enjoy a Southern-style lunch in one of the many eateries in the Savannah Historic District. The area is known for its comfort food, so don't miss out on the fried chicken or shrimp and grits.

Afternoon

After lunch, visit the Telfair Museums, which consists of three sites: the Telfair Academy, the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, and the Jepson Center. Each offers a unique perspective on Savannah's history and culture.

Dinner

Have dinner in the trendy Starland District, which is home to a variety of restaurants serving everything from Southern comfort food to international cuisine.

Evening

End your day with a Ghost tour of Savannah. The city is known for its haunted history, and a guided tour will take you to the most famous spooky spots.

Morning

Start your second day with a visit to the Bonaventure Cemetery. This historic cemetery is known for its beautiful sculptures and the notable people buried there.

Lunch

Have lunch in the Victorian District, where you can find a variety of eateries serving Southern cuisine.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the shops and galleries of the Savannah River Street. This area is known for its unique boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops.

Dinner

Enjoy dinner in the City Market, a four-block area filled with restaurants, cafes, and shops.

Evening

End your trip with a Riverboat cruise on the Savannah River. The cruise offers stunning views of the city and its historic waterfront.

Attractions in Itinerary (9)

Savannah Historic District

1
Savannah Historic District

A significant historic area that showcases the city's antebellum charm with its cobblestone streets, manicured gardens, and historic homes.

Attractions
Landmarks
Architecture
Neighborhoods
Telfair Museums

2
Telfair Museums

The oldest public art museum in the South, comprising three sites: the Telfair Academy, the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, and the Jepson Center.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Architecture
Starland District

3
Starland District

A vibrant, artsy neighborhood known for its indie boutiques, trendy restaurants, and bustling art scene.

Neighborhoods
Ghost tour of Savannah

4
Ghost tour of Savannah

The Ghost tour of Savannah is a unique blend of history and horror, offering a chilling yet fascinating insight into the city's haunted past. It's a must-try experience for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike.

Tours
Cultural Experiences
Bonaventure Cemetery

5
Bonaventure Cemetery

A historic cemetery dating back to the 19th century, known for its beautiful sculptures, Victorian funerary art, and notable burials.

Attractions
Monuments

6
Victorian District

A historic neighborhood known for its Victorian architecture, tree-lined streets, and Forsyth Park.

Architecture
Cultural Experiences
Neighborhoods
Savannah River Street

7
Savannah River Street

Savannah River Street is a bustling waterfront street offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. It's a great place to explore, whether you're looking for unique souvenirs, delicious food, or just a scenic stroll.

Attractions
Shopping
Food and Drink
City Market

8
City Market

A bustling, open-air market featuring shopping, dining, art, and entertainment in the heart of Savannah's historic district.

Shopping
Food and Drink
Entertainment
Riverboat cruise on the Savannah River

9
Riverboat cruise on the Savannah River

The Riverboat cruise on the Savannah River offers a unique perspective of Savannah's historic waterfront. It's a relaxing and scenic way to explore the city, with stunning views and informative commentary.

Tours
Attractions

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and Grits

A classic Southern dish, Shrimp and Grits is a must-try in Savannah. It's a hearty dish made with shrimp sautéed with bacon, garlic, and green onions, served over creamy grits.

Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried Green Tomatoes

A staple in Southern cuisine, Fried Green Tomatoes are a popular dish in Savannah. They are made by breading and frying unripe tomatoes, often served with a creamy dipping sauce.

Peach Cobbler

Georgia is known as the Peach State, making Peach Cobbler a must-try dessert in Savannah. It's a sweet, warm dessert made with fresh peaches and a biscuit-like topping.

Low Country Boil

Also known as Frogmore Stew, Low Country Boil is a one-pot dish popular in Savannah. It includes shrimp, corn on the cob, sausage, and potatoes, all boiled together with Old Bay seasoning.

Pimento Cheese

A Southern staple, Pimento Cheese is a spread made with cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos. In Savannah, it's often served with crackers or on sandwiches.

Sweet Tea

Sweet Tea

Sweet Tea is a popular drink in Savannah and throughout the South. It's made by brewing black tea and adding sugar while it's still hot, then serving it over ice.

Chicken and Waffles

Chicken and Waffles

A Southern classic, Chicken and Waffles is a popular dish in Savannah. It's made with crispy fried chicken served on top of a fluffy waffle, often drizzled with syrup.

