Savannah is an easy place to fall in love with. I like to think I’ve seen my fair share of beautiful cities, but there is something about the charm of Savannah that lures me back again and again. For many, this city is one that inspires several return trips whether it is for a week or a weekend, but there is nothing quite like the first time you experience this place. Hopefully, I can offer you a list to use as you discover Savannah for yourself. If you’re not quite settled on your destination, I’m sure after reading this you’ll be well on your way to being swayed by this southern gem too! Here is your guide to a lovely weekend in Savannah.

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Some Things to Keep in Mind for Your Weekend in Savannah

Is a Weekend in Savannah Enough?

Yes and no. Yes, you can get a lovely feel for the city over the weekend. No, that will likely not satisfy your curiosity for the place. From my experience, a weekend in Savannah was precisely enough time to fall in love with it, but I’m okay with that. Savannah is one of those places that keeps hold of you, but it is that charm that makes me so adamant this is a place everyone should experience just once. 

Best Things to Do During Your Weekend in Savannah

If you’re like me, you still want to experience the best Savannah has to offer on the first go around. I like to aim for a balance of seeing as much as you can while still taking the time to enjoy them. I’m not one to plan the most traditionally relaxing vacations, but I understand the importance of not rushing through items on a list. That is a recipe for a regretful trip. 

• Stroll through Forsyth Park
• Explore some of Savannah’s 22 squares 
• Take in the view from River Street or take a riverboat cruise
• Tour a House Museum
• Get Immersed in the many stories of Savannah on a ghost tour 
• See what Savannah has to offer beyond the Historic District

Day 1: The Best of the Historic District

Go for a Morning Stroll Through Forsyth Park to Start Your Weekend in Savannah

Many visitors opt to start their trip with a morning stroll through Forsyth Park, and this gorgeous 30 acre park nestled in the historic district certainly provides a great start to your weekend in Savannah. Depending on the time of year, you might be able to check out the farmer’s market on Saturday morning. Regardless, the flowers, fountains, and statues that dot the 1.5 miles path through the park will have you feeling at ease. Snap a picture by the fountain, one of Savannah’s iconic spots, before heading towards the heart of the historic district.

Tour a Historic House Museum (or Two!)

You’ll soon reach the nearby Monterey Square where you’ll find the Mercer-Williams House Museum. You may have heard of this mansion from the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. This tour is full of history, antiques, and architecture that is definitely worth a look, but don’t expect mention of the book on the tour.  If you head straight on towards the river, you’ll come to Madison Square where see the Sorrel Weed House Museum. There are different tours available for this house including history architecture tours, ghost tours, and late-night paranormal investigation experience. The Sorrel Weed House is often noted as one of the most haunted places in Savannah, so if that is your cup of tea, I would definitely check it out. 

There are several house museums that offer tours in Savannah. Each of them have a unique history, and these tours are sure to intrigue fellow history buffs. On average, you’ll want to allot about an hour for each tour. I’ve personally toured the two houses above, but I’ve listed some additional options that are on my list of things to check out when I’m back in Savannah. 

Take in the Beauty of the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

From Madison Square, you’ll be very close to the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. The Cathedral is a prominent feature of Savannah’s skyline and is hard to miss. As you head towards Lafayette Square, admire the ornate double spires. We took the time to tour the inside on our first trip to Savannah, and it is certainly worth a stop. The landmark has quire the history and can be visited Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm. Keep in mind it is an active house of worship which means it is unavailable for tours during masses and religious events.  

Explore Broughton Street & City Market

Continue on towards Broughton Street which is home to many restaurants and boutiques. This is where you’ll find the famous Leopold’s Ice Cream. The lines can be long at times, but we always make time to stop by at least once while we’re in the city. You can follow Broughton Street to Barnard Street that will lead you to Ellis Square and City Market.

City Market is a bustling area with souvenir shops and more restaurants. It is a popular area to visit in Savannah, and as a result, it can be quite crowded. Still, it is worth checking out as you head to River Street. We’ve met our guides for a few tours here and usually take a stroll through the area at least once when we visit. 

Roam Along the River

River Street offers great restaurants and shops while you take in the view. If you’re interested, you can take a riverboat cruise, but even if you opt to spend your limited time on the banks, you’ll still enjoy watching them from the shore. This area has something to offer everyone whether you’re looking to do some shopping or just watch the sunset over the water. Often there is live music in the evenings to enjoy as well. We always make sure to stop by Savannah Bee Company, a personal favorite of ours, while we’re in the area. 

Day 2: More History & Beyond the City

Honestly, there is more than enough to keep you occupied in the historic district. So, your second day really depends on what you want most out of your weekend getaway. You really can’t go wrong with Savannah, so follow your heart. I’ve listed some of our favorite things to do beyond the historic district below, as well as, some things to do if you decide to stay within the historic district.

