Spring is one of the most popular times to follow a Savannah, Georgia, weekend itinerary. Azaleas and dogwoods bloom across the city, and the mild temperatures are perfect for walking tours. Fall is also a favorite, with cooler air and events like film and food festivals. Summer can be warm, but evening strolls along River Street feel refreshing when breezes from the Savannah River roll in. Winter is quieter and cooler, with holiday lights adding a festive glow to the squares. No matter the season, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Savannah this weekend.
What Makes a Weekend in Savannah Truly Unforgettable?
A Savannah, Georgia, weekend itinerary blends history, charm and a relaxed pace that invites you to explore without hurry. The historic district, designed by James Oglethorpe in 1733, still follows its original grid of tree‑lined streets. Twenty‑two public squares shape the city’s character. Some offer quiet corners for reflection, while others are alive with music, art and conversation.
Architecture tells much of Savannah’s story. Colonial‑era homes share the streets with elegant Victorian mansions, each reflecting a different chapter in the city’s past. Many are now museums, cafés, boutiques or art galleries. This mix of history and modern life is part of what makes there so many things to do in Savannah this weekend.
Savannah rewards those who take their time. The compact layout and shaded sidewalks make it easy to explore on foot. You might pause to admire a hidden garden, watch an artist at work or trade tips with a friendly local. These moments connect the landmarks into a larger experience, turning a short visit into something memorable.
DAY 1
How Should You Spend Your First Day in Savannah?
Start your morning in Forsyth Park, a 30‑acre green space in the heart of the historic district. At its center stands the park’s famous white fountain, a Savannah landmark since the 1850s, surrounded by flower beds and wide paths shaded by centuries‑old live oaks. Locals jog along the walkways, walk their dogs or browse the Saturday farmers market. Visitors often take their time here, enjoying the slower pace and soaking in the city’s morning atmosphere.
After a stroll, head to the Collins Quarter for breakfast. This café blends southern flavors with international influences and is known for its specialty coffee and creative dishes. Favorites include brioche French toast with berry compote or smashed avocado topped with a poached egg and pickled red onion. Sit outside and watch the city wake up or settle into the bright welcoming dining room.
Late morning is the perfect time to explore Savannah’s historic squares. Chippewa Square is instantly recognizable from Forrest Gump, although the bench in the movie was a prop. At its center is a statue of James Oglethorpe, the city’s founder, and the surrounding streets are lined with historic brick buildings and wrought‑iron balconies. Just a short walk away, Madison Square offers a quieter atmosphere and is bordered by notable landmarks such as the Green‑Meldrim House, which served as General Sherman’s headquarters during the Civil War.
For lunch, make your way to City Market. This four‑block district has been a gathering place since the 1700s. Once a trading hub for farmers and fishers, it now blends restaurants, boutiques and art galleries with open spaces for live music. Try a seafood platter, sample regional favorites or step inside working studios to meet local artists.
As evening sets in, enjoy dinner at The Olde Pink House. Built in the late 18th century, this stately mansion survived fires and the Civil War before becoming one of Savannah’s most beloved restaurants. Dining rooms lit by chandeliers and warmed by fireplaces set the stage for a menu rooted in Lowcountry tradition. Dishes such as rich she-crab soup, crisp scored flounder, and shrimp and grits highlight the region’s flavors while honoring the building’s long history.
Wrap up your evening with a ghost tour through the historic district, where lantern light spills across cobblestone streets and oak‑shaded squares. Guides bring Savannah’s haunted past to life with tales of restless spirits, historic homes and old cemeteries. When the tour ends, make your way to Congress Street Up, the speakeasy hidden inside the American Prohibition Museum®. The 1920s‑style bar feels like stepping into another era, with vintage music, period‑inspired cocktails and an atmosphere that makes it easy to linger long into the night.
DAY 2
What Cultural Treasures Can You Discover on Day 2 of Your Savannah, Georgia, Weekend Itinerary?
Begin your second day at the Owens‑Thomas House & Slave Quarters, built in the early 1800s. The main house showcases English Regency architecture with fine details and a graceful curved staircase. The preserved slave quarters share a different, more difficult history, with exhibits that honor the people who lived and worked there. Visiting this site is among the most meaningful things to do in Savannah this weekend.
A short walk takes you to the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, the childhood home of the Girl Scouts’ founder. Built in 1821, it displays original furnishings and personal items that reflect her creativity and commitment to service. Guided tours share her life story and her lasting impact.
Continue to the Telfair Museums, the South’s oldest public art museum. The Telfair Academy, Jepson Center, and Owens‑Thomas House together hold European paintings, American impressionist works and interactive exhibits. Moving between the three offers a mix of old and new that mirrors Savannah itself.
For lunch, you might return to City Market or try a nearby café. Enjoy a Lowcountry boil or a fresh salad outdoors and watch the easy flow of life around you. Afterward, visit Colonial Park Cemetery. Established in 1750, it served as the city’s main burial ground for over a century. Its weathered stones tell stories of the Revolutionary War, yellow fever epidemics and the city’s early leaders.
