Catherine - Savvy Family TravelHow to Spend a Perfect 1 Day in Savannah, GA
Ever feel like you just need to escape all of life’s responsibilities for a day?
Well, Savannah, Georgia, is the perfect place for it. This city has a way of making you slow down, breathe in the warm Southern air, and just enjoy life.
If you’re short on time but want to soak in as much of the city’s charm as possible, here’s exactly how to do it.
Also, if you’re visiting Savannah, Georgia with kids, read to the bottom for our family friendly suggestions.
Morning
First stop: Kickstart your morning at The Sentient Bean. This little coffee shop is a local gem, and their “Dirty South” lemonade + espresso is a real eye opener. I know, lemonade and coffee sound like they shouldn’t mix, but trust me—it works. S
Take that caffeine boost and head to Forsyth Park, just a short walk away. The famous fountain is straight out of a postcard.
Less than a half mile from Forsyth park, take a walk down Jones Street. It’s often called the most beautiful street in America, and once you see it, you’ll get why. The brick homes, towering oak trees, and intricate ironwork make it feel straight out of a Hallmark movie.
Midday
Next, get ready for an hour or two of captivating stories on one of the city’s historic tours. You can hop on a trolley tour or choose one of the many walking tours. These are fun and easy ways to take in the city’s history, architecture, and quirky stories.
They’ll likely repeat Forsyth park, but at least you’ve gotten your photography out of the way before the group setting.
For a late lunch, check out one of these fantastic options. For quicker service, delicious & affordable southern fare try Treylor Park or The Collins Quarter. For upscale dining experiences, snag a reservation at The Olde Pink House or Alligator Soul.
Afternoon
Time for a little shopping! Head to Savannah City Market for a mix of local art, quirky boutiques, and street musicians adding to the atmosphere of the pedestrian street.
After a bit of browsing, cool off with a scoop (or two) from Leopold’s Ice Cream. This place has been around since 1919, and once you taste their Savannah Socialite flavor (milk chocolate, caramel, and pecans), you’ll understand why. The line moves quickly, and it’s 100% worth the wait.
Take your ice cream and stroll down to River Street. Watching the massive cargo ships glide by is surprisingly mesmerizing.
Evening Options
As the sun goes down, you’ve got several solid options to spend the evening of your 1 day in Savannah, GA.
Ghost Tours
If you’re up for a little thrill (and you’re not traveling with easily spooked kids), book a ghost tour.
Savannah is known as one of the most haunted cities in America, and places like the Sorrel-Weed House have some seriously eerie tales. These tours usually run about 1.5 to 2 hours and are equal parts spooky, educational, and fascinating.
Riverboat Ride
Hop on paddlewheel riverboat cruise aboard the Georgia Queen, once a floating casino!
Check the dates of your visit to see which tours are operating and spend your evening on a Dinner & Entertainment Cruise or a Sunset Cruise.
Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos
If you’re looking for lively nightlife, you’ll love the energy at Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos!
Savannah Georgia for Kids
Here are some top things to do in 1 day in Savannah, GA that will delight all ages.
Exploring the city with kids was a breeze with the free Trolley Bus around the historic town. They run every 10 minutes, servicing about 20 stops downtown and around Forsyth Park.
If you’re hoping to find a kid friendly tour in Savannah, Georgia for kids we have two recommendations for you. First, we found their Free Walking Tour to be highly stroller friendly and we knew if we needed to, we could tip our guide and peel off early. Or, if you want to give everyone’s legs a break, consider the hop on, hop off narrated Orange & Green Trolley.
By now, you’ve earned a sugar fix. Make your way to River Street Sweets, where the scent of freshly made pralines will pull you in before you even step through the door. Make sure to watch your kids eyes go wide as you step inside!
And yes, they give out free samples.
Not far from River Street Sweets, is Echo Square, a really unique spot to marvel over the way sound carries. If you luck out, you’ll meet the Saxophonist who is a wealthy of knowledge and will demo the different sounds depending where you stand.
Another fun thing to do in Savannah, Georgia for kids is while you walk Jones Street, turn it into a game—see who can spot the most unique front door or the coolest set of porch railings.
The 30-acre green space called Forsyth Park is Savannah’s backyard, and it’s the perfect spot for kids to run free and have a little picnic to end your 1 day in Savannah, GA.
