Historic District south · Shaded stroll
Oak-lined paths make a natural morning starting point.
United States · Shaded squares, shared lunch tables and riverfront lanes
Savannah
Savannah is best approached square by square, letting live-oak shade set the pace between house museums and cafes. Its beauty deserves attention, but so do the histories of slavery interpreted in its buildings and the communal food traditions still found at lunchtime.
When to go: March through May and October through November offer gentler conditions for square-to-square walks than the humid summer months.
What to pack for Savannah
Breathable cotton or linen tops
Humid Savannah afternoons make airy fabrics more comfortable.
- Any brand
Supportive nonslip shoes
River Street’s uneven paving can be awkward, particularly after rain.
Compact umbrella
Shade and sudden showers both matter during long square-to-square walks.
- Any brand
Broad-brim sun hat
Even oak-shaded routes include sunny stretches along the waterfront.
Refillable water bottle
Refill before cemetery walks where breaks may be farther apart.
- Any brand
Sunscreen
A shady park morning can turn into a much brighter riverfront afternoon.
- Any brand
Portable charger
Maps and frequent architecture photos can consume a day’s battery.
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Things to do in Savannah
East Savannah · Reflective walk
Sculpture and tree-lined roads occupy a bluff above the Wilmington River.
Oglethorpe Square · Context-rich tour
Interpretation connects the mansion’s architecture to the people enslaved there.
Waterfront · River walk
Old waterfront paving and river views contrast with the squares inland.
Jones Street · Communal lunch
Shared lunch tables fill with changing Southern dishes.
Broughton Street · Ice cream
Historic recipes make the Broughton Street shop more than a cooling stop.
Forsyth Park · Brunch
Its Forsyth Park location combines breakfast with an easy park walk.
Broughton Street · Coffee break
A coffee stop fits naturally into a downtown shopping wander.
What to eat in Savannah
Fried chicken and Southern sides
Mrs. Wilkes’ serves platters with dishes such as black-eyed peas and cornbread dressing; the selection changes.
Where to find itSweet potato soufflé
Look for this sweet Southern side among the shared-table spread at Mrs. Wilkes’.
Where to find itTutti frutti ice cream
Leopold’s preserves an old-fashioned flavor in its century-spanning recipe repertoire.
Where to find itRum bisque ice cream
A signature-style scoop at Leopold’s adds a different direction to the usual chocolate-or-vanilla choice.
Where to find itShrimp and grits
The Olde Pink House is a place to explore refined coastal Southern cooking; consult the current menu before booking.
Where to find it
What travelers loved
Breakfast followed by park time
Southern Living’s travel editors recommend the Forsyth Park Collins Quarter as an especially convenient pairing with a stroll.
Read the originalA weekend paced by squares
The same editorial itinerary celebrates Savannah’s parks and riverside walking as an essential part of a restorative short stay.
Read the originalMeals as part of the destination
The travel feature treats Savannah’s restaurants and coffee stops as key reasons to linger rather than simply refueling between sights.
Read the originalParaphrased from public traveler reports; follow each link for the original.
Before you go: health & entry
Health alerts
For current public-health issues affecting a trip to Savannah, follow the US Health Alert Network linked from CDC’s United States traveler page. Source
Entry and travel documents
International visitors heading to Savannah should use the State Department visa and Customs and Border Protection resources linked by CDC; requirements depend on citizenship and travel status. Source
A summary of public guidance, checked on 2026-10-23. It's not medical advice: see a travel clinic or your doctor 4–6 weeks before you leave.
Savannah travel questions
Can I explore Savannah without a car?+
The Historic District is well suited to walking; use a ride or tour for Bonaventure Cemetery and trips farther afield.
Should I book Savannah restaurants ahead?+
Reserve sought-after dinner tables early; Mrs. Wilkes’ operates a different, queue-based lunch experience.
Is Savannah comfortable in summer?+
Expect sticky heat and thunderstorms; start walks early and save museums for the hottest hours.
