3 Self-Guided Walking Tours of Savannah
The best way to explore the streets of Savannah is by foot. Use these 3 self-guided walking tours of Savannah to create your own adventures around the city based on what you're looking for! Use these guides to find places to eat, where to take photos, and where to see the historical sites of Savannah.
3 Self-Guided Walking Tours of Savannah
I'm a city girl through and through. That means I innately hate driving, the inconvenience of having to go somewhere where I can't just walk, and the general idea of something that I need not being accessible to get to. Because of these things, I'm always very picky with where I want to travel. Cities that prove themselves to be extremely accessible and easy to get around automatically get bonus points in my book.
Luckily, Savannah is one of the most convenient and easiest cities to navigate that I've ever been to. Here's why... Have you ever been to New York? It's a grid. Guess what's also a grid? Savannah. Yes! Sign me up!
If you're heading to Savannah, the best way to explore it will be on foot. It will give you the chance to go as slow or as fast as you'd like and see as little or as much as you want during your stay. If you don't mind spending a little money, you can definitely sign up for a guided tour with a professional (best for people who want to learn the history and just follow along with a group); OR you can just take the adventurous route and explore on your own (my preferred method)! Below are 3 examples of walking routes that you can take around Savannah depending on what you're looking for.
Good to Know Information Before Heading to Savannah
Check out our full Savannah City Guide so you can get better acquainted with where to eat, sleep, and play on any budget!
Wear comfortable shoes when you're exploring Savannah because you could easily spend an entire day outside walking around.
Come with an empty stomach because the food in Savannah is to die for! I'd recommend having a full day out where you can eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner all during your walking tour. You won't have any problems finding great restaurants with the routes provided in this post.
The walking tours below are just suggested routes to start with, but I also recommend exploring on side streets and charming roads that look appealing to you! Savannah is so easy to get around so it's definitely easy to just zig zag around from street to street (that's pretty much what I did during my stay).
1. Savannah Squares Walking Tour
Takes you around each of the squares of Savannah with the route ending at Forsyth Park
Before visiting Savannah, a friend was telling me I absolutely had to check out all of the "squares" around the downtown area. I have to admit... I was a little bit confused until I actually got to see them and appreciate them for myself.
Savannah currently has 22 historic squares that you can see and enjoy when you visit. Each square has its own name and look, with most of them having a unique statue, sculpture, or structure as the focal point in the center. They are all lovely in their own right (and I recommend seeing all of them), but my personal favorites are Chippewa (made famous by Forrest Gump), Lafayette, Greene, Madison, and Johnson.
2. Savannah Shopping Walking Tour
Takes you through a good shopping route to explore Savannah's local boutiques and shops
There are so many incredible places to shop around Savannah that are unique to the city. This route takes you through the City Market, Broughton Street, and down Bull Street with the occasional zigzag here and there.
Make sure to stop by The Paris Market, Savannah Bee Company, Chocolat by Adam Turoni, E. Shaver Booksellers (as well as their adjacent tea shop), One Fish Two Fish, Shop SCAD (where you can shop local SCAD student's artwork), as well as tons of shops along Bull Street and Whitaker Street. There are seriously so many amazing shops and boutiques that you can make an entire afternoon of just stopping in different places.
3. Forsyth Park and Historic Streets Walking Route
Takes you through Forsyth Park and parts of the Historic District of Downtown Savannah
A visit to Savannah is just not complete without a visit to Forsyth Park. The park, which is especially gorgeous at sunrise and sunset, is known for the iconic fountain shot that you'll see off the entrance of Bull and Gaston. You can walk through the park, sit down for a picnic, visit the rose gardens, play some tennis, or attend concerts and other events that happen from time to time around the park area.
After spending some time in the park, stick around the area to roam the downtown Historic District so you can marvel at all of the gorgeous homes and mansions. All of the tree lined streets with Spanish Moss on them are simply breathtaking. This route will take you around some of my favorite areas, but you should also follow your adventurous instincts and explore the streets that excite you!
