Itching to get out of town, Charlestonians? Skip those pesky airport security lines and jump in your car for a road trip to Savannah instead. From an afternoon stroll at Forsyth Park to the Southern sushi dish at The Olde Pink House — we’re spilling all the details on how to have an unforgettable time in the 912.

📍 Essential info

Drive time: ~2 hours

Year city was established: 1733

Est. population: ~148,000

The iconic Forsyth Park fountain is pretty special. | Photo by Philip Arambula

🎟️ Experience

Forsyth Park | 2 W. Gaston St.
Take a stroll through this 30+ acre park recognized as the city's oldest and largest public park. Pro tip: Snag a photo in front of the Forsyth Park fountain, known as one of Savannah's most photographed landmarks.

The Historic Savannah Theatre | 222 Bull St.
Grab a bite to eat and then round off the evening with a show at this historic venue dating back to 1818. Take a look at current and upcoming shows.

Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour | Locations vary
Want to explore the city without making the trek by foot? Grab a ticket for this guided trolley tour picking up and dropping off every 20 minutes and expect to pass 100+ sites.

Savannah’s Riverwalk | River Street
You can't miss the opportunity to stroll along this waterfront area lined with shops, restaurants, and historic cobblestone streets.

Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist | 222 E. Harris St.
Don't miss this example of Gothic architecture that features breathtaking stained glass and intricate details.

Savannah for Morons | 250 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
This 90-minute tour provides a lot of Savannah history, and even more laughter as you roll around town in a trolley.

Chaos reins at the Savannah for Morons tour. | Photo by CHStoday

🍔 Eat

The Olde Pink House| 23 Abercorn St.
Dig into quintessential Southern dishes like the jumbo lump crab cake and fried shrimp while admiring the building's unique architecture. We think this bright restaurant would fit right in on Rainbow Row.

The Grey | 109 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Have you ever dined in a former Greyhound Bus Terminal? Now's your chance. This restored 1938 art deco restaurant's brunch menu features classic bites like biscuits and gravy and fried chicken, plus a dinner menu with oysters, scallops, and pork.

Common Thread Savannah | 122 E. 37th St.
If you plan your trip accordingly, you might have a chance to experience a Chef's Table Takeover featuring a multi-course menu at this seasonally-inspired neighborhood restaurant. Bonus: There are plenty of vegetarian options.

Elizabeth's on 37th | 105 E. 37th St.
Known for its Southern fine dining, this award-winning restaurant offers a menu rich in local flavors and historical charm.

Late Air | 2805 Bull St.
This bistro is celebrated for its creative, seasonal dishes and welcoming atmosphere.

Sorry Charlie's Oyster Bar | 116 W. Congress St.
Head to the historic district to enjoy local delicacies at this storied joint. Don't overthink this one — get some oysters.

See if you can find this sign when walking around town. | Photo by CHStoday

🏨 Stay

The Marshall House | 123 E. Broughton St.
Book a room at this four-story historic hotel built in 1851 in the center of the Historic District. Psst: This hotel is rumored to be haunted, with reported ghost sightings in foyers and hallways.

River Street Inn | 124 E. Bay St.
Choose between a historic city-view room or a river-view room at the oldest hotel along the river featuring 99 guest rooms. Fun fact: This hotel occupies a restored 200-year-old cotton warehouse.

McMillan Inn | 303 E. Huntingdon St.
Stay at this charming, adults-only bed-and-breakfast offering a romantic and peaceful escape, gourmet breakfasts, and a dipping pool.

Perry Lane Hotel | 256 E. Perry St.
This art-filled boutique hotel has chic amenities and a rooftop bar offering views of Savannah.

Cozy downtown townhouse | Unlock on Vrbo
Enjoy the privacy and central location of this entire garden-level downtown townhouse that sleeps two guests.

Wait a minute, Charlestonians. Before you head out the door, find the cheapest places to fill up your gas tank and stock up on road trip snacks from Pitt Street Pharmacy. Also, bookmark this map so you have no trouble finding all of our recommendations while visiting the “Hostess City of the South.”

City Editor Erika here; I love visiting Savannah — there's so many similarities to the Holy City. | Photo by the CHStoday team

🚗 Cruise

No matter where the highway takes you, our road trip must-haves will ease your journey as you make your way to your destination.

With more than 23,000 location-based audio stories, Autio’s Unlimited Plan: Lifetime Subscription is your perfect companion offering mini podcasts about the history, culture, and geology of areas you drive through.
You’ll stay fully charged up and connected with this 4-in-1 retractable car charger that has iPhone compatibility and secure plug-in capability.
Rock a comfortable sweatshirt and pants set for the road featuring a cozy elastic waistband and side-seamed pockets to store your valuables.
Keep your tailbone supported during lengthy drives with a thick memory foam cushion that is machine washable and gives complete postural support.
Avoid getting stranded with a dead battery by packing this portable car jump starter that gives up to 50 jumps in a single charge — no flagging down a stranger needed.
Easy to clean and leak-proof, this collapsible car trash can gives you 2 gallons of storage capacity to keep your vehicle free from clutter.