Hello!
The following list of recommendations was compiled during my second visit to Savannah, Georgia this past spring. If this is your first time in this charming city, prepare yourself to be enchanted by southern hospitality, heart warming cuisine and a slew of activities for all ages.
Savannah keeps reminding me of the beauty of travel and exploration because every visit will make you feel like you are meeting this city for the first time, so it literally never gets old.
Keep scrolling for your cheat sheet to one of the most instagrammable cities in the south!
Is Savannah for Me?
First things first and lets make something clear, Savannah is a destination made for practically any type of traveler. I visited twice with my entire family but this lovely destination has activities and sceneries for adults, families with young kids, solo travelers, foodies, photographers, couples, lovers, groups of friends, artists, and pet-friendly travel seekers. Pro Tip: Yes! Savannah restaurants and most cafes have water bowls outside their doors for four legged travelers .
Where to Stay?
There are several hotels and bed and breakfasts around town but the general recommendation is to find something as close as possible to downtown. This will make it easier to get around, especially in the summer.
B&Bs: If you are traveling with a big group, your best option is renting an Airbnb. We did this both times and were able to stay at historic houses that were walking distance from restaurants, cafes and bars. Plus, locals are so welcoming that this was the best way to experience southern hospitality at its finest.
Hotel Chains: If you are looking for a familiar brand and more standard amenities, The Kimpton Brice, ranked #1 hotel in Savannah by U.S Travel News is a fantastic option.
Family Travel: For a convenient location and a visit with family members of all ages who might be looking to experience a historic site during their stay, try the The River Street Inn.
Where to Eat and Drink?
Most of the tourist centric places are located on River Street, a cobble-stoned street that has some of the best views of the Savannah River. However, Savannah is known for housing a variety of amazing restaurant experiences that are praised by both locals and tourists.
Coffee Fix: Savannah Coffee Roasters is a must for a solid cup of coffee and a perfect stop if you want a grab-and-go breakfast sandwich before a tour of the city or before heading out to the airport. It is located on Liberty street, in the center of the city.
Foodie Fix: The Grey occupies a restored 1938 art deco Greyhound Bus Terminal and offers a food, wine and service experience that is simultaneously familiar and elevated. The menu is designed by Chef Mashama Bailey who was recently featured on Netflix's Chefs Table. Pro Tip: Since this is one of the most popular restaurants in the city, make a reservation in advance to secure your table.
Ice Cream Fix: Leopold's Ice Cream Shop is a classic for a traditional sundae.
Brunch Fix: There are a ton of options but I will list a couple that I know are musts: Old Pink House is Savannah's most popular restaurant featuring lowcountry cuisine in the sophisticated, yet casual setting of Savannah’s only 18th century mansion. There is also Fox & Fig, a plant based cafe that has a locally sourced menu with dishes like the Fox Burger, the Gunslinger Pancakes with organic cashew butter and Vermont maple syrup and a CBD infused strawberry chai latte.
Taco Fix: For a laid back, sunlit experience visit Bull Street Tacos, a Mexican restaurant with delicious tacos, drinks and a patio to enjoy the southern heat.
Rooftop Fix: One of the highlights of the day in Savannah is catching the pink sky sunsets. Secure a spot for this magic hour from a cool rooftop like The Grove, which serves light bites and drinks, perfect to end your afternoon.
What to Do?
This city hosts film festivals, there are activities led by students of Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD), it houses historic buildings and quaint squares where locals gather for afternoon activities, and so much more.
City Tour Fix: Check out the most important landmarks and squares with a traditional Hop On and Hop Off tour by Trolley Tours.
Ghost Tour Fix: Savannah is the capital of the most haunted houses in the country, so you will naturally find some of the best ghost tours. If you feel inclined to try your luck in possibly spotting roaming souls, there are a ton of different companies that can arrange a tour. Although I personally have not taken one, I found that Savannah Ghost City has great reviews.
Pedal Fix: For a fun afternoon activity, take a pedaling tour with Savannah Slow Ride. This is a great way to get to know the bar scene, see the city, and have a blast with a large group of people.
I hope these notes help guide your visit to Savannah and that they have given you a snapshot of some of the activities, places, restaurants and bars you can explore. Now that you have my notes, feel free to pass them along to other friends, refer them to my instagram daily insights.
Thanks for reading along!
xoxo
Nikol