Are you planning to visit Savannah, GA? Whether you’re just exploring the idea of traveling to Savannah or are about to arrive, here’s some things to know before visiting Savannah, GA.
WHAT IS SAVANNAH FAMOUS FOR
First, let’s discuss why Savannah is such a great vacation option. It’s a stunning city, carefully designed with beautiful squares that serve as city parks. Bring your camera! The architecture is stunning well-preserved. There’s something unique at every corner. Not the least of which are the canopies of live oaks stand in the reverie of days of old.
Speaking of which, if you enjoy history, this is your city. It was home to Juliette Gordon Low, Conrad Aiken, Johnny Mercer, and Flannery O’Connor. During the Civil War, the city was a Christmas gift to President Lincoln. The city’s beauty captivated General Sherman, so he spared the city, which is one reason why we still get to enjoy the lovely old architecture.Ā
WHEN TO VISIT SAVANNAH, GA
Many believe the best time to visit the city is from March to July. The azaleas and dogwoods are in full bloom during the early spring, which is a sight to see.
The busiest time to visit is St. Patrick’s Day. The city goes all out with festivities. Temperatures are still comfortable, and people flood the shops and pubs on River Street.
The city enjoys steady tourist traffic all summer long, butĀ my personal favorite time of year in Savannah is in late November or December.Ā There are many holiday activities to attend, from Christmas tree lighting, parades, and theatre. Not to mention, the stunning lights and decorations in the historic district. OH! And the weather is PERFECT!
HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED TO VISIT SAVANNAH, GA
How long you want to spend in Savannah depends on several factors.
- Are you only planning to visit downtown?
- Are you also wanting to see Tybee Island?
- Do you plan on exploring sights outside of downtown?
If your only hope is to explore downtown, a long weekend will suffice. But be prepared to park and walk. The best way to see the city is on foot or by bike. There are bike lanes and many sidewalks, making it safe for pedestrians.
If you’d like to go out and explore slightly outside of the city, you may need another day or two. Tybee Island is only a 20-minute drive from downtown and is truly worth seeing. There are dolphin tours, a lighthouse, and Fort Pulaski for those who want the full experience.
Bonaventure is another place worth seeing. It’s a stunning cemetery with loads of history and is the resting place of many noteworthy people like Conrad Aiken, Johnny Mercer, and more. I highly recommend booking a walking tour of the cemetery to take full advantage of the trip.
Wormsloe Historic Site is another place many enjoy visiting. Seeing the ruins of an old homesite, the excellent oak alley, and learning the history of one of Savannah’s early settlers is worth the trip for those who love history.
Are you interested in Savannah’s haunted history? Check out the spooky true story of the skeleton hiding in the wall of the Foley House Inn.
HOW IS PARKING IN SAVANNAH, GA
Parking in downtown Savannah can be tricky as the city wasn’t built to accommodate quite as much traffic as it receives today. My suggestion is to walk or bike when possible or take advantage of the hop-on/hop-off trollies. When booking your hotel or Air B&B, be sure to ask about parking.
I always recommend that visitors download the Park Savannah app on their phones. Nights after 8 pm and some weekend days are free to park, but using this app will let you know for sure. No need to carry around quarters, either. You can pay using your debit card through the app. It’ll even give you a 10-minute warning that your parking is about to expire, and you can up the time through the app if needed.
Tybee also has a parking app if you decide to visit there.
Savannah is an incredible city. After visiting it for nearly ten years, my husband and I decided to move here. It’s not like anywhere else we’ve ever been. From the live oaks to the marshes, its fantastic scenery, history, and architecture make this city one of the most visited places in the South for good reason. It’s a true gem. It’ll certainly be a vacation you won’t soon forget.
Have you visited Savannah before?
š Share your favorite memory there in the comments! š