What are some other walking routes or areas you would recommend in Savannah? Comment below with some more must-see places!
If you're exploring Savannah, try out these walking tours and let me know what you think!
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A Weekend Guide to Tybee Island
Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Savannah's historic downtown area is the charming beach town of Tybee Island. It's a fantastic place where you can ride your bike through the streets with your hair blowing in the wind, see all the colorful cottages around town, hit the beach for some surfing, and then unwind with a drink in hand along the pier. Tybee Island is the perfect extension to your Savannah vacation--so use this travel guide to find where to eat, sleep, and play while you're there!
A Weekend Guide to Tybee Island
Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Savannah's historic downtown area is the charming little beach town of Tybee Island. Often referred to as "Savannah's Beach," Tybee is a great, natural escape from the urban lifestyle that is only about 15-20 minutes away. It's a fantastic place where you can ride your bike through the streets while ogling at the colorful cottages; hit the beach for some surfing, picnicking, or relaxing; and finally, unwind at the end of the day by watching the sunset over the ocean. It's the perfect beach getaway *and* extension to your trip in Savannah!
It's time to clock into "Tybee Time," as the locals call it. Let your hair down, grab your flip flops, and get ready to relax because we're taking a break from the skyscrapers of the city to enjoy the vibes of the island. Use this weekend guide to Tybee Island to see where you can eat, sleep, and play on any budget during your visit.
Don't be fooled by the size of Tybee Island because the flavors this beachy town certainly pack a punch. There are plenty of great places to eat and enjoy the island when you're staying in Tybee. The best part is that you don't have to break the bank eating in town because there are tons of affordable places in the area.
*One tip of advice if you're eating somewhere near the water, especially in the evening: DO. NOT. FORGET. BUG SPRAY. I made the horrible mistake of doing this when I stayed and woke up the next day paying the price. Don't be silly like me!
Ok...now to the food...
The Breakfast Club, $$, 1500 Butler Ave -- Good local spot to grab breakfast in the morning or a juicy burger
A-J's Dockside, $$, 1315 Chatham Ave -- I love this place for so many reasons. First, there is an awesome dock in the back of the restaurant to catch the gorgeous sunset, which I highly recommend. Make sure to get there early enough if you want to see it because it gets crowded. The food was also a great surprise because what seemed like a "typical bar food" menu was actually full of delicious southern flavor in all the dishes I tried. Definitely a great place to check out!
Sundae Cafe, $$$, 304 1st St -- An unpretentious cafe with a wide variety of really great dishes on the menu. Plenty of seafood, meat, and other hearty meals.
Fish Camp, $$$, 106 S Campbell Ave -- If you're craving fresh seafood alongside a romantic, upscale dining experience, this is your place. The restaurant is in a charming, renovated cottage complete with modern decor and a lovely back patio area.
The Social Club, $$, 1311 Butler Ave -- This spot is notorious for their shrimp and grits, Bloody Marys, and brunch menu. If you're in the mood for a lively brunch with some local music, head there for their Bluegrass Brunch every Sunday from 12-3pm!
Sweetie Pies, $, 1209 Hwy 80 -- Located right next to the adorable, local shop, Seaside Sisters (worth stepping inside for a look at everything they have!), is the little vintage trailer of Sweetie Pies. Stop by for some tasty gelato and other sweet treats on a hot summer day.
The Crab Shack, $$, 40 Estill Hammock Rd -- Seafood lovers rejoice at this place. This restaurant is known for its seafood boils (meaning they don't just deep fry everything like you would imagine for a casual seafood place) and large platters, making it a good place for larger groups.
CoCo's Sunset Grille, $$, 1A Old Us Hwy 80 -- Another great, casual spot to enjoy the Tybee sunset over drinks and food
80 East Gastropub, $$, 725B 1st St -- Like any terrific gastropub, this place serves up quality drinks, a lively atmosphere, and delicious food. It's right next to a gas station, which makes it quite [pleasantly] surprising when you step inside to experience this place.