Collard Greens

Collard Greens

A traditional Southern side dish, Collard Greens are slow-cooked with ham hocks or bacon, vinegar, and spices. They're a must-try in Savannah.

Biscuits and Gravy

A classic Southern breakfast, Biscuits and Gravy is a popular dish in Savannah. It's made with fluffy biscuits smothered in a creamy sausage gravy.

Chatham Artillery Punch

Chatham Artillery Punch

A traditional Savannah cocktail, Chatham Artillery Punch is a potent mix of rum, bourbon, champagne, lemon juice, and tea.

Pecan Pie

Pecan Pie

Georgia is one of the largest producers of pecans in the U.S., making Pecan Pie a must-try dessert in Savannah. It's a sweet pie made with a filling of pecan nuts, butter, and sugar.

Boiled Peanuts

A popular snack in Savannah, Boiled Peanuts are raw peanuts boiled in a salty brine. They're often sold by roadside vendors and are a classic Southern treat.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Savannah, Georgia is during the spring (March to June) when the weather is warm but not too hot and all of the flowers are in bloom. This is also the time when the city hosts numerous festivals and events. The fall season (September to November) is also a great time to visit due to the pleasant weather and the city's beautiful fall foliage. However, it's worth noting that these peak seasons also tend to be the busiest and most expensive times to visit.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

January 15

Mon

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

February 19

Mon

Presidents' Day

May 27

Mon

Memorial Day

June 19

Wed

Juneteenth

July 4

Thu

Independence Day

September 2

Mon

Labor Day

October 14

Mon

Columbus Day

November 11

Mon

Veterans Day

November 28

Thu

Thanksgiving Day

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Renting a car is a convenient way to get around Savannah, especially if you plan to visit areas outside of the city center. There are several car rental companies available at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport and throughout the city.

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Savannah. This is a convenient option for getting around the city, especially if you prefer not to drive or don't have access to a car.

Savannah's public transportation system, Chatham Area Transit (CAT), operates buses throughout the city and surrounding areas. The DOT, a free downtown transportation service, offers shuttle, ferry, and bike share services.

Savannah is a bike-friendly city with numerous bike rental shops. The city's flat terrain and beautiful parks make it ideal for biking. The DOT also offers a bike share program.

Savannah's historic district is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making walking a great way to explore the city. Many of the city's most popular attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Pedicabs, or bicycle taxis, are a fun and eco-friendly way to get around Savannah. They are especially popular in the historic district.

For a unique and leisurely way to see Savannah, consider a horse-drawn carriage tour. These tours offer a charming and romantic way to explore the city's historic district.

The River Street Streetcar is a free service that runs along River Street, one of Savannah's most popular areas. It's a fun and convenient way to explore the riverfront.

The Savannah Belles Ferry is a free service that connects the city's riverfront with Hutchinson Island. It's a great way to enjoy scenic views of the Savannah River.

Trolley tours are a popular way to see Savannah. These hop-on, hop-off tours offer a convenient way to explore the city and learn about its history.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency$ USD

Time zoneUTC-5

Driving sideRight

Emergency phone911

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type APower socket type B

Voltage120 V

Things to know about Savannah, Georgia as a first time visitor

1

Savannah is known for its hot, humid summers and mild winters. The average high temperature in the summer is around 91°F (33°C), while the average winter high is around 60°F (16°C).

2

The city is very pedestrian-friendly, so walking is a great way to explore the historic district and downtown area.

3

Savannah is known for its Southern hospitality. People are generally friendly and welcoming to tourists.

4

The city has a rich history, so consider taking a guided tour to learn more about its past.

5

Savannah is located on the coast, so seafood is a big part of the local cuisine. Don't miss out on trying some fresh shrimp and grits.

6

Savannah's historic district is one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the United States.

7

The city has a vibrant arts scene, with many galleries, theaters, and music venues.

8

Savannah is known for its beautiful parks and squares. There are 22 squares in the historic district alone.

9

The city has a relaxed, laid-back vibe. Take your time to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the slower pace of life.

10

Savannah is a city of festivals. Depending on when you visit, you might be able to catch a music, food, or arts festival.

11

The city is known for its beautiful architecture. Be sure to take some time to admire the historic homes and buildings.

12

Savannah has a unique drinking law that allows you to carry an open container of alcohol in a plastic cup within the historic district.

13

The city is home to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), which hosts a variety of events and exhibitions throughout the year.