Bonaventure Cemetery is next. Known around the world for its beauty, it was once part of a plantation and has been in use since the mid‑1800s. Oak trees draped in Spanish moss line the paths between elaborate monuments. The cemetery’s appearance in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil only added to its reputation. Guided tours reveal the lives of poets, soldiers and community figures who rest here.
Close out the day at Treylor Park, where the menu puts a creative spin on southern comfort food. Shrimp-and-grits tacos, PB&J chicken wings and fried bologna sliders are popular choices. The casual atmosphere is the perfect setting to swap stories from the day.
How Can You Make the Most of Your Weekend in Savannah?
Planning Tips
To best enjoy the many things to do in Savannah this weekend, it helps to plan ahead. Walking lets you appreciate the city’s details, while cycling covers more ground. Old Town Trolley Tours® offers a hop‑on, hop‑off service with live narration from experienced guides, giving you the freedom to explore without worrying about parking.
Book accommodations early during popular seasons. Spring brings blooming azaleas and outdoor events. Fall is cooler and home to the Savannah Film Festival. Summer can be warm, but evenings along River Street are comfortable with a breeze from the water. Winter is quieter, with holiday lights adding seasonal charm.
Staying in the historic district keeps you close to restaurants, shops and attractions. If your trip coincides with St. Patrick’s Day, secure reservations well in advance, as Savannah hosts one of the largest parades in the country.
Once you arrive, take time to enjoy the in‑between moments. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestones and carry water on warmer days. Rest under the shade of the oaks. Visit a local bookstore, listen to a street musician or linger over coffee in a city square. A thoughtful Savannah, Georgia, weekend itinerary blends well‑known sights with unexpected discoveries. If possible, add a riverboat cruise or a trip to Tybee Island for another view of the area.
What Makes a Savannah, Georgia Weekend Itinerary So Memorable?
After two days in the city, it’s easy to see why a Savannah, Georgia, weekend itinerary leaves such a strong impression. Savannah blends history, culture and natural beauty in a way that feels warm and inviting. The historic district is filled with beautifully preserved buildings, while the city’s restaurants, art galleries and music spots add a fresh, modern energy. Walking the streets connects you to moments from the colonial era, the Civil Rights Movement and life today. Visiting museums, historic homes and cemeteries helps you understand Savannah’s story even more, while dining in a centuries‑old building gives you a taste of its past. Evenings along the riverfront show a city that’s always changing yet still holds onto its charm.
But Savannah’s true heart is in its people. Shopkeepers welcome you like an old friend, servers gladly point out their favorite dishes and locals are quick to share a hidden spot you might have missed. Many visitors leave feeling like they’ve been part of the community, and that feeling often brings them back. A Savannah, Georgia, weekend itinerary can easily turn into the first of many trips, with each visit offering something new to see and enjoy among the many things to do in Savannah this weekend.
FAQs
Three days is ideal for completing a full Savannah, Georgia, weekend itinerary and still fitting in extra activities like a riverboat cruise or a quick trip to Tybee Island. Two days is enough to see a bunch of the major highlights, such as Forsyth Park, the Owens‑Thomas House, and City Market, especially if you focus on what interests you most. The historic district’s compact layout makes it easy to see a lot without feeling rushed. If you have more time, you can slow down, wander through the squares and enjoy even more things to do in Savannah this weekend.
Food is a key part of any Savannah, Georgia, weekend itinerary. Lowcountry favorites include shrimp and grits, she‑crab soup, fried chicken and collard greens. Many menus highlight fresh seafood from the coast and produce from local farms. For dessert, pralines, pecan pie and peach cobbler are timeless choices. Dining in a historic building, like The Olde Pink House, adds extra charm to the meal. Sampling the city’s flavors is one of the best things to do in Savannah this weekend.
Yes! There are plenty of things to do in Savannah this weekend for all ages. Kids can play at Forsyth Park’s playgrounds or enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Telfair Museums. Families often choose Old Town Trolley Tours® for an easy way to see the sights while hearing live narration from friendly, knowledgeable guides. A riverboat cruise adds another fun perspective, and a visit to a local candy shop is always a hit. Even some ghost tours are family‑friendly, mixing spooky stories with humor. A well‑planned Savannah, Georgia, weekend itinerary balances sightseeing with downtime in the city’s lush parks and squares.
Yes! Many restaurants now serve vegetarian and vegan versions of southern classics. You can try jackfruit barbecue sandwiches, collard greens without meat, hearty vegetable stews and fresh salads. Dessert shops offer vegan cakes and dairy‑free ice cream, while some bars create cocktails with fresh juices and herbal syrups. As you explore the city through your Savannah, Georgia, weekend itinerary, servers are often happy to suggest plant‑based dishes, and local dining guides can point you toward even more great finds. Enjoying fresh, flavorful meals comes naturally alongside all the things to do in Savannah this weekend.
