Savannah

Sightseeing

1. Forsyth Park Fountain & Walk – Stroll the oak‑lined paths and snap a photo of the iconic fountain; free entry, 30 min.
2. Bonaventure Cemetery (self‑guided) – Wander among the moss‑draped oaks and historic tombstones; $10 for a map, 1 hr.

Food & Drink
3. Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room (family‑style Southern) – Share fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread at communal tables; $25‑$30 per person, 1½ hr (arrive early, no reservations).
4. The Collins Quarter (coffee & brunch) – Sip a flat white and bite into the avocado toast on Broughton Street; $12‑$15, 45 min.

Outdoor Nature
5. River Street Savannah Waterfront Walk – Watch ships glide by, browse quirky shops, and sample pralines; free, 1 hr.
6. Skidaway Island State Park (bike trail) – Pedal the 5‑mile loop through maritime forest and salt marsh; $5 parking, 2 hr.

Nightlife
7. The Jigger (speakeasy‑style cocktail bar) – Order the “Southern Belle” gin fizz and soak up the low‑lit vibe on West Broughton; $12‑$14 per drink, 1 hr.

Cultural
8. Savannah History Museum (free admission) – Peek at exhibits on the city’s founding and the Civil War; 45 min.

Day Trip
9. Tybee Island Beach & Lighthouse – Catch the 20‑minute drive east, walk the pier, and climb the lighthouse for panoramic views; $15 for lighthouse entry, half‑day (≈4 hr total).

Budget – about $120‑$170 per night

• The Thunderbird Inn – Historic District – $130‑$160 – Retro‑cool rooms, a short stroll to River Street and the waterfront.
• The Savannah Inn – Historic District – $115‑$150 – No‑frills, clean beds, right on the edge of City Market for easy dining.

Mid‑range – about $180‑$260 per night

• The Perry Lane Hotel – Forsyth Park area – $210‑$260 – Stylish boutique feel, rooftop bar, and you’re literally steps from the park’s oak‑shaded paths.
• The Cotton Sail Hotel – River Street – $190‑$240 – Housed in a former cotton warehouse; you get waterfront views and a lively lobby bar.

Luxury – about $300‑$500+ per night

• The Gastonian – Historic District – $380‑$460 – Intimate B&B‑style rooms, romantic courtyards, and service that feels personal.
• The Bohemian Hotel Savannah – Historic District – $350‑$420 – Artistic décor, a rooftop pool, and a central spot that lets you walk to every major sight.

How to Get to Savannah

The airport you’ll actually use

Savannah’s main gateway is Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV) – IATA code SAV. It sits about 15 mi east of downtown and handles most commercial traffic. If you’re coming from a smaller market, you might also land at Charleston International (CHS) (≈108 mi north) or Jacksonville International (JAX) (≈140 mi south). Both are reachable by rental car or shuttle, but SAV is usually the cheapest and simplest option.

Flight times from the big hubs

*Times are averages for economy‑class itineraries; actual duration varies with airline schedule and layover length.

Alternatives on the ground

• Rent a car – Savannah’s historic district is walkable, but a short drive opens up the beaches of Hilton Head and the Lowcountry. Expect $45‑$70 per day for a midsize SUV.
• Amtrak – The Savannah Station is served by the Palmetto and Silver Service routes. From Charleston you can be there in under an hour for about $30 each way.
• Greyhound / Megabus – Both run multiple daily trips from Jacksonville, Charleston and Atlanta. Fares start around $15‑$25, but schedules are less flexible than rail.

Visa & entry basics for U.S. citizens

You don’t need a visa to travel inside the United States. If you’re a U.S. passport holder, you can fly, drive or take the train to Savannah with just a government‑issued ID (driver’s license or passport). International travelers, however, must meet the usual U.S. entry requirements—most will need an approved ESTA if they’re from a visa‑waiver country, or a standard U.S. visa otherwise.

What you’ll pay for a ticket

• New York ↔ Savannah – Round‑trip economy typically runs $250‑$450 on legacy carriers; budget airlines can dip under $200 if you book early and travel mid‑week.
• London ↔ Savannah – Expect $800‑$1,300 round‑trip, depending on the airline and how many connections you accept.
• Dubai ↔ Savannah – Prices sit between $1,200‑$1,800 for a typical one‑stop itinerary.
• Hong Kong ↔ Savannah – Roughly $1,300‑$2,000 round‑trip, with the cheapest fares appearing in late January or early February.

Tip: Use a fare‑comparison site and set price alerts. Flights that leave on a Tuesday or Wednesday often undercut weekend departures by $50‑$150.

Quick checklist before you book

1. Pick the airport – SAV for the shortest ground‑transfer; CHS or JAX if you find a significantly cheaper fare.
2. Check flight times – Nonstop from NYC is a breeze; for Europe or Asia, plan for at least a 2‑hour layover to avoid missed connections.
3. Reserve ground transport – A shuttle from SAV to the historic district costs $15 one‑way; a rental car gives you flexibility for coastal day trips.
4. Confirm ID – U.S. citizens need a photo ID; everyone else must have a valid visa or ESTA before boarding.
5. Set a budget – Aim for $300‑$500 total travel cost (flight + transport) if you’re flying from the East Coast; add $500‑$800 for trans‑Atlantic or Pacific routes.

