3 Days in Savannah: Plan a Long Weekend in Savannah, Georgia (2025)
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Ready to spend a long weekend in Savannah, Georgia? Keep reading for my perfect itinerary for 3 days in Savannah!
Planning your 3 Day Savannah Itinerary last minute?
No time to read the full itinerary? Here are some of Savannah’s top activities, tours, hotels and more!
Top Tours and Activities in Savannah:
1. Savannah’s best ghost tour – a must in one of the USA’s most haunted cities
2. Savannah Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley – see all of the city’s sights on this trolley tour!
3. Bonaventure Cemetery Walking Tour – hear about the cemetery from a local historian
4. Tybee Island Day Trip – enjoy a day at Savannah’s closest beach!
Best Places to Stay in Savannah:
1. Hyatt Regency Savannah – affordable and centrally-located, my #1 pick!
2. Andaz Savannah – a luxury stay in the Historic District
3. The Thunderbird Inn – a budget-friendly retro motel in the Historic District
I’d always heard so many great things about Savannah, Georgia. Some even say it’s at the top of their list of favorite cities!
After finding super cheap flights to Savannah on Allegiant Air, I decided that it was finally time to see what all the buzz was about.
Once I arrived, I quickly found out that everyone was right about Savannah. This charming southern city is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway!
I spent a long weekend in Savannah, giving me about 3 full days for exploring.
Savannah is the perfect city for a quick weekend getaway. It’s small, walkable, and packed with things to do.
The food in Savannah is absolutely delicious, and there are a lot of great places to grab a drink and relax.
Planning a long weekend in Savannah? Check out my itinerary for a perfect 3 days in Savannah, Georgia, as well as a few tips to make your trip the best!
This post was originally published in November 2018 and was updated in February 2023.
LONG WEEKEND IN SAVANNAH, GEORGIA ITINERARY
3 Days in Savannah Itinerary: Day 1
On the first of your 3 days in Savannah, head to the Historic District to explore.
Savannah’s Historic District is one of the largest urban historic preservation districts in the USA, and it’s the perfect place to begin your long weekend.
A walk along River Street in the Historic is a great way to spend an afternoon, as it’s full of shops, bars, and some of the best restaurants in Savannah.
Make sure to stop in the candy shops to try samples of their pralines and pecans!
LONG WEEKEND IN SAVANNAH, GEORGIA ITINERARY
Lunch & Drinks on River Street
A nice lunch spot on River Street is The Cotton Exchange Tavern. Their menu has a mix of seafood and bar food.
While I was there, I had their crab chowder and shrimp alfredo, and it was so good! Their prices aren’t too bad either – lunch would run you around $15-20 depending on your selections.
If you want a drink after lunch, hit up Wet Willie’s. This was one of my favorite drink spots in Savannah.
Wet Willie’s is home to a huge selection of frozen daiquiris, most of which are made with 190 proof vodka.
Their most famous flavor, called “Call a Cab,” has vodka and rum: it’s so strong, you’ll need to call a cab to get home!
You can swirl different flavors to make your own combination as well. My favorite? Strawberry swirled with green apple.
LONG WEEKEND IN SAVANNAH, GEORGIA ITINERARY
Fun Things to Do
One of Savannah’s unique features is that as long as you’re in the Historic District, you can walk around outside with alcoholic drinks in plastic containers (this makes Savannah a perfect spot to celebrate your 21st birthday!).
Grab a Wet Willie’s daiquiri to-go (or a to-go drink from any bar – yes, they’ll really ask if you want one!) and go for a stroll around some of Savannah’s 22 historic squares.
Each one is unique and is perfect for a quick rest after walking around.
Want a unique take on Savannah’s Historic Squares? Consider a Historical Square Segway Tour!
Though I didn’t do this tour, I have done Segway tours in the past.
Do you look a little silly riding around on a Segway? Yes – but that’s part of the fun!
