Road trips throughout the United States have been all the hype as of late. Desiring a real and true beach vacation, I ventured on a family vacation to Savannah, Georgia. I’m no stranger to Savannah since I had been once as a child, but have friends and family that have been much more often. A recent visit in June was an opportunity to become reacquainted with and explore Savannah.
This city is a popular choice for those who live in the Atlanta metro area since it has a familiar feel of southern hospitality and it is not a far cry away. There are historic buildings that travelers can stay in, draping moss, and much more in Savannah that keep travelers coming back to the humble streets of the city. These are the things that are seemingly the most important features of Savannah and what I enjoyed most during my sightseeing trip.
Why Visit Savannah, Georgia?
Savannah, Georgia is an idyllic travel destination for travelers who value southern charm and slow-paced settings. This city is a place with a lovely downtown area and many popular features. It is important to note that Savannah is best seen on foot, so travelers should be prepared to endure the weather and be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Savannah is a thriving city with plenty of entertainment opportunities and it has a vibrant history.
Many people who enjoy visiting Savannah appreciate the relative convenience of the city. For those in surrounding areas, Savannah is only two to four hours away so it is an easy road trip destination. From Atlanta, Georgia the city is about three hours and 45 minutes away via car. Even if travelers prefer to fly from nearby areas, it is relatively easy to get there and cheap. Travelers simply need to fly into Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV). Although Savannah is most popular for its historic district, it may be expensive to stay in the heart of the city. Staying in Pooler is a great alternative to staying in downtown Savannah, which is a short drive away. There are many accommodation options nearby that may fit an array of budgets.
Best Time To Visit Savannah
The best time to visit Savannah depends on the preferences of travelers and their heat tolerance. For travelers who are used to southern heat (and in my example, 100-degree summer temperatures near Atlanta), Savannah in the summer may be a walk in the park. During my early June visit, there was an apparent heat wave that intensified the trip. The first week of June brought temperatures ranging from 94 to 99 degrees. Granted, this was as a result of the regional heat wave at the time but being from the south I was not convinced it was out of the ordinary.
Travelers that are sensitive to heat or have medical conditions that are worsened in peak temperatures, should visit Savannah during the spring. The spring season brings milder weather conditions and sunny skies. The blooms of this season bring unrivaled beauty but there are occasional rains. Fall is when there are fewer crowds, lower prices and slightly warm weather. The summer is pretty warm and pleasant at the beginning but mid to late summer can have scorching heat and humid conditions. Savannah’s peak travel season is between March and June since there are many things to do, nature is flourishing and the weather is mild.
Things To Do On Day One
One of the things I would recommend doing in Savannah on the first day is exploring downtown. Downtown Savannah is well known for its nice parks, unique historical architecture and horse-drawn carriages. Travelers interested in checking out the historic district will find some of the best restaurants and shops the city offers. The North Historic District of Savannah has museums, restaurants, art galleries and more that travelers can explore on foot, via trolley tour or even on a sightseeing cruise.
The Pirate’s House is a highly recommended spot to get a bite of food. It has been there since 1753 so it is a great site to visit for historic significance. The pirate-themed restaurant is a rustic stop that offers southern staples. There are also natural spaces that travelers can explore. The parks that travelers should definitely visit are Emmet Park and Morell Park. They are both beautiful nature spots where travelers can get a good photo or connect with nature. Morell Park is right along the water so travelers can catch a refreshing breeze or take a seat and take in the sights.
The Riverfront
The downtown area of Savannah is situated near a scenic riverfront. The cobblestone streets serve as a reminder of the historic history of the city. The Savannah River is a major port in the area so travelers are likely to see the ships passing through. There are shops all along Riverstreet with the best ice cream, popcorn, adult beverages, and candy. There is also the Riverstreet Marketplace where travelers can look at art by local creators and artisans. If travelers are more interested in relaxation, Wet Willie’s is a popular place that has tasty food and an assortment of flavored daiquiris. Walking along the water is cooling during the summer season and there are plenty of trees to find shade under in Savannah.
Travel Tip: Although these areas are pretty family-friendly and unsuspecting during the daytime, Savannah is a much different place at night. Travelers with children may not want to visit in the nighttime. Also, the riverfront and downtown areas of Savannah are filled with steep and historic staircases that travelers should use at their own risk.
Branch Out On Day Two
Tybee Island is a city and barrier island that is near Savannah, Georgia. Travelers who visit during the warmer months of the year often plan a day trip to Tybee Island. Tybee Island is known for its sandy beaches, long pier, popular pavilion and many things to do. Despite where travelers stay, Tybee Island is a bit of a drive away from the Savannah area. From Savannah, the trip to Tybee Island is likely to be around a 25 to 45-minute drive.
Tybee Island is a great place to visit but it is recommended that travelers who want to have a beach-filled vacation stay in the area. The streets of Tybee have a pretty laid-back vibe so travelers staying there will quickly find themselves settling into island life. Despite this ambiance, it is not always easy to book a place to stay out on Tybee Island. It is not a huge area and surprisingly there is only one beachfront hotel, DeSoto Beach Hotel. Staying at this hotel or around it will help travelers avoid traffic and the cost of parking near the beach.
Visiting the Beach
For fun in the sun, travelers should get to the beach earlier in the day. The earlier travelers reach the beach the easier it is to find a good parking space. Access to the beach is free but if parking is full it may take a significant amount of time to find a spot. Luckily, there is a convenient lot right on the pier with a bathroom. Otherwise, travelers will need to find street parking and walk a little. The beach is quite pleasant and has sand filled with shiny seashells. This type of sand is less sticky and should come right off with a quick rinse in the ocean water. If collecting sea shells and spending time in the water sounds ideal, this beach is a great choice. The water is quite warm even at the end of spring so the water is ideal for swimming.
After the Beach
After soaking up the sun, it is worth it to explore the area before heading out. The Tybee Island Lighthouse, Fort Pulaski and Tybee Island Marine Science Center are among the most popular tourist attractions. Other than that, there are plenty of seafood spots near the beach. There are plenty of casual eateries around the way but one of the best is the Crab Shack. This restaurant has an indoor and outdoor space that overlooks the water and many popular features. The menu is filled with seafood boil, oysters, brisket sandwiches and tasty cocktails. Travelers can enjoy the restaurants’ (well taken care of) cats that roam around, the koi pond, the moss-filled trees cascading over the low-lit tables, the alligator lagoon, the bird menagerie and spacious grounds.