Huc-a-Poos, $, 1213 US Hwy 80 -- If you're looking for a low key spot to grab some pizza, head to this cool, dive-y spot
The Vacation Rental
Mermaid Cottages, $-$$$, Various Locations
While you'd normally think to stay at a hotel or resort when you travel to an island or beach destination, my recommendation when coming to Tybee Island is to opt for a vacation home rental. What better way to experience the area than living like a local in an adorable beach house or cottage?!
My personal favorite rental group is Mermaid Cottages--partially because I really love mermaids and partially because of how great their properties are. Just take a look at this one that is *literally* beach house goals in every way.
The cottage I stayed in (Doyle's on the Dunes) was pretty much a stone's throw away from the oceanfront and came with all the comfortable amenities of home. You can have your own privacy, a full kitchen/living room/dining room to utilize, multiple bedrooms, and even a deck to hang out and enjoy the views by choosing to stay at a vacation rental like Mermaid Cottages. I recommend this style of accommodations if you're looking for the full Tybee experience.
Also try: Tybee Vacation Rentals, Desoto Beach Terraces, Oceanfront Cottage Rentals
The Beachfront Hotel
DeSoto Beach Hotel, $, 212 Butler Ave
If you do want the convenience of staying at a hotel near the water, check out Desoto Beach Hotel, which has been voted the Best Place to Stay on Tybee many times over. Guests can enjoy a private beach access and a convenient location to the downtown area.
Also try: Hotel Tybee or Beachside Colony Resort
The B&B
Surf Song Bed & Breakfast, 21 Officers Row
Stay in this historic, renovated Victorian home that is over 100 years old, where you'll be steps away from the beach and many other attractions in the area. In addition to the elegant interior of the B&B, guests can also enjoy a private pool, fresh breakfast in the morning, and beautiful views of Tybee from each room.
Also try: Hotel Beachview Bed & Breakfast, Tybee Island Inn, or The Georgianne Inn
Rent a bike to get around town. Of course having a car is convenient to get from place to place; but if you want the real Tybee experience, you absolutely need to rent a bike. There's nothing quite like biking through a beach town with the wind blowing in your hair and the smell of sea salt in the air... You can get one from bike rental companies around town, like Tim's Beach Gear.
Spend a day at the beach. Take a picnic, go for a romantic walk, or just lounge around and relax on the shore all day. You're on an island after all...
Swoon over the beautiful cottages around town. All of the colorful beach homes around the island are so adorable that you can't miss out on seeing them! Bonus points if you do it while riding your bike!
Catch a sunset over the water at places like A-J's or CoCo's (both listed above in "EAT")
Walk along the Tybee Island Pier to see the view from the water
See the view of Tybee from the Tybee Island Light Station. It's a decent walk up to the top of the lighthouse (wear comfortable shoes to climb the stairs), but the view is killer.
Hit the waves and take a surf lesson. If surfing isn't your thing, you can still do kayaking, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, and tons of other fun water sports.
Visit some local boutiques like Seaside Sisters (my fave! and has lots of great things from house goods to souvenirs and clothing), Swizzle and Shake (perfect for gifts for those who love to entertain at home), or Kelly & Company (for custom essential oils, bath products, and other natural beauty products)
Spend some time in nature by going on a dolphin adventure tour, taking a Tybee Beach Ecology Trip, or visiting the Marine Science Center
Experience life on "Tybee Time." Being on Tybee is all about relaxing and taking in the island life at your own pace. Everything starts to move a little slower as you leave your cares behind you when you drive into this charming beach town. Indulge in a little R&R, grab a drink (drinks are insanely cheap here compared to city prices--winning!), let your hair down, and take a deep breath to soak it all in. You're on the island time now!
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO TYBEE ISLAND? WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO EAT, PLACES TO STAY, OR THINGS TO DO? COMMENT BELOW WITH MORE RECOMMENDATIONS!
