Discover Savannah, Georgia: Sights & Attractions

Welcome to Savannah, Georgia — a city draped in Spanish moss, steeped in history, and bursting with Southern charm. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the United States, Savannah beckons travelers with its 22 iconic historic squares, cobblestone streets, pastel-painted antebellum mansions, and a vibrant food and arts scene that punches well above its weight.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a repeat pilgrim to this magical port city, there's always something new to discover. This week we take you deep into the heart of Savannah — from the fastest ways to get there, to the sights, bites, and beds that make it unforgettable.

✈️ Getting to Savannah: The Fastest Routes by Every Mode of Transportation

By Air — Fastest Option

Flying is the quickest way to reach Savannah for most travelers. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is conveniently located just 15–20 minutes from the Historic District — making it one of the most accessible airports in the Southeast. Direct flights are available from major hubs including Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), New York (JFK/LGA), Chicago (ORD/MDW), Washington D.C. (DCA/IAD), Philadelphia (PHL), and Boston (BOS). Flight times range from as little as 1 hour from Atlanta to under 3 hours from New York. Airlines serving SAV include American, Delta, United, Southwest, and JetBlue. Once you land, a ride-share, rental car, or taxi will have you stepping onto the cobblestones of the Historic District in under 20 minutes.

By Car — The Scenic Road Trip

Savannah is wonderfully accessible by road, sitting at the intersection of I-95 and I-16. Road trippers will find it a natural stop on any Southeast coastal journey. Approximate driving times: Atlanta, GA — 4 hours; Charlotte, NC — 4.5 hours; Jacksonville, FL — 2 hours; Charleston, SC — 2 hours; Washington, D.C. — 9 hours; Chicago, IL — 14 hours. Once you arrive, downtown Savannah is extremely walkable, so you'll likely park your car and leave it for most of your stay. Many hotels offer parking (often for a fee), and there are several public garages and lots throughout the Historic District.

By Train — The Relaxed Traveler's Choice

Amtrak's Silver Meteor and Silver Star lines both serve Savannah's downtown station — a convenient location near the Historic District. From New York City, the journey takes approximately 14–15 hours, making it a great option for slow-travel enthusiasts who want to watch the entire Eastern Seaboard scroll by their window. From Washington, D.C., trains arrive in roughly 9 hours, and from Jacksonville, FL, the ride is about 3.5 hours. Amtrak arrives directly downtown, so you can walk or take a short ride-share right into the heart of the city.

By Bus — The Budget-Friendly Route

Greyhound and FlixBus both serve Savannah, making bus travel the most affordable option. Greyhound connects Savannah with Atlanta, Jacksonville, and other Southern cities. FlixBus offers routes along the I-95 corridor including connections from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and New York City. While travel times are longer than flying or driving, bus tickets often cost a fraction of the price — and the Savannah Greyhound station is walkable to the Historic District.

🏛️ Top Sights & Attractions in Savannah

Savannah is one of those rare cities where the streets themselves are the attraction. Plan to spend most of your time on foot — the city is designed for walking. Here are the must-see highlights:

• Forsyth Park — Savannah's crown jewel. This stunning 30-acre park is anchored by the city's most photographed landmark: a magnificent cast-iron white fountain dating to 1858. Stroll the shaded paths under towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss, catch a farmers' market on Saturday mornings, or simply people-watch on a sunny afternoon. Free, magical, and absolutely unmissable.

• The 22 Historic Squares — Savannah was laid out in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe on a visionary grid of small, park-like squares. Each one has its own personality, history, and unique landscaping. Chippewa Square is where Forrest Gump's famous bench scene was filmed. Johnson Square is the oldest and largest. Walk them all — it's like a living history museum that you stroll through.

• River Street — This nine-block cobblestone promenade along the Savannah River is packed with restaurants, galleries, candy shops, and bars. It's the social heartbeat of the city, especially vibrant on weekend evenings. Don't miss the view of massive cargo ships gliding by — a surreal sight in the middle of a historic city.

• Cathedral of St. John the Baptist — One of the most stunning pieces of architecture in the American South. This French Gothic masterpiece features soaring twin spires, breathtaking stained glass windows, and an ornate interior that has to be seen to be believed. Open to visitors daily and admission is free.

• Bonaventure Cemetery — Immortalized in John Berendt's bestselling book 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,' this Victorian cemetery sits on a bluff above the Wilmington River, its moss-draped oaks casting dramatic shadows over elaborate sculptures and historic graves. One of the most hauntingly beautiful cemeteries in the world.