Important note: Discourage your kids from playing with the tempting Spanish Moss, which is not actually Spanish or a moss, that hangs and falls from the oak trees. These plants are typically crawling with chiggers once they’ve been on the ground (tiny little bugs that bite and cause itching).
Indoor Alternative Options
If your day in Savannah, GA is interrupted by extreme heat or rain, here are a few indoor options to check out.
- Prohibition Museum
- See what’s playing at the Savannah Theatre
- Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters Museum
- The Old Sorrel-Weed House Museum & Tours (If you choose not to do a Ghost Tour of the city, maybe check this out on its own)
- Ships Of The Sea Maritime Museum
Where to Shop with 1 Day in Savannah, GA
Some of the most enjoyable places to shop for souvenirs or browse unique finds are:
- Savannah Bees
- Civvies New and Recycled Clothing
- Harper Boutique
- The Paris Market
- The Book Lady Bookstore
Bonus: Have More Time? Hit Tybee Island
If you’re lucky enough to have another half day to spare, here are some great half day activities in the area.
Tybee Island
Make the 30-minute drive to Tybee Island. It’s the perfect place to unwind on the beach, spot dolphins, and let the kids splash in the waves before heading home.
Wormsloe Historic Site
Wormsloe is located about 15 minutes south of Savannah, GA.
Savannah has a way of making you feel like you’ve stepped into another century. But nothing quite warps time like the drive down the avenue at Wormsloe.
I knew about the oak-lined road before I got there. It’s the thing everyone talks about—the mile-and-some stretch of towering live oaks, their limbs draped in Spanish moss, reaching across to form a perfect tunnel. As soon as I turned onto that road, I was still overcome. It’s the kind of beauty that makes you slow down instinctively.
At the end of the drive, there’s a visitor center where you learn about the remnants of Noble Jones’ colonial estate. He was one of Georgia’s earliest settlers, an Englishman who built a homestead here in the 1730s. It’s hard not to think about the lives that played out here: the early colonists trying to carve out a future, the enslaved people who did the actual carving, the generations that passed through as the land shifted from working plantation to historic site.
Micro Brews
Savannah’s microbrew scene has been bubbling over with creativity, and Two Tides Brewing and Coastal Empire Beer Co. are at the heart of it and worth experiencing.
Two Tides, tucked inside a restored Victorian home in the Starland District, leans into the experimental, churning out fruit-packed sours, hazy IPAs, and smooth lagers.
Across town, Coastal Empire brings a more classic approach, balancing innovation with tradition— crisp Savannah Brown Ales and citrusy Tybee Island Blondes.
Convenient Airports for 1 Day in Savannah, GA
- Savannah’s airport (SAV) is a beauty and located just 7 miles from downtown
- Hilton Head (HHH) – 26 miles
- Charleston (CHS) – 84miles
- Jacksonville (JAX) – 116 miles
Nearby Cities Worth the Drive
Savannah is in a prime location for road tripping. If you’re planning a longer getaway, here are a few spots within driving distance:
- Charleston, SC (2 hours) – A Southern charmer with historic streets and incredible food.
- Jacksonville, FL (2 hours) – Beaches, parks, and plenty of family fun.
- Atlanta, GA (3.5 hours) – Big city energy, art, and science with a dose of Southern hospitality.
- Hilton Head, SC (45 minutes) – Perfect for golf lovers and beachgoers.
- St. Augustine, FL (2.5 hours) – The nation’s oldest city, packed with history and charm. Wonderful place to be at Christmastime.
Final Thoughts
Savannah is one of those places that sticks with you long after you leave. The history, the food, the gorgeous streets—it’s all just so good.
Whether you’re here for the ghost stories, the southern hospitality, or just a relaxing day of exploring, you’ll fall in love in just 1 day in Savannah, GA.
Save 1 Day in Savannah, GA for Later
Pin for future trip planning! Our family found a lot of fun in Savannah, Georgia for kids.
Catherine – Savvy Family Travel
My favorite pastime is finding fun, interesting experiences to share with family and friends.
I’m a mom of two energetic and curious boys who have endless patience with my tendency to over plan activities on our family vacations. My tireless husband, Troy, provides comic relief, is our favorite photographer, and expert navigator.
I’m a firm believer that travel with kids doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive. It can be affordable, epic, and, dare I say, even relaxing!
Are you a travel loving parent too? I’d love to meet you, please reach out via Messenger and say “hi!”