Complete 1 Week Savannah Vacation Itinerary
What Makes Savannah a Perfect Place for a Weeklong Getaway?
Planning a weeklong Savannah vacation is easy once you understand what makes this southern city so special. Historic homes, shaded squares, and cobblestone streets give the city its charm, while its friendly locals and creative food scene make every visit feel welcoming.
This guide walks you through a full week of discovery, from famous landmarks to hidden corners that capture the spirit of the city.
Days 1-2: Orientation, Spooks, and Speakeasies
How Can You Maximize Your First 2 Days in Savannah?
Your Savannah vacation begins with two days that help you get your bearings and see what makes this city unforgettable.
Day 1: Getting To Know the City
Start your morning aboard Old Town Trolley Tours®. This hop-on, hop-off experience gives you a friendly, narrated overview of the attractions in Savannah while letting you explore at your own pace. As the trolley winds through the historic district, you’ll pass the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, known for its twin spires and stained-glass windows that glow in the sunlight. You’ll also glide by Forsyth Park, where the white fountain framed by live oaks is one of the city’s most photographed spots. The guides share fun stories about the early settlers, Civil War battles, and everyday life that shaped the city’s character. The tour makes it easy to understand how Savannah’s past connects to its present, all from the comfort of your seat.
By evening, things take a spooky turn. Step aboard the Ghosts & Gravestones® Frightseeing® Tour for an eerie adventure through haunted locations around the city. You’ll visit sites known for ghostly legends, including historic cemeteries and dimly lit squares, while hearing stories of the people and events that left their mark on Savannah’s past. Each stop blends local history with a touch of mystery, giving you a fun and slightly chilling way to see another side of the city. It’s one of the most popular attractions in Savannah for visitors who enjoy exploring after dark.
Day 2: Pirates and Prohibition
Start your day at the American Prohibition Museum®, located inside City Market. It’s the only museum in the country dedicated to the story of Prohibition and its lasting impact on American culture. The exhibits feature restored bar scenes, rare artifacts, and historic footage that paint a clear picture of the 1920s. Before leaving, stop by Congress Street Up, the museum’s hidden speakeasy, where bartenders recreate classic drinks from the era in a setting that feels like a step back in time.
Next, make your way to the Savannah Pirates and Treasure Museum™. The interactive exhibits here tell stories of real-life pirates. You’ll see recovered artifacts, maps, and displays that educate visitors on the Golden Age of Piracy.
In the afternoon, take a short drive or join a guided trip to Tybee Island. You can tour Fort Pulaski National Monument, known for its preserved brick walls and moat, or climb the Tybee Light Station for sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. The island’s sandy beaches and calm waves make it a great place to unwind before heading back downtown.
Finish your day with dinner at The Pirate’s House, a restaurant that dates back to the 1700s. The building once served as a tavern for sailors and privateers, and its wood-beamed rooms and nautical décor make it easy to imagine life in Savannah’s early port days. The hearty southern dishes and friendly staff create the perfect ending to your second day.
Days 3-4: Art, Architecture, and Iconic Photos
What Can You Discover in Savannah’s Museums and Historic Squares?
Your third and fourth days on your Savannah vacation are a chance to take your time and explore the city’s art, architecture, and cultural landmarks more closely. Savannah’s blend of preserved history and creative energy makes every stop feel both educational and personal.
Day 3: Art and History Deep Dive
Begin the morning at the Telfair Museums, a collection of three unique sites that highlight different eras of Savannah’s history and artistic growth. At the Telfair Academy, you’ll find classical art and sculpture displayed inside an elegant 19th-century mansion. Visitors often stop to see the famous Bird Girl statue, which became a symbol of Savannah after appearing in a well-known book and film. A short walk away, the Jepson Center offers a modern contrast, filled with glass, open spaces, and contemporary art installations. The center’s rotating exhibits and interactive displays make it fun for all ages. End the visit at the Owens-Thomas House, where guided tours reveal the realities of life in the early 1800s. The preserved slave quarters and detailed storytelling create a space for reflection and understanding. Together, these sites form one of the most meaningful art experiences among all attractions in Savannah.
