How to spend the ultimate long weekend in Savannah, Georgia

17.06.2024 - 22:27 / lonelyplanet.com

Jun 17, 2024 • 5 min read

For those of us in greater Atlanta, Savannah is as close as we can get to the beach. It’s a four-ish hour drive from my home, making it the perfect spot for a weekend getaway. 

I like to take a half day on Fridays so that I can get to Savannah with plenty of time to check in and unwind before dinner. I’m usually in no hurry to depart on Sundays, so I'm able to make the most of my time.

Here are my recommendations on how to make the most of your weekend.

Morning: Start your day with breakfast. Dottie’s Market has artisan foods to take with you, like specialty jams and sauces, but it’s the prepared dishes that make it a favorite. The bagel BLT will keep you full for hours. If all you need to get your day started is coffee and a pastry, head to the Coffee Fox down the street.

The shops on Broughton St open around 10am, so once you’ve had a bite to eat, check out the local boutiques like Clockwork Skateshop, Nourish, an organic bath products store, and secondhand threads at Glory Days Vintage. 

How to spend the day: Get a quick overview of the city and its history by joining Free Savannah Tours for a 90-minute walking tour. You’ll pay a small booking fee, and tips are encouraged, but you won’t find a cheaper tour in town, running at 9:30 and noon. 

Many of Savannah’s iconic homes now operate as museums, so step inside to see how the locals who once owned them lived. The Juliette Gordon Low house is a popular stop for Girl Scouts and grown-ups alike. The Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters is an important look at what life was like for both the wealthy merchant class and enslaved people in the 19th century. 

After a morning of tours, enjoy an outdoor lunch, picking up picnic supplies from Fancy Parker’s, an upscale outpost of the gas station chain in a historic service station. Grab fried chicken, sandwiches and a soda to enjoy in one of Savannah’s famous squares. Chippewa Sq, of 1994-movie Forrest Gump fame, is a short walk away. 

Then head to the City Market, with abundant shops and restaurants. Don’t miss the American Prohibition Museum, which covers the history of the failed experiment and ends in the speakeasy, where you can enjoy a cocktail. 

Dinner: If you only have time for one restaurant in town, make it the Grey. Its many accolades are well-deserved, with a menu truly inspired by the region, including oysters and pork cooked in sorghum. If you’re looking for something more casual, Crystal Beer Parlor is a local favorite for its burgers and crab dip.

After dark: River St certainly has its charms, but if you’re not looking for the party crowds, pop into one of Savannah’s cocktail bars like Artillery or Alley Cat Lounge.

Morning: Operating year-round, the Forsyth Farmers Market in