Ultimate Weekend in Savannah, Georgia Itinerary – Perfect for 2-3 Days

Savannah, Georgia Weekend Itinerary

Weekend in Savannah Itinerary

Day 1 Weekend in Savannah: Riverfront, Wormsloe Historic Site, Bonaventure Cemetery, Forsyth Park, Mercer Williams House, and more!

Starting our first day in Savannah with a bang, we will be seeing some of the most famous Savannah attractions and landmarks. From Savannah’s Riverfront, we will be heading 25 minutes south to visit Georgia’s oldest plantation, and then making our way back northeast to Bonaventure Cemetery. After, you will be exploring all around the Savannah Historic District -South. 

Just as a quick itinerary FYI – Each day is broken down with Savannah attractions that are near one another. However, feel free to change the days and even activities around to fit your needs! Furthermore, you can use the Table of Contents above to skip around and see a full overview!

The Savannah Riverfront and River Street

River Street is one of the most unique places to explore, in my opinion. You have the opportunity to take a sneak peek into the past with historic buildings, roads, and even staircases down to the Riverfront. In fact, the Riverfront has played a huge role in Savannah’s success as a city. 

Fun Fact: Savannah has the 4th busiest shipping port in the USA. It is not uncommon to see giant shipping containers pass under the Talmadge Memorial Bridge down the Savannah River!

I would urge you to visit River Street both in the morning and later at night (especially if you like nightlife). River St. is known for shopping, food, and nightlife. Did you know you can walk around with 16oz alcoholic cups around the historic district thanks to Savannah’s open container laws? 

Make sure to walk down by the JW Power Plant, where you will find tons of great shopping and restaurants. Other top attractions on River Street include the iconic Georgia Queen Paddle Boat (near Olympia Cafe), and Factors Walk, a historic place where cotton was bought and sold.

To our surprise, we even saw a pod of dolphins at night when we were by the JW Power Plant District in the Savannah River since it’s brackish water! All in all, the Riverfront is one of the best things to do in Savannah.

Address: 5 E River St, Savannah, GA 31401 – This will bring you near the Georgia Queen boat

Wormsloe Historic Site Plantation

A trip to Wormsloe Historic Site is another top attraction you will want to add to your weekend in Savannah itinerary. Not only is this the oldest plantation in Georiga, which has some of the oldest standing structures in Savannah, but it is also famous for its 1.5-mile driveway lined in live oak trees blanketed in Spanish Moss.

In fact, several movies have even been filmed here, including The Last Song and The Generals Daughter. The plantation was constructed by Noble Jones in 1736 and was used to raise cattle and farm crops such as potatoes, rice, cotton, oranges, peaches, and more. 

Many people just pull up to take a photo of the driveway, however, I would suggest paying the admission so you can have access to several hikes, see the tabby ruins, enjoy picnic areas, and have the ability to walk or drive down the entire driveway.

While this plantation is surely beautiful, it is also important to remember the dark history of plantations in the South.

You will need some type of transportation to visit Wormsloe. If you didn’t rent a car, you might want to take a tour or get an Uber/Lyft.

Savannah Travel tip: If you travel with your dog like us, leashed dogs are allowed!

Bonaventure Cemetery

Next, we will be heading to the famous Bonaventure Cemetery. Personally, I am not a fan of cemeteries or scary movies for that matter, however, this is one pretty cemetery.

Besides having beautiful flower blooms and giant picturesque oak trees, the cemetery became incredibly popular after the novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt (a great read before visiting Savannah!).

The Bonaventure Cemetery is also known to be haunted… shocker! One of the most well-known spirits is a young girl, Gracie Watson, who died of pneumonia at 6 years old.

Furthermore, there are a handful of notable people buried here, including Johnny Mercer and Conrad Aiken. Visiting Bonaventure Cemetery is free to visit and really a must on any Savannah itinerary, especially when the azaleas are blooming!

You will need some type of transportation to visit since it is outside the main city. 

Fun fact: The Cemetery was originally a plantation, and pets are allowed!

The Gingerbread House (optional)

After enjoying the cemetery, you might want to make a stop at The Gingerbread House (also known as the Asendorf House – original owner). This historic Savannah house is known as one of the finest examples of Steamboat Gothic architecture in the USA. If you love architecture, I would recommend a stop.

