Explore Savannah Like a Pro 🍑

The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page.” — St. Augustine

I had the incredible opportunity to live in Savannah, Georgia for two years. Coming from Massachusetts, it felt like stepping into an entirely different world—but in the best way possible. The South truly has a vibe of its own; life moves at a noticeably slower pace, and you’re constantly surrounded by stunning historical buildings and that iconic coastal charm. During my two years as a local, I made it my mission to see it all, from the classic tourist traps to the hidden spots off the beaten path. I’m finally breaking down everything I did, saw, and experienced so you can plan your own escape. Ready to take some notes on the ultimate Savannah, Georgia travel guide? Let’s get into it!

Savannah Travel Guide

Here’s a sneak peek at the Savannah secrets I’m breaking down in this travel guide:

River Street Attractions: The “must-dos” and what’s actually worth it.
Food & Drinks: From world-famous pralines to rooftop cocktails.
History & Mystery: Beautiful museums and cemeteries.
The Haunted Stay: Experience Savannah’s supernatural side.
Beaches & Outdoors: Tybee Island vs other local gems

River Street

Let’s start with River Street. It’s the heart of the waterfront and honestly beautiful to walk around but listen to me: wear sturdy shoes. Coming from a New England girl who loves a good heel, take it from me—leave the flip-flops and heels in the hotel. Stick to sneakers or slides because these historic cobblestones will take you out if you aren’t careful! Aside from the uneven streets, there are these steep, narrow stone staircases leading down from the main road to the river. They are great for photos but a workout for your legs.

Walking down River Street is like stepping back in time. This iconic waterfront, where the colony of Georgia began in 1733, tells the story of a city built on the rise and fall of “King Cotton.” As you explore, you’re walking on ballast stones brought over on 18th-century trade ships—stones that originated everywhere from Spain to the British Isles and were discarded here to make room for cotton exports.

The grand, multi-story buildings towering above you were once bustling warehouses, and the iron walkways of Factor’s Walk—where brokers once set global cotton prices—still connect the bluff to the river level. Everywhere you look, there are tangible pieces of this past: the “Stone Stairs of Death” that remain a steep, treacherous rite of passage, the historic cotton warehouses repurposed into vibrant shops, and monuments like the Waving Girl statue that honor the waterfront’s storied maritime soul. You’ll even spot remnants of the old railway tracks embedded directly into the cobblestones, a lingering reminder of the busy trains that once hauled cargo along the riverfront to keep the city’s economy moving.

Once you’ve soaked in the history, the view from the water is just as incredible. You’ll often see the massive Savannah Riverboat cruising by, setting the perfect backdrop for a stroll. The street is lined with amazing local gems that are well worth your time. Some of my favorites are Christmas on the River for year-round holiday vibes, and Savannah Bee Company—you have to try their honey and their face moisturizer. If you’re a lip balm addict, they have every flavor imaginable.

If you brave the stairs back up to the main city, you’re within walking distance of so much history. The haunted Colonial Park Cemetery is only a 10-minute walk away, and if you’re up for a 20-minute stroll through the squares, you’ll hit the iconic fountain at Forsyth Park.

Eat, Drink, and Repeat.

You can’t talk about Savannah without mentioning the food. Kick off your morning at Two Cracked Eggs—it’s an absolute must. The breakfast is stellar, and their berry mimosas are not only delicious, but pack a serious punch to get your day started right! For a quick lunch Spanky’s (home of the original chicken finger!) is a must. Later on, make sure to grab a world-famous praline from River Street Sweets, and definitely hit up Wet Willies for their legendary adult slushies.. The best part? Savannah allows open containers in the Historic District, so you can grab a to-go drink and enjoy the walk!

If you want to feel like a true insider, head over to Peregrin, perched atop the Perry Lane Hotel. We may have walked in like we owned the place, but the secret is out: this stunning rooftop conservatory is open to everyone, not just hotel guests! It’s the ultimate spot to escape the street-level hustle and soak in panoramic views of Savannah’s historic skyline. With its lush, botanical vibe, handcrafted cocktails, and open-air seating, it’s easily one of the most elegant places to watch the sunset. Whether you’re grabbing a drink before dinner or settling in for a long evening under the stars, it’s the kind of place where you can’t help but feel a little fancy.