• Tybee Island — Just 18 miles east of downtown Savannah sits Georgia's 'First City by the Sea.' Visit the 1867 Tybee Island Lighthouse, swim at the public beach, kayak through the marshes, or grab fresh seafood at a waterfront shack. A perfect coastal escape just a short drive from the city.

• Telfair Museums — Savannah's premier art institution encompasses three museum sites: the Telfair Academy (in a magnificent Regency mansion), the Jepson Center (contemporary design), and the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters (a powerful National Historic Landmark). One ticket grants entry to all three.

• Wormsloe Historic Site — A 7,800-acre state historic site featuring a jaw-dropping 1.5-mile avenue of ancient live oak trees draped in Spanish moss. The canopied approach is one of the most photographed natural vistas in Georgia, with preserved colonial tabby ruins at the end.

• Ghost Tours — Savannah is considered one of the most haunted cities in America. Evening ghost tours wind through dark squares and alleys sharing chilling tales of pirates, duels, yellow fever epidemics, and restless spirits. Multiple companies offer walking and trolley tours; most depart from City Market after dark.

🍽️ Highly Rated Restaurants in Savannah

Savannah's food scene is a love letter to the American South. Think shrimp and grits, fried chicken, Lowcountry boils, fresh-caught seafood, and pecan-laden desserts — all executed with serious culinary craft. Here are the restaurants that consistently earn top marks:

• The Grey — Savannah's most celebrated fine-dining destination, housed in a beautifully restored 1938 Greyhound bus terminal. James Beard Award-winning chef Mashama Bailey's menu is a sophisticated exploration of Port City Southern cuisine — think wood-roasted whole fish, housemade pasta with Georgia peanuts, and creative takes on Lowcountry classics. Reservations are essential and book weeks in advance. Pro tip: grab a seat at the front bar for walk-in access on busy nights.

• The Olde Pink House — A Savannah institution housed in a Colonial-era pink Georgian mansion (circa 1771). The menu features classic dishes like crispy scored flounder, pan-seared red snapper, and the legendary praline basket cake. Book months ahead during peak season, or try Planters Tavern in the basement for walk-in dining.

• Husk Savannah — Chef Sean Brock's legendary farm-to-table concept celebrating the agricultural heritage of the South. Set in a stunning historic home near Monterey Square, every ingredient is sourced from within the region. The menu changes seasonally — the deviled eggs and cornbread alone are worth the visit.

• Cotton & Rye — A beloved local favorite in the Starland District with classic American cooking and a serious Southern accent. The fried chicken, the housemade rye cornbread with rosemary and burnt honey, and the craft cocktails consistently wow guests. More relaxed than the top fine-dining spots but every bit as satisfying.

• Brochu's Family Tradition — Named one of the Best New Restaurants in the U.S. in 2023 by Esquire magazine, this spot from James Beard-nominated chef Andrew Brochu is a must-visit for fried chicken lovers. The chicken is brined then fried to a perfectly light, flaky crust. Warm, casual vibes with serious culinary ambition.

• Fleeting — A seasonal, locally-focused restaurant near the Plant Riverside District, known for outstanding seafood. The menu rotates based on what Georgia's waters and farms are producing, with wild Georgia shrimp as a recurring star. One of Savannah's freshest concepts with a devoted local following.

• Vic's on the River — Perched above River Street with panoramic views of the Savannah River, this upscale Southern restaurant serves elevated Lowcountry cuisine including shrimp and grits, oysters on the half shell, and expertly prepared steaks. Stunning at sunset and perfect for a special occasion.

• Crystal Beer Parlor — A historic Savannah landmark since 1933. The crab stew is legendary, the sweet potato fries are addictive, and the burger is the stuff of local lore. No reservations needed — walk-in only, laid-back, and beloved by locals for nearly a century.

• Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room — A Savannah culinary institution since 1943. This family-style Southern feast served at communal tables includes fried chicken, beef stew, black-eyed peas, collard greens, and cornbread. Cash-only, lunch-only, and worth every minute of the line that stretches down the block.

🏨 Highly Rated Hotels in Savannah

Savannah offers a remarkable range of accommodations, from grand Victorian mansions converted into boutique inns to sleek modern hotels with rooftop pools. Staying in or near the Historic District is strongly recommended for first-time visitors.

• Hotel Bardo — Conde Nast Traveler's top pick for Savannah. This stylish boutique hotel occupies the stunning 1888 Forsyth Mansion, looking out directly onto Forsyth Park. Refreshed and rebranded in 2024, it features a shimmering pool, carriage house event space, and rooms that blend historic grandeur with contemporary design.

