Savannah, Georgia is a charming town in the southeastern United States. It perfectly melds culture, delicious food, interesting people and history. The charm practically oozes off the Spanish moss-covered oak trees you’ll see around town!
I visited Savannah for the first time a few years ago and really fell in love. I’m sharing all my knowledge for the perfect 3 days in Savannah, Georgia, in an itinerary perfect for first timers.
While you could spend weeks exploring Savannah, it’s also a great destination for a long weekend. You can accomplish a lot in a short time!
I spent three days in Savannah on my first trip there, and this Savannah, Georgia, itinerary will focus on the must-dos for a shorter trip.
Once you hit the hot spots it’s easy to lengthen the itinerary as needed. This Savannah travel guide outlines an itinerary of must-dos for first timer’s in Savannah. Read on for the best hotels, restaurants and things to do in Savannah, Georgia!
All About Savannah
Savannah is a beautiful town located on Georgia’s coast. It’s about a two hour drive from Florida.
Savannah is known for its charm. It’s full of parks, beautiful old homes and a historic district lined with cobblestone streets. In fact, Savannah has the largest historic district in the country.
The town also has open container laws that allow alcoholic drinks in public within the district!
Savannah was first settled in 1733, making it one of the oldest cities in the US and the oldest city in Georgia. It’s also one of the first planned cities, meaning the neighborhoods in Savannah are arranged in grids with parks, or “squares,” in between them.
Savannah is an easy city to navigate and the grid design makes it a great destination for exploring on foot. The town looks like it’s straight out of a movie set with cobblestone street, historic architecture and colorful homes.
It makes sense that it looks like a movie set since Savannah is well known for its connection to literature and film. “Forrest Gump” and “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” are two of the most well known books set in Savannah.
Best Time for a Savannah Weekend Getaway
Savannah can work for a weekend getaway any time of year, but some months are better than others depending on what you are wanting to see and what kind of weather you enjoy.
In the summer, Savannah gets very hot and humid with afternoon storms. If you visit in the summer, bring lots of light colored and lightweight clothes as you will be sweating walking around. Along with average high temperatures in the 90s most of the summer, you’ll also find the city crowded on weekends with summer travelers coming through town.
Fall is still warm early in the season but cools off to much nicer temperatures with highs in the 70s later in the season. The fall months tend to have the least amount of rain in the forecast as well. With kids back in school, the crowds are not as heavy during the fall. Weekends will always see more people than weekdays, but fall is a good time to visit.
Winter is moderate in Savannah thanks to its southern coastal location. Highs still get into the low 60s on average with lows mostly in the 40s. Cold fronts can bring heavier rain for a day and then much colder temperatures, but winter is a good time to visit, especially near the holidays. While you will have more people during the holiday seasons, the city is beautifully decorated which makes it worth it.
Spring is another good time to visit if you come early in the season. Later in spring brings in the hot temperatures and more rain, so keep that in mind.
How to Get to Savannah, Georgia
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is the closest airport to Savannah at just 12 miles away. It does offer some direct flights mostly from within the Southeast, South, and Midwest.
Jacksonville and Charleston are not too far away and both offer airports as well. If you need a larger airport, you can look into Atlanta, Orlando, or Charlotte, but expect a longer drive from these airports.
Where to Stay for 3 Days in Savannah, Georgia
After you arrive in Savannah, check in to your hotel and drop off your bags so you will be free to explore and find a spot for dinner.
I recommend staying at The Brice, a boutique Kimpton Hotel located in the center of Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District. The Brice is a hip, stylish hotel with comfortable rooms and excellent customer service.
The Brice is also located around the corner from “Rainbow Row”, a collection of often photographed colorful row homes and a short walk to The Olde Pink House restaurant. As a side note, if you choose to take pictures here, respect the owners and stay off their private property.
You’re in a great area for walking, so spend time wandering around the landmark district admiring the houses and architecture. You’ll start to notice Savannah’s charm right away.
The cobblestone streets and serene neighborhood squares are beautiful. As mentioned Savannah is built in a grid, so it’s hard to get lost.
