2 Days in Savannah: The Perfect First-Timer’s Itinerary
Washington Square, Savannah
Savannah is a romantic destination on the eastern coast of Georgia, known for southern comfort, majestic oaks draped in Spanish moss, and a laid-back low country lifestyle.
While you could easily spend a week in this beautiful city, two days is plenty of time to take in the culture and explore the best sights. Read further to discover how to spend 2 days in Savannah, Georgia.
Arriving in Savannah
Olde Harbour Inn, Savannah
By plane, you may visit Savannah via the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. By car, Savannah is approximately 2 hours from Charleston, South Carolina, and Jacksonville, Florida, and 5 hours from Atlanta, Georgia.
Georgia’s Oldest City
Rainbow Row, Savannah
Savannah is rich in history, with its founding dating to 1733, when General James Oglethorpe arrived via the Savannah River and named the colony Georgia after England’s King George II. Oglethorpe is also credited with the city's layout, which he designed in a grid pattern with wide streets, numerous squares, and public parks. Twenty-four squares were in the original plans, with 22 still present today. Because of this design, Savannah is credited as America’s first planned city.
With the arrival of cotton plantations and the cotton gin, Savannah thrived. A consequence of this was the legalization of slavery, which brought African influence to the region and led to the development of the Gullah culture. Today, Gullah culture is present throughout the city in museums, regional cuisine, artisanal products like sweetgrass-woven baskets found in local shops, and in squares where woven goods are made right in front of you.
Since its founding, Savannah has survived significant hardships, from losing half the city to fire in the Civil War to the decimation of the cotton crop by the boll weevil in the early 20th century. In the mid-20th century, the Historic Savannah Foundation was established and has preserved numerous historic sites that are enjoyed by all today.
Book a Classic Trolley Tour
A great way to explore the city and learn about its rich history is to board an Old Town Trolley Tour. These bright trolley cars are iconic and let you hop on and off throughout the day. The one- and two-day tickets also include a tasting at the Old Savannah Distillery.
Wander Through Savannah’s Public Parks
Johnson Square
One of the best ways to experience Savannah is to walk through the public parks. These peaceful areas are great places to read a book or rest as you explore the city.
Forsyth Park, Savanah - photo credit: Sean Pavone, Dreamstime
The most famous, largest park in the city is the beautiful Forsyth Park, which spans 30 acres and features an iconic fountain. To sample the best local flavors and artisanal goods of the area, visit Forsyth Park on Saturdays year-round between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. for the Forsyth Farmers’ Market.
Other pretty parks worth exploring include Emmett Park, Johnson Square, and Orleans Square.
Nathanael Greene Monument
Savannah Architecture
Davenport House Museum
A visit to Savannah must include marveling at the many beautiful historic homes and buildings.
Davenport House, built in 1820 in the Federal style, has been operated as a historic house museum since the 1960s.
Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, Savannah - photo credit: Brian Logan, Dreamstime
The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, built in 1876, is situated south of Colonial Park Cemetery and is a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture.
Get Spooky in Savannah
Savannah is known as one of America’s most haunted cities, and there are plenty of places to visit to add a little spook to your adventure!
Kehoe House
Join a walking ghost tour through Witching Hour Savannah to experience the city’s dimly lit streets and cemeteries at night. As you walk, you’ll hear tales of ghosts and paranormal activity in the old historic homes. For a self-guided tour, you can easily visit many haunted locations on your own.
To have a spooky stay, book a room at the Hamilton-Turner Inn. This beautiful hotel has legends of guests hearing children laughing and rolling billiard balls, and seeing a cigar-smoking man on the roof. Beyond the legends, this historic hotel perfectly blends southern charm and luxury accommodations.
Before it was a bed-and-breakfast, Kehoe House served as a funeral home, and while it remains a very charming place to stay today, many guests have reported seeing ghosts of children in its halls.
Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah
Travel east just outside the city to Bonaventure Cemetery for a beautiful and solemn experience. This cemetery spans over 100 acres and is the final resting place of over 500 Confederate soldiers.
This cemetery was made famous by John Berendt's novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The famous statue pictured in this book, Bird Girl, is no longer at the cemetery but can be found inside the Telfair Museums in Savannah.
Indulge in Savannah’s Southern Cuisine
River Street Sweets
If culinary offerings are just as important to you as scenic attractions, Savannah is a perfect destination to satisfy your foodie desires.
With Gullah, coastal, and Southern influences, you will find tantalizing dishes all over the city, well worth a try, such as fried chicken, shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, southern-style barbecue, and she-crab soup.
Olde Pink House Restaurant - photo credit: Sandra Lund, Dreamstime
Visit the Olde Pink House Restaurant, built in the Georgian style, for an authentic taste of Savannah (better grab a reservation well in advance!) and to experience the grand history of this building, which dates back to 1771.
Brunch is also a sacred culinary tradition in the South. For a delicious brunch experience on a beautiful rooftop patio, visit The Fitzroy on Drayton Street.
The Fitzroy, Savannah
It’s easy to get sweet in Savannah with famous pralines found along the river district at River Street Sweets. Leopold’s Ice Cream, founded in 1919, is an institution and a popular stop for a cold treat on a hot day, but be prepared to wait, as the line often extends down the street.
Leopold’s Ice Cream
For honey lovers, a stop at Savannah Bee Company on Broughton Street is a fun experience where you can find all things honey, including treats, body products, and even mead.
Ready to experience Savannah’s Southern comfort? Go explore it for yourself!
Pure indulgence at Leopold’s Ice Cream
Published: December 1, 2024 - Updated: May 9, 2026
