Day Trip to Savannah Georgia! The Perfect 24hr Itinerary
From beautiful, well-preserved architecture to draping Spanish moss blowing in the breeze. It’s easy to see why people fall in love with this captivating city.
Declared as one of the “top 10 most beautiful places in the United States” by the New York Times, Savannah, Georgia, is an amazing city packed full of incredible things to see and do.
Whether this be your first trip to the city or you’re stopping by on a Southern USA road trip, a quick day trip to Savannah, Georgia, is always worth it.
With only a few hours in Savannah, you will want to make the most of your time. In this post, I share exactly how I recommend spending one day in Savannah, Georgia, which includes the city’s top highlights, along with some additional spots to check out.
Attempting to visit a city like Savannah in one day is very ambitious! But it can be done.
What to see and do in Savannah when you’re short on time! Plan your perfect day trip to Savannah, Georgia today.
Day trip to Savannah itinerary
Top things to do in Savannah, Georgia
1: Forsyth Park
2: Mercer-Williams House
3: Madison Square
4: Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
5: Chippewa Square
6: Owens-Thomas House
7: Waving Girl Statue
8: River Street
9: City Market
10: Riverboat Cruise / Historic District
11. Ghost Tour
Additional Savannah Itinerary Highlights
1: Wormsloe Historic Site
2: Tybee Island
3: Bonaventure Cemetery
Is Savannah worth a day trip?
So it comes down to this, is Savannah worth a day trip? and the answer is absolutely!
Personally, I would recommend planning a Savannah, Georgia, weekend getaway for three days. That way, you can explore additional highlights outside of the historic squares and enjoy more of Savannah’s history & charm.
That said, you will have no problem filling in your Savannah day trip. The key to making the most of your one day is to have a step-by-step itinerary that can maximize your time, allowing you to see more of Savannah’s top highlights.
Is it better to visit Savannah or Charleston?
If you happen to be making a road trip through the south and only time for one city, you may be weighing up the pros and cons of visiting either Savannah or Charleston.
Both cities have a ton of southern charm, rich history, and amazing food scenes, and choosing whether to visit Charleston or Savannah is no simple task. I like to see them as two sisters, both beautiful but different.
I found Savannah to be more relaxing and walkable, which is evident by its lush parks scattered around the city. It definitely has more of a small-town vibe to it.
Charleston gives off more of a city vibe. It’s a lot more fast-paced, especially in its downtown area. However, it is more relaxed near its beaches and surrounding islands.
So if you enjoy a busier ambiance, I would recommend Charleston. For a more relaxed and chilled-out feel, then I recommend Savannah.
Looking to visit both? I’ve outlined everything you don’t want to miss in my Charleston Savannah Itinerary.
Getting around Savannah
Savannah is a highly walkable city and great for strolling around. No matter where you stay in the city of Savannah, you will be within walking distance of many main attractions.
To cover more ground, you can always catch the free DOT Express Shuttle that runs directly through Savannah’s historic district. It has free wifi, stops at 20 main attractions, and runs seven days a week.
For a more detailed experience, you can always catch the Old Town Trolley Tours. It’s one of Savannah’s more popular sightseeing tours and offers great discounts throughout the year.
Looking to experience something new? Savannah offers a wide variety of tours. Find your perfect tour here.
Where to stay in Savannah
If you happen to be visiting Savannah for the first time, then I recommend staying in Savannah’s historic district. This includes its famous city squares and iconic streets like Broughton street and Bull street.
The idea of walking straight from your hotel to being minutes away from dinner or an attraction is half the fun. From budget picks to luxury rooms, check out below my top hotel stays in Savannah, Georgia.
The Drayton Hotel $$$
Situated in the heart of Savannah, The Drayton Hotel is a luxury hotel with great amenities. Guests can enjoy the intimate cocktail lounge and dine at the hotel’s seafood restaurant inspired by local southern cuisine.
