The Perfect Savannah Weekend Getaway Itinerary
Two days in Savannah is enough to fall in love with the city. Here's a complete weekend itinerary covering the best of the Historic District, food, and hidden gems.
The Perfect Savannah Weekend Getaway Itinerary
Two days in Savannah is enough to fall in love with the city — but not enough to see everything. This weekend itinerary is designed to give you the best possible introduction to Savannah: the iconic landmarks, the best food, a ghost tour, and a few hidden gems that most visitors miss.
Before You Arrive: Where to Stay
The Historic District is the ideal base for a weekend in Savannah. You'll be within walking distance of the squares, Forsyth Park, River Street, and most of the city's best restaurants and attractions.
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Book your hotel before you book anything else — Savannah's best properties fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Friday Evening: Arrive and Settle In
Check in and freshen up. If you're arriving Friday evening, keep it simple. Drop your bags, take a short walk through the nearest square, and find a good dinner.
Dinner: Head to The Olde Pink House on Reynolds Square for a classic Savannah dining experience. The 1771 mansion is stunning, the food is excellent, and the atmosphere is romantic. Make a reservation in advance.
After dinner: Take a self-guided walk through the Historic District. The squares are beautiful at night, lit by gas lamps and free of the daytime crowds. Walk to Forsyth Park to see the fountain illuminated after dark.
Saturday: The Full Savannah Experience
Morning
Start with breakfast at Clary's Cafe on Abercorn Street — a Savannah institution featured in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Classic American breakfast, good coffee, unpretentious atmosphere.
Walk the squares. After breakfast, spend the morning exploring Savannah's famous squares. Start at Chippewa Square (the Forrest Gump bench square), then work your way south through Madison Square, Monterey Square, and Calhoun Square. Each one is different — take your time.
Visit the Mercer Williams House on Monterey Square. The guided tour is fascinating and covers both the architecture and the colorful history of the property.
Afternoon
Lunch at Zunzi's. The legendary South African-inspired takeout spot on York Street. The Conquistador sandwich is one of the best things you'll eat in Savannah. Expect a line — it's worth it.
Forsyth Park. After lunch, walk south to Forsyth Park. Spend an hour here — walk the perimeter, admire the fountain, and watch the locals go about their Saturday. If it's Saturday morning, the farmers market runs until 1 PM.
Bonaventure Cemetery. Take a rideshare (about 15 minutes) to Bonaventure Cemetery. Spend an hour wandering the grounds — the Victorian monuments, the ancient oaks, and the views over the Wilmington River are extraordinary. This is one of the most beautiful places in Savannah.
Evening
Dinner: Try The Grey for a special occasion dinner — James Beard Award-winning cuisine in a stunning 1938 bus terminal. Book weeks in advance. Alternatively, The Collins Quarter on Bull Street is excellent for a more casual but still memorable meal.
Ghost tour. Book an evening ghost tour through the Historic District. Most tours start around 8 or 9 PM and last 1-2 hours. This is one of the best ways to experience Savannah after dark and learn about the city's haunted history.
Sunday: River Street and Departure
Morning
Brunch at The Collins Quarter on Bull Street. The lavender latte and the brunch menu are worth the short wait.
Walk to River Street. Head north through the Historic District to River Street. Browse the shops, grab a praline from River Street Sweets, and watch the cargo ships on the Savannah River.
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. On your way back through the Historic District, stop at the Cathedral on Lafayette Square. The Gothic Revival architecture and stained glass windows are stunning — and it's free to visit.
Afternoon
Lunch on River Street before heading out. The Olde Harbour Inn's restaurant has a good waterfront view, or grab something casual from one of the River Street spots.
Depart. If you have time before leaving, consider a quick drive out to Tybee Island (30 minutes) for a look at the lighthouse and a walk on the beach.
Weekend Packing Tips
- Comfortable walking shoes — Savannah's cobblestones are beautiful but unforgiving
- Light layers — evenings can be cooler than you expect, especially in spring and fall
- Sunscreen — the Georgia sun is intense, even in cooler months
- A good camera — you'll want it at every turn
Getting the Most from Your Weekend
Walk everywhere. Savannah's Historic District is compact and best experienced on foot. A car is more hindrance than help for a weekend visit.
Make reservations. The best restaurants fill up. Book dinner reservations before you arrive.
Slow down. Savannah rewards a leisurely pace. Resist the urge to check off every attraction — spend more time in fewer places and you'll leave with a much richer experience.
Savannah is one of those cities that gets under your skin. Two days is enough to fall in love — but you'll leave already planning your return.
Plan Every Part of Your Weekend
These guides cover everything mentioned in this itinerary in full detail:
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Savannah Unveiled
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