14

Savannah is a great city for shopping, with a mix of high-end boutiques, antique shops, and local artisan stores.

15

The city has a strong military presence, with several bases nearby. Don't be surprised if you see uniformed personnel around town.

16

Savannah is a popular location for film and TV productions. You might recognize some locations from your favorite shows or movies.

17

The city has a diverse food scene, with a mix of traditional Southern cuisine, international fare, and innovative fusion dishes.

18

Savannah is located near several beaches, including Tybee Island, which is just a short drive away.

19

The city has a vibrant nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues.

20

Savannah is a city that loves its traditions. From the St. Patrick's Day Parade to the Savannah Music Festival, there's always something happening.

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Lightweight clothing

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • Sleepwear

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Swimsuit (if planning to swim)

  • Light jacket or sweater (for cooler evenings)

  • Hat or cap for sun protection

  • Sunglasses

  • Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Body wash or soap

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Makeup and makeup remover

  • Sunscreen

  • Insect repellent

  • First-aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, tweezers)

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Valid ID (driver's license or passport)

  • Credit and/or debit cards

  • Cash (for places that don't accept cards)

  • Hotel reservation confirmation

  • Car rental confirmation (if applicable)

  • Health insurance card

  • Emergency contact information

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Headphones

  • Camera (if you don't use your phone for pictures)

  • Charger for camera

  • Portable power bank (for charging devices on the go)

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Snacks (for the journey)

  • Water bottle

  • Travel guidebook or map of Savannah

  • Umbrella or rain poncho

  • Travel pillow and blanket (for the journey)

  • Reusable shopping bag (for souvenirs or groceries)

  • Books or magazines (for downtime)

Weather Conditions

Savannah, Georgia, is known for its warm, humid climate. The city experiences a subtropical climate, which means it has hot, humid summers and mild winters. If you're planning to visit during the summer months, from June to August, be prepared for high temperatures that can reach up to 91°F (33°C). It's also the city's rainiest season, so don't forget to pack an umbrella or raincoat. The fall, from September to November, sees a decrease in temperature and humidity, making it a pleasant time to visit. Temperatures can range from 85°F (29°C) in September to 70°F (21°C) in November. Winter, from December to February, is relatively mild with temperatures ranging from 60°F (16°C) to 40°F (4°C). Snow is rare in Savannah, but it can get quite chilly, so pack some warm clothing. Spring, from March to May, is arguably the best time to visit Savannah. The weather is warm but not too hot, with temperatures ranging from 70°F (21°C) to 85°F (29°C). It's also the city's driest season, making it perfect for outdoor activities. Regardless of when you visit, remember to stay hydrated, especially during the summer months. Also, don't forget to pack sunscreen, as the sun can be quite strong year-round. Lastly, keep an eye on the weather forecast during hurricane season, which runs from June to November. While Savannah doesn't often experience direct hits, it's always good to be prepared.

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

20° / 4°

January is the coldest month in Savannah, with occasional frost. It's a quiet time to visit, with fewer tourists.

February

22° / 6°

February sees a slight increase in temperature, but it's still relatively cool. The city starts to get busier with the onset of the Spring festival season.

March

26° / 10°

March brings the arrival of spring, with warmer temperatures and blooming flowers. It's a great time to enjoy outdoor activities.

April

30° / 14°

April is a pleasant month with moderate temperatures, perfect for exploring the city. The Savannah Music Festival takes place this month.

May

34° / 18°

May marks the beginning of the hot season, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C. The city's parks and squares are lush and green.

June

38° / 22°

June is hot and humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. It's a good time to visit museums and indoor attractions.

July

40° / 24°

July is the hottest month, with high humidity levels. It's a great time to enjoy Savannah's beaches and water activities.

August

40° / 24°

August continues the trend of hot, humid weather. It's a good time to visit Tybee Island, just a short drive from Savannah.

September

38° / 22°

September sees a slight decrease in temperature, but it's still quite hot. The Savannah Jazz Festival takes place this month.

October

32° / 16°

October brings cooler temperatures and less humidity, making it a popular time to visit. The Savannah Film Festival is a highlight of this month.

November

26° / 10°

November is a pleasant month with moderate temperatures. It's a great time to explore the city's historic district.

December

22° / 6°

December is cool and quiet, with fewer tourists. It's a great time to enjoy the city's holiday decorations and events.

Did you know?

Did you know that Savannah, Georgia is the oldest city in the state, founded in 1733?

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