The Drayton offers 50 luxury hotel rooms and suites and has spectacular downtown city views from its rooftop bar.
Planters Inn $$
Located on Reynolds Square, this hotel offers guests 24hr front desk service, a fitness and spa center, shuttle service, and bike rentals to explore the surrounding area.
The rooms have that old southern vintage charm to them and are quite spacious and airy.
Iris Garden Inn $
Great hotel for groups and families, the Iris Garden Inn offers free private parking and is within walking distance of Savannah’s iconic Forsyth Park.
Guests can enjoy the beautiful onsite amenities like the fitness center and swimming pool. The rooms are modern, with their own private bathroom and bath.
The Bluff Hotel Savannah $$
A trendy hotel located minutes from Savannah’s River Street and City Market. The Bluff Hotel is part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection and is a beautiful blend of modern with a historical southern appeal.
Savannah Historic District
When I think of historic Savannah, what immediately comes to my mind are old historic buildings, drooping moss in live oaks, old cobblestone streets, and fountains in every square. Savannah truly is a charming southern escape.
Ready to explore Savannah? Start your day trip to Savannah, Georgia, in Forsyth Park. Remember to take a photo at the iconic fountain before taking yourself on an architectural tour of the historic sites around the city.
End your one day in Savannah at River street for a Savannah riverboat cruise or wander back into the historic district for dinner at one of the many foodie hotspots.
On the night you arrive, check into your hotel and head straight to dinner. Savannah’s dining scene is pretty popular, be sure to make dinner reservations before you arrive.
Places like Husk, Olde Pink House, and The Grey are tourist staples when visiting for the first time.
Forsyth Park
A great place to kick off your one day in Savannah is Forsyth Park. This gorgeous park is the largest of the parks in the historic district of Savannah. It features the city’s most famous water fountain and is one of the most photographed places in all of Savannah.
Enjoy a morning stroll around the park and soak in its lush foliage and beautiful historic homes. Then make your way to the Collins Quarter at Forsyth for breakfast before heading to your next destination.
Please note that the Collins Quarter doesn’t take reservations, so when you first arrive at the park, be sure to put your name on the list.
The Mercer Williams House Museum
After a hearty breakfast, make your way down Bull street towards the Mercer Williams House located near Monterey Square. This 7,000-square-foot mansion takes up the entire block and was originally built & designed for Hugh Mercer, the great-grandfather of the songwriter Johnny Mercer.
It’s also the former home of Jim Williams, a local antique dealer who was accused of murdering Danny Hansford, a former employee, and lover of Williams.
This famous house is also the residence that inspired the 1994 best-selling novel “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” with Jim Williams written as the main character.
Being on a time crunch, chances are you won’t really have time to take on any tours. However, it’s still very cool to wander by and admire the architecture.
Madison Square
Continue your way down Bull Street until you arrive at Madison Square. This historic square was designed in 1837 and later built in 1839.
The national historic landmark in the center is of Sergent William Jasper, an Irish American soldier in the revolutionary war. The statue represents Savannah’s Irish heritage.
Madison Square is also home to many trendy restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries, and gift stores.
It’s also the location of the Sorrel Weed House, an antebellum home initially built for the rich & wealthy, and the Green Meldrim House, an 1850s gothic revival home originally owned by Charles Green.
Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
From The Sorrel Weed House, make your way toward Lafayette Square, walking along E Harris street. Lafayette Square is home to the beautiful Cathedral of St. John, a gothic revival Catholic church, the largest and most iconic in all of Savannah.
It’s totally worth taking a peek inside the church. The detailed architecture and ornate glasswork in the windows are absolutely incredible.
If you’re in need of a coffee break, directly in front of the church is Mirabelle, a cute cafe & coffee shop that makes delicious Belgium waffles. Grab a coffee and take a break from the heat before heading to your next spot on your Savannah itinerary.