• Perry Lane Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel — Savannah's premier full-service luxury hotel in the southern Historic District. Features a stunning rooftop bar and pool with sweeping city views, a curated art collection, a library lounge, and an excellent restaurant. Walking distance from Forsyth Park and dozens of historic squares.

• JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District — Built within a converted 1912 riverfront power plant, this jaw-dropping hotel anchors the buzzing Plant Riverside District. Museum-like common areas, multiple restaurants and bars, a full spa, and direct river views make it a destination unto itself.

• Kehoe House — Named a TripAdvisor 'Best of the Best 2025,' this iconic red-brick Victorian mansion on Columbia Square epitomizes old Savannah luxury. Fourteen-foot ceilings, antique furnishings, period fireplaces, and a daily gourmet breakfast create an experience that feels like stepping into a 19th-century time capsule with all the modern comforts.

• The Alida Hotel, Tribute Portfolio — A beautifully designed boutique hotel in a converted riverside warehouse, blending contemporary glass, mid-century accents, and exposed brickwork. Evening canapes in the lobby bar, a rooftop lounge, and complimentary Champagne at check-in make it excellent value for its prime downtown location.

• Hamilton-Turner Inn — A grand Second Empire Victorian mansion on Lafayette Square (circa 1873). The ornate ironwork balconies, Italian marble, and period-furnished rooms make this feel like a private estate. For travelers who want to truly inhabit the Savannah of another era, this B&B is the definitive choice.

• Andaz Savannah — A vibrant, art-forward Hyatt boutique hotel right in the City Market District. One block from the river, surrounded by shops and nightlife, with a modern aesthetic and complimentary welcome drinks at check-in. The go-to for stylish travelers who want an unbeatable central location.

🌟Tips & Fascinating Facts About Savannah

• You can drink outdoors! Savannah has an open container law that allows you to walk the streets with an alcoholic beverage in a plastic cup. Many bars will hand you a to-go cup. Glass containers are not permitted outside.

• Best time to visit is spring (March-May) or fall (September-November). Spring brings mild temperatures, blooming azaleas, and the world-famous St. Patrick's Day celebration. Summer is hot and humid. Fall offers cooler weather and fewer crowds.

• Savannah was founded in 1733, making it the oldest city in Georgia and one of the oldest planned cities in America. General James Oglethorpe's original grid-and-square layout is still perfectly intact after nearly 300 years — a genuine urban planning miracle.

• Savannah is home to SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design), which has profoundly shaped the city's arts and dining culture. SCAD has restored dozens of historic buildings, opened world-class museums, and brought a youthful, creative energy to the city.

• The Spanish moss draped over every oak tree is not actually a moss — it's a bromeliad related to the pineapple family that absorbs nutrients and moisture from the air. Completely harmless to the trees and one of the defining visual symbols of the American South.

• The book 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil' (1994) by John Berendt spent a record 216 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list. Fans will enjoy visiting the real locations: Mercer Williams House, Bonaventure Cemetery, and the squares that populate its vivid pages.

• Getting around is easy with the DOT (Downtown Transportation) circulator shuttle, which loops through the Historic District. Combined with Savannah's extremely walkable layout, you may not need a car at all once you've arrived.

• Savannah's St. Patrick's Day is the second largest in the United States (after New York City). The Forsyth Park fountain is dyed green, the entire city turns out in emerald, and the festival atmosphere lasts for an entire week. If visiting in mid-March, book your hotel in advance.

🗓️ Sample 3-Day Savannah Itinerary

• Day 1 - Walk the Squares & Hit the Waterfront: Start with breakfast at B. Matthews Eatery, stroll the historic squares from Chippewa to Johnson, visit the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, walk River Street in the afternoon, and dine at Vic's on the River for sunset views.

• Day 2 - History, Art & Fine Dining: Begin with the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters tour, then the Telfair Academy. Grab lunch at Crystal Beer Parlor. Afternoon at Wormsloe Historic Site or Bonaventure Cemetery. Evening dinner at The Olde Pink House or The Grey (reservations required).

• Day 3 - Beach & Neighborhood Exploration: Head to Tybee Island for the morning — visit the lighthouse and walk the beach. Return to Savannah for lunch at Brochu's Family Tradition. Explore City Market and Forsyth Park in the late afternoon. Cap the trip with a ghost tour after dark.

Final Thoughts

Savannah is a city that seduces slowly. The slower you move through it, the more it gives you. Sit on a bench in a mossy square and watch the world drift by. Linger over shrimp and grits at a centuries-old restaurant. Let a ghost tour guide lead you through lamplit alleyways thick with atmosphere and history. This is a city that rewards curiosity, patience, and a willingness to wander. Add it to your travel list!

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