Updated 29 SEPT 2023
For some, the first trip to Savannah is an unplanned one. Situated just East of I-95, it’s not uncommon for first-time visitors to “just pass-through” and wishing they could stay for just a few more nights. If your next plan to stop through Savannah is a short one, we’ve compiled all of the must-dos, -eats, and -sees.
Here’s how to make the most of 24 Hours in the Hostess City:
7AM: Go for a jog at Forsyth Park
Photo courtesy of www.georgiahistory.com.
We know you packed your running shoes, so you might as well put them to good use. Forsyth Park makes a stunning backdrop (and better yet, a 1.8-mile run) to start your day off right. To reward yourself for crawling out of bed so early on vacation, stop and take a couple photos of the Forsyth Park fountain before it gets crowded with tourists and locals alike.
Are you a big runner? Don’t miss one of Savannah’s biggest events of the year: Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon and stay at one of our nearby rentals.
8AM: Grab a coffee from Sentient Bean
Before your runner’s high wears off, stop by Sentient Bean on the South end of the park for your morning coffee fix. This little cafe looks like it’s straight out of an episode of Friends. (But, hey we’re not complaining!) They whip up a mean smoothie and are experts in all things organic & fair trade. While you sip, wander on over next door and peruse the aisles of Brighter Day, a local natural foods market that was healthy before healthy was cool.
You won’t be traveling far if you stay at one of our nearby rentals.
9:30AM: Get brunch at Collins Quarter
Photo courtesy of thecollinsquarter.com.
If there’s one thing Savannah locals love more than being able to drink outside, it’s brunch. And Collins Quarter is a local favorite. Two words: Australian Breakfast. If that alone isn’t enough to get you in the door, check out their menu here. How can you say no to Short Rib Hash, Avocado Smash, and Brioche French Toast? While you’re there, don’t pass up an Aussie Iced Coffee for dessert. Better yet, take it to-go and enjoy it in on a bench surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Wright Square.
10:30AM: Visit a Museum
Photo courtesy of www.archdaily.com.
If there is one thing to know about Georgia, it is that it can heat up, especially around high noon. Kill an hour or two and cool off indoors at one of our two favorite museums: the Telfair Museum & the SCAD Museum.
12:00PM: Walk through the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Photo courtesy of www.visitsavannah.com.
Now that you’re in the Historic District, it’s time to sightsee. With a plethora of museums, tours, & historic landmarks, it can be a bit overwhelming. That’s why we saved you the effort and narrowed it down for you with one of our favorite Savannah sights: the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. The architecture alone is so breathtaking you would think you walked through a square and ended up in the streets of Italy. The biggest mistake visitors make is only admiring the outside. Trust us when we say: going inside is where the real magic lies.
1:00PM: Get lunch at Fox & Fig
Photo courtesy of www.foxandfig.com.
This little spot is right around the corner from the Cathedral and is known as Savannah’s premier vegan cafe! Their main focus is on their creative, plant-based menu using locally sourced ingredients. This healthy lunch option is sure to impress vegans and omnivores alike.
2:00PM: Go window shopping on Broughton Street + City Market
Photo courtesy of www.ohsoglam.com.
Historic downtown Savannah was made for walking the cobblestone streets. Window shop down Broughton Street and stop in our favorite shop: The Paris Market. Local artists, souvenir shops, local boutiques, and well-known franchises line these streets. making it a shopper’s dream.
4:00PM: Head back to your Savannah vacation home and get ready for the evening
Savannah dies down around 3-4pm and comes alive again around 6 o’clock. Head back to your rental, maybe get a quick power nap in and then get ready for a night on the town.
Search downtown Savannah vacation rentals by location and amenity.
6:30PM: Catch the sunset on the rooftop of the Peregrin
Photo courtesy of www.asparklefactor.com.
A trip to Savannah would not be complete without a Savannah sunset. Our favorite place to watch the sun go down? With a glass of frosé in hand at the rooftop bar, Peregrin, located on top of the Perry Lane Hotel. There are about 4-5 rooftop bars in Savannah, but none that give off serious tropical oasis vibes such as Peregrin.
8PM: Dinner at Treylor Park
Grab dinner at this unique space offering reimagined American food. When you order the popcorn shrimp, expect to see freshly popped corn on your plate! Whether the bar is your spot, you prefer traditional restaurant seating, or you’d rather kick it in the beer garden out back, you can relish in their slogan: “Home is where you park it.”
Must trys: PB&J Wings and the Nachos Grande.
View rentals within walking distance to Bay Street Restaurants.
10PM: Ice Cream at Leopold's
Photo courtesy of www.atlantamagazine.com.
A true Savannah tradition, Leopold's has been around since 1919 whipping up delicious homemade ice cream. We’ll be honest, you’re going to have to wait in line no matter what time of day it is. But, all good things come to those who wait! And we’re positive Leopold’s will not disappoint. Believe it or not, their most popular flavor is Tutti Frutti. Our personal favorite, you ask? Tou can’t go wrong with a double scoop of pistachio and coconut.
11PM: Grab a cocktail from Alley Cat Lounge
Savannah is a dive bar connoisseur’s dream. But if handcrafted cocktails are more your style, we know just the place! Alley Cat Lounge is located just off of Broughton street, and as the name suggests, you’ll need to venture down a back alley (we usually call them “lanes”) to find the entrance. Flip through the pages of their newsprint menu in this prohibition-esque lounge until you find a cocktail that stands out. Going with a group of friends? Try their Scorpion Punch Bowl for the perfect start (or end) to your night.
12AM: Catch a Pedi Cab to The Original Pinkie Master’s
If the night is still too young to call it quits, haul a pedicab over to the Original Pinkie Masters. Well-known for President Carter jumping on the bartop and giving a speech to remember the passing of his good friend Luis Christopher Masterpolis in 1978, this dive bar is retro, friendly, and fun. Stop in and grab yourself an ice cold PBR in a frosted mug. Heads up: this is a cash only bar, so make sure you bring some along. Otherwise, an ATM is located inside the bar for convenience.