3-5 Day Travel Itinerary: Savannah, Georgia
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This 3-5 day Working Joe Travel (WJT) Itinerary includes some of Joe and I’s favorite things to do while visiting Savannah. Use our trip planner to explore this exciting vacation destination.
Savannah is a captivating little city. Where else can you find souvenir shops adorned with ornate chandeliers and historic homes that offer both afternoon tea and ghost tours? With its moss-covered squares and stately statues, Savannah deftly melds a modern working port with its rich past. The vibe here is comfortably southern and slightly upscale. No matter where you roam, you will discern an air of distinctiveness that is outmatched only by Savannah’s rollicking sense of fun.
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TRAVEL ITINERARY
Day 1: Walk of Savannah's Historic Squares and River Street
A great way to get to know the city of Savannah is to spend a day touring its green spaces. The city's Victorian and historic districts are built around a series of planned squares. Away from the bustle of the tourist hot spots, visiting these commons will get you into the heart of the city and Savannah's historic district.
The squares tend to be lush, lively, and full of energy. Each shaded area is surrounded by homes; some posh, some weathered, mostly all lived in. Statues and monuments dot the squares. There are benches to recline upon where you will see likely families strolling together, workers having lunch, and students from the Savannah College of Arts & Design filming or photographing subjects.
Note: This walking tour follows a roughly 2 – 3 mile route. It passes through 10 squares and Forsythe Park. If you cannot walk this distance, try one of Savannah’s hop on – hop off tours or another type of tour that will give you an overview of the city.
Begin your trek in front of City Hall and the Cotton Exchange. In this area you can load up on maps and brochures at the visitors center. As you move along, keep an eye out for the City Exchange Bell, Oglethorpe Bench, and Washington Guns monuments. Walk east on Bay Street until you hit Abercorn. You will follow Abercorn for roughly one mile through four city squares.
Reynolds is the first square you will approach. The square is home to a statue of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. The Olde Pink House and Lucas Theater border the park. Traveling on, you will come to Oglethorpe Square. The square dates back to 1742. It was named in honor of James Edward Oglethorpe, the founder of Savannah’s First City. The Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters are located on this square. A stop to tour the house, slave quarters and garden is recommended.
Walking south on Abercorn Street, you will next encounter the Colonial Park Cemetery. This city park is open to the public. Established in the 1750’s, many of Savannah’s earliest citizens rest here. Countless duels took place in the cemetery. It is said to be one of the most haunted in America.
A short distance away on Abercorn, you will come to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. If the doors are open, step inside to see its lovely murals and intricate stained glass windows. Next to the church is Lafayette Square. The square is graced with a beautiful fountain and surrounded by a number of historic homes.
The next square you will encounter on Abercorn Street, is Calhoun. This space is one of the last surrounded by original buildings. A few blocks south of Calhoun Square, bear west on Gaston Street. Soon, you will see the entrance to Forsythe Park.
Take an hour or so to explore the 30 acre gathering place. The first thing you will see is a crowd lingering by its iconic fountain. The playground will be full of neighborhood children and young people will likely be playing ball on the expansive greens. On a recent trip, we saw a quinceanera party taking pictures by the fountain and were treated to a free concert of church music on the stage.
Exit the park on the fountain end, and head for Bull Street. Follow Bull Street north through five city squares. Monterey Square honors the Mexican American War. Madison is named for our fourth president. Chippewa Square is where the ‘park bench’ scene in the movie Forrest Gump was filmed. Past Chippewa, you will encounter Wright and then Johnson Squares. These are two of the oldest squares, built in 1733. Historic homes, churches, museums, art galleries line these public spaces.
Tonight, take a trip to Savannah's River Street. Explore the restaurants, bars, antique stores, and tee shirt shops bordering the wharves and restored cotton mills. Take time to enjoy the cobblestone streets and family-friendly party atmosphere. To see the city from a different vantage, take the free ferry from the area behind the Cotton Exchange. The trip will take you across the river to the convention center, and then on to the Waving Girl Statue landing.
Day 2: Tour of Savannah's Historic Homes
Note: Savannah has many historic homes and museums. One good value is the Telfair Museums package where you gain entry into the Telfair Academy (art museum), the Jepson Center (art museum), and the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarter. We have chosen to feature the Pioneers in Preservation Pass. For one price, the ticket admits you into three locations (highlighted below):
Begin your day at the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum. Here, you can explore Savannah’s rich maritime history. From the museum, walk south on Montgomery Street until you hit Harris. Travel east on Harris to Lafayette Square, and look for the Andrew Low House. The 19th-century house features a collection of furnishings, paintings and porcelain as well as an original planned garden. Leaving the house travel east for two blocks, and then up Habersham until you reach the Davenport House Museum. This 19th century residence also offers tours. Or, if you have done enough touring, head for the nearby Pirates House restaurant. The restaurant first opened in 1753, and ever since has served a clientele of pirates and seafarers.
Tonight, consider taking one the city’s haunted happenings tours. There are a number of ghostly options. All good fun.
Day 3: Bonaventure Cemetery & City Market
If you love cemeteries, Bonaventure is a must see. The 110-acre site is a short drive from Savannah. If you don’t have a car, tours leave from the city daily. Once onsite, stop by the historical society office for a free map. You can drive along the lanes, walk by the headstones, or take a golf cart or Segway tour.
The grounds are a wild and overgrown, but only slightly. There are ornate marble angels and crosses with epitaphs that will sadden you, and make you laugh. You can visit the melancholy tomb of Little Gracie Watson and stroll along the Wilmington River. The crypts and vaults can be strangely evocative and beautiful. The trip is emotional, educational, and entertaining.
Upon return to city, take a stroll to Savannah’s unofficial main street, Broughton Street. Here you will find both high end and discount shopping. Next, amble over to City Market. This pedestrian only market is full of pubs, restaurants, specialty food shops, art studios, and street entertainers. It’s a great space to hang out and take in the local culture.
Day 4: Take a ride Savannah’s beach, Tybee Island.
Day 5: Explore a nearby site like Fort Pulaski or Old Fort Jackson. Or, a southern plantation such as Rose Hill or the Reynolds Plantation.
Safe travels, Laura and Randy
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