LONG WEEKEND IN SAVANNAH, GEORGIA ITINERARY
A Savannah Seafood Dinner
Hungry yet? Head to Chive Sea Bar & Lounge, one of Savannah’s top-rated restaurants, for a delicious dinner.
Not only is the food fantastic, but the atmosphere at Chive Sea Bar & Lounge can’t be beat. The 1920s-inspired interior and intimate seating make for a romantic dining experience.
Chive is known for their mussels, and they also have a great cocktail selection.
LONG WEEKEND IN SAVANNAH, GEORGIA ITINERARY
The Most Haunted City in the US
After dinner, head out for a famous Savannah Ghost Tour!
Savannah is said to be the most haunted city in the US, and there are TONS of different ghost tours so that you can experience the haunts for yourself.
I highly recommend Genteel and Bard’s Savannah Dark History and Ghost Walking Tour. This small-group tour takes you around to some of the city’s spookiest spots, where you’ll hear more about the city’s dark history.
You could also opt for a Haunted Pub Crawl, where you’ll visit different haunted pubs in the city, enjoying spooky stories and drinks at each one. This is a really fun activity to celebrate a 21st birthday!
Another popular choice for ghost tours in Savannah are the world-famous Hearse Ghost Tours.
On this tour, you’ll ride on the top of a real hearse as you cruise around Savannah, learning about the city’s haunted history.
Hearse Tours are $29.50/person and reservations are required. You can book your Hearse Ghost Tour online.
LONG WEEKEND IN SAVANNAH, GEORGIA ITINERARY
3 Days in Savannah Itinerary: Day 2
Start off day 2 with breakfast from Clary’s Cafe, which is featured in John Berendt’s book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Make sure to try the Georgia Pecan Pancakes!
Savannah’s Top Museums
Today is museum day! Pick up a Telfair Museum Pass, which costs $25 ($17.50 if you’re a student with ID!) and gets you into three Savannah museums: Telfair Academy, the Jepson Center, and The Owens-Thomas House.
Start off by touring The Owens-Thomas House, which is one of Savannah’s most famous historic houses.
Explore the house and slave quarters, learning the history of the house’s former residents.
Up next, head to the Telfair Academy. This museum was the first public art museum in the Southern United States and the first museum in the US founded by a woman.
The museum is home to nineteenth and twentieth-century American and European Art, as well as the famous Savannah Bird Girl statue on the cover of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
Lastly, walk over to the Jepson Center, a contemporary art museum that’s also the future home of the Telfair Children’s Art Museum.
The museum also offers a free architectural audio tour where you can learn more about the details and the history of the building.
LONG WEEKEND IN SAVANNAH, GEORGIA ITINERARY
Lunch Time at the Savannah Seafood Shack
A great lunch spot that’s super close to the Owens-Thomas House is the Savannah Seafood Shack.
They’re most famous for their low-country boil, claiming it’s the most delicious in Savannah.
I had their fried fish cone (a waffle cone with coleslaw and fried fish) with fries, which was the perfect portion for a lunch.
Ready for dessert? Walk over to Leopold’s, the most famous ice cream shop in town and one of the best ice cream shops in the USA.
There’s usually a line, but it moves relatively quickly, and there’s always someone passing out free ice water to keep you cool in the humid Savannah heat.
When I went in the afternoon around lunchtime, there was just a short line that I made it through in about 10 minutes; the night before, on the other hand, the line was wrapped around the block.
LONG WEEKEND IN SAVANNAH, GEORGIA ITINERARY
A Walk in the Park
After a nice lunch and exploring the Telfair museums, head down to Forsyth Park.
The centerpiece Forsyth Fountain is the most photographed landmark in Savannah, and there are plenty of walking trails and benches to relax after a long day.
The park is a little bit of a walk away from the museums and River Street, so you can take an Uber or Lyft if you’re tired; however, I recommend walking and stopping along the way in the squares you pass.
LONG WEEKEND IN SAVANNAH, GEORGIA ITINERARY
An Olde Pink Dinner
Tonight, have dinner at The Olde Pink House, said by many to be the best restaurant in Savannah.
