Savannah, Georgia, is a historic and charming city that offers a wealth of activities for visitors to explore. With so much to see and do, a long weekend in Savannah is the perfect amount of time to experience the city's rich history, delicious cuisine, and vibrant culture. Here's a fantastic itinerary to make the most of your time in Savannah, including stops at all the must-see destinations.
Day 1: Arrival in Savannah and Historic Riverfront Shopping
Upon arrival, check into your room at the luxurious JW Marriott located in the heart of the historic district. From here, head out to explore the Historic Riverfront, a bustling shopping district with unique stores, galleries, and restaurants. Walk around the various squares near the riverfront and be sure to stop by the Savannah Bee Company for a taste of some delicious honey-based products.
I first fell in love with Savannah Bee Company based on their Disney Springs location in Orlando, FL at Walt Disney World. I knew immediately when I saw their sign, we had to stop in. This is the company's flagship store in the historic district. They offer an array of delicious honey varieties, as well as unique products like whipped honey, honeycomb, and honey-based skincare. You can also enjoy tastings and learn about the company's mission. Their mission is to promote sustainable beekeeping practices and support honeybee populations around the world.
For dinner, make sure to head to Sorry Charlie's Oyster Bar for some fresh seafood, including their famous shrimp and grits. Afterwards, make your way to the Bamboo Room Tiki Bar for some delicious tropical drinks and a unique Polynesian-inspired atmosphere. The Bamboo Room Tiki Bar also gave me some Disney vibes.
For the Disney lovers, Trader Sam's Grog Grotto at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort in Orlando, Florida, is a well-known tiki bar. This bar has a similar vibe to the Bamboo Room Tiki Bar in Savannah, Georgia. Both bars offer a unique atmosphere that transports guests to a tropical paradise, complete with exotic decor, tiki carvings, and island-inspired cocktails.
Day 2: Historic Sites and Craft Brewery
Start the day off with a delicious breakfast at Maple Street Biscuit Company before heading to the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, a beautiful church with stunning architecture and stained glass windows. After exploring the cathedral, head to Lafayette Square, a peaceful and picturesque park in the heart of the historic district.
In the afternoon, visit one or a few of these breweries to explore some local tastes of the city:
- Service Brewing Company: Located in the heart of Savannah, Service Brewing Company is a veteran-owned and operated brewery. It specializes in creating high-quality, American-style beers with a focus on community involvement and philanthropy.
- Coastal Empire Beer Co.: This award-winning brewery is known for its bold, flavorful beers, including the popular Savannah Brown Ale and the Dawn Patrol Breakfast Stout. Visitors can take a tour of the facility, sample beers in the taproom, and enjoy live music and events.
- Southbound Brewing Company: Southbound Brewing Company is a family-owned and operated brewery. They offer a range of year-round and seasonal beers, including the Hop'lin IPA and the Moonlight Drive Imperial Coffee Stout. The taproom features a spacious outdoor patio, games, and food trucks.
- Two Tides Brewing Company: This small-batch brewery is located in the Starland District of Savannah and offers a rotating selection of experimental and classic beer styles, including IPAs, sours, and stouts. Visitors can enjoy beer flights and pints in the taproom or take a tour of the brewery.
For dinner, head to Common, a farm-to-table restaurant that offers delicious Southern cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant prides itself on its commitment to sourcing ingredients from local and regional farms. The menu changes seasonally to reflect the freshest ingredients available.
After dinner, indulge in some of the famous homemade ice cream at Leopold's Ice Cream. Leopold's Ice Cream is an iconic Savannah institution that has been serving up delicious homemade ice cream since 1919. The family-owned and operated shop offers a wide range of classic and unique flavors, including the famous Tutti Frutti and Savannah Socialite, as well as seasonal specialties.
Day 3: Farmers Market and Railroad Museum
For day three, start the day at Double Wide Diner for breakfast. Double Wide Diner is a classic American diner located in the heart of Savannah, Georgia. By far, this place was one of our favorite meals. The restaurant's retro interior and neon signage offer a nod to the diners of the past. The menu is filled with classic comfort food dishes like burgers, fries, and milkshakes. The restaurant is known for its friendly service, generous portions, and casual atmosphere. It a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Next stop – the Forsyth Park Farmers Market, a bustling outdoor market filled with fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts. After shopping for some local goodies, take a stroll through Forsyth Park, a large and beautiful park that features a stunning fountain and plenty of green space.
In the afternoon, visit the Georgia State Railroad Museum to learn about Savannah's rich railroad history. The museum features historic locomotives and cars, interactive exhibits, and guided tours.
Day 4: Depart from Savannah
Before departing, visit the beautiful and historic Lafayette Cemetery, the oldest cemetery in Savannah. Afterward, indulge in one last meal at JW Marriott's in-house restaurant or head to Lizzy's Burgers for some of the best burgers in town.
Where to Stay?
I highly recommend staying on the riverfront. It is nearby to everything and if I had my pick, I would chose the JW Marriott. The JW Marriott in Savannah is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of the historic district, just steps away from many of the city's top attractions. Guests can take in stunning views of the Savannah River from the hotel's rooftop lounge, or relax in the expansive lobby and enjoy the hotel's elegant decor and art collection. Additionally, the hotel offers a range of amenities, including a fitness center, full-service spa, and multiple on-site dining options.
Where to Eat in Savannah?
Savannah has many great dining options, and I mentioned a ton of places we were able to try ourselves. Yet, when we stayed, we had a few pre-planned activities for us which left some space for you to find other fabulous places to eat based on your budget and tastes. Here are a few additional dinner spots to consider:
- The Grey: This upscale restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored Art Deco Greyhound Bus terminal and features a menu that highlights Southern cuisine with global influences. The cocktail program is also outstanding, with a focus on classic and inventive drinks.
- Husk Savannah: Located in a historic building in the heart of downtown, Husk Savannah offers a contemporary take on Southern cuisine. The menu changes daily and features locally sourced ingredients, including seafood, meats, and produce from nearby farms.
- The Olde Pink House: Housed in a historic mansion in Savannah's historic district, The Olde Pink House is a classic Southern restaurant that offers a range of traditional dishes, including fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and chicken pot pie. The restaurant's charming interior and outdoor patio provide a lovely ambiance for a special meal.
- Alligator Soul: This intimate restaurant specializes in farm-to-table Southern cuisine with a focus on wild game, seafood, and locally sourced ingredients. The menu is creative and inventive, and the restaurant's cozy interior provides a romantic and elegant atmosphere.
- The Collins Quarter: This Australian-inspired restaurant offers a modern take on brunch, lunch, and dinner dishes. The menu features creative dishes like avocado toast, bison burgers, and lamb chops, and the coffee program is exceptional, with a focus on espresso-based drinks and pour-over coffees.
In conclusion, a long weekend in Savannah is the perfect way to experience the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. What are some of your favorite spots that I missed?
