How to Spend One Day in Savannah GA: 24 Hrs Itinerary
Savannah, Georgia’s best-kept Secret, is considered the second-largest city! This Southern city of the USA is my favorite. It has beautiful architecture, delicious food, and pretty downtown squares! You can easily spend the best one day in Savannah GA(Georgia) or you can easily choose one of many things to do in Savannah as per your like!
There are so many ways to spend 24 hours in Savannah Georgia. But there is the only difficulty in choosing what to leave out from your Savannah day trip!
I have curated the perfect 1-day Savannah itinerary which highlights the Savannah Historic District and its cobblestone streets which are the city’s top attractions along with the culinary scene of the city!
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Contents
- 1 Is 1 Day in Savannah GA enough?
- 2 Practical Information for seeing Savannah in One Day
- 3 Best time to visit Savannah GA
- 4 Getting to Savannah, Georgia
- 5 Getting around Savannah GA
- 6 What to do in one day in Savannah GA: Best One Day Savannah Itinerary
- 6.1 Start your Morning with the Best Coffee in the City
- 6.2 Take a stroll through Forsyth Park: Top Things to do in Savannah in one Day
- 6.3 Grab Breakfast at Sentient Bean
- 6.4 Make your way to Monterey Square in Historic District
- 6.5 Mercer Williams House
- 6.6 Stroll down stunning Jones Street
- 6.7 Explore Lafayette Square: Cathedral of St. John, The Baptist
- 6.8 Stop by Chippewa Square
- 6.9 Learn about American history at Colonial Park Cemetery
- 6.10 Have Lunch at The Zunzi’s
- 6.11 Explore Broughton Street & Cool Down at Leopold’s Ice Cream
- 6.12 Head over to City Market
- 6.13 Take a Tour Of Bonaventure Cemetery
- 6.14 Stroll along Historical River Street
- 6.15 End Your Day With Sunset Cruise OR A Paranormal Mystery Tour!
- 6.16 Eat Delicious Southern food in Savannah Historic District for Dinner
- 7 Where to stay for One Day in Savannah GA
- 8 More than one Day in Savannah Georgia?
- 9 Savannah Travel Tips
- 10 Best Resources to Book Your Trip
Is 1 Day in Savannah GA enough?
Maybe it’s not enough! But there are so many things to do in Savannah, which makes one day in Savannah Georgia worthwhile! I would love to visit this city, again and again, being one of my favorite cities in the USA.
Basically, you need 3 days for your visit to Savannah, the historic downtown and riverfront your first two days, then a day excursion on day three. But as I said if you have only one day in Savannah, you will love it as much as I did, and you won’t be disappointed! So, Keep Reading this Post!
I have curated this Perfect One day Savannah Itinerary to show this beautiful city and hope it will help you to make the most of your 24 hours in Savannah perfectly! This Savannah one-day itinerary is perfect even if you explore it on your own by walking!
This One day Savannah Itinerary is super easy, doable, and can fit in a day! Here I am covering:
- Must see Places in Savannah GA in one day
- Top things to do in Savannah in one day
- Savannah Travel Tips to make the most of your day trip to Savannah!
If you think this Itinerary is too hectic for you, feel free to check out the Walking tour of the Savannah Historic District to fit everything Savannah has to offer in one day!
Practical Information for seeing Savannah in One Day
Best time to visit Savannah GA
Savannah is known for having a subtropical climate. Rainfall occurs year-round, while the summers can be a bit hot and humid.
So, the best time to visit Savannah GA is in spring and early summer when the temperatures are perfect and the humidity is low.
I visited Savannah in the first week of November and it was perfect for fall festivities! Fall is also a great time to visit Savannah because the temperatures are nice, the summer crowds have gone, and the holiday crowds have yet to arrive. November can be a fun time to visit for various fall festival events.
Spring and Fall are my favorite season to visit Savannah because so many festival events happen in the city. Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day parade is one of the largest in the country! While the crowds would’ve been crazy for this, if you’re a big St. Patrick’s Day fan, it may be worth planning your trip around.
