I recently returned to Savannah, Georgia, due to my exceptional experience there two years ago. There have been quite a few updates since I last visited, so I want to update you on what to expect if you add Savannah to your travel list.
You must visit Savannah, Georgia – a city that seamlessly blends rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, making it an ideal destination for solo travel. With its charming cobblestone streets, lush parks, and picturesque squares, Savannah invites exploration at every turn. Whether strolling along the iconic River Street, indulging in delicious Southern cuisine, or immersing yourself in the local art scene, you’ll find countless opportunities to connect with the city and yourself.
Savannah offers a welcoming atmosphere that encourages adventure and personal reflection. There’s something for everyone, from captivating ghost tours to serene afternoons in Forsyth Park. Plus, the city’s friendly locals and tight-knit community provide safety and warmth, allowing you to explore confidently.
This guide delves into the best activities, hidden gems, and practical tips for navigating Savannah. So pack your bags, embrace the spirit of adventure, and let Savannah captivate your heart!
Where to Stay in Savannah, Georgia
The first time I stayed in Savannah was on my first solo travel trip, and I stayed at the Forsyth Park Hotel. It was a campy, eclectic hotel with hundreds of local art pieces and Gianni Versace’s furniture. From 1984 to 2007, the place was like a space-time continuum. I loved it for its quirky galleries, kind staff, and unique style.
Fast-forward to mid-2024, and I go to recommend the hotel to a friend, and it’s nowhere to be found. I did a deeper search and found that the hotel has been renovated and renamed Hotel Bardo Savannah.
What was once a decoupage of style is now a blend of Palm Springs and southern historical styles. The newly renovated hotel contains updated rooms and a completely redone backyard. This backyard has a smaller pool perfect for children and a larger pool for laps and relaxation.
I love this hotel so much because of its location. It’s next to Forsyth Park, which is super quiet at night. It’s safe and perfect for solo travel, and there’s enough to do on the property to keep you busy for a day or two. The other reason I like it is because of the great food around the hotel.
Where to Eat in Savannah, Georgia
I’m a bit of a foodaholic. When I travel, I go for three reasons: exploring, recharging, and, most importantly, food. Solo travel offers opportunities to go wherever and eat whatever you want!
Breakfast:
Collin’s Quarters is the best brunch in town. Go to the one near Forsyth Park. It’s stunning, and the staff is so nice. They have berry French toast and an everything bagel with lox. I ordered them together every day I was there—and I NEVER go anywhere twice.
Dinner:
Cotton and Rye is a neighborhood restaurant that serves southern cuisine with a twist. I had their cornbread and pasta, which was my best dinner in Savannah. They were so nice and accommodating for my first solo travel adventure, and were so warm and friendly!
New! Saint Babiana’s is Hotel Bardo’s new restaurant. Seafood and Italian cuisine meet southern yummy goodness. The cucumber burrata is to die for, as well as the tiramisu (my favorite).
Dessert
A desert dynasty is the only way to explain Leopold’s Ice Cream. Leopold’s is the place to go in Savannah; people are out the door all day. I was there at 90 degrees, and their chocolate ice cream hit the spot. If you like citrus, do me a favor and have the lemon sorbet and let me know how delicious it tastes.
Things to do in Savannah
The Telfair Museums: You need a museum day in Savannah. The trifecta of the city’s rich history is seen with a three-in-one ticket. And trust me, it was worth it. There’s the Owens Thomas House & Slave Quarters, filled with the city’s history regarding the slave trade and the day in the life of the haves and have-nots. Then there’s the Telfair Academy, where I saw gorgeous art from the 19th century. It’s the home to Savannah’s iconic Bird Girl statue. Then there’s the newest build in the triad, the Jepson Center for the Arts, which is super modern and interactive, showcasing the bright future of Savannah art.
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD): Is a school on the border of downtown Savannah that is home to Savannah’s modern, exquisite art school.
The Garden of Good and Evil Tour: Okay, to my girl, Angela, the best tour guide! She has a cool van and believes in air conditioning – hallelujah! She gives the “Book Experience” and how Savannah is entwined into the murder mystery, The Garden of Good and Evil. At the end of the tour, Angela takes you to Bonaventure Cemetery at the end to tour where the murder case’s suspects and characters make up the novel. I highly recommend this activity because it allows you to understand how Savannah has changed over the years, while also seeing how much has remained historically the same.
From the cobblestone streets steeped in history to the vibrant squares bursting with life, each moment spent here is a reminder of the beauty in both the past and the present. Whether you wander through the lush parks, indulge in the local cuisine, or soak in the Southern charm, Savannah invites you to return repeatedly. So, pack your bags and set your sights on this magical destination—you never know what new adventures await around the next corner. Safe travels, and may your memories of Savannah be as sweet as its famous pralines!
If you want to make a road trip out of the Southeast coast, go north to Charleston, South Carolina, or to Hilton Head Island, which is just a stone’s throw away.
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