The Perfect Weekend in Savannah Itinerary

Savannah was founded on February 12, 1733, by James Oglethorpe, laid out with a distinctive grid of alleys, streets, and squares unlike any other American city of its era. That original plan is still the reason the historic district is so walkable today. This itinerary covers a full weekend built around the squares, the riverfront, and the city's deep colonial and Civil War-era history.

Start your morning walking Savannah's historic squares, which give the whole downtown its distinctive character. Each square has its own history, from colonial-era namesakes to Revolutionary War figures, with historical markers and statues along the way. See our Savannah Squares guide for the full list and a route that strings several together.

By early afternoon, head to City Market, which has served as Savannah's social and commercial center since the 1700s, when farriers shod horses and wagons brimming with local produce filled the streets. The current market building sits where the third iteration was built after the first two burned in 1788 and 1820, and today it holds shops, galleries, and restaurants worth a slow afternoon.

End Saturday along the riverfront, where cobblestone streets and converted 19th-century cotton warehouses now hold restaurants, shops, and bars looking out over the Savannah River. It is the most touristed part of downtown, but for good reason, and it is an easy walk down from City Market to end the day.

Spend Sunday morning at one of Savannah's history museums to fill in the context behind everything you walked past on Saturday. See our Georgia Historic Sites page and Museums page for current options in the historic district.

If you have time before heading out, a final loop through a few more squares you did not reach Saturday is a relaxed way to close out the trip. Savannah rewards slow walking more than a packed schedule, so do not feel like you need to see everything in one visit.

Getting there: Savannah is about 4 hours from Atlanta by car, or a short flight into Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, making it a realistic weekend trip from either direction.

Where to stay: The historic district has the most walkable lodging options. See our Lodging & Accommodations page for more.

Footwear: Savannah's squares and downtown streets are cobblestone and brick in many places, so comfortable walking shoes matter more here than in most Georgia cities.

Want to explore more of the Georgia coast? See our Coast & Islands page for nearby destinations.