Bottom line

Savannah is easiest to reach via SAV, especially if you’re coming from the U.S. East Coast. Non‑stop flights from NYC shave off hours, while overseas travelers should expect a single stop and a longer overall journey. Once you land, a short shuttle or rental car gets you into the moss‑draped streets without hassle. Book early, watch the fare trends, and you’ll be sipping sweet tea on a historic square before you know it.

Savannah by the Month

January – The air is crisp, often hovering around 50 °F. Tourist numbers are at their lowest, and you can snag a room in the Historic District for under $150 a night if you book early. The city feels quiet, perfect for wandering the oak‑lined squares without a crowd. No major festivals, but the Savannah Book Festival runs the first weekend, drawing a modest crowd of readers.

February – Temperatures climb a few degrees, making mornings pleasant for a stroll along River Street. Hotel rates stay modest, hovering near the $130‑$170 range. Valentine’s Day brings a few pop‑up dinner specials at places like The Collins Quarter, where a three‑course meal averages $45 per person. Crowds are still light, though the city starts to feel a hint of anticipation for spring.

March – Spring officially arrives around the 20th. Daytime highs reach the mid‑60s, and the humidity stays low. This is the tail end of the sweet‑spot shoulder season. The Savannah Music Festival kicks off in early March, filling the air with jazz and blues in venues across the city; tickets run $30‑$70. Crowds begin to rise, especially on weekends, but you can still find affordable lodging if you stay a block or two away from the main squares. Prices on Airbnb start to creep up, so book at least three weeks ahead.

April – Average highs sit in the low 70s, and the azaleas burst into color. This month is a sweet‑spot favorite for many travelers. The Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade (mid‑March) can bring a surge of visitors, but by early April the crowds have thinned again. Hotel rates hover around $180‑$220 for a downtown room, still lower than the summer peak. The Savannah Food & Wine Festival usually lands in early November, so April offers a quieter culinary scene—perfect for trying shrimp and grits at Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room for about $28.

May – Temperatures climb into the high 70s, and humidity begins to creep in. Tourist numbers inch upward, especially around Memorial Day weekend. Hotel rates jump to $230‑$260 for a standard room in the Historic District. However, you can still find good deals in the Victorian‑era neighborhoods of Ardsley Park if you’re willing to stay a short rideshare away. The Savannah Film Festival starts in late May, drawing cinephiles and adding a modest cultural buzz.

June – Summer heat settles in, with highs in the low 80s and occasional thunderstorms. Crowds are at their peak, especially on weekends, and hotel prices climb to $280‑$320 for a downtown stay. If you don’t mind the heat, you’ll find plenty of air‑conditioned indoor attractions, from the Telfair Museums to the historic homes on Bull Street. The city’s outdoor patios stay lively, and you can still enjoy a cold sweet tea on a shaded bench without battling crowds.

July – Expect high humidity and temperatures in the mid‑80s. Tourist flow remains steady, but the heat discourages some day‑trip planners, so evenings are relatively calm. Hotel rates plateau around $290‑$340. The Savannah Music Festival’s summer series runs through July, offering free outdoor concerts in Forsyth Park—great for a low‑cost night out. Dining outdoors at The Grey is still affordable if you stick to the lunch menu, where a sandwich and side run about $15.

August – Similar to July, but the humidity eases a touch. Crowds begin to thin after the first week of the month, especially if you avoid the weekend of the Savannah Food & Wine Festival (usually early August). Hotel rates dip back toward $260‑$300. This is a good time to snag a room with a balcony overlooking the squares and enjoy a nightcap at The Wyld Dock.

September – Early September still carries summer heat, but by mid‑month the weather eases into the low 80s with lower humidity. This month marks the true shoulder‑season sweet spot. Crowds drop noticeably after Labor Day, and hotel rates settle around $210‑$250 for a downtown room. The Savannah Music Festival’s fall edition runs throughout September, featuring a mix of classical and contemporary performances. A dinner at The Olde Pink House, famous for its fried green tomatoes, averages $35 per person.

October – Temperatures settle in the high 70s, and the air turns comfortably crisp. This is the second peak of the shoulder season. The Savannah Food & Wine Festival typically runs the first weekend of October, drawing food lovers and raising hotel prices to $240‑$280. If you can handle a slightly busier scene, the festival’s tasting events are worth the splurge. Otherwise, stick to the weekends after the festival for quieter streets and lower rates.

November – Early November brings mild weather, often in the high 60s, and the city’s foliage takes on a golden hue. Crowds are low, and hotel rates drop to $180‑$220. The Savannah Film Festival (late October/early November) adds a cultural buzz, but it doesn’t overwhelm the city. This is an ideal month for a relaxed riverboat cruise on the Savannah River—tickets run about $30.

December – The holiday season lights up the squares, and temperatures hover in the low 60s. Crowds increase around Christmas and New Year’s Eve, pushing hotel rates up to $230‑$270. However, the festive atmosphere is worth it if you enjoy holiday markets and carriage rides through the Historic District. Early December, before the Christmas rush, offers a sweet spot: mild weather, manageable crowds, and rates similar to September.

Bottom line: Aim for late March through early May or mid‑September through early November for the best blend of pleasant weather, reasonable prices, and fewer tourists. Book accommodations at least three weeks ahead for those windows, and keep an eye on local event calendars to avoid unintended price spikes. Enjoy the moss‑draped oaks, the historic streets, and the Southern hospitality that makes Savannah feel like a living museum you can actually walk through.