If The Brice is already fully booked, Perry Lane Hotel or the Mansion on Forsyth Park are other options to consider.
3 Days in Savannah, Georgia: Itinerary for First Timers
Day 1 in Savannah
If you are coming to Savannah for a weekend trip, chances are you will arrive in the evening. After checking in to your hotel, make your way to the nearby Olde Pink House for your first meal of classic southern cooking in this very popular spot.
The Olde Pink House is the perfect place to kick off your Savannah vacation, and the delicious food isn’t the only main draw. The Olde Pink House is a national landmark with a fascinating history.
The house was built in 1771 and has lived many lives. It’s been a private residence, Georgia’s first bank, an attorney’s office and a colonial tea room.
It’s a stunning building and has a beautiful ambiance… it’s also said to be incredibly haunted (more on Savannah’s spooky history later).
Reserve a table as early as you can to ensure you don’t miss this restaurant. You can also walk into the restaurant’s bar room, Arches Bar, if you’re looking for a cocktail and lighter fare.
After a delicious meal at The Olde Pink House, walk a few blocks to another Savannah institution, Leopold’s Ice Cream.
Everything here is made from scratch, and the ice cream has been the same for over a century. After your sweet nightcap, head back to The Brice to rest up for your first full day in Savannah.
Day 2 in Savannah – Your First Full Day
Belgian Waffles and Strolling Through the Best Park in Savannah
Grab your walking shoes because today you’re going to pound the pavement! You’re walking from the hotel to the famous Forsyth Park. The entire walk should take around 30 minutes.
On your walk to Forsyth, stop at Mirabelle Cafe for breakfast. This Belgian café serves delicious and authentic Belgian liege waffles and specialty coffee.
Forsyth Park is Savannah’s largest and oldest public park, spanning over 30-acres. The land for the park was donated in 1840, and it’s named after Georgia’s 33rd governor, John Forsyth.
One of the most iconic symbols of Savannah is located here – the Forsyth Park fountain. The large fountain was built in 1858, and it’s one of the most photographed spots in Savannah!
Forsyth Park is a great place to start your first full day in Savannah. It’s the perfect spot to ease into the slower southern pace and spend a morning strolling around.
Forsyth is home to many plants and trees, including a fragrant garden for the blind that’s housed in a World War 1 mock fort! There are plenty of spots to sit and take in your surroundings, and miles of pathways for walking or jogging.
The park is a hub for activity, including concerts, parades and other events. There’s also a farmers market on Saturdays. It’s a beautiful destination and a must-do for first timers in Savannah!
Historic Homes in Savannah, Antiques and a Savannah Food Tour
After you’re done exploring Forsyth Park, there are plenty of historical sights nearby to check out. You’re right by one of Savannah’s best antique shops, Alex Raskin Antiques, and also Monterey Square.
Monterey Square is one of Savannah’s famous neighborhood “parks” or squares. It’s the location of the Mercer Williams House, the former home of Jim Williams, which is open for tours.
You may recognize the name from “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” a book about one of the most infamous murders in Savannah’s history.
Williams was a famous Savannah antique dealer who was put on trial for the murder of Danny Hansford in 1981. Williams was tried and acquitted four times.
If you’re a fan of the book and looking to hear the story in the home, you’ll be disappointed. The home is now owned by Williams’ sister and tours of the house focus on his collection of antiques and curios rather than the murder story.
While you’re here, take a stroll down Jones Street, the prettiest street in Savannah. Stop by the Eliza Thompson House and enjoy the beautiful homes lining the street.
This is also where the famous Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is located, but I’ve got another suggestion for the appetite you’ve worked up. For first timers in Savannah, you can’t beat a Savannah food tour!
Lunch today is the Southern Fried Expectations Food Tour with Savannah Taste Experience. The starting location, Lady and Sons, is about a 15 minute walk from Mercer Williams House.
On this tour you’ll get a nice taste of the delicious southern comfort food that Savannah is known for. The tour lasts 2.5 hours, and you won’t leave hungry.
After a morning and afternoon filled with walking and eating, head back to your hotel for a rest and freshen up.