After all, it is one of the most famous houses in Savannah. The home was built in 1899 and is located in the Historic District of Savannah.  With that being said, if you are short on time, you could skip this one.

Savannah Travel tip: During a visit, many enjoy stopping at the Foxy Loxy just next door for a quick bite!

Address: 1921 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401

Forsyth Park

Visiting Forsyth Park is a must on any weekend trip to Savannah! Laid out in the 1840s, Forsyth is the largest park in Savannah, with 30 acres to enjoy. 

The park is a top Savannah photography spot for the magnificent oak trees draped in Spanish moss and the Forsyth Fountain, which is so iconic to the city.

Besides photography, locals come to the park to enjoy picnics, exercise, read, relax, or even attend events such as concerts or the Saturday farmers market.

Savannah Fun Fact: Did you know the Forsyth Fountain was ordered from a catalog over 150 years ago? It has held up beautifully! Moreover, during Saint Patrick’s Day, they color the water green! It is one of the largest Saint Patty’s parades in the USA.

There are also some beautiful homes around the park, including the Armstrong House, the Forsyth Animal Hospital, and Magnolia Hall.

If you want to be closest to the fountain, you will want to enter the park from W Gaston Street.  

Address: Forsyth Park, 2 W Gaston St, Savannah, GA 31401

Alex Raskin Antiques

Update: Now permanently closed. The home has been purchased and it is unknown if the home will still be an attraction to tour.

Moving right along through Savannah’s historic district, our next stop on this Savannah itinerary will be at Alex Raskin Antiques.

They specialize in antique furniture, although many find themselves touring the store to see the last unrestored mansion in Savannah known as the Noble Hardee Mansion.

Address: 441 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401

Mercer Williams House

Right across the way from Alex Raskin Antiques is the Mercer Williams House, which is known as one of the most famous, haunted, and historic homes in Savanah, GA. The home was completed in 1868 for General Hugh W. Mercer (Great Grandfather of Songwriter Jonny Mercer), however, no actual Mercer ever lived in the home. 

The home became a tourist must-see after being featured in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, which recalls owner Jim Williams being accused of shooting Danny Hansford inside the home in 1981. He was tried 4 times and acquitted.

You may also hear about the death of a young boy, Tommy Downs whose spirit is said to be lurking in/around the home. It was said the young boy was hunting pigeons when he lost his balance and fell onto the iron fence to his death. 

If you are interested, you can tour the home. You will see lots of art from William’s private collection that dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

Tours were closed during our visit, however, they are 40-minute guided tours, and tickets are $12.50 per adult. 

While you are in the area, you will be near both Monterey and Chatham Square. Both Squares are a part of the original 22 planned by Oglethorpe and a lovely place to stroll.

Address: 429 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401

Trolly Tour – Optional

This is more of a suggestion on a way to explore some of the attractions if you don’t want to walk or don’t have a car while exploring Savannah.

The hop-on-hop-off Trolly tour covers a lot of the history in Savannah and stops at most of (if not all) the top attractions. We drove to Savannah from Raleigh, North Carolina, but if we had flown in, we would have probably done the trolly to minimize as much walking. Find Savannah Trolly Tours here.

Rooftop Restaurant

You have seen a ton of Savannah in just 1 day, so let’s end the day watching the sunset at one of Savannah’s best rooftops. Some popular rooftop bars in Savannah include Rocks on the Roof (pictured below), Peregrin, and The Drayton Hotel rooftop. 

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Day 2 in Savannah: Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, Telfair Museums, Basilica of Saint John, Jones Street

Day 2 in Savannah will also be jam-packed with fun things to do in Savannah! Remember, you do not have to see it all, but I have laid it out for you!

Today, we will be exploring the Owen-Thomas House and Slave Quarters, several squares, the Basilica of Saint John, and the prettiest street in Savannah! 

Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters

To start off day 2 in Savannah, let’s head to the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters. This historic antebellum home offers a self-guided audio walkthrough that can be done on your cell phone. The tour allows you to explore one of the oldest homes in Savannah, learn about the family, and a look into slavery at the home. 