Thank you to Visit Savannah and Visit Tybee for hosting my visit to Savannah. This post may include affiliate links, which comes at absolutely no cost to you. All proceeds go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you.All opinions are my own.
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A Weekend Guide to Savannah
We're trading in our skyscrapers and bustling sidewalks for the historic sites and tree lined streets of this Southern destination. It's time to explore the charming city of Savannah, Georgia to see what exactly makes this eclectic, vibrant place sparkle. Check out this travel guide for tips on where to eat, sleep, and play on every budget in Savannah!
A Weekend Guide to Savannah
If you've been anywhere near a travel magazine in the last couple years, you've probably seen Savannah, Georgia continuously popping up as one of the hottest destinations to visit right now. Maybe you've seen those inviting pictures of their colorful streets aligned with the curvaceous Live Oak Trees and strands of Spanish Moss dripping from the drooping branches. Or perhaps you've even read a couple of rave reviews for the countless new and trendy restaurants that are opening up all over the city.
Any combination of great food, eclectic architecture, and charming streets is enough for me to get off my couch, hop on a plane, and explore somewhere new. It's finally time for this city girl to get a taste of what "The South" has to offer, and I'm taking you all to Savannah with me! Use this weekend guide to Savannah to see where you can eat, play, and sleep on any budget during your visit.
Oh my goodness... The FOOD in Savannah... Where do I even begin?! I had heard great things about the food in the South and I was ready to dig in and try real, authentic Southern food for the first time! *Like, for real, I had never even tried grits before! It was like the scene out of 'My Cousin Vinny.'
In Savannah, you'll find true, Southern comfort flavors, incredibly fresh seafood, desserts that will knock your socks off, and so many other types of cuisines that you maybe wouldn't expect from a city in the South. The food scene in Savannah really crushed and exceeded every expectation I had of what the food might be like. When you come to visit, I promise you won't be going home with an empty stomach.
Here are some places to check out:
Cafe M, $, 128 E Bay St -- A lovely little piece of Paris right in the heart of Savannah. Great spot for a quick breakfast, coffee, tea, or some baked goods.
Mirabelle Cafe, $, 313 Abercorn St -- A waffle lover's dream! This cafe has an amazing assortment of sweet and savory waffle treats among other things on their menu. The Croque Monsieur was my favorite.
The Collins Quarter, $$, 151 Bull St -- Lively restaurant (especially Wednesday's when they have live jazz music) with incredible food and an even better coffee menu. Don't leave Savannah without trying their Lavender Spiced Mocha!
Treylor Park, $, 115 E Bay St -- Very hip spot with a quirky menu and cool outdoor patio. You can indulge in some PB&J Wings, Grilled Apple Pie Sandwich, or Chicken & Pancake Tacos!
The Grey, $$$, 109 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd -- This popular spot is an old Greyhound Bus Station turned diner, and the menu does not disappoint. The food is absolutely incredible and it's served in perfect portions for sharing or having your own feast. There is also a cocktail lounge in the front of the restaurant in case you want to just grab cocktails or a drink.
Soho South, $$, 12 W Liberty St -- Trendy spot in the middle of town with a very eclectic, industrial vibe and gorgeous decor. The menu has lots of classic favorites, including their famous tomato basil bisque.
The Public Kitchen & Bar, $$, 1 W Liberty St -- This is a sister restaurant to Soho South and also has quite a trendy, lively vibe to it with beautiful modern decor. You'll find lots of comfort foods here, as well as some good spots for people watching around their patio.
Leopold's Ice Cream, $, 212 E Broughton St -- A trip to Savannah isn't complete without stopping by this popular downtown institution. Leopold's is home to Savannah's best ice cream and you'll find an incredible assortment of flavors. Good luck choosing just one...
