Welcome to Savannah, Georgia, a city famous for its unique charm, unlike Charleston. This guide will show you the locals guide to Savannah GA. You will learn about the diverse art scenes, lively local breweries, and top-notch restaurants that make Savannah unique. The city is known for the Kimpton Brice Hotel, ideal for travelers seeking comfort and adventure. Savannah also has 22 beautiful parks called squares, perfect for walks among Southern greenery1.
Our Savannah insider tips will reveal hidden gems. If you love art, don’t miss the Friday Art March in the Tony Starland District. Here, nearly 20 galleries and boutiques light up. And if you enjoy food, The Green Truck Pub is a must-visit for gourmet eats. Your time in Savannah will indeed be memorable1. Moreover, the Savannah Stopover music festival offers excellent drinks and live music all year, adding to the city’s vibrant culture1. Use our insights for an unforgettable visit, whether it’s your first time or you’re coming back.
Key Takeaways
- Savannah is known for its charming and vibrant atmosphere.
- Explore 22 picturesque parks perfect for walking.
- Join local events like the Friday Art March for unique experiences.
- Enjoy local dishes at various popular restaurants.
- Discover Savannah’s cultural heritage through music festivals.
- Use this guide for essential Savannah travel tips and secrets.
Discover Savannah’s Unique Charm
Savannah’s unique charm comes from its historic buildings, beautiful green spaces, and lively arts scene. As you stroll through the city, you’ll find spots like Whitefield Square. It’s perfect for relaxing or having a picnic2. The city’s lovely squares and landmarks make exploring Savannah special. Savannah’s hidden gems are spread out in its charming neighborhoods. They invite visitors to dive into the culture and history of this amazing city.
If you love art, don’t miss the galleries with SCAD graduates’ work. They show Savannah’s love for creativity. The Starland District is great for food lovers and shoppers. It has a mix of art galleries, second-hand stores, and local eateries3. Places like Perc Coffee offer tasty locally brewed coffee. They also let you soak in the local atmosphere.
Join in on fun events like the Friday Art March. Here, local artists display their work and meet the community. Savannah is more than just a place to visit; it’s filled with Southern warmth and a rich cultural background. Don’t forget to visit the American Prohibition Museum. It offers a peek into the city’s fascinating history and interactive exhibits that everyone will enjoy4.
Exploring Savannah’s Historic District
Savannah’s Historic District is packed with history and beauty. It spans only 2.031 square miles, perfect for walking tours. With its grid layout, travelers can easily visit museums, churches, and monuments. These spots tell tales of Savannah’s beginnings in 1733 by Gen. James E. Oglethorpe56.
Must-See Historical Sites
The Cathedral of St. John The Baptist is a top site in the nation. It’s essential to see the squares with monuments and forts from pivotal wars. River Street is lively, especially during the St. Patrick’s Day festivities5. City Market, in the northwest, combines markets, shops, and art studios for a unique experience5.
Fun Walking Tours
Walking tours offer a fun way to learn about Savannah’s history. They range from easy strolls to guided explorations around significant locations. The American Prohibition Museum and the Old Town Trolley Tours give comprehensive insights6. Meanwhile, the Ghosts & Gravestones Tour provides a eerie adventure through haunted sites like the Andrew Low House.
Locals Guide to Savannah GA
Explore Savannah as a local with tips that show you the city’s best spots. Find charming coffee places and unique dining spots. Dive into savannah local favorites. The Grey is a must-visit for its amazing mix of history and taste. Franklin’s Coffee Shop is perfect for a casual brunch with a welcoming vibe.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Bonaventure Cemetery is a beautiful site with much history. It’s the resting place of famous people like Johnny Mercer and Conrad Aiken7. Explore it with a guided tour8. This lets you fully appreciate its beauty and history. Jones Street is considered the most beautiful street in town8. The Pin Point Heritage Museum shares the Gullah Geechee culture, crucial to Savannah’s history7.
Best Times to Visit
Visit Savannah during its lively festivals for the best experience. Spring brings many events that highlight the local culture. As you wander the historic district, you might walk 10,000 to 20,000 steps a day8. The city’s squares and ghost tours are inviting all year.
The time around St. Patrick’s Day is great to dive into Savannah’s culture and history. This period is lively, filled with traditions and local celebrations.
Savannah Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Planning your first trip to Savannah might feel overwhelming. It helps to know about transport and packing essentials. This beautiful city, established in 1733, has many transport options. These ensure you enjoy your visit to the fullest9.
