Should You Visit Savannah?

Is Savannah worth visiting?

Yes, Savannah offers many reasons for a visit. It's a city everyone should explore, and our experience here was wonderful. We didn't want to leave. We first visited in 2005 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with its charming atmosphere and local restaurants.

Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the amazing museums and attractions and fantastic food.

Savannah, Georgia is a historic maritime city that has a beautiful Historic District and impressive gardens. It's filled with art, culture, history, and streets lined with oak trees and Spanish Moss. Visitors will enjoy shopping and exploring the area, trying the southern restaurants, and soaking up the atmosphere.

Savannah, Georgia

7 Reasons to Visit Savannah

1. Museums and Attractions

The city's long history can be explored at the Savannah History Museum. With the Savannah School of Art and Design in town, you'll also find a great art culture with several museums such as the SCAD Museum of Art and the Jepson Center for the Arts. There's also the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Sea Maritime Museum. There are several historic houses that you can visit as well, such as the Andrew Low House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and Harper Fowlkes House.

Telfair Museums are known for its distinguished collection of American and European art combined with historic architecture and cultural exhibitions. ($20)

Davenport House Museum is known for well-preserved Federal-style architecture and historical exhibits about 19th-century Savannah life. ($10)

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is known for its stunning Gothic Revival architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows. (Free)

2. Food

Local restaurants highlight southern hospitality as well as the cuisine. You'll find many classics such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fried fish. There are many restaurants in historic buildings in the Historic District, but you'll also find a number of casual eateries in other neighborhoods.

3. Nightlife

Downtown Savannah and River Street are filled with bars and clubs that keep things lively when the sun goes down. During the warmer months there are outdoor venues, concerts and events, but even during the cooler seasons things stay busy.

4. Historical Sights

There's an impressive Historic District that is filled with gardens, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and Oak-lined streets. There are wonderful hotels and traditional restaurants that offer a beautiful experience.

Bonaventure Cemetery is known for its beautiful oak trees, historic graves, and connection to "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil". (Free)

Mercer-Williams House is known for its association with the book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" and its well-preserved historic Southern architecture. ($20)

Wormsloe Historic Site is known for its iconic oak-lined avenue and colonial-era ruins showcasing early Georgia history. ($12)

Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is known for being the childhood home of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA, and showcasing her life and legacy. ($10)

Old Fort Jackson is known for its well-preserved early 19th-century coastal fortifications and Civil War history. ($10)

Chippewa Square is known for its iconic role in the movie Forrest Gump, historic atmosphere, and beautiful landscaping with oak trees. (Free)

5. Shopping

Shopping opportunities include art galleries, trendy clothing boutiques, and larger shopping malls. Visitors can wander down the popular Broughton Street, but there's also a City Market and Starland District.

Chippewa Square is known for its iconic role in the movie Forrest Gump, historic atmosphere, and beautiful landscaping with oak trees. (Free)

6. Beaches

While Savannah doesn't actually have a beach, you can head to nearby Tybee Island for waves and sun. It's about half an hour away and the closest beaches to the city are on the island's north side.

7. Authenticity

Savannah has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.

Is Savannah worth visiting in the Summer?

This is the low season for travel in Savannah. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.

The weather in Savannah is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 28°C (82°F). But it can get as warm as 33°C (92°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.

You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. During this season it's fun to experience the beaches, the famous sights and museums, and the historic old town. Also, you can enjoy an evening out.

Summer Weather in Savannah

Is Savannah worth visiting in the Autumn?

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 20°C (68°F).

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Savannah, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.

Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. This is a great time of year to admire the wonderful scenery, admire the historic sights, and browse the museums.

Autumn Weather in Savannah

Is Savannah worth visiting in the Winter?

Winter is the high season for travel in Savannah, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is fairly touristy, and in the high season it's busier than usual.

The weather in Savannah can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 9°C (49°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums, sample the delicious cuisine, and browse around the old town. Also, you'll be able to dance the night away.

Winter Weather in Savannah

Is Savannah worth visiting in the Spring?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Savannah. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 19°C (66°F).

Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. During this season it's fun to experience shopping, the museums and landmarks, and the beautiful scenery. Also, you can experience the historic old town and the nightlife.

Spring Weather in Savannah

Things to Consider Before Visiting Savannah

Not As Family-Friendly
While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Savannah might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Savannah here or see if Savannah is expensive here.

Related

What is Savannah most famous for?

Savannah is most famous for its maritime past, its southern atmosphere, and its Historic District. The city is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. It is also known for its great beaches. It is often described as historic, beautiful, charming, and scenic.

What is the most famous sight in Savannah?

The most popular sight in Savannah is Forsyth Park. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Savannah on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Forsyth Park and other attractions here.

How touristy is Savannah? Is it a popular city to visit?

Savannah is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Historic Savannah Walking Tour: $29
• History of Savannah Walking Tour: $29
• DIY Hat Bar Experience in Savannah: $40
• Savannah 101, a History Tour (by Walk With Me Savannah Tours): $40
• Savannah Bonaventure Cemetery Segway Tour: $80
• Trivia Tour: $30
• 90 Minutes Walking Tour in Savannah: $30
• True Crime of Savannah Tour: $33

How long should I spend in Savannah?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Savannah is one to three days. Since Savannah has activities such as nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and museums and attractions, many visit for up to three days.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Savannah? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Savannah?.

More Things to Do in Savannah

• Is Savannah Historic District Worth Visiting?
• Is Forsyth Park Worth Visiting?
• Is Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Worth Visiting?
• Is Chippewa Square Worth Visiting?
• Is Bonaventure Cemetery Worth Visiting?

For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to USA and The Best Wildlife Tours to USA.

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