Lady’s Itinerary for 2 Days in Savannah, Georgia

Today I want to share my itinerary for 2 days in Savannah, Georgia with you. This city in the American South is a beautiful place to discover. With historic streets, lush squares, and riverfront scenery, it has a lot going for it. Add to that a great art scene and delicious food, and it’s hard to beat. Whether you have a weekend in Savannah or a couple days mid-week, this is a great US travel destination.

2 Days in Savannah

I’ve arrived in Georgia excited to spend 2 days in Savannah. The historic city center is compact and walkable, and there are plenty of attractions and highlights to take in.

My itinerary is part of a larger trip I’ve planned to the region, and my time here will be followed by a night in Hilton Head and 3 days in Charleston, South Carolina. I can’t wait.

Where to Stay in Savannah

I arrive the night before my official itinerary starts, and I meet my boyfriend at our hotel. It’s called The DeSoto, and it’s in a great location in the historic heart of the city.

I’m staying here on a complimentary basis through Preferred Hotels & Resorts, and I’m looking forward to having it as my base for the trip.

Our spacious room comes complete with a balcony offering sweeping views of the city. It sets the tone for a fun time in Savannah.

Day 1

The next morning our 2 days in Savannah start with a complimentary breakfast at the 1540 Room restaurant at The DeSoto.

We tuck into eggs and homemade biscuits as our friendly server pours us delicious H.C. Valentine coffee from beans that are ground in house.

The restaurant is set in an airy room lined with artworks by students from the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). High ceilings and chandeliers lend a touch of history to the place, making for a nice balance.

Savannah Trolley Tour

After breakfast we take a hop-on hop-off trolley tour with Old Savannah Tours compliments of The DeSoto. It’s not only a fun way to see the city, but also a good way to learn about its history and sightseeing highlights.

As our trolley winds around the squares, we learn that Savannah was the first planned city in America. Georgia’s colonial founder, James Oglethorpe, laid out the city’s streets in a grid pattern interspersed with public squares and parks.

Our guide also points out sites of interest like the Savannah Theater. Opened in 1818, it’s one of the oldest continually-operating theaters in the United States.

We go around Chippewa Square, which was where the chocolate box scene in Forrest Gump was filmed. We also see an oak tree that’s over 300 years old and the Sorrel-Weed House, a historic landmark and museum that’s supposedly haunted.

Speaking of which, we learn that Savannah is one of the most haunted cities in America.

From deadly pirates to a 19th-century yellow fever epidemic and cemeteries draped in Spanish moss, the city has a long history with the spooky and paranormal. There are even ghost tours you can take to experience it firsthand. You can book one here.

Savannah City Market

The trolley tour lasts 1.5 hours, and afterwards we head to lunch. Along the way we pop into the Savannah City Market. This place is full of restaurants, galleries, shops, and bars.

We head to the upstairs Art Center, where we see artists creating new works. It’s amazing to see their process in person.

Lunch in Savannah

From the market we walk through atmospheric streets and squares to reach Savannah Seafood Shack. It’s a casual restaurant that came highly recommended by the concierge at The DeSoto.

We order at the counter, take a seat outside, and find ourselves feasting on a po’ boy sandwich, hush puppies, and a Low Country boil with beef sausage, shrimp, red potatoes, and corn on the cob.

It’s all delicious, and it’s great to get a taste of some classic Southern dishes while we’re here.

Leopold’s Ice Cream

After lunch it’s time for dessert. We walk over to Leopold’s Ice Cream, a famous shop selling award-winning homemade flavors like Savannah Socialite and Lemon Custard. It’s a 40-minute wait, but it’s worth every second.

The thick, rich ice cream is some of the best we’ve ever had, and cones piled with peppermint and chocolate go down a treat.

Savannah’s Waterfront

From Leopold’s we walk over to Savannah’s Waterfront. We love the steep historic steps that lead to the area. When we arrive we’re treated to great views from River Street.

There are lots of shops and cafes down here, and a street market selling all kinds of gifts and souvenirs. We catch a glimpse of a riverboat about to set off on a cruise, too.

Shopping

From the waterfront our 2 days in Savannah continue with a bit of shopping. We walk down Broughton Street with all its shops, then up through Chippewa Square to get to Bull Street.

There we find Chocolat by Adam Turoni. This artisan chocolate shop has everything from red velvet cake truffles to seasonal sweets.