Admission is $20 USD and will give you access to the other two Telfair museums. They can be purchased on-site or online.

Out of the 3 Museums, the Owens-Thomas House is the only one that starts in 15-minute increments. If you plan on seeing the home, I would suggest starting here first. The other two allow you to view at leisure. 

Fun Fact: The Owens-Thomas House was the first in the United States to have indoor plumbing in 1819. The house has 2 toilets, 3 bathtubs, and at least 1 shower. This was so rare in the USA that even by 1940, only 55% of American households had one private bathroom! 

Oglethorpe Square & Wright Square

You will find this lovely Square across from the Owen-Thomas House. Oglethorpe Square, named after Savannah’s founder, is one of the original 6 squares planned for the city. Unlike many other squares in the Historic District, this square does not have any monuments.

It was one of my favorites, so I’d recommend walking through it as you make your way to the Telfair Museums (about a 7-minute walk). 

As you continue down E President Street to the next Museum, you will also walk right through Wright Square, which was the 2nd original square. What I believe is pretty unique about this square is that it was the burial of Yamacraw Chief Tomochichi. 

He helped Oglethorpe and his people settle in Savannah. The two were known to be good friends; they even took a trip to England together. For Tomochichi’s death in 1739, Oglethorpe held a military funeral to honor him with a pyramid grave made of stones.

However, the giant memorial you see in this square is not for him, but instead for William Washington Gordon, a Georgia Senator. Tomochichi’s remains are still there, and a granite stone was placed in 1899 in remembrance by Gordon’s Widow.

Telfair Academy 

Now, on to the main attraction, the Telfair Academy. This historic mansion was initially built for Alexander Telfair in 1819. Eventually, in 1875, the house and its furnishings were passed down to the Georgia Historical Society to be opened as a museum. 

Like the Owen-Thomas House, you will be given a QR code to scan on your phone, which will give you an audio walkthrough. During your visit, you will learn about the Telfair family and more.

The museum offers the opportunity to enjoy 19th and 20th century American and European paintings and sculptures. Furthermore, this museum is home to Savannah’s iconic Bird Girl statue, making it a must-visit on your Savannah itinerary. 

You can spend as little or as much time as you like here, depending on how your day has been going.

Fun Fact: This was the first museum in the United States that was founded by a woman and the first public museum in the South.

Address: 121 Barnard St, Savannah, GA 31401

Telfair Museums (Jepson Center For the Arts) 

This museum was closed during our visit, but it is a part of your ticket when you visit one of the other 2 museums. It was designed in 2006.

The museum highlights modern and contemporary art with an ever-changing array of exceptional and even interactive artwork. They also have a children’s museum area if you are traveling with the family. I think you could probably skip this if you are short on time.

Address: 207 W York St, Savannah, GA 31401

Chippewa Square

Moving right along through this Savannah itinerary, we will now head to one of the most famous Squares in Savannah. What makes Chippewa Square so famous? If you didn’t already know, this is the Forrest Gump bench filming location.

Unfortunately, the bench was just a prop, so you can’t actually sit at the bench, but it’s still a lovely square. The square was laid out in 1815 and has a statue of James Oglethorpe. You will also be right near the Savannah Theater and lots of other shops/restaurants.

Colonial Park Cemetery

If you are up for another cemetery, you can take a quick trip to the Colonial Park Cemetery, which is known as one of the most haunted places in Savannah. The cemetery was established in 1750. After 1850, they began to use Laurel Cemetery instead.

Songwriters and officials who signed the Declaration of Independence can be found buried here along with 100’s of victims of yellow fever.

Savannah Fun Fact: The gravestones are all approximately where the person was buried. This is because the Union soldiers made camp here and damaged/defaced the grounds during the Civil War. If you decide to go on a Ghost tour, you will most certainly be brought here.

Address: 200 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31401

The Cathedral Basilica of Saint John the Baptist

If you had a look at the Savannah skyline, you have likely seen The Cathedral Basilica of Saint John the Baptist. Believe it or not, this church was affected by 2 great fires that swept through Savannah. The church features beautiful stained glass and ceiling work. 

Travel Tip: Make sure to check out Lafayette Square across the street! The square frames the Cathedral along with having a lovely little fountain and giant oak trees.