Spend the afternoon at the Savannah History Museum, located inside the city’s former Central of Georgia Railway passenger station. Exhibits trace Savannah’s evolution from its founding in 1733 through key moments in American history. You’ll find displays about Revolutionary War battles, early industries, and famous residents who shaped the city’s identity. Visitors often enjoy seeing uniforms, personal artifacts, and the bench replica from Forrest Gump, a nod to the many movies filmed here. Afterward, head to the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum in the beautifully restored Scarbrough House. Its galleries showcase intricate ship models, maritime art, and exhibits about trade and shipbuilding that once fueled the local economy. The museum’s garden is a quiet retreat, offering a calm break before dinner. These stops help connect the city’s art, industry, and coastal heritage, adding depth to your Savannah vacation.
Day 4: Photo Shoots on the Squares
Start the morning at Forsyth Park, one of the city’s most loved green spaces. The large fountain, framed by ancient oak trees and Spanish moss, has become an unmistakable symbol of Savannah. Locals and visitors gather here to enjoy fresh air, weekend markets, and peaceful walks. Early mornings and late afternoons bring soft light that’s perfect for photos. Beyond the fountain, winding paths lead to gardens, statues, and shaded lawns that invite you to slow down and take it all in.
Next, step inside the Andrew Low House, a stately home filled with Victorian furnishings and portraits that give insight into life in 19th-century Savannah. The guides share stories about the Low family and Juliette Gordon Low, who founded the Girl Scouts and left a legacy that still inspires many visitors today. Just a few blocks away, the Sorrel Weed House stands as another important piece of the city’s past. This grand home is known for its Greek Revival architecture and long-standing ghost tales, offering both history and intrigue in equal measure.
Finish your afternoon by walking along Factors Walk and River Street. These cobblestone pathways were once used for loading cotton but now connect lively restaurants, shops, and art galleries. The sound of ships’ horns echoes along the river while street performers entertain small crowds nearby. Stop for ice cream at Leopold’s or browse the handmade crafts at the open-air markets.
Days 5-6: Shopping, Culinary Tours, and Entertainment
What Local Experiences Make the Middle of Your Savannah Vacation Unforgettable?
By the middle of your Savannah vacation, you’ll be ready to take things at an easier pace. These days focus on savoring Savannah’s flavors, creative energy, and lighthearted side. You’ll taste local dishes, explore shops filled with southern charm, and experience a bit of the city’s trademark humor.
Day 5: Food and Shopping Excursions
Start your day with a Savannah Taste Experience food tour, a walking adventure that combines history and flavor. These guided experiences, such as the First Squares food tour or the Famous and Secret East Side Tour, take you through neighborhoods filled with stories and delicious stops. You’ll sample local favorites like shrimp and grits, pralines, and fried green tomatoes while learning how Savannah’s port and coastal farms shaped its food traditions. Between tastings, guides share the city’s culinary history, introducing the restaurants and people who keep these recipes alive.
After lunch, stroll through City Market, a historic open-air plaza that has been a gathering place for locals for centuries. Artists often paint or play music outdoors, creating a friendly atmosphere that makes browsing even more enjoyable. You can find handmade pottery, jewelry, and art, or simply enjoy people-watching from a shaded bench. A short walk away, Broughton Street offers more places to explore, including local boutiques, small cafés, and restored storefronts that still hold their original architectural details.
Before dinner, treat yourself to something sweet at Leopold’s Ice Cream, a Savannah tradition since 1919. The shop’s marble counters, retro décor, and friendly staff make it feel like a step back in time. Classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and butter pecan are served alongside specialties like Tutti Frutti, created from an original family recipe. A stop here is a small but memorable highlight during any Savannah vacation.
Day 6: Comedy and Local Culture
Begin your morning with an Indigo Journey Walking Tour, an insightful look at Savannah’s African American history. Guides lead small groups through landmarks tied to Emancipation, the Civil Rights Movement, and community growth. Each stop gives a personal look at the people who helped shape Savannah’s cultural identity and lasting spirit.
At lunchtime, stop by the Crystal Beer Parlor, a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. Originally opened in the early 1930s, it was among the first to serve alcohol after Prohibition ended. Today, the menu still features southern comfort food like burgers, crab stew, and homemade pies. The photographs on the walls tell stories of Savannah’s neighborhoods and families through the decades.
After, let lunch settle with a few laughs. Enjoy a comedy experience that blends laughter with learning at Savannah for Morons, a uniquely funny tour that turns the city’s history into an interactive performance. Guests ride along city streets as two hosts tell tales from Savannah’s past, filled with humor and local references. It’s a fun and original way to see landmarks while enjoying a few laughs. Another local favorite is Front Porch Improv, where quick-thinking performers create live comedy scenes based on audience ideas. By the end of these two days, you’ll have eaten well, laughed plenty, and discovered the creative side of Savannah that locals love most.