It’s a little on the pricey side, but the food is SO DELICIOUS.
The fried chicken was some of the best that I’ve ever had, and I didn’t know that I liked collard greens until I tried the ones from here – they melt in your mouth!
If you feel like having a drink, try the “Pink Lady,” made with fresh-squeezed lemonade and raspberry vodka.
Make sure to check out their super-cool basement bar for a drink – it‘s the perfect place to hang out before your table is ready. Don’t want to make a reservation? You can order off the restaurant menu there as well!
This is a super popular spot, so make reservations ahead of time. There’s no dress code, but you may feel out of place if you’re not dressed somewhat nicely.
LONG WEEKEND IN SAVANNAH, GEORGIA ITINERARY
3 Days in Savannah Itinerary: Day 3
Start off the last of your 3 days in Savannah with breakfast at your hotel or at a local cafe. There are tons of great options in town at different price points!
Stroll through the Cemetery
This morning, take a stroll through Bonaventure Cemetery, which was famously featured in John Berendt’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil as well as the Clint Eastwood-directed film adaptation.
The cemetery is hauntingly beautiful, with rows upon rows of Spanish moss-draped oak trees.
The cemetery is located a bit outside of the Historic District, so I highly recommend taking this Bonaventure Cemetery guided walking tour, which includes transportation from downtown Savannah hotels to the cemetery.
The walking tours are led by trained historians who are experts on the cemetery’s history and the stories of its eternal residents.
LONG WEEKEND IN SAVANNAH, GEORGIA ITINERARY
A Lunch Fit for a Pirate
It’s lunchtime! Head to The Pirate’s House for their lunch buffet, served from 11-3.
I’m normally super picky with buffets, but I was really impressed with this one! The fried chicken was so good, as were all the sides.
The buffet also comes with a dessert, and you have your choice between a couple of options. I chose to try their peach cobbler, and it was so good!
This pirate-themed restaurant is super touristy and often has a wait. I visited around 1:00 PM on a Saturday though and didn’t have to wait at all!
Make sure to ask a pirate for a tour of the house – especially if you’re traveling with kids. They’ll love it!
Spend the rest of your time in Savannah exploring the historic district, seeing the beautiful squares, and soaking up one of the prettiest cities in the US.
LONG WEEKEND IN SAVANNAH, GEORGIA ITINERARY
3 Days in Savannah: Where to Stay
Savannah is a pretty compact, walkable city. To be close to all the excitement, I highly recommend staying in the Historic District.
If you’re wanting to stay right in the middle of everything, check out the Hyatt Regency Savannah. Located near River Street, this hotel is just steps from all of Savannah’s action.
Even if you’re not staying here, this is a great spot for a clean restroom! We also hung out in the lobby for about an hour during a downpour.
If your lodging budget is a little higher, the Andaz Savannah may be the hotel for you.
If I didn’t have to take cost into account, THIS is where I would’ve wanted to stay in Savannah. And after my stay at the Andaz Resort in Scottsdale, this hotel got even higher on my list!
The rooms look beautiful and you’re right in the heart of the city’s riverfront district.
Another gorgeous luxury property is the Alida Hotel Savannah.
The Alida, a newer hotel on the Savannah riverfront, prides itself on being a union of modern life and traditional Savannah history and charm.
Click here to check rates for your travel dates or book a room at the Alida.
On a budget but want to stay in downtown or in the historic district? Check out The Thunderbird Inn, a classic roadside motel with great reviews.
Another affordable option is the downtown Springhill Suites, which also includes free breakfast!
Unfortunately, Savannah isn’t home to any hostels, but there are tons of Savannah vacation rentals on VRBO if that’s more your style.
LONG WEEKEND IN SAVANNAH, GEORGIA ITINERARY
Other Travel Tips for Visiting Savannah for a Long Weekend
Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room is one of the most popular restaurants in Savannah. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to go because it’s only open Monday-Friday, and I would’ve only had time to go on the weekend.