Navigating Public Transportation
Savannah offers several public transport choices, great for seeing its history and neighborhoods. The Chatham Area Transit (CAT) bus system is widely used. It covers the city and the walkable Historic District, spanning just 2.031 mi²10. For a relaxed journey, try pedicabs or ride-shares. Enjoy the view on your way. Weekdays, especially from Tuesday to Thursday, are quieter. This makes it a good time to visit places9.
What to Pack for Your Trip
Packing for Savannah requires considering the weather and activities. Summers are hot, with high humidity. Wear light clothes and comfy shoes10. Spring attracts many with its blooming flowers, perfect for walking through the city10. Pack a light jacket for rainy days and cooler winter weather. Dinner reservations are a must at spots like The Old Pink House, especially in March when it’s busier9.
Top Things to Do in Savannah GA
Visitors to Savannah find a mix of charm and Southern hospitality. The city showcases stunning parks and historic sites. There’s something for everyone, no matter what you like.
Exciting Attractions and Activities
Forsyth Park is a must-see with its 30 acres of green space11. It is the largest park in Savannah’s Historic District12. The park hosts a farmers market on Saturdays and other events year-round.
Tybee Island is a great spot for beach lovers, just 20 minutes from downtown11. It’s known for the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Georgia12. Many come to enjoy its peaceful beaches.
Annual Events and Festivals
Savannah is known for its vibrant festivals and events. The Savannah Music Festival is a big deal here, featuring both local and national artists12. The St. Patrick’s Day celebration is especially lively, with a parade that draws thousands12.
The city also celebrates its arts scene with various festivals. The SCAD Museum of Art displays contemporary art that catches the eye of art lovers11.
| Attraction | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Forsyth Park | 30 acres of green space with various events and a farmers market. | Historic District |
| Tybee Island | Beach destination with the oldest lighthouse in Georgia. | 20 minutes from downtown |
| SCAD Museum of Art | Features rotating contemporary art exhibitions. | Near Savannah College of Art and Design |
| Savannah Music Festival | Annual event showcasing local and national musical talent. | Various venues |
| St. Patrick’s Day Celebration | Lively parade and festivities attracting thousands. | Historic District |
Savannah offers a rich mix of activities that ensure visitors will always have a memorable time. With so much to see, many want to come back again and again.
Food Scene: Eat Like a Local
Savannah’s food world is full of flavor and fun. You can enjoy tastes from historic spots to cool cafes. This city takes you on a food journey that everyone will love.
Popular Local Restaurants
The Grey is a unique place inside an old Greyhound bus station. It’s known for its amazing dishes and vibe13. The Olde Pink House gives you a real Southern feel and dates back to the 1770s13. Also, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room has been making delicious Southern meals since 1946. They welcome guests first-come, first-served13.
Culinary Hotspots to Explore
Exploring Savannah’s food spots, you’ll love Common Thread. They focus on fresh, seasonal food that tastes amazing14. Husk Savannah is famous for its burger, and Cotton & Rye has great American dishes14. If you’re into world cuisine, Shuk offers fantastic Mediterranean flavors13.
Starland Yard is a hit for food truck lovers. It’s perfect for families and locals14. They have everything from pizza to seafood. This spot is a must-visit in any Savannah guide.
Exploring Savannah’s Outdoor Spaces
When you explore Savannah like a local, outdoor spaces are a must-see. The Historic District has 22 beautiful squares, set in a unique grid. This layout is perfect for leisure strolls under moss-covered oaks78. Forsyth Park is famous for its lovely fountains and big spaces for picnics. It’s an ideal place for relaxation and meeting people.
Visitors can do lots of outdoor activities. There are ghost tours through stunning landscapes and peaceful walks along Factors Walk by the river8. People often walk 10,000 to 20,000 steps daily exploring these green areas8. Chippewa Square is famous in pop culture, being featured in “Forrest Gump.” It’s a mix of nature and movie history8.
Local events make the most of Savannah’s lovely weather. They offer outdoor concerts and markets in the squares. Whether you’re sunbathing in Forsyth Park or exploring Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah welcomes everyone. It’s a place to enjoy nature and explore like a local.
Shopping Local in Savannah
Shopping in Savannah is a unique experience. It’s full of boutique shops and antique stores. Here, you can find local crafts and unique items that show the city’s vibrant culture. If you want insider tips for a great shopping adventure in Savannah, this is for you.