Day 7: Final Cultural Touches
What Should You See Before Ending Your Savannah Vacation?
Your last day is all about slowing down and enjoying a few final attractions in Savannah. After a full week of exploring, this is a good time to reflect on what you’ve seen and take in the city’s calm atmosphere before heading home.
Start your morning at the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, the home of the Girl Scouts’ founder. The guided tour walks you through her life and the values that shaped her work. Inside, you’ll see personal items, family photos, and restored rooms that bring Savannah’s early 1900s charm to life.
Next, head about 20 minutes south of downtown to the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium. It’s Georgia’s first saltwater aquarium and a great place to learn about the local coast. The touch tanks and displays feature stingrays, sea turtles, and fish from nearby waters. It’s calm, hands-on, and easy to enjoy at any age, giving you one last glimpse of the natural side of your Savannah vacation.
When it’s time to eat, you have two excellent choices for brunch or lunch. The Olde Pink House serves traditional southern meals in a historic mansion with pastel walls and candlelit rooms. The Little Duck Diner offers a more casual meal in a cozy, vintage-style setting, known for friendly service and simple comfort food.
Before leaving, take one last walk through one of Savannah’s shaded squares. The sound of the fountains, the smell of the trees, and the slow pace remind you why this city leaves such a lasting impression.
What Makes a Week in Savannah So Special?
Spending a full week in Savannah gives you time to truly experience the city’s rhythm and character. You’ve explored its landmarks, learned about its past, and met the people who keep its traditions alive. From the Old Town Trolley Tours that help you see the historic district to the Ghosts & Gravestones Frightseeing Tour that shares its eerie side, every stop adds another layer to what makes these attractions in Savannah worth visiting.
Every Savannah vacation ends too soon, but the feeling of this place stays with you long after you go.
FAQs
Is a week too long for a Savannah vacation?
A full week gives you the right amount of time to see the city at a relaxed pace. Savannah’s historic district, with its squares, museums, and waterfront streets, has a lot to experience without feeling rushed. Spending seven days lets you explore a mix of popular attractions in Savannah like the American Prohibition Museum and Forsyth Park while also enjoying smaller local stops and quiet moments in between. This kind of schedule makes a Savannah vacation feel well-balanced and enjoyable for travelers who like both structure and freedom.
What cultural experiences stand out most during a Savannah vacation?
Savannah’s culture shines through its history, art, and storytelling. Visiting the American Prohibition Museum offers an engaging look at the 1920s and the start of cocktail culture, while shows like Savannah for Morons mix humor with real local stories. You can also walk through the Telfair Museums, explore the Owens-Thomas House, or listen to music on River Street. Each of these attractions in Savannah gives you a clearer sense of the city’s personality and charm, which are at the heart of every Savannah vacation.
Is the Old Town Trolley Tour one of the essential attractions in Savannah?
Yes. The Old Town Trolley Tour is a great starting point for any trip because it helps visitors get familiar with the layout of the city. The hop-on, hop-off option makes it easy to visit major landmarks like the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the City Market, and the historic squares without worrying about parking. The live narration adds a friendly and informative touch, helping you understand the stories behind the attractions in Savannah you’re seeing. It’s one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to begin a Savannah vacation.
Which day of the Savannah vacation works best for families with kids?
Families often enjoy the third day, which includes the Telfair Museums and the Jepson Center, both of which have hands-on exhibits and creative spaces for children. The second day also offers great family fun with a trip to Tybee Island, where you can visit the beach, explore the lighthouse, and tour Fort Pulaski. These stops provide plenty of variety and excitement for younger travelers while staying close to other attractions in Savannah. Taking your time to enjoy these family-friendly places makes your Savannah vacation feel easygoing and memorable for everyone.
What time of year is best for a Savannah vacation?
Many travelers plan their Savannah vacation during spring, from March through May, when flowers are blooming and outdoor festivals fill the parks. October also offers comfortable weather and fun seasonal activities that tie into the city’s haunted history. During these months, you can enjoy outdoor dining, long walks through the historic district, and evening ghost tours that bring the past to life. No matter the season, Savannah’s welcoming atmosphere and rich selection of attractions in Savannah make it a destination that always feels special.