At Mrs. Wilkes’, you’ll be seated at a table of 10 and served family-style.
It’s all-you-can-eat and they’ll constantly be bringing more food, so make sure to pack your stretchy pants!
Be prepared to wait in the line and make sure to bring cash – cards are not accepted. There is an ATM on site.
Another popular Savannah restaurant is Paula Deen’s The Lady and Sons. Despite its popularity, many of the locals advised us to stay away, saying the food was rather mediocre for the price. Since I didn’t visit I can’t give my opinion, so let me know what you think of it if you go or have been.
Free Walking Tours are one of my favorite ways to see a new city. Free Savannah Tours offers a free 90-minute walking tour to help you see and experience the city. Just make sure to tip your guide!
One of the top things to do in Savannah is the Hop-On Hop-Off Old Town Trolley Tour. The trolley will take you all around the city. Hop off at stops to explore or stay on for a leisurely tour of Savannah – the choice is yours!
Need a beach break? Savannah is just 30 minutes from Tybee Island and 45 minutes to Hilton Head!
LONG WEEKEND IN SAVANNAH, GEORGIA ITINERARY
3 Days in Savannah: Frequently Asked Questions
How many days should you spend in Savannah GA?
I recommend spending at least 3 days exploring Savannah. This is the perfect amount of time to get a feel for the city while exploring the top attractions like the Historic District and Bonaventure Cemetery. It’s also the perfect length of time for a long weekend getaway!
When is the best time of year to visit Savannah?
Savannah is at its best in the spring and early summer, before the hot temperatures and high humidity levels kick in. March through early June (when I’ve visited Savannah) is the perfect time to go. Springtime in Savannah is extra nice as well because all the flowers in the historic squares and parks are in full bloom.
What is the closest beach to Savannah?
Tybee Island, Georgia is Savannah’s closest beach. If you’re driving into Savannah or have a rental car, it’s just about a 30 minute drive. If you don’t have access to a car, this Tybee Island Day Trip from Savannah includes transportation with hotel pick-up and several hours of beach time.
Is Savannah a walkable city?
Yes! Savannah is a super walkable city. Many of the top attractions are located in the Historic District, just a few blocks from each other. You’ll only need to ride in a car when traveling to further afield sights like Bonaventure Cemetery and Tybee Island or to the airport.
Do you need a car in Savannah?
Savannah is a walkable city, so if you’re staying downtown and planning on mainly sticking to the Historic District or taking guided day tours, you shouldn’t need a rental car. But, if you need a rental car to drive into Savannah for your weekend trip, or want to explore further afield after visiting Savannah, a rental car could come in handy. When searching for your Savannah rental car, I recommend using Discover Cars, which searches dozens of rental companies so that you can find the best price.
What is the prettiest street to walk down in Savannah?
Savannah is a very picturesque destination, with charming streets and gorgeous architecture all around. Many say that Jones Street is Savannah’s prettiest though – located in the Historic District, the street is lined with oak trees dripping in Spanish moss and gorgeous historic homes.
Is the Forrest Gump bench still in Savannah?
In Forrest Gump, the famous “Life is like a box of Chocolates” scene features Forrest sitting on a bench in Savannah’s Chippewa Square. The bench itself was a prop created for the film, and you can see the exact bench at the Savannah History Museum.
Can you walk around with alcohol in Savannah?
Yes, you can walk around Savannah’s Historic District with an alcoholic beverage in-hand. Savannah’s Open Container Laws say that you can carry and enjoy an alcoholic drink, as long as it’s in a plastic cup and you’re within the Historic District boundary.
3 Days in Savannah: Final Thoughts
Savannah is a great city with SO much to do.
It’s perfect for a family vacation, a 21st birthday or bachelorette party, a couple’s trip, or just a quick weekend getaway.
It’s definitely one of the best places to visit in the United States! Three days in Savannah is a perfect introduction to the city, but I can’t wait to return and check out all the things I missed!
Have you spent a long weekend in Savannah? Let me know your favorite things to do so that I can check them out on my next visit!