Stroll Through Colonial Park Cemetery

Colonial Park Cemetery is near Lafayette Square and the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. This graveyard covers 6 acres. The site was used for burials from the 1750s to the 1850s and is the oldest in the city. While the graveyard is often included on ghost tours, but those tours will likely not enter the cemetery itself. It is a great place to get an appreciation for the history of the city by taking a walk through a portion during your visit. Colonial Park Cemetery is open to pedestrians from 8am to 5pm (November – March) and 8am to 8pm (April – October).

Take a Ghost Tour

If you opted for the riverboat cruise yesterday, you likely wouldn’t have had time to enjoy a ghost tour. Savannah is famous for it’s haunted reputation, and there are many activities for skeptics and believers a like. We always have a great time on these tours and enjoy learning a bit more about the darker history of the city. In our opinion, it is a must for your first trip to Savannah. 

Best Half Day Trips From Savannah to Add to Your Weekend Itinerary

Beach Day On Tybee Island

If you’re hoping to include a bit more relaxation in your weekend, Tybee Island is about 30 minutes away from the historic district. The beach here is gorgeous and a perfect place to unwind. You can explore the Tybee Island Lighthouse, though make sure to check the website for closures. You’ll also pass by Fort Pulaski on your way back if you’re interested in visiting. 

Discover the Beauty of Bonaventure Cemetery

Bonaventure Cemetery is renowned as one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the country, and it is just a short 15 minute drive from the historic district. You’re free to explore on your own, though with over 100 acres, you may opt to take a guided tour for more information. The cemetery is open 8am to 5pm daily. 

Explore Wormsloe Historic Plantation

A short 15 minute drive from the historic district will lead you to the iconic tree tunnel that serves as the drive to the Historic Wormsloe Plantation on the Isle of Hope. The ruins of the tabby house, built in 1745, are the remains of the oldest standing structure in Savannah.  Access to the trails on the property and the museum are included in your admission fee to the estate. Visiting the Wormsloe Historic Plantation was a highlight of my first trip to Savannah. The site is open daily from 9am to 4:45pm.

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Additional Things To Do in Savannah’s Historic District

• Take a stroll down the picturesque Jones Street
• Visit Chippewa Square where Forrest Gump scenes were filmed
• Tour the Andrew Lowe House, the historic home of the Girl Scouts founder 
• More historic homes to tour:
  • Owen’s-Thomas House
  • Davenport House
  • Green-Meldrim House
  • Harper Fowlkes House

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Where to Eat in Savannah?

There are endless options for great food in Savannah. I’ve listed a few of our favorites below, as well as, some helpful information if you’re looking for gluten free options in the city. If you have less dietary restrictions, it might be worth checking out a food tour while you’re in town.

Gluten Free In Savannah – My Personal Favorites

Dinner & Drinks – Planter’s Tavern is a must visit for us every time we are in Savannah. Most people have heard of The Olde Pink House Restaurant that usually requires a reservation. Planter’s Tavern is located in the basement of the restaurant, and it is such a great atmosphere I’d be hard pressed to believe dining in the restaurant above would be a better experience. The tavern below shares a menu with The Olde Pink House and offers a candle-lit ambiance complete with live music.

Brunch – Goose Feathers Cafe has great options for breakfast and lunch. The menu features plenty of gluten free options, and they have measures in place to prevent cross contamination. When ordering a gluten free menu item they will ask to specify whether it is for an allergy or not. I was so impressed we ate there twice on our last visit.

Dinner – I haven’t had much luck with finding a safe sushi restaurant since going gluten free. Coco & Moss on Barnard Street was a great find on our last trip to Savannah. Several items on their menu are marked gluten free, and they provided gluten free soy sauce as well. I would certainly return again.

Treats – Savannah has some great options for macarons. I’ve tried for March de Macarons (reported dedicated gluten free) and Le Macarons. My experience was good at both, though I tend to prefer Le Macarons a bit more.

Other Restaurants To Try During Your Next Weekend in Savannah

I’ve listed some additional restaurants that have good reviews that are on our list for our next trip to Savannah.

• The Grey
• The Collins Quarter
• Alligator Soul Restaurant

Time to Pack Your Bags!

I hope this post has given you some ideas for your next trip to Savannah. Every time I go I discover something new to love about this city, but Savannah is a place you have to experience yourself to fully understand the appeal. There is definitely a reason it captures the hearts of those who visit and has certainly secured its spot as one of my favorite cities in the United States. Don’t take my word for it though! Pack your bags and enjoy an unforgettable weekend in Savannah!