5 Places Not to Leave Off Your Savannah, GA Itinerary

Savannah is one of those cities where you could fill an entire weekend itinerary and still leave with a list of things you need to come back for. There are incredible restaurants, beautiful historic homes, museums, local shops, coffee shops, and more than a few rooftops worth stopping into along the way.

But if you’re visiting Savannah for the first time and wondering what you really shouldn’t miss, these are five areas in the Historic District I always encourage our guests to make time for.

Together, they give you such a good feel for Savannah and so much of what makes this city special—historic homes, moss-covered oaks, beautiful squares, local shops, the riverfront, and plenty of good food and drinks mixed in along the way.

And the best part? You really don’t need a complicated itinerary to experience any of them. Savannah is incredibly walkable, and I’ve listed these roughly in order from Forsyth Park to River Street, so you can easily make your way through the city as you go.

1. Forsyth Park

You really can’t come to Savannah without taking a walk through Forsyth Park.

The fountain is iconic for a reason and truly a must-see, but I think the best way to experience Forsyth is to give yourself a little time to actually enjoy the park beyond just stopping for a photo.

Grab a coffee or brunch at Collins Quarter at Forsyth, walk under the oaks, take in the beautiful homes surrounding the park, and if you’re here on a Saturday morning, make a lap through the Forsyth Farmers’ Market.

Forsyth Park isn’t just a tourist stop—it’s very much part of everyday life in Savannah. You’ll see people walking their dogs, families having picnics, runners making their morning loop, kids playing, and plenty of people simply sitting under the trees enjoying a pretty Savannah day.

It’s also the perfect place to start exploring the Historic District. From here, you can start making your way north toward the riverfront.

2. Jones Street + The Design District

I’ve lived in Savannah for years, and I still think Jones Street is one of the prettiest streets in the city.

The brick street, huge oak trees, historic homes, ironwork, staircases and window boxes—it has so many of the little details I love about Savannah all in one place.

This isn’t somewhere you need an itinerary. Just walk and take it all in.

While you’re in the neighborhood, wander along the Whitaker Street shops, just beyond Jones Street into Savannah’s Design District. This is also our neighborhood, so I may be a little biased, but there are some really beautiful local shops tucked into this part of town.

One Fish, Two Fish is always one of my favorites for home decor, accessories, and gifts, and Asher + Rye is absolutely worth popping into if you love beautiful interiors and design. They also have a fabulous coffee and smoothie bar, which makes it an easy mid-morning stop.

If you’re ready for lunch, you’ll also be right near the famous Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room for a true Southern-style lunch. Just plan ahead and get in line early—they’re only open for lunch, and this is one Savannah spot where a line is very much part of the experience.

And as you continue making your way through the Historic District, be sure to stroll through some of Savannah’s squares. There are 22 of them tucked throughout downtown, and they’re one of the things that make our city so special.

You definitely don’t need to check every single one off a list. Part of the fun is simply seeing which ones you happen upon as you explore. Some of my favorites are Monterey Square, Chippewa Square, Madison Square and Oglethorpe Square.

3. Broughton Street

You’ll probably find yourself on Broughton Street at some point during your trip anyway, but give yourself a little time to actually explore it.

Broughton is our main shopping street downtown, with a mix of local Savannah favorites and larger national brands, plus plenty of places to stop for shopping, lunch or something sweet.

The Paris Market is always a must for me. Even if you aren’t planning to buy anything, it’s worth walking through just to see what they have in stock. And be sure to head downstairs—half the fun is seeing all the little treasures tucked throughout the store.

And then, of course, there’s Leopold’s Ice Cream.

Yes, there might be a line. And yes, I still think it’s worth the wait.

Leopold’s has been part of Savannah since 1919, and grabbing a cone and walking down Broughton Street is one of those simple Savannah pleasures everyone should experience at least once.

This is one of Savannah’s livelier little pockets, with restaurants, galleries, local shops and usually some live music spilling out into the street. It feels a little different from the quieter squares and residential streets, which is part of why I think it’s worth experiencing.

Take a few minutes to wander through the galleries and shops, and if you need something to hold you over until dinner, stop at Vinnie Van GoGo’s.

Order a slice from the window—and when I say a slice, just know that one is probably enough. They are HUGE. It’s casual, easy, and has been a City Market staple for years.

City Market is especially fun during the holidays when the whole area is covered in lights, greenery and garland, but there’s almost always something happening here no matter when you visit.

You don’t need to plan a ton of time for it. Walk through, grab a slice, listen to some music, browse a few shops, and then keep making your way toward the river.

5. River Street + Plant Riverside District

I’d save this one for later in the day if you can.

Start at Plant Riverside District and take your time exploring. Even if you’re not staying at the JW Marriott, go inside. The enormous geodes, fossils and displays throughout the hotel are so unexpected and absolutely worth seeing.

There are shops, restaurants, rooftop bars, live music and plenty happening around Plant Riverside, so you can easily spend a couple of hours here. I always recommend checking their events calendar before your trip, too—there’s usually something going on. There is also a concert venue attached called District Live where you will be sure to find a new band playing.

Then make your way along River Street.

You’ll find some of Savannah’s classic shops and restaurants mixed in with newer spots, but one of my favorite parts is simply being along the river—especially when one of the huge cargo ships comes through.

No matter how many times I see one, I still stop and watch.

If you can, plan this part of your day around golden hour. Grab a drink at a rooftop overlooking the river and watch the sun start to go down. Myrtle & Rose and the Top deck Bar are two of my favorites for the views.

It’s a pretty perfect way to end a day in Savannah.

One Last Savannah Tip

If I could give you one piece of advice for visiting Savannah, it would be: don’t over-plan it.

Have a few dinner reservations and pick the things you really don’t want to miss, but leave some room in your itinerary to just wander.

Savannah is such a walkable city, and so much of what makes it special is found in between the places you planned to visit.

Some of the best Savannah moments are the ones you didn’t actually plan.

And anything you don’t get to? Well, that’s a pretty good excuse to come back.

If you’re still planning your trip, our Hosting Savannah vacation rentals are located throughout the Historic District, putting you within walking distance of so many of the places on this list—and so many of our other Savannah favorites.

You can always book directly through our website for our best rates. We can’t wait to host you!

Until the next check-in,

Alyssa