Chippewa Square
Head north towards Abercorn street, making your way toward the Colonial Park Cemetery. Located in the heart of Savannah is Georgia’s oldest intact cemetery containing more than 9,000 graves.
If you’re a big history buff, you may know that the Park Cemetery contains some notable burials, including Button Gwinnett, one of the signers of the declaration of independence. From here, head down Hull street towards the famous Chippewa Square.
Chippewa Square is the second most well-known square in all of Savannah, and it’s easy to see why. The square’s beautiful oak trees and lush surrounding gardens make it the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors.
Its most prominent feature is its statue of General James Oglethorpe, the founder of the Georgia colony.
Major movie fans may also recognize this setting from the award-winning movie Forrest Gump. This is where Forrest sat on the park bench, waiting for the bus.
Unfortunately, the bench from the movie doesn’t actually exist and was only used as a prop. However, it’s still worth checking out. The square is absolutely beautiful and worth snapping a few photos of.
When you’re ready for a break, enjoy lunch down Bull street. Here you will find many incredible restaurants. We stopped in at the Six Pence Pub, a cute British-style brewhouse.
They had a tasty sausage and mash dish, which didn’t disappoint.
Owens Thomas House and Salve Quarters
The next stop on your day trip to Savannah Georgia is the Owens Thomas House. Make your way towards the riverfront strolling past the Owen’s Thomas House. This beautiful home & museum is operated by the Telfair Museums and offers daily guided tours.
A guided tour of the house is roughly 45-60mins and is worth checking out if you’re doing okay on time.
The house was originally designed by British architect William Jay. The property boasts a curated mansion, a parterre garden, and a carriage house which includes the original slave quarters.
On your way to the Riverfront, stop by Leopold’s Ice Cream for a cool pitstop. Leoplod’s is another popular spot amongst tourists. It’s famous for its delicious ice cream flavors.
Fun Fact! Johnny Mercer actually worked at Leoppold’s when he was just ten years old, sweeping the shop floors.
The Waving Girl Statue
Located on the East side of the Savannah River is the iconic Waving Girl Statue. The statue commemorates Florence Martus, aka “the waving girl,” who took it upon herself to be the hostess in the hostess city of the south.
Florence would welcome incoming ships by waving her handkerchief around as they entered the harbor. Townsfolk and sailors from around the world would recognize Florance as “the waving girl.”
It was estimated that Florence had waved to over 50,000 ships without missing a single one.
River Street
For your second last stop of the day, head to Savannah’s Riverfront.
From gorgeous sunsets over the Savannah River to the sweet smell of candies at River Street Sweets. Savannh’s historic River street is full of life and is a definite must-see on your day trip to Savannah, Georgia.
Here you can find an abundance of galleries, shops, and restaurants. Dont miss places like Wet Willies, a popular cocktail bar known for its frozen drinks, and The Shrimp Factory, the best restaurant for fresh seafood specialties.
Savannah City Market
Close to the Riverfront and right beside Ellis Square, you will find Savannah’s, City Market. Spanning a total of four blocks, this open-air market is one of the best places to explore, shop, and grab some good food.
I recommend checking out The American Prohibition Museum. Learn about the history and Savannah’s role during the prohibition period, plus it’s the best way to escape the heat on a hot day.
Sunset Riverboat Cruise / Historic District for Dinner
End your day trip to Savannah, Georgia, with either a sunset Riverboat Cruise or dinner in the Historic District.
Aboard an unforgettable Riverboat tour through Savannah’s historic harbor. Enjoy scenic sunset views as you look out for local landmarks like the Talmadge Memorial Bridge.
Not a fan of boats? head back into the city to wine and dine at any of the incredible restaurants nearby.
When it comes to restaurants in Savannah, you will be stumped by the number of options available. To help narrow it down, here are a few of my top contenders to try.