Getting to Savannah, Georgia
If you’re flying to Savannah, the best airport to fly into is the Savannah/Hilton Head Island International Airport (SAV), which is located just 20 minutes from the downtown historic district. Only a few airlines fly to it so check it before booking.
The other option is the Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is 2 hours south of Savannah and you can cover other destinations in Florida for a fun road trip!
Savannah is also relatively close to some other major cities by car. It’s 4 hours from Atlanta, 2.5 hours from Columbia, SC, and 2 hours from Charleston.
Getting around Savannah GA
What I love about Savannah apart from history is its walkability! The Historic District is just 1 sq mile in the area and you don’t need a car to get around! So, yes walking is your best bet to get around Savannah!
We parked our Car on one of the streets for the majority of the day and were able to see it by walking easily. You can download the free Savannah Map for your reference so that you can minimize your walking.
There are a few sights that require a little bit of a drive in your 1-day Savannah itinerary, so if you want to have the freedom to explore, you may want to rent a car. But Uber or Lyft would also be a good option and you can reach it within 10 minutes of nearby sights.
Another option for getting around Savannah is to take one of the Old Town Trolley Tours. Tickets cost $39.60 for one day or $61.90 for two days (you save more if you buy online!).
The trolley allows you to hop on and off unlimited times at all 15 stops in the main historic area. If you want an easy experience to get around without walking, while learning the history of the city, it’s perfect for you! They offer free parking for ticket holders as well!
Book your Hop on Hop Off Trolley Tour in Savannah Today!
If you don’t want to expend money on Trolley Tours and are tired from walking, catch a CHATHAM AREA TRANSIT(CAT). CAT offers 16 fixed bus routes in Savannah and Chatham County. The fare for local one-way service is $1.50 and it’s super convenient and inexpensive.
There is also a free DOT Shuttle service that connects visitors with parking areas, visitor centers, attractions, shops, and restaurants. It serves 18 stops in the Historic District and the Savannah Belles Ferry. Check out more about Savannah’s free dot shuttle.
If you neither want to walk or take a bus, I have got you! You can consider booking Guided History, Culture, & Scenic Views E-Bike Tour along with knowing some hidden gems on quiet side streets.
What to do in one day in Savannah GA: Best One Day Savannah Itinerary
This Savannah day trip itinerary is identical to how I spent my day when I visited a year back. I wasn’t able to see everything but this One Day Savannah Itinerary showcases the highlights the city has to offer!
Also, if you have more time to explore Savannah, I have covered those aspects as well! So, keep reading the best things to do in Savannah in one day.
Start your Morning with the Best Coffee in the City
There’s no brainer I love my morning coffee and so do you! Start your perfect day in Savannah by visiting Foxy Loxy Café. Located South of Forysth Park, this is Savannah’s most beloved coffee joint. Try a refreshing cold brew for the summer heat or the horchata latte, iced or hot.
Take a stroll through Forsyth Park: Top Things to do in Savannah in one Day
Start your day very quietly by visiting Forsyth Park in the early morning. It’s a perfect introduction to the green side of the city!
This Park is one of the most famous landmarks in Savannah and is spread across 30 acres on the southern edge of Savannah’s Historic District! is even more beautiful in person! Early Morning is the best time to visit Forsyth Park when the crowd is yet not arrived.
The Spanish moss, fountain, and flowers make it so magical in person! Besides the relaxing pathways, the most interesting feature of the park is its iconic fountain. Built in 1858, the glorious fountain resembles those at Place de la Concorde in Paris.
Forsyth Park is one of the best places to get some amazing pictures and to spend some time with yourself! If you are visiting it on Saturday, they have a farmers market at 9 AM in the morning.
Grab Breakfast at Sentient Bean
After strolling around, get some breakfast after walking around the Park. The popular local café offers a superb selection of coffee and it’s one of the most convenient places to have breakfast in Savannah, GA. It’s known for its veg-focused artisanal foodie items like vegan persimmon pancakes, gluten-free vegan personal pot pies, made with sweet potato crust, fresh bread, sandwiches, etc.
