Whether it’s your first trip to Savannah or you’re a regular, there’s so much to see and do. And if you’re not careful you’ll get caught in the tourist traps and not see authentic SAV. We’ve compiled our top five things we recommend to our friends visiting Savannah.

Walk Bull Street from the Savannah River to Forsyth Park

This walk is just over one mile in length but packed full of beauty, history, and all things Savannah. You’ll start on the famed River Street full of cobble stone streets, tourist shops, and views of massive cargo ships arriving into Savannah’s port (the largest on the East Coast!). From there head South along Bull Street. Take note of City Hall at Bay Street. It’s gold dome literally glows at sunset. Onward you’ll pass through several of Savannah’s famed squares. Some of our favorites are Chippewa Square (where they filmed scenes from Forrest Gump) and Wright Square (home of the former US Post Office for Savannah). As you meander you’ll notice tourists and locals alike mixing in the squares filled with Live Oak Trees, brick pathways, and oodles of Spanish Moss. Finally your destination, Forsyth Park, comes into view along with that iconic shot of “the Fountain.” Just google Savannah and you’ll know what we’re talking about. Enjoy a coffee at the Cafe, take the kiddos to one of two playgrounds, or just enjoy the beautiful Savannah weather in the large open fields. **Bonus points if you go on a Saturday and get to experience the Forsyth Farmers Market.

Sunset drinks at a roof top bar

Downtown Savannah has come alive in recent years with tons of new shops and restaurants. And the cool/hip places have caught on to the fact that rooftop bars are legit! So grab a drink and enjoy the Savannah sunsets from some of our favorites: Peregrin Rooftop Bar at Perry Lane Hotel, The Grove, Plant Riverside, Rocks on the Roof, and more!

Check out the food trucks!

It took Savannah a minute (or three!) to catch on to the Food Truck Scene, but we have arrived! Due to some local ordinances, you’ll notice that our local food trucks can’t just pull up on the side of the street. No worries, Savannah natives are creative! Stop by Service Brewing to grab a pint, enjoy some live music or catch the game, and have delicious food from frequent visitors FARM Food Truck or Chazitos. Our other favorite food truck stop is Starland Yard. If you come on a Fri-Sun you’re likely to find up to three food trucks in this one location! Hang out, head to the bar, enjoy wood fired oven pizza, let the kiddos play, and check out the local offerings from frequent food truck visitors Pie Society, FARM, Sweet Spice, Yoshi’s Kitchen, and more!

Have a car? Check out SAV beyond Downtown.

Downtown Savannah is fantastic! It’s iconic, it’s historic, and it’s just a small glimpse into what Savannah really has to offer. If you’re coming to town and will have a car here are some of our must see/do places:

  • Bonaventure Cemetery – Located along the Intracoastal Waterway and sitting high on a bluff, Bonaventure is a history lesson and time capsule all in one. It’s free and open to visitors daily until 5pm. You’ll notice some recognizable names as you walk and the views of the river can’t be beat. Come in the spring and enjoy the azalea explosion.
  • Bluff Drive in Isle of Hope – Want a taste of iconic Low Country? Head out to Isle of Hope (just 20 minutes from Downtown) and park the car. Take a walk along picturesque Bluff Drive. One one side you’ll have million dollar homes with every bit of Southern charm you could imagine; deep front porches, white picket fences, metal roofs, immaculate landscaping, and more. On the other side of the street is the Isle of Hope Marina and the gorgeous Herb River.
  • Tybee Island – Known to locals as “the beach,” Tybee is our own little quirky beach town. About 25 minutes from Downtown and yet a world away! There are three main parts to the beaches: North Beach, The Pier, and Back River. And the best part is you can enjoy them all in one day!

Eat your heart out!

With so many amazing restaurants in Savannah, you’ll have missed the mark if you don’t make it a personal mission to fit in as many as you can to your trip! Enjoy breakfast a favorites Little Duck Diner (it’s beautiful!), Collins Quarter (delicious Australian inspired cuisine), or J. Christopher’s (a classic). Grab lunch at The Emporium, Zunzi’s (get some Sh*t Yeah Sauce), or The Grey Market (counter style setting meets culinary style food). Ready for happy hour? Check out Artillery (it’s literally a former armory?!), The Grove, or Savoy Society (hello craft cocktails). For dinner we highly recommend Cotton & Rye (one of our personal favorites!), The Grey (the chef, Mashama, is famous!), or Garibaldi’s (hello crispy scored flounder). And don’t forget a quick stop at Lulu’s Chocolate Bar for dessert afterwards!