– Paula Deen’s Lady & Sons Restaurant
– Common Thread
– Husk
– Six Pence Pub
– Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
– Old Pink House
– Cotton & Rye
– Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant
Dinner Planning Tip! You will definitely need to make reservations for a few of these places. My best advice is to make your reservations well in advance. I also recommend dining at off-peak times for a better chance of getting a table.
Evening Ghost Tour
Finally, end your Savannah adventure with a spooky ghost tour. Did you know that Savannah is America’s most haunted city?
A great way to experience Savannah’s dark side is by going on a walking tour of the city and exploring the haunted streets and buildings. Explore the alternative side to Savannah and experience an evening full of thrills and chills.
More Savannah Highlights
From old historic plantations to white sandy beaches. For adventures beyond downtown Savannah check out these exciting highlights below.
Bonaventure Cemetery
Originally known as Evergreen Cemetery, Bonaventure Cemetery is one of Savannah’s well-known attractions. It became famous when it was featured in the film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, directed by Clint Eastwood.
Constructed in 1846, Bonaventure is one of the most picturesque cemeteries in the south covering over 103 acres. Bonaventure is open to the public every day from 8 am to 5 pm and is free to enter.
Wormsloe Plantation
A spectacular avenue lined by live oak trees and Spanish moss leads to one of Savannah’s oldest plantation ruins. Wormsloe Historic Site is an onsite museum displaying antique artifacts, interactive colonial life areas, and nature trails.
The famous arched entrance to Wormsloe is located just off Skidaway Road and requires a $10 entry fee. Be sure to bring your camera! Wormsloe’s tree-lined avenue is one of Savannah’s most photographed spots in the entire city.
Tybee Island
Located only 18 miles from Savannah, Tybee Island is a small barrier island with a 5-mile stretch of beach, the perfect vacation spot for beachgoers.
The Best things to do on the island include paddleboarding, surfing, fishing, and local shopping.
Dont miss touring the Tybee Island Lighthouse, one of the island’s top attractions. Constructed in 1736, the lighthouse was built to guide sailors and mariners to the entrance of the Savannah River.
Best time to visit Savannah
Like many of the southern states in the USA, the best time to visit Savannah is during the shoulder seasons. Spring to early summer and again from September to October.
During off-peak times you can expect excellent weather, cheaper rates, and fewer crowds. If you happen to visit during the summer, be forewarned, the weather can become pretty fierce.
Between July and August, Savannah’s rising temps are in full swing. Expect incredibly hot and humid days. July is typically in the low 90s (30-32°C.) However, temperatures have been known to get as high as 100F (38°C.)
Hot tips for your Savannah day trip!
As previously mentioned, Savannah is a very walkable city. In fact, it was America’s first planned city mapped out with a series of girds allowing for open streets and beautiful lush public squares. So be sure to pack your comfy walking shoes.
For first-timers, I recommend staying close to the city center. Its prime location will lead to many of Savannah’s top attractions, including national landmarks, restaurants, shops, and more.
Take advantage of the free DOT Shuttle Bus! Even with your comfiest shoes, you can cover a lot more ground by jumping on the shuttle bus. The shuttle does stop at multiple popular tourist areas around the historic district.
To find any DOT Shuttle Bus, wait for the purple or green buses. They usually come by every 10 minutes or so.
And lastly, enjoy the “slow-vannah” style pace. Savannah is a super relaxing city, go with the flow and enjoy the laid-back small-town feel.
Final Notes
Savannah has an incredible amount of fun things to see and do. You couldn’t possibly see it all in one day. Yet, planning the ultimate day trip to Savannah, Georgia, and making sure you hit all of the city’s top highlights is certainly achievable.
I absolutely love Savannah. It’s definitely one of my favorite cities to visit in the south. I can’t wait to come back in the future, even if it’s only for one day.
If you only had one day here, what would be the top highlights you would want to see? Leave them in the comments below. I would love to know.
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You will not pay more when you buy through these links. All opinions are my own, and I would never recommend anything I don’t personally love.
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