Other Places you can check out for breakfast are Collins Quarter, Fox & Fig Cafe, Spudnik, and Namaste Savannah. You can visit many cafes in Savannah for breakfast and brunch but if you have only one day in savannah, GA just try to eat near Forsyth Park to avoid unnecessary commute!
The Collins Quarter serves Australian-inspired brunch dishes and excellent coffee. Try their avocado smash or the brekkie board, which features a selection of meats, cheeses, and fruits.
Make your way to Monterey Square in Historic District
A short walk north of Forsyth Park, you’ll find the gorgeous Monterey Square! If you don’t know, Savannah’s main attractions include gorgeous Squares in the town!
Today, a total of 22 of Savannah’s original 24 town squares are in town today, Monterey Square is a fantastic first example to visit. So, keep an eye on the edges of these attractions! With only a day in Savannah, it’s worth checking out the exteriors at least!
Mercer Williams House
This is the former home of Jim Williams, a notable antique dealer in Savannah. The House was the scene of the 1981 shooting death of Danny Hansford by the owner Jim Williams.
The story was retold in the incredibly famous book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, which you should definitely start reading to know more about this Savannah’s most famous murder mystery if you are planning your day trip to Savanah!
Today, Jim Williams’ sister owns the house, and it’s open for the tour. If you are interested to know more, book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil Tour to know fascinating facts and insights about those events!
Stroll down stunning Jones Street
Walk straight from Mercer Williams House and you’ll reach the most beautiful street in America! Jones Street is one of the most Instagram-worthy places in Savannah and you can snap beautiful photographs of Savannah.
Lined with Oak trees, greek architecture, historic homes, cobblestone staircases, and plenty of American flags for a pop of color, Jones street is one of the must-visit places in Savannah.
Explore Lafayette Square: Cathedral of St. John, The Baptist
From Jones Street, continue your one day in Savannah with a walk along Bull Street and you will reach Lafayette Square.
There are so many historical squares to visit in Savannah from the 18th-century original city plan but Lafayette Square is famous for its glorious fountain.
Next to the square, you’ll find the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist– one of the most beautiful churches in Savannah. The interiors are so beautiful and ornate decorated with Persian rugs, Italian marble, and stained glass from Austria. This sound so regal.
The church is open and you can take a self-guided tour from Monday-Saturday – 9:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. and 12:45 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. It closes at 5 PM. Make sure to look up and notice the Great Rose Window, intricate frescoes, and 34 outstanding murals which are comparable to great cathedrals of Europe. so, must include this cathedral during your one day in Savannah.
Andrew Low House, a favorite stop on Savannah ghost tours, is also located near the square. This 200-year-old house is reputed to be haunted. You can take a guided ghost tour if the paranormal interests you. Also, Andrew Low House is worth checking out for its historical value being one of the historical landmarks in Savannah.
Stop by Chippewa Square
One of the most iconic squares in Savannah, you can’t miss Chippewa Square in your one day in Savannah Georgia. Out of all 22 old squares, Chippewa is the most popular!
Because the square itself is charming and is famous for iconic movie moments as it’s the exact place where Forrest Gump waited for the bus! The actual bench is now in the Savannah History Museum, but the backdrop remains.
You’ll also want to stop at the gorgeous Savannah Theatre, the Foley House Inn (one of the famous haunted hotels), First Baptist Church, and the 1847 Moses-Eastman House on the edges of Chippewa Square.
Learn about American history at Colonial Park Cemetery
Walk 3 blocks from Chippewa Square and you’ll find Colonial Park Cemetery. Dating back to 1789, Colonial Park Cemetery is one of the most city’s important burial grounds approximately 6 acres in size!
Perhaps the most famous person to be buried in Colonial Park Cemetery is Button Gwinnett. Button Gwinnett was most well known for being one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. So, if you want to know more about American history, take a stroll around it!
Have Lunch at The Zunzi’s
After so much walking, you may need a break and so head to Zunchi’s for Lunch located backside of Colonial cemetery. Zunzi’s is One of the local favorites that serve African-inspired sandwiches and salads. Be sure to try the Conquistador sandwich, which features chicken, sausage, and a special sauce.
