Weekend in Savannah: The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary (2026)
A weekend in Savannah, Georgia gives you two full days to explore one of the most beautiful and atmospheric cities in the American South. Founded in 1733, Savannah is America’s first planned city — its 22 historic squares, moss-draped live oaks, and Federal and Victorian architecture make it one of the most walkable and photogenic destinations in the country. This itinerary covers the essential stops, the best meals, and the key decisions that make the difference between a good weekend and a great one.
Getting there: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is 20 minutes from the Historic District. Savannah is also a 4-hour drive from Atlanta and a 2-hour drive from Charleston, SC.
Day 1: Historic Squares, River Street, and Southern Cuisine
Morning: Walk the Historic Squares
Savannah’s 22 historic squares are the defining feature of the city — each one a small park anchored by a monument or fountain, framed by 18th and 19th-century townhouses and churches. No two squares are identical, and walking between them is the best way to see the Historic District.
Start at Forsyth Park, the largest green space in the Historic District (30 acres), anchored by a white cast-iron fountain built in 1858. The park is most atmospheric in early morning when the Spanish moss catches the low light and locals walk their dogs through the shade.
From Forsyth, walk north through the district, stopping at:
- Chippewa Square — the bench where the opening scene of Forrest Gump was filmed (the bench itself is now in the Savannah History Museum)
- Madison Square — flanked by the Sorrel-Weed House, one of Savannah’s most haunted buildings
- Johnson Square — the oldest and largest of Savannah’s original squares, founded in 1733
The full Historic District walk from Forsyth to River Street covers about 1.5 miles and takes 90 minutes at a relaxed pace.
Late Morning: Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist on Lafayette Square is one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture in the American South. Built in 1873 and extensively restored after a 1898 fire, the interior features rose windows, hand-painted murals, and Italian marble floors. Entry is free and it is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lunch: Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is a Savannah institution — a family-style Southern lunch served at communal tables since 1943. Dishes include fried chicken, biscuits, collard greens, sweet potatoes, black-eyed peas, and banana pudding, all passed family-style. The price is $25 per person all-inclusive.
Important: Mrs. Wilkes is cash-only and does not take reservations. The line forms before the 11 a.m. opening and often stretches half a block. Arrive by 10:30 a.m. on weekends to avoid a long wait.
Afternoon: Bonaventure Cemetery
Bonaventure Cemetery is Savannah’s most celebrated landmark — a Victorian garden cemetery draped in Spanish moss on the banks of the Wilmington River. It gained international recognition as the setting for the cover of John Berendt’s 1994 bestseller Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
The cemetery is open daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and entry is free. Allow 60–90 minutes to walk the main avenues. The graves of poet Conrad Aiken and songwriter Johnny Mercer are among the most visited. A free map is available at the entrance gate.
Evening: River Street
River Street is a 9-block cobblestone strip along the Savannah River, lined with restaurants, bars, candy shops, and galleries occupying 19th-century cotton warehouses. It’s touristy but worth visiting — the views of the river and the container ships passing just yards from the waterfront are uniquely Savannah.
Dinner recommendation: The Olde Pink House (23 Abercorn St) — a 1771 mansion serving upscale Southern cuisine. The shrimp and grits and the planked fish are both excellent. Book a table 2–3 weeks ahead for weekend visits.
Day 2: Mercer House, Ghost Tour, and Savannah’s Hidden Gems
Morning: Mercer Williams House Museum
The Mercer Williams House on Monterey Square is the most famous private residence in Savannah — the setting for the murder at the center of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The house was built in 1860 for General Hugh Mercer (great-great-grandfather of Johnny Mercer) and features one of the finest Italianate facades in Georgia. Guided tours run daily 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and cost $12.50 per person.
Mid-Morning: Savannah’s Best Cafes and Bookshops
The Book Lady Bookstore on East Liberty Street is a used and rare bookshop that has occupied its location for over 40 years — ceiling-high shelves, a cat, and an exceptional Southern literature section. Gallery Espresso on Bull Street is the best coffee shop in the Historic District, housed in a 19th-century townhouse with outdoor courtyard seating.
Afternoon: Wormsloe Historic Site
Wormsloe State Historic Site, 9 miles south of the Historic District, contains the most photographed avenue in Georgia — a 1.5-mile canopy of 400 live oak trees forming a tunnel of Spanish moss over the entrance road. The site also contains tabby ruins of Georgia’s earliest fortified estate, built by Noble Jones in the 1740s.
- Entry: $10 per adult, $5 for children ages 6–17
- Open: Thursday–Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Best time for photos: Early morning light filters through the oak canopy most dramatically 8–10 a.m.
Evening: Ghost Tour of the Historic District
Savannah is consistently ranked one of the most haunted cities in America. An evening ghost tour is one of the best ways to see the historic squares after dark while learning the darker chapters of Savannah’s history. Tours depart from various points around the Historic District from 7–9 p.m. nightly.
See our full guide to haunted tours in Savannah for a comparison of the best tour operators and what each includes.
Weekend in Savannah: Quick Reference
| Time | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Forsyth Park + Historic Squares walk | Mercer Williams House tour |
| Midday | Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room (lunch) | Book Lady + Gallery Espresso |
| Afternoon | Bonaventure Cemetery | Wormsloe Historic Site |
| Evening | River Street + Olde Pink House | Ghost tour of the Historic District |
Practical Tips for a Weekend in Savannah
- Savannah is extremely walkable. The Historic District covers about 2.5 square miles and most major attractions are within 20 minutes on foot. You won’t need a car for Day 1.
- Public drinking is legal in Savannah’s Historic District — you can carry an open container (plastic cups only, no glass) anywhere in the downtown area. This explains the abundance of frozen drink shops on River Street.
- Book popular restaurants 2–3 weeks ahead. The Grey and The Olde Pink House both fill up weeks in advance on weekends.
- Spring (March–May) is peak season with perfect temperatures and blooming azaleas in the squares. The city hosts the second-largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in America every March 17.
- Parking: The Bryan Street Garage (100 E Bryan St) is the most convenient paid lot for the Historic District — $2/hour, $12/day maximum.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Weekend in Savannah
Is 2 days enough for Savannah?
Two days in Savannah is enough to cover the main historic squares, Bonaventure Cemetery, River Street, one museum, and a ghost tour. For Tybee Island beach, the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) galleries, and the full square-by-square walking tour, plan 3–4 days.
What is the best time of year to visit Savannah?
The best time to visit Savannah is March through May, when azaleas bloom in the squares, temperatures average 65–78°F, and the city is at its most beautiful. October–November is a close second with ideal hiking weather and the peak of Savannah’s ghost tour season. Summer (June–August) is very hot and humid with temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F.
How much does a weekend in Savannah cost?
Budget $150–$250 per person per day for a mid-range Savannah weekend: $100–$250/night for hotels in the Historic District, $25–$60 per meal at sit-down restaurants, and $25–$30 for tours. Mrs. Wilkes lunch at $25 all-inclusive is one of the best value meals in the South.
Can you do Savannah without a car?
Yes — the Historic District is fully walkable and the CAT free shuttle (Dot) serves the main tourist areas. You’ll need a car or rideshare to reach Bonaventure Cemetery (4 miles east), Wormsloe (9 miles south), and Tybee Island (18 miles east).
