Savannah
Five Days of Squares, Spanish Moss, and Coastal Sun
Slow Southern charm meets art, nature, and coastal adventure
Planning a trip to Savannah?
Discover Savannah’s oak-shaded squares, art museums, coastal nature, and beach time in a comfortable, well-paced five-day plan. This itinerary clusters each day by neighborhood, balances history with adventure, and builds in time for local food, photos, and live music.
Highlights
Wander Savannah’s iconic moss-draped squares and cobblestone streets for classic photo moments.[1][3][4]
Explore the Telfair Academy, Jepson Center, and Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters for an art-and-history deep dive.[2][7]
Stroll among sculpted headstones and live oaks at hauntingly beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery.[2][3][4]
Escape to Tybee Island for sand, surf, and a laid-back coastal vibe within an hour of downtown.[4][5]
Walk or bike under the famous mile-long avenue of massive oaks at Wormsloe Historic Site.[2][5]
Shop, dine, and photograph ships along lively River Street and the revamped Plant Riverside District.[1][3][4][10]
Good to Know
Stay Within Core Neighborhoods at Night
After dark, stick to the Historic District, Forsyth Park area, Starland, and Thomas Square, and use rideshares rather than walking through unfamiliar residential areas late.
Guard Against Car Break-ins
If you drive, never leave bags or visible items in your car in tourist areas; store anything valuable in the trunk before you park, not after.
Use the Free DOT Shuttle
The DOT shuttle loops through the Historic District and Forsyth Park, running every 10–15 minutes most days with clearly marked stops.
Plan for Heat and Humidity
From late spring through early fall, schedule heavier walking in the mornings and carry water; duck into museums or cafés in midafternoon.
Embrace the Slow Pace
Savannah service can feel leisurely and people often stop to chat; build a little buffer time around restaurant reservations and tours.
Tipping Norms
Tip 18–20% at restaurants and bars, and plan to tip guides on walking, trolley, or boat tours in cash when possible.
Open Container Etiquette
You can take cocktails to-go in plastic cups downtown, but stay respectful, avoid glass, and don’t bring drinks into cars or across bridges out of the zone.
Respect Gullah Geechee Culture
When you encounter Gullah-inspired food, art, or tours, remember this is a living culture; ask before photographing people and support Black- and Gullah-owned businesses when you can.
Your Weekend Itinerary
Collins Quarter (Forsyth)
Australian-style café right by Forsyth Park; try the brioche French toast or the Swine Time Beni with a flat white.
1h 15m · $18-30 per person
Forsyth Park
Stroll the 30-acre park, photograph the iconic white fountain, and enjoy the oak-lined paths as an introduction to Savannah’s greenery.[1][3][4]
1h · Free
Historic Squares Walk (Bull Street spine)
Walk north from Forsyth through Madison, Chippewa, and Johnson Squares toward the river, pausing to read plaques and take photos of live oaks and historic homes.[1][3][4][6]
1h 30m · FreeGoose Feathers an Express Cafe & Bakery
Casual café near City Market with sandwiches, quiche, and pastries ideal for a midday break.
1h · $15-22 per person
City Market
Browse four blocks of boutiques, galleries, and souvenir shops, and listen for buskers in the central courtyard.[3][4][6]
1h 30m · Free (shopping extra)
Historic Walking or Trolley Tour
Join a 90-minute guided walking or hop-on hop-off trolley tour to learn the city’s history and get oriented around key sights like the Cathedral, Colonial Park Cemetery, and River Street.[1][3][4][8]
1h 30m · $30-45
The Olde Pink House
Dine in an 18th-century mansion on upscale Lowcountry classics like shrimp and grits, crispy scored flounder, and she-crab soup in candlelit rooms.[3][4]
2h · $35-55 per personPlant Riverside District & River Street Evening Stroll
Walk the revamped Plant Riverside area and along River Street’s cobblestones for river views, public art, shops, and bars; grab a to-go drink if you like.[1][3][4][10]
1h 30m · Free (drinks extra)
Clary’s Cafe
Old-school diner-style spot on Abercorn for hearty Southern breakfasts like biscuits, corned beef hash, and omelets.
1h · $12-20 per person
Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters (Telfair Museums)
Tour this Regency-style mansion and its preserved slave quarters with a guide, exploring both architecture and the history of enslavement in Savannah; ticket also covers Telfair Academy and Jepson Center.[2][5][7]
1h 30m · $22
Telfair Academy & Jepson Center
Visit the historic Telfair Academy for 19th-century and classical works, then cross the square to the Jepson Center for contemporary art and rotating exhibits.[2][5][7]
2h · Included with Owens-Thomas ticket
The Grey Market
Casual counter-service spin-off of The Grey with sandwiches, blue-plate specials, and a retro diner feel on Whitaker Street.
45m · $15-25 per person
Free Explore: Broughton Street Shopping
Wander Broughton Street’s mix of boutiques, national brands, and cafés for relaxed shopping and a coffee break.[1][3][5]
1h 30m · Free (shopping extra)
The Grey
Dinner in a restored Greyhound bus terminal, serving elevated Southern dishes with strong Gullah Geechee and coastal influences; reservations recommended.
2h · $40-60 per personLive Music at City Market or a Nearby Venue
After dinner, wander back toward City Market or nearby bars where local musicians often play blues, jazz, or acoustic sets in casual venues.[3][4][6]
1h 30m · Free (drinks/cover extra)33 activities across 5 days
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