The Olde Pink House, $$$, 23 Abercorn St -- You'll find classic Southern food in this upscale dining establishment. Just the house alone is worth taking a look at, but you won't be sorry for sticking around for the food. If you're in the mood for a delicious, hearty, Southern meal, this is a great spot. *I actually tried grits for the first time ever here! :)
Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room, $$, 107 W Jones St -- Another Savannah institution with true Southern comfort foods. A few things to note: 1) It's cash only; 2) There is always be a line, so be prepared to wait (you'll likely see the line wrapped around the block every day); 3) Everyone will tell you that the wait is worth it. You're basically eating family style in this dining room, so you might even leave with a new friend or two at your communal table!
Goose Feathers, $, 39 Barnard St -- Great cafe for a quick breakfast or sandwiches
Green Truck Pub, $$, 2430 Habersham St -- Best known for their amazing burgers
Zunzi's, $, 108 E York St -- Best known for their massive hoagies and sandwiches, which could easily count as 2 meals. The most popular ones are the Conquistador and Godfather.
Sweet Spice, $, 5515 Waters Ave -- Great spot to curb your Jamaican/Caribbean food cravings.
CO, $$, 10 Whitaker St -- If you're looking for some excellent asian fusion or sushi, this spot will have everything you're looking for. Make sure to stop by the cocktail lounge, Savannah Cocktail, which is just upstairs from the restaurant!
Lulu's Chocolate Bar, $$, 42 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd -- Drinks, chocolate, and all the sweets. Save room for dessert wherever you're having dinner and make a stop here on the way home!
Also try: Alligator Soul, Flying Monk, Chive Sea Bar & Lounge, The Florence, Wyld Dock and Bar, Cotton & Rye, Jazz'D Tapas Bar, Back in the Day Bakery, Circa 1875, Garibaldi Cafe
Bonus: Places to Grab a Drink
*I don't normally include a list of places to drink in my city guides, but Savannah's options were just way too good to pass up. Here are my favorites:
Artillery, $$$, 307 Bull St -- Another trendy, hip spot that is right in the heart of downtown. Unique cocktail list and bartenders who know how to put together a mean concoction
Jen's & Friend's, $$, 7 E Congress St -- Lots of unique and dessert-y type martinis. Great place for a girl's night
Top Deck, $$, 125 W River St -- Great rooftop bar to watch the sunset over Savannah
Gryphon, $$, 337 Bull St -- Old apothecary turned modern tea room. You feel like you're stepping back in time when you walk into this space. Make sure to take a look at the old shelves that still have the original drawers and labels on them.
Crystal Beer Parlor, $$, 301 W Jones St -- Large draft beer selection and great menu if you're in the mood for some Southern pub food at the same time
The Boutique Hotel
The Kimpton Brice Hotel, $$, 601 E Bay St
Located right in the heart of the Historic District, The Brice really encompasses the best of both worlds: old, Southern charm and modern, eclectic luxury. This hotel almost makes it hard to leave with how much they offer guests right on site (including a daily happy hour with free cocktails and snacks!). Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, fine Italian dining at Pacci, rentable bikes, and a great location that makes it easy to walk anywhere in town. The Brice is my preferred accommodation in Savannah because of all it has to offer.
Also try: Andaz Savannah ($$$), Hotel Indigo Savannah ($$), or The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront ($$$)
The B&B
Hamilton-Turner Inn, $$, 330 Abercorn St
Savannah is home to some of the most charming Bed & Breakfasts in the US, so it's really difficult to choose just one to recommend. The Hamilton-Turner Inn stands out the most to me because of it's incredible history, architecture and design, and close proximity to everything in town. Fun fact: It was actually the first home in Savannah to have electricity in the 19th century! People from all over town used to come and stand out front of the house to watch it light up at night time.
Also try: The Gastonian ($$), Eliza Thompson House ($$), Catherine Ward House Inn ($$), or Zeigler House Inn ($$). There are really too many great B&B's in Savannah to choose!