East Jones Street

Last but not least is E Jones Street! If you ask a local Savannahian what the prettiest street in Savannah is, they will reply Jones Street. As a matter of fact, Jones Street has made many lists of being one of the most beautiful streets in the USA! Therefore, it should definitely be on your Savannah weekend itinerary.

Stroll down the wide brick street of historic homes lined with oak trees. Most of the homes you will see were built in the 1800s and are all very beautiful. Some of my favorite homes are located between Lincoln Street and Drayton Street on E Jones St. Closer to Drayton St., you will find the “Patriotism” homes all lined with American Flags. 

Ghost Tour – Optional

Day two in Savannah has been exceptionally jam-packed, but if you would like to do some additional touring, I would suggest checking out a ghost tour in Savannah. After all, Savannah is known as one of the most haunted cities in America, making it a perfect addition to your weekend in Savannah itinerary!

The Ghost tours are at night to give you all the extra creepy vibes and are generally offered as walking tours or by trolly. Check out Savannah Ghost tours here.

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Day 3 in Savannah: Johnson Square, City Market, Day trip to Tybee Island 

If you have 3 days in Savannah, there are quite a few ways you can spend your time. For one, if you were unable to do some of the activities on days 1 or 2 in Savannah Georgia, you can do some of them now. Or if the weather is nice, you might want to take a day trip to Tybee Island beach! 

I will start off with staying in the city first, but also know that you can combine the beach and city activities.

Johnson Square

Welcome to the first laid-out Square in Savannah. Not only was Johnson Square the first, but it was also the largest Square. In the center of this busy Square, you will find the Obelisk monument to General Nathanael Greene, a Major General in the Revolutionary War. 

The Square also features two fountains and a sundial. This was one of the busiest Squares we visited, with tons of people walking through and hanging around the fountains. 

Address: 127 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31401

The Olde Pink House

Known as one of the best places to eat in Savannah for southern cuisine, The Olde Pink House easily makes it on our Savannah weekend itinerary. But even if you don’t eat here, this iconic mansion is still worth seeing.

The mansion was built in 1771 and was formerly known as the Habersham. The home passed through several hands, from being the first Georiga bank to an attorney’s office and then a tea room. 

If you plan to eat at this historic home, make sure to make your reservations well in advance. Additionally, you have the opportunity to take a quick stroll through Reyolds Square across the street!

Address: 23 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31401

City Market

Another iconic spot you can’t miss during a weekend in Savannah is the City Market. This market has been around since the 1700s and was a place for people to gather, trade, and shop.

To this day, the market is still a lively part of Savannah where locals and tourists alike go shopping, eat, and hang out. You can even visit the American Prohibition Museum. It is the only one in the USA!

Address: 219 W Bryan St, Savannah, GA 31401

First African Baptist Church & Franklin Square

Another popular and historic attraction you might want to check out is the First American Baptist church, which is said to be the first in the United States.

The Church was organized in 1773 and has a museum that displays memorabilia dating back to the 18th century. They still have the original light fixtures and the baptismal pool. Furthermore, the church played an integral part in Savannah’s history. To learn more about the history and tours, click here!

Additionally, you will have Franklin Square across the street.

Address: 23 Montgomery St, Savannah, GA 31401

Tybee Island

Now to your other option; a day trip to Tybee Island. Located about 25 minutes from the Riverfront, it makes the perfect beach getaway. The island has over 5 miles of public beach to enjoy along with a pier, Marine Science Center, the Tybee lighthouse, and more! 

If you are feeling a little extra adventurous, you can even go on a dolphin cruise tour! Since it is only 25 minutes from downtown Savannah, you should still have time to see the above attractions if you wish. I think this is the perfect way to end your weekend in Savannah!

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Getting Around Savannah for the Weekend

Now that we have covered the best things to see during this weekend in Savannah itinerary, let’s discuss how to navigate the city. Savannah was built on a grid system with wide streets.

Generally speaking, Savannah is very walkable. However, having or renting a car makes it easier to reach some attractions. 

If you plan to visit Savannah without a car, you might consider opting for a trolly tour or just getting an Uber here and there.