Unique Boutiques and Antique Shops
Savannah has many fabulous boutiques and antique shops showcasing local talents. The Vintage Vortex, with a 4.7-star rating, offers eclectic vintage finds. Alex Raskin Antiques has a wonderful selection of rare collectibles. And Picker Joe’s, with over 35,000 antiques, is a treasure trove. Don’t miss out on these spots:
- Oglethorpe Chocolates with a 5.0-star rating
- Mystic Apothecary, also rated 5.0 stars
- Graveface Records, which pulls in a 4.9-star rating
- Starland Strange and Bazaar, with a notable 4.9-star rating
- Custard Boutique and its 4.8-star rating
Supporting Local Artisans
When you support local artisans, you’re helping Savannah’s culture thrive. The Savannah Bee Company offers free honey tastings. E. Shaver, Bookseller, has a cozy vibe with four resident cats. SCAD’s art store is perfect for art lovers with its student, alumni, and faculty creations. Urban Poppy has a unique flower bar for making custom bouquets. And River Street Sweets is famous for its taffy pulling.
Additional spots to visit include:
- The Paris Market, perfect for a wonderful shopping and café experience
- Asher & Rye for home goods and culinary items
- The Monogram Place for personalized gifts
Local shopping in Savannah lets you bring home special treasures. It supports the artisans behind Savannah’s lively community. By exploring the local shops, you get a deeper understanding of the area’s culture. Remember these tips for a fulfilling shopping experience.
- Explore City Market for various shopping opportunities
- Visit Rivers & Glen for top men’s apparel and activewear
- Discover unique items at Brick House Interiors
There are so many wonderful shops in Savannah. You can find items that tell a story and capture the city’s charm. On your shopping trips, remember to enjoy and discover all that this amazing city offers1516.
Nightlife and Entertainment in Savannah
Savannah’s nightlife is lively and offers many choices. You can visit bars, breweries, and places with live music. Here are the top spots you shouldn’t miss:
Local Bars and Breweries
Bars in Savannah stay open until 3 am, offering more time for fun. They are smoke-free, creating a comfortable atmosphere17. Some popular places are:
- Moon River Brewing Company: In the City Market, this spot has a dog-friendly garden and live music. It’s great for hanging out17.
- The Rail Pub: A historic tavern known for karaoke nights in the City Market area. It draws a crowd ready to sing17.
- 22 Square: Within the Andaz Savannah hotel, known for top-notch cocktails and a lively vibe. A perfect spot to start your evening17.
- Starland Yard: This place has a bar, patio, and rotates food trucks. It offers a unique experience in the Starland District17.
- Lone Wolf Lounge: Famous for its artisanal cocktails, providing a cozy atmosphere for relaxing and socializing17.
- Water Witch Tiki Bar: It has a retro tiki vibe, with tropical drinks and colorful decor17.
Live Music Venues
Live music is a big part of Savannah’s nightlife. Popular spots include:
- Club One Jefferson: A celebrated LGBTQ spot known for drag shows and a vibrant dance floor17.
- El Rocko Lounge: This venue focuses on indie, punk, and shoegaze rock. It’s known for its energetic feel17.
- McDonough’s: Famous for karaoke, it’s considered the top spot for karaoke in Savannah. A must-visit for music fans17.
If you’re planning a trip, remember these tips for a great evening. Savannah’s nightlife mixes local culture and fun, offering unforgettable nights.
For more about nightlife and fun spots, check this link.
Tips for Getting Around Savannah
Savannah has many ways to get around and enjoy its beauty. You can walk or bike since it’s a Bicycle-Friendly Community, according to the League of American Bicyclists18. For those who prefer buses, the Chatham Area Transit (CAT) has 16 routes. A bus ride costs $1.5018.
Finding parking in Savannah is easy. The city offers over 3,000 metered spaces, plus garages and lots18. You can also take the DOT shuttle. It makes 18 stops in the Historic District. It runs till 7 p.m. on weekdays and till 6:30 p.m. on holidays18.
For a beautiful view, try the Savannah Belles Ferry. It goes from downtown to Hutchinson Island every day18. If you want to explore further, renting a car is a good idea18.
It’s smart to plan your trip early. Weekends get busy, and tours like the Dead of Night Ghost Tour might be full19. Three days is the perfect amount of time to see Savannah’s sights, try the food, and have fun19.
Conclusion
As we conclude our guide to Savannah, GA, it’s clear this city is full of adventure. Highlights include the Mercer-Williams House and the 30-acre Forsyth Park20. The guide also praises Savannah’s excellent food scene, with favorites like The Grey and The Olde Pink House showcasing Southern cuisine.
Enjoying a brunch at The Collins Quarter or finding treasures in local shops is part of Savannah’s charm. Don’t miss the peace of Forsyth Park21, or the fun of a riverboat cruise. These tips will help you see Savannah through the eyes of a local and make unforgettable memories.
Every corner of Savannah tells a story, from the Bonaventure Cemetery to the delicious food on historic streets. Let Savannah’s spirit lead you. Discover all this vibrant city has to offer.