They also have delicious Vegetarian options on the menu like Falafel on Pita, the portabella mushroom sandwich, and the veggie medley on top of fresh mashed potatoes.
Explore Owens-Thomas House
If you want to know more about Savannah’s history, must tour Savannah’s historic houses, the best places to visit in Savannah. Each with its own focus and story to tell. As you have very a short time, you can tour around one of your favorites!
But one of the worth mentioning and the most interesting is the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters. Built in 1819 in the English regency style, the museum is close to Chippewa Square.
The Owens Thomas House & Slave Quarters tour is an excellent option to know more about Savannah’s mansions– art, architecture, history, and the bad side of slavery! Save time for a tour of the Slave Quarters to get a more well-rounded history of the home.
Today, the home still remains one of the finest examples of the Regency architectural style in the United States and also explores the complicated relationship between the most and least powerful family.
Explore Broughton Street & Cool Down at Leopold’s Ice Cream
Whether you love to shop or just love to stroll, Broughton Street in downtown Savannah brings it all together for visitors of all ages. The street provides a multitude of shops, restaurants, scenery, and so many photo opportunities.
You won’t want to miss The Paris Market & Brocante to find décor from around the world or the Savannah Bee Company for shopping for honey.
And now, if you are tired from Savannah’s heat, head over to the most famous Leopold’s Icecream to cool down before continuing your one-day Savannah Itinerary!
Located a block north of the Owens-Thomas House, Leopold’s is one the oldest ice cream parlors in the United States and It’s even been voted as one of the best in the world!
But you need to be in the queue to taste it is the most popular place in Savannah!
Head over to City Market
If you are now tired from all the history of Savannah, take a break and head over to the City Market. City Market is one of the most popular places to visit in Savannah and a fun stop to see Savannah in a day!
Open since the 1700s, the open-air market s home to souvenir shops, a few boutiques and plenty of dining options, several art galleries, and Bistors!
For quick food, stop by Café at City Market or steak at award-winning Belford’s Savannah. But among all, it’s a fun place to watch people by pulling a chair at any Bistro!
Visit Bonaventure Cemetery, which has been voted one of the top 10 most beautiful cemeteries in the world!
It’s famous not only for its beauty but because the movie, ‘Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil’ was filmed here. The cemetery is free to access, although you can pay for a more detailed map or to use their GPS-guided app.
You can also take a guided tour with Bonaventure Cemetery Tours, which will give you the most information about the cemetery.
It’s a short drive from the Historic District, so you’ll need to take a Lyft or Uber to get there.
Stroll along Historical River Street
From the Cemetary, head Back to Historic District and stroll around River Street. The popular avenue runs along the historic Savannah riverfront. For tourists, River Street is one of the most interesting and Popular Places in Savannah.
Many of the historic buildings along the waterfront and River Street were once warehouses connected to the cotton trade. Now, these buildings are renovated and transformed into a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and art galleries.
As you stroll along River Street, you can opt for casual shopping or sip coffee and enjoy fantastic views over the Savannah River. If you love cocktails with views, head over to Wet Willie’s known for its rainbow of high-octane liquor-infused drinks.
A trip to Savannah is incomplete without a visit to River Street Sweets, which serves southern classics like Pecan Pralines and colorful chewy saltwater taffy.
End Your Day With Sunset Cruise OR A Paranormal Mystery Tour!
Depending on your like, you can end your one day in Savannah with a sunset river cruise or opting Paranormal Ghost Tour in the city!
To explore the Riverfront to its fullest, set aside an hour in your evening for a Savannah Riverboat Cruise with historic Georgia Queen and enjoy a relaxing sunset from the water. Enjoy the music and cocktails as the sun goes down by the Savannah River.
Want to Save Time? Book your Savannah Sunset River Cruise online!
Savannah is often listed as one of America’s most haunted cities. There are many ghost tours to choose from, so pick one that interests you and explore the city’s darker side. Here are my recommendations to satiate your soul!