Museums & Culture

Savannah isn’t just a city you walk through; it’s a place you feel. Beyond the cobblestones and moss-draped oaks, the city is packed with incredible museums that peel back the layers of its fascinating, and sometimes complex, past. Here’s a look at some of the highlights that bring the local history and art scene to life.

Jepson Center and Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters

If you’re looking for the city’s premier art experience, Telfair Museums is the place to go. It holds the title of the oldest public art museum in the South, featuring a beautiful collection of American and European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Your ticket actually grants you access to three different sites (including the Jepson Center and the historic Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters), making it a massive value for an afternoon of exploring.

Admission: Adult tickets are $30, which includes admission to all three sites and is valid for seven days, so you don’t have to rush through everything at once. Discounts are available for seniors, military, and students.
Experience: The mix of contemporary art at the Jepson Center and the deeply historic, architectural focus at the Telfair Academy and the Owens-Thomas House gives you a perfect snapshot of Savannah’s artistic evolution.

American Prohibition Museum

The American Prohibition Museum is easily one of the most interactive and fun ways to learn about history in the city. Located right near the waterfront, this museum uses immersive displays, wax figures, and artifacts to tell the story of the Temperance movement and the era of illegal bootlegging. The best part? The hidden speakeasy at the end of the tour, where you can grab a period-accurate cocktail!

Admission: General admission is around $18–$20, but they offer various packages that include cocktail experiences or guided tours for a slightly higher price.
Pro Tip: If you’re visiting on a Sunday, keep in mind that state law prohibits them from serving alcohol in the speakeasy, though they still serve excellent mocktails!

My mom and I spent about two hours here, and it made for the perfect mother-daughter day! It’s a self-guided tour, which was great because we could take our time exploring the immersive exhibits at our own pace. There are so many cool, vintage-inspired spots throughout the museum that are just begging for a photo op 📸

Haunted Walking Tour

To really get a feel for the “Hostess City’s” supernatural side, you have to experience one of the local ghost tours. It’s the perfect way to spend an evening—I actually did this with my husband, and it was such a great time. The tour kicked off at the historic (and quite famously haunted) Moon River Brewing Company, which is now, unfortunately, permanently closed. From there, you’ll wind your way through the heart of the Savannah Historic District, strolling through beautiful, moss-draped spots like Johnson Square. This tour is still operating today; however, they may be starting at another brewery or bar.

The guides are incredibly knowledgeable, weaving together local folklore and history as you pass by the hauntingly beautiful Colonial Park Cemetery, the city’s oldest surviving formal burial ground. At just $20 per person, it’s a fantastic value—plus, there’s nothing like hearing chilling stories while standing right in front of the places where they supposedly happened! It’s the perfect mix of history and mystery, and walking through those historic squares at dusk makes the legends feel so much more real. 👻 If you’re interested, you can book here!

A Spooky Stay

If you want to truly immerse yourself in the haunted history of Savannah, you have to stay at the 17Hundred90 Inn. This isn’t just a hotel; it’s one of the oldest buildings in the city, consisting of three historic structures that date back to the early 1820s. Staying here is an atmospheric experience that feels like stepping back into the colonial era—complete with all the restless energy that comes with it.

We stayed in room 303 (in the 1st guest house), a beautiful, expansive suite on the top floor. It featured a charming vintage bathroom with a jacuzzi tub, a separate bedroom, a hallway, and a cozy living room with a fireplace that felt like our own private historic home.

If you enjoy a bit of the unknown, the inn is famous for its online room journals, where visitors document their own paranormal encounters. While we weren’t in the “most famous” haunted room, we definitely got more than we bargained for. Between catching orbs on camera, having the blankets pulled off in the middle of the night, and feeling unseen hands—we quickly realized this building has a life of its own. We even had a bizarre experience involving a missing candle that later reappeared in a completely different city, miles away from where we started.

Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, the vibe throughout the property is undeniable. Even the basement restaurant and tavern, with its low ceilings and exposed brick, has a heavy, spiritual energy that you can feel the moment you walk through the door.

The Experience: Cozy, historic, and undeniably spooky. You don’t need to book the “most haunted” room to have an encounter here—the entire property seems to hold onto its history.
The Food: The on-site restaurant and tavern are fantastic, offering a great atmosphere to grab dinner and drinks before you retreat to your room for the night.
Nightly Rates: Stays at the 17Hundred90 typically range from $160 to $250 per night, depending on the season and the room type.