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Best Way to get to Savannah

Savannah is just a short road trip away from the many Southern States, including Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina.

However, if you don’t want to drive, you can take a direct flight from several major cities to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV). Or you can fly into Atlanta or Charleston first, and add Savannah to your itinerary.

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Where to Eat in Savannah

Savannah is known as a food lovers destination! If you love learning and eating local cuisine, you may want to even check out a Savannah food tour! Some popular places to eat during a weekend in Savannah include: 

• The Olde Pink House – Serving classic Southern cuisine near Reynold Square.
• Husk – Serving classic Southern cuisine near Wright Square. 
• Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room –  1943 family-owned southern diner on W Jones Street near the Mercer House.
• Leopold’s Ice Cream – One of the most famous places to get ice cream in Savannah is located between the Owen-Thomas House and Reynolds Square.
• Moon River Brewing Company – A bar that is known as one of the most haunted places in Savannah near the Riverfront.
• Graffito Pizza – Located on the Riverfront and had pretty good pizza. If you know me, I have pizza everywhere I go!
• District Smokehouse – Also located on the Riverfront and has a lot of BBQ.
• The Pirates House – A themed Pirate restaurant, the oldest home in Savannah, known to be haunted and serve southern fare.

Additionally, some foods Savannah is known for are shrimp and grits, peaches, pralines, fried green tomatoes, and biscuits and gravy.

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The Best Time to Visit Savannah

Savannah is a year-round destination. With that being said, the best times to visit Savannah are in Spring, Fall, and Winter. Spring in Savannah offers milder temperatures, amazing azalea flower blooms, and the Saint Patrick’s Day parade (if you are into that).

Fall also offers excellent weather, with warm days in Savannah and potentially chilly nights. Winter is still pretty warm in Savannah overall, and they decorate so nicely for the holidays! You would potentially be giving up the beach on your Savannah itinerary, however.

Summer is still a popular time to visit Savannah, but it is incredibly hot and humid, therefore, it can be uncomfortable. If you don’t mind these high temps, a weekend in Savannah during the Summer might still be for you, especially if you plan on hitting the beach.

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Where to Stay in Savannah

Now, you just have to figure out where to stay during your Savannah weekend getaway, and I have a list of suggestions! We stayed on the Riverfront and absolutely loved being in this location. Below are some of the best places to stay in Savannah. 

The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront: This Boutique hotel has a little over 70 rooms overlooking the Riverfront. They offer a unique and luxurious experience with a formal restaurant and the highest rooftop bar on the riverfront with incredible views of all of Savannah. This is where we stayed during our weekend in Savannah, and we had a fabulous stay with a balcony room. They are also pet-friendly, so we brought our pup with us! Check Availability!

Psst! We were graciously hosted by The Bohemian. As always, all opinions are my own!

JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District: Also located on the Riverfront and sister property to the Bohemian, this brand new hotel is like a museum. With giant crystals, fossils, and art, it is most definitely a unique and beautiful hotel to stay at. They are also pet-friendly. Check Availability! 

Perry Lane Hotel: Another very popular hotel located right next to Chippewa Square, this high-end hotel is beautifully designed with local artwork that pays homage to its Georgia roots. They even offer complimentary bikes to explore Savannah, have an outdoor pool, and are known to have a great rooftop bar. Check Availability!

Mansion on Forsyth Park: Located across the street from Forsyth Park, this beautiful property offers a heated outdoor pool, a full restaurant, a rooftop bar, and a spa. This is also a highly coveted place to stay while in Savannah. Check Availability!

The Drayton Hotel: Located in the heart of Savannah’s Historic District, this property is a 19th-century boutique hotel that has embraced Savannah’s history. The property also has a restaurant and is known to have a good rooftop bar. Check Availability!

Springhill Suites by Marriott Savannah: Located right next to the Telfair Museums, you will be located right in the Historic District. This property offers an outdoor pool and spacious rooms. Check Availability!

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Weekend in Savannah Itinerary: Wrap-up 

This concludes our 3 day Savannah weekend itinerary! If you don’t get to all the attractions, don’t worry because most people find themselves revisiting Savannah! 

Have any questions about this Savannah itinerary or think I should add something? Please let me know in the comments below! 

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