The interior itself is a treasure trove. There are shelves and tables filled with chocolate-laden trays interspersed with books and antique lamps. It’s a treat for the senses.

Forsyth Park

In the late afternoon we take a walk down historic East Jones Street and make our way through Calhoun Square to get to Forsyth Park. This expansive green space is home to a famous fountain and lined with heritage houses.

Proof & Provision

Back at The DeSoto, we settle in for complimentary drinks and bar snacks at Proof & Provision, the in-house bar.

We sit out on the patio and enjoy Paper Planes and G&Ts to the sound of a live musician. As we do, we tuck into a cheese plate with fresh strawberries and benne wafers.

1540 Room

When we’ve finished our cocktails, we head inside for a complimentary dinner at the 1540 Room. The restaurant has transformed since we had breakfast here. With low lights and an open kitchen, it has a great evening ambiance.

The menu features Low Country-sourced dishes with influences from the voyages of 16th-century Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto.

We try everything from steak tartare to fish kofta and grilled Georgia shrimp. The service is excellent and the food is a great introduction to Southern fusion cooking.

The Bamboo Room Tiki Bar

After dinner we head outside and weave our way through the ghost tours to get to The Bamboo Room Tiki Bar. Hidden above a restaurant on West Congress Street in Downtown Savannah, this place transports us to the tropics.

As we sip Mai Tais and other tropical cocktails, we take in everything from wood carvings to island-inspired ceiling lamps and shrunken heads. The atmosphere is unbeatable (which is good, because it takes a long time for our drinks to come).

Day 2

The next morning we wake to a gorgeous sunrise outside our hotel room. It lights up the sky next to the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist and sets us up for the second of our 2 days in Savannah.

Breakfast

We start with a complimentary breakfast at Buffalo Bayou, the coffee shop in The DeSoto. Fresh coffee and breakfast sandwiches make for a great quick meal.

Skidaway Island State Park

The first stop on the day’s itinerary is Skidaway Island State Park. A 25-minute drive from the historic heart of Savannah, this barrier island is known for its walking trails and local wildlife.

We pay the entry fee and drive to the trailhead of the Big Ferry Trail, one of many paths in the park.

This 3-mile (4.8-kilometer) loop takes us past a freshwater slough, Native American shell middens, hidden liquor stills from the Prohibition Era, and Civil War earthworks that formed a defense system against Union Troops.

A big observation tower in the middle allows us to see way out across the Skidaway Narrows. It’s a beautiful place for a walk, and an incredibly peaceful one. We can’t get enough of the Spanish moss and birdsong, and we even spot some deer near the path.

Wormsloe State Historic Site

Our 2 days in Savannah continue with a 15-minute drive to Wormsloe State Historic Site. This 18th-century colonial estate is known for its stunning oak avenue (it’s a photographer’s dream).

It’s also the site of the remains of an 18th-century house, a Colonial Life Area showing how early European settlers lived, a nature observation deck, and lots of walking trails.

After paying the entry fee, we drive down the oak avenue to spend time exploring the grounds and learning about the family that called this place home for generations.

Lunch at Castaways

After Wormsloe we drive to lunch at Castaways in Sandfly, Georgia. Tucked away in a strip mall, it’s easy to miss. But its outdoor seating area is great for a sunny lunch, and the she crab soup and blackened redfish are delicious.

Walk in Savannah

Back in Savannah, we spend the late afternoon walking around the historic city center. We walk back through Monterey Square to see the Mercer-Williams House, a historic-home-turned-museum. We also walk into Pulaski Square and other historic spaces.

As we do, we’re struck by how much history there is here. I was expecting Civil War-era history when I arrived, but the layers of colonial history are impressive, too.

Sunset Cocktails

In the evening we head to the rooftop bar at The Alida, a Savannah hotel with great views of the city. The cocktails pair perfectly with the sunset.

Dinner at Common Thread

After drinks our 2 days in Savannah continue with dinner at Common Thread. This restaurant is uniquely set in a 19th-century house, and there’s a series of small dining rooms on multiple floors.

We sit at the bar and tuck into everything from okonomiyaki to swordfish as the bartender tells us all about his favorite places in Savannah and Charleston. It’s a truly memorable experience.

2 Days in Savannah

The next morning our 2 days in Savannah come to an end. We hop in the car for the drive to Hilton Head, the next destination on our travel itinerary. It’s sad to say good-bye to this beautiful city, but we’re excited for what’s to come. Stay tuned…