Dinner tonight is at Vic’s On The River, a Savannah hot spot located on the Savannah River. It’s an upscale restaurant with an expansive wine list (you’ll need a glass or two after all the walking!). Make sure to try their famous fried green tomatoes.
If you’re up for more after dinner, I recommend strolling the river walk area. You’ll find lots of tourist shops, bars and gift stores. If you’re looking to grab a drink Moon River Brewing Company, a local brewery near the river, is a great option.
Day 3 in Savannah – Your Last Full Day
After all the steps you clocked in yesterday, today is about relaxation. First pick up some wood-fired bagels from Big Bon Bodega, the best bagel shop in Savannah.
Next, take a drive (or an Uber) 20 minutes outside of Savannah to the beach. You’re heading to Tybee Island.
This barrier island has been a popular vacation spot for Savannah locals since the 1800s. Here you’ll find wide beaches and some seaside serenity.
On Tybee Island you can choose to lounge on the beach or participate in a water activity. There are plenty of spots to rent kayaks, stand up paddle boards or even take a dolphin watching cruise. Have lunch on the island at The Crab Shack, a local haunt for delicious seafood.
After your island escape, head back to Savannah where things are about to take a spooky turn. On your drive back, stop at Bonaventure Cemetery.
Bonaventure Cemetery is considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. It was founded in 1876 on the historically significant Bonaventure Plantation.
It’s located on a bluff overlooking the Wilmington River, and it’s become a tourist spot for its beautiful setting. The historical section is very Victorian with winding pathways and marble sculptures.
The spookiness continues in the evening on one of Savannah’s popular ghost tours. Savannah is known as America’s most haunted city after all, so you have to do a ghost tour!
Even if you aren’t a fan of the macabre, a Savannah ghost tour is a great way to learn more about the town’s history. Ghost City Tours offers a variety of different types of tours, including a haunted pub crawl!
After your ghost tour grab a bite at The Grey. It’s one of the most popular restaurants in Savannah, and it’s housed in an old Greyhound station! James Beard Award winning chef Mashama Bailey serves up inventive American food with a Southern twist.
And there you have it, an 3 day Savannah itinerary for your first time in Savannah, Georgia! I hope you fall in love with this charming town as much as I did!
If you have more time or want some alternative options, here are some other top things to do in Savannah:
Wormsloe Historic Site – Famous for the oak lined driveway that makes for beautiful pictures, the Wormsloe Historic Site is the ruins of Noble Jones’ estate. With ruins, gravesites, and 7 miles of nature trails, this is a good spot to spend a few hours if you have time.
First African Baptist Church – This church is on the National Registry of Historic Landmarks and Places. The church is the oldest continuous Black church in North America according to its website and offers history tours Tuesday through Saturday.
River Street – With lots of food and beverage options at the Plant Riverside District, you’ll also find plenty of history along River Street. You’ll find monuments such as the World War II Monument and African-American Monument as well as the Waving Girl Statue and Olympic Cauldron from the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
American Prohibition Museum – This is the only museum in the US that is fully dedicated to the history of Prohibition. Open daily, you’ll find displays and dioramas that take you back in time and teach you about this period of American history.
City Market – Find shopping, art galleries, restaurants and nightlife in this rejuvenated city market built on the remains of the Old City Market.
Owens – Thomas House & Slave Quarters – Take a tour of this historic home which has the only intact urban slave quarters that are open to the public in Savannah. This is one of the three Telfair Museums in Savannah to visit – Jepson Center and Telfair Academy are the other two.
Chippewa Square – Named after the Battle of Chippewa in the War of 1812, this square was made famous by Forrest Gump. While the bench was brought in as a prop, it is still worth a visit to this beautiful square that was the backdrop for the movie.
Quick Savannah Recommendations
Where to Stay in Savannah
Where to Eat in Savannah
Collins Quarter and Collins Quarter at Forsyth
What to Do in Savannah
If you’re interested in visiting other charming towns on the east coast, check out my guides to Woodstock, VT and Nantucket.
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