Home > GA > Savannah > Experiences & Adventures > How to Spend a Weekend in Savannah, GA

How to Spend a Weekend in Savannah, GA

Our top picks for where to stay, eat, shop and explore in this magical Southern city.

By Jessica Walker Boehm on November 29, 2017

River Street in Savannah
Courtesy of A. T. under a CC 2.0 license.

The picturesque city of Savannah, Ga., is the perfect place to spend a weekend, especially if you love delicious food, craft cocktails, boutique shopping and historic architecture. You’ll feel even more at home if you have an interest in all things spooky and supernatural – after all, Savannah is considered one of the most haunted cities in America.

Pack your bags, and meet us back here when you’re prepared to begin your adventure. We’ve created a guide to help you make the most of your time in this quintessential Southern city, and although it’s by no means an exhaustive list of things to do and see in Savannah, it practically ensures a fun-filled, exciting trip. Ready to get started?

Where to Stay

Savannah has several beautiful places to stay overnight, including many that are within easy walking distance of some of the city’s top attractions. For example, there’s Joan’s on Jones Street – a charming bed and breakfast located on what Southern Living calls the “most beautiful street in North America” – along with Forsyth Park Inn that’s right across the street from the popular park that shares its name, which is also the largest park in Savannah’s historic district.

If you’re looking for a larger hotel, consider Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront that includes a rooftop bar offering gorgeous views of the Savannah River, or Kimpton Brice Hotel that’s known for its top-notch customer service. Both conveniently located in the city’s bustling historic district, Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront and Kimpton Brice Hotel were voted two of the top hotels in the south by Condé Nast Traveler readers in 2017.

Where to Eat and Drink

You’d better bring your appetite to Savannah – you’re going to need it. For breakfast or lunch with a side of people watching, try the egg and cheese croissant at The Sentient Bean, located across the street from Forsyth Park. Another great breakfast and lunch spot is Cafe M, an authentic French bakery just steps above River Street that serves up handcrafted baguette sandwiches and an array of pastries and sweets.

Craving classic Southern food? Enjoy lunch at the famous Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, where you can load up your plate with fried chicken, black-eyed peas and okra gumbo, or have dinner at The Olde Pink House Restaurant & Tavern, which specializes in Lowcountry cuisine. Cotton & Rye is also a can’t-miss dinner destination, and don’t forget to save room for dessert; the restaurant’s homemade candy bars are unforgettably good.

After dinner, head to one of the city’s incredible bars for a craft cocktail or beer. AlleyCat Lounge – appropriately tucked in an alley off West Broughton Street – has a speakeasy vibe and an expansive menu that truly has something for everyone, while Abe’s on Lincoln offers a more casual experience with a ‘dive bar’ atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxing and getting to know the locals.

Where to Explore and Shop

Stroll through the Savannah Historic District (the largest National Historic Landmark District in the U.S.) and discover more than 20 city squares filled with museums, churches, mansions, monuments and more. While in the district, stop by E. Shaver Bookseller on Madison Square – it’s the oldest bookstore in the city and features seven rooms of new fiction and non-fiction books – and near Johnson Square, visit Paris Market & Brocante, which Southern Living named The South’s Best Shop of 2017. You’ll also want to check out the shops on River Street, one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations.

Savannah’s Starland District is another great place to shop, filled with unique retailers like Graveface Records & Curiosities and The Vicar’s Wife, home to vintage jewelry, one-of-a-kind collectibles and antique furniture.

Looking to get in touch with Savannah’s spooky side? Walk through Bonaventure Cemetery, covering over 100 acres and considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the U.S., or visit Colonial Park Cemetery in the historic district that has more than 9,000 graves.

Finally, be sure to check out Wormsloe State Historic Site. Located 15 minutes away from the historic district, Wormsloe is a former plantation that features a mile-long archway made of live oak trees with sweeping branches and Spanish moss, plus a museum and trails winding through the woods that cover nearly 2.5 miles.

Array ( )
Array ( )
Array ( )
Array ( )

Newsletter Sign Up

Keep up to date with our latest rankings and articles!
Enter your email to be added to our mailing list.