If you’re looking for a place where you can sleep with one eye open and experience the real haunted happenings of Savannah, this is it. Just be prepared—you might end up taking home a story (or a mystery) you can’t quite explain!

Outdoor Activities

There are so many indoor activities throughout the Savannah, GA area (historic homes, museums, fantastic restaurants, etc.) it can be easy to forget that there’s so much more beauty outdoors! Are you a golfer? An avid beachgoer? Savannah has a vibe to match everyone!

Nearby Beaches

While Savannah isn’t technically on the beach, you’re never far from the coast. If you’re looking for a quick salty-air fix, Tybee Island is the go-to. It’s an easy drive, and I’ve had some great meals over at Huc-a-Poos while hanging out there.

Then you also have Jekyll Island – which is about two hours south of Tybee. Its most famous highlights include the weathered tree sculptures of Driftwood Beach (they filmed several scenes here from The Walking Dead!), wildlife rehabilitation at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, and over 24 miles of scenic, car-free bike trails. Keep in mind, there is a $10 entry fee!

But, if you’re a total beach snob like me and want that pristine, relaxing vibe, I highly recommend making the drive to Hilton Head Island, which is approximately 1 hour from Savannah. The extra time in the car is absolutely worth it for the cleaner beaches and overall atmosphere. Hilton Head boasts 12 miles of hard-packed, wide sandy beaches. It feels much less congested than Tybee, even during peak seasons! Public access points like Coligny Beach Park feature high-end amenities, including changing rooms, showers, shaded pavilions, and swinging benches.

Best Hiking Locations

If you prefer to stay on solid ground, Savannah has some incredible nature spots:

McQueen’s Island Trail: This is one of my favorite hikes. It’s a beautiful, level path where you get the best of both worlds: expansive salt marshes on one side and towering palm trees on the other. It’s the perfect way to soak in the Lowcountry scenery.
Whitemarsh Island Preserve: This is a fantastic hidden gem if you’re looking for a peaceful hike. It features miles of well-maintained, flat trails that wind through beautiful maritime forests and marshland. It’s popular with locals, dog-friendly, and perfect if you just want to escape into nature for an hour or two without leaving the area.
Wormsloe Historic Site: You’ve likely seen photos of this place—it’s famous for that iconic road lined with massive oak trees draped in Spanish moss. It’s a beautiful walk through history, featuring old building ruins and overlooks that offer incredible views across the marsh grass. Plus, it’s super dog-friendly!
Savannah Botanical Gardens: A lovely, peaceful escape if you just want to wander through beautiful blooms and quiet paths.

Camping Under the Stars

And for those who love to get off the grid, we’ve had some amazing experiences camping in Georgia:

General Coffee State Park: Located about 2 hours from Savannah, this is perfect if you want to be completely alone with nature. We usually hike about 20–25 minutes past the main areas to find the backcountry spot and just enjoy the quiet. The drive out there through the cotton fields and desolate, winding roads is a destination in itself. Also, there’s a small farm here with animals for the kids!
Ohoopee River Campground: This was another huge favorite of ours! It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from Savannah and features a beautiful river setting that is perfect for swimming. It’s super dog-friendly, and at around $30–$40 per night, it’s a fantastic, affordable way to enjoy the great outdoors.

Golf Like a Pro

And for the golfers out there, don’t miss Crosswinds Golf Club—it’s a great local spot to play, offering a solid 18-hole championship course and a fun par-3 executive course. It’s definitely a favorite for many in the area because it’s approachable but still offers a good challenge.

Pricing: Green fees typically fluctuate based on the time of day and the season, usually ranging from $40 to $75+. They often offer dynamic pricing, so it’s always a good idea to check their website or call ahead for the best rate on the day you plan to play.
Carts & Rentals: Golf cart fees are almost always included in your green fee. If you need clubs, they do have rental sets available at the pro shop for an additional fee—usually around $25 to $40 depending on the quality of the set.

Lastly, if you find yourself wanting a change of scenery and are up for a longer road trip (about 5–6 hours north), head to Helen, Georgia. It’s this surreal, charming Bavarian-style village tucked away in the mountains. It feels like you’ve been transported straight to Germany! I’m currently working on a separate post dedicated to my time in Helen, so stay tuned—I’ll make sure to link it here as soon as it’s live 🍻🥨

I hope you enjoyed reading my Savannah, Georgia travel guide! Until next time… stay safe and keep exploring!

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