- Ghosts and Gravestones Tour
- Psychic Guided Paranormal Mystery Tour
- Terrors, Ghosts, and Ghouls Walking Tour
- Famous Dead of Night Walking Tour
Eat Delicious Southern food in Savannah Historic District for Dinner
Savannah’s famous for its food scene and there are numerous incredible restaurants to choose from! So, head back into the Historic District to enjoy a delicious dinner.
There are so many best restaurants in Savannah but here are my recommendations for you
- The Grey, a chic restaurant housed in a former Greyhound bus station. The restaurant serves a seasonal menu of Southern-inspired cuisine and craft cocktails in a stylish setting. The restaurant has won numerous awards for its food and cocktails.
- The Olde Pink House is a historic mansion that has been converted into a restaurant. The restaurant serves Southern-inspired cuisine and features live piano music in the evenings.
- Vic’s on the River: Located on River Street with stunning views of the River, Vic’s on the River serves classic Southern cuisine with a modern twist!
- Cotton & Rye: This farm-to-table restaurant serves creative American cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
Wherever you go make sure to plan ahead! You may need Reservations for popular restaurants in Savannah on weekends!
Where to stay for One Day in Savannah GA
Since you have only one day in Savannah, I suggest staying in Historic District or nearby it as all major attractions are located nearby. The area is beautiful and you can reach everywhere by walking. You’ll find accommodation in all ranges from budget, and mid-range to luxury!
- Budget– The Thunderbird Inn | Marriott Savannah Riverfront
- Mid Range – The Marshall House | Catherine Ward House Inn
- Luxury – Perry Lane Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel
More than one Day in Savannah Georgia?
Looking for more things to do in Savannah? Here are some additional recommendations for tours, day trips, and sights to check out!
- Take a day trip to Tybee Island for some sun, sand, Sea, and history! I recommend booking a Doplhon cruise which may be perfect for families with kids!
- Visit Wormsloe Historic Site, which has been featured in movies, like The Last Song. It costs $10/adult to enter, but if you just want to see the tree-lined drive into the site which is the most popular, you can do this for free.
- Take a Guided Haunted Pub Crawl Tour in the evening.
- Explore the American Prohibition Museum, which is the first and only museum in the United States dedicated to the history of Prohibition. The Most interesting about the museum is learning to discover how cocktail culture was born during Prohibition when bartenders started combining mixers with potent alcohol to make it more palatable. So I highly recommend taking Cocktail Class at American Prohibition Museum.
- Go on a food tour and gorge on some authentic southern delicacies on this Famous and Secret East Side Food Tour of Savannah OR Savannah Culinary & Cultural Walking Food Tour
- If you are a history lover, I am sure you’ll love walking tours: Savannah Walking Tour or Historic District Tour.
- Get out in nature at Skidway Island State Park.
Savannah Travel Tips
- Carry a pair of good walking shoes because walking is the best way to explore Savannah’s Historic District. But if you want to add some fun consider taking this Guided Segway Tour of the historic district.
- If you want to save your time and money consider booking a combo of a City Sightseeing Trolley Tour with Riverboat Cruise for a hassle-free day in Savannah!
- You may want to skip as many Museums and take your own time to explore from your 24 hrs in Savannah, but must try a few restaurants or check out the Savannah First Squares Food Tours to know more about the local history along the way!
- Your Savannah itinerary may be packed but make sure to cool off and take breaks from the walk whenever possible during your one day in Savannah, Georgia.
- Savannah has a spooky impression, so don’t forget to book immersive Savannah underground Ghost Tours on your trip!
- Get a Savannah City Tour Pass if you are planning to see multiple historical Museums or Homes or want to opt for several City tours.
Best Resources to Book Your Trip
- Find and book the best hotel (My favorite booking site is Booking.com)
- Find the Best Airbnbs and Vacation Rentals (My Favorite site is VRBO)
- Research flight options (My favorite tools are Skyscanner and Wayaway)
- Book a tour ( I always use Viator and GetYourGuide to find the best tours)
- Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search for the best deals for you!)
Pin this One Day in Savannah itinerary to Plan your trip!