The Luxury Mansion
Mansion on Forsyth Park, $$, 700 Drayton St
If major Southern luxury is what you're going for on your trip, then look no further than the Mansion on Forsyth Park. You don't even have to look past the facade to see how incredibly opulent this hotel is. It's close proximity to Forsyth Park makes this an ideal accommodation for people looking to have a quieter stay away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. In addition to the exquisite guest suites, they have many on site amenities to keep visitors entertained. Guests can enjoy a Marble Garden Courtyard and pool, cooking classes at 700 Kitchen Cooking School, the Grand Bohemian Gallery, the hotel's cocktail lounges, the Carriage Wine Cellar, and even an on site spa.
Also try: The Kehoe House ($$)
Things to do in Savannah:
Visit Forsyth Park, especially at either sunrise or sunset. This park is known for the iconic fountain shot that you'll see off the entrance of Bull and Gaston. Fun fact about the fountain: it was actually purchased from a catalogue in the 1800s and spray painted to be what you see today. You can walk through the park, sit down for a picnic, visit the rose gardens, play some tennis, or attend a concerts and other events that happen from time to time around the park area.
Walk around the downtown Historic District to marvel at all of the gorgeous homes and mansions. All of the tree lined streets with Spanish Moss on them are simply breathtaking. Make sure to visit each of the city's squares to see each of the different statues, sculptures, and center pieces. Check out our favorite (and FREE) 3 Self-Guided Walking Tours of Savannah to explore the city!
Take a trolley tour of the city. Savannah has a few hop-on hop-off trolley tour options for people who like to see a lot of the city in a short amount of time. I personally love these as they are a great way to know where you're going and know what you might want to go back and see later. There are day time tours and night time tours for people of all ages.
Sign up for an evening Ghost Tour. You may not know this, but Savannah is said to be one of the most haunted cities in the US. Naturally, because of this, there are quite a few ghost tours that operate throughout the city. Check out tours like Blue Orb (most popular), Ghosts and Gravestones (family friendly), or the Boos and Brews walking tour (for those who want some adult beverages with their ghost stories).
Shop local around Savannah. There are so many incredible places to shop around Savannah that are unique to the city. Make sure to stop by The Paris Market, Savannah Bee Company, Chocolat by Adam Turoni, E. Shaver Booksellers (as well as their adjacent tea shop), One Fish Two Fish, Shop SCAD (where you can shop local SCAD student's artwork), as well as tons of shops along Bull Street and Whitaker Street. There are seriously so many amazing shops and boutiques that you can make an entire afternoon of just stopping in different places.
Stop by Wormsloe Historic Site on your way in or out of the city. It is a short drive away from the downtown Savannah area, but it is worth stopping by to at least catch a glimpse of the beautiful entrance. You can also go into the property and take tours or walk around.
Spend a night or two in Tybee Island. Tybee is the perfect lazy beach town escape and it's also just a quick drive outside of the downtown area. Definitely worth spending a night or two if you have the time. Check out the Tybee Island City Guide right now!
Check out some local museums, such as the Telfair Museums or SCAD Museum of Art. Savannah is a very artsy and eclectic town with a lot of history, so make sure to check out some of the city's museums if you're interested in exploring that deeper.
Walk through the Bonaventure Cemetery and/or Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. I know it seems like having a cemetery and church on this list is strange, but it all goes hand in hand with the history of Savannah. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is very opulent and beautiful inside, while the Bonaventure Cemetery (made popular by the novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil) is full of historic significance and beauty.
Hang out around the open air City Market. This area is home to tons of local shops and restaurants and gets very lively throughout the afternoons and weekends. Make sure to stop by Byrd's Cookies to try their sweet and savory delights.
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO SAVANNAH? WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO EAT, PLACES TO STAY, OR THINGS TO DO? COMMENT BELOW WITH MORE RECOMMENDATIONS!
Thank you to Visit Savannah and Visit Tybee for hosting my visit to Savannah. This post may include affiliate links, which comes at absolutely no cost to you. All proceeds go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you.All opinions are my own.
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Hi, I'm Ana Rebeca! Welcome to The City Sidewalks. Here you’ll find tips on Travel, Lifestyle, and Wellness.
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