While the South enjoys a certain reputation for being gracious and hospitable to guests, there is one place in particular that shines above the rest. Nicknamed “The Hostess City,” Savannah, Georgia offers the perfect getaway. Full of grace and charm, quirky characters, and tons of history, this place has it all.
Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks for your next visit to Savannah!
Lodging
There are so many great options for places to stay in Savannah. There are plenty of typical hotels, beautiful and historic inns, bed and breakfasts, and vacation home rentals. Whether you planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a girls’ weekend, you are all set!
Tips:
- If you can, try to stay within Savannah’s incredible historic district. Built around 22 gorgeous park-like squares, the district is super walkable and offers all the restaurants, nightlife, museums, and entertainment you could hope for. You may not even see your vehicle for the entirety of your stay.
- When staying in a hotel in the historic district, request a room on the highest floor possible. Besides removing as much street noise as possible, many hotels will offer views of the beautiful Savannah River. Kids and kids-at-heart enjoy watching all kinds of boats and ships traveling up and down the river.
- To avoid a pricey parking rate (which every hotel has), consider parking in one of the public parking garages. On our last visit, the public parking was literally just next to the hotel valet and we paid half the price!
- Connect with your hotel on social media before your stay. For example, I found our hotel on Facebook and made a point to write on their wall. I wrote something like, “Hi! My husband and I will be celebrating our anniversary with you next weekend and we were wondering what we should be sure to do while staying in Savannah!” They not only responded with great suggestions, but they noted in the reservation system that we were celebrating our anniversary. When we checked in, they had a free bottle of wine waiting for us.
Tours and Museums
Savannah is an absolute treasure trove of history, legends, and lore. There are several ways to experience it all and truly get to know this town. Between the art, history, and house museums and the kid-approved Georgia State Railroad Museum, there is something for everyone. Here are a few of my favorite tours!
Trolley Tour:
One of the easiest ways to see Savannah is on a Trolley Tour. Yes, you’ll walk around town with a brightly colored sticker on your shirt and people will immediately know you’re a tourist. But it’s okay here. Savannah loves her guests! Sometimes that sticker will get you a discount or two, as well!
Tips:
- Take advantage of the On-Off Option. Tour companies will often offer a pick-up service at several convenient locations. You’ll enjoy a very educational and entertaining 90-minute tour of the historic district. Most tour guides are knowledgeable and hilariously honest about recommendations. After the main tour, most companies can be used as a car service. They have at least a dozen designated stops around town and are just a phone call away. This is fantastic for those places you want to visit that are just a bit further than you have time to walk.
- Double up! Most tour companies offer a variety of package options. You can pair your trolley tour with tons of other choices: ghost tours, riverboat tours, historic homes, or museum tours. If you’re planning to do more than one, you’ll end up saving money by getting the package!
- Be sure to read reviews and start with the most recent. Price does not necessarily mean quality. During our last trip, the best-reviewed tour was also the least expensive option.
Riverboat Tour:
See Savannah from a new perspective! There are beautiful old-fashioned riverboats waiting to escort you on a sightseeing excursion. It’s a great opportunity to grab some photos of the beautiful historic River Street. Many cruises are offered, including dinner, lunch, gospel, and murder mystery!
Tips:
- Book online and save a few dollars with the online discount!
- If you’d like to see Savannah from the river but don’t want to spend the money on a riverboat cruise, try taking one of the Savannah Belles Ferries. They’re free! With a few landing sites, you can hop a ferry and cross the river to the convention center or the Westin Resort and Spa. Walk around, grab some photos, and hop the ferry back over to the action!
Ghost Tour:
One of the most popular things to do on a Savannah getaway is to join up with a Ghost Tour. No matter how you feel about the supernatural, these tours are always a favorite way to learn more about the local history, the legends, and the cultural stories. Known as one of the most spirited cities in the country (in more ways than one) there are tons of different tour companies offering to share Savannah’s secrets.
Tips:
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. Tours typically last about two hours and may traverse Savannah’s charming cobblestone streets.
- Read reviews. Not all tour companies are created equally. I’ve had excellent experiences and I’ve also found myself wanting to sneak away in the middle of the tour.
- Make reservations. Tours are best when in small groups and they can fill up quickly.
- Try to schedule your ghost tour for the first night of your trip. We inevitably come away with a list of places we want to visit again–restaurants, parks, or pubs. It’s great to have time to come back to your favorite spots!
- Bring your camera and ask questions. The tour guides are well-versed in Savannah’s fascinating history and beautiful architecture.
Dining
No matter how long you’re able to stay in Savannah, you won’t run out of amazing restaurants to try. The food scene in Savannah is excellent and always evolving. It’s impossible to choose a favorite!
Tips:
- It may go without saying, but just in case–make reservations! Especially on weekends or holidays. You do not want to miss out on all the delicious goodness.
- Hype does not equal quality. Just because there is a line of tourists around the block does not mean it is the best restaurant. The locals are happy to tell you what to skip and where to find the hidden gems.
Finally, here is my biggest tip of all: Pack your bag and go! Savannah is waiting to host you and show you a fantastic time.
Looking for other fun places to visit this summer? Be sure to check out these posts on Atlanta Mom.
