One Day in Savannah GA: Itinerary & What to Do in 24 Hours

Are you looking to make the most of one day in Savannah GA? You’ve come to the right place!

Savannah, GA is a charming southern city with so much to offer. But, what if you only have one day to explore? Don’t worry! 

In this post, I’ll show you the top things to see in Savannah GA in one day, including some hidden gems you won’t want to miss. 

⭐ Make the most of Savannah with this amazing 3-hour Culinary & Cultural Walking Food Tour including food tastings from 6 popular Savannah eateries!

As the oldest city in Georgia, Savannah is full of rich history, amazing architecture, and of course, giant oak trees that frame the historic buildings beautifully.  

You can’t help but fall in love with this city as you wander the streets, taking it all in.

I asked my friend, Jenn, from Those Johnson Boys to write this post so you know what you must see in Savannah GA in one day.

Thanks to my sister-in-law living in Savannah for a few years, I had the perfect excuse to visit this gorgeous city! 

I think it’s one of the best weekend getaways on the East Coast. We even added a stop in Savannah when road-tripping to Disney World once. 

While I’ve been lucky enough to spend several days checking everything out, spending a day in Savannah GA is well worth the trip. 

There are plenty of fun things to do in Savannah in one day, so let’s get to it!

One Day Savannah Itinerary

There’s so much to do here that you won’t have any trouble at all filling up a one-day trip to Savannah GA. 

From historic sites and beautiful scenery to delicious food and even a spooky ending to the day, this 1 day in Savannah itinerary hits quite a bit! 

Here’s how to get the most out of spending a day in Savannah GA:

1. Grab a coffee at The Collins Quarter at Forsyth Park

While you can also sit down to eat here, you can’t beat grabbing a coffee to go and enjoy the beautiful scenery surrounding you. 

In addition to classic coffee orders, The Collins Quarter also offers signature coffees (hello, spiced lavender mocha!). They even have their own house syrups to add to any order. 

To top it off, it’s located right in the middle of a Savannah must-see: Forsyth Park, a beautiful 30-acre park. 

2. Take a morning walk through Forsyth Park

Now that you have a coffee in hand, take time to wander through Forsyth Park. 

There’s nothing like the calmness of this park in the morning. Lined with giant oak trees covered with Spanish moss, this is the picture-perfect spot. 

There are some interesting facts about the park that many travelers may not know. 

Did you know that the park’s original design was based on the Place des Vosges in Paris? And the iconic fountain at the park’s center was actually manufactured in New York? 

There are several Civil War cannons still on display in the park that were donated by the U.S. government after the war. 

If you’re traveling with young kids, there’s also a fun playground where they can run around while you relax. 

To me, this park is quintessential Savannah, which is why it’s at the top of my list of what to see in Savannah GA. 

3. Eat an early lunch at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room

If you visit Savannah on a weekday, you can’t miss eating lunch here. While the restaurant opens at 11:00 AM, a line will begin to form about 45-60 minutes before that. 

Once a boarding house in the mid-1900s, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room now serves guests delicious Southern food. Make sure to come hungry! 

And waiting in line is a great place to make friends with the neighbors of the historic center. 

This restaurant serves family-style food, and you’ll be seated at large tables with the people standing near you in line. This place is part of Savannah’s history!

4. Stroll through the Savannah squares 

You can’t visit Savannah without taking the time to enjoy the squares throughout the city. The city is set up as a grid with 22 historic squares spread throughout. 

Don’t miss Lafayette Square (one of my favorites), and Chippewa Square, located along Bull Street, in the heart of Savannah. This square was laid out in 1815 and is named after a battle during the War of 1812. 

But it really became well-known after the iconic park bench scene from the movie Forrest Gump was filmed there. 

5. Take in the historic sites on your day trip to Savannah

With only one day in Savannah GA, you probably won’t have time to visit all of these places, but you can definitely check out the exteriors while strolling around the city. 

If you’ve found Chippewa Square, several well-known sights are nearby, including the Savannah Theatre, the Cathedral Basilica of St. John, the Colonial Park Cemetery, Bonaventure Cemetery, and the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters. 

If you have time on your Savannah 1 day itinerary, don’t miss Savannah’s City Market, an open-air market, with stores, gastronomy, and works of art in restored warehouses.

Did you know that this historic market has withstood two fires, the Civil War, and Savannah’s great hurricane of 1860?

6. Check out the trendy boutiques in Savannah

As you continue through the city, you’ll come across Broughton Street, which is all about shopping!

If you’re looking for a unique souvenir from your time in Savannah, find a local boutique or antique shop in this area. 

7. Make your way down to River Street, a must-see in Savannah GA in one day

One thing Savannah is known for is its riverfront, and it’s the perfect place to experience it than walking along River Street (the famous cobblestone streets are here). 

While this area can seem touristy at times, you’ll get great views of the Savannah River.

 Make sure to pop into the candy shop, River Street Sweets, to indulge in their world-famous pralines.

8. Enjoy dinner at a top-rated Savannah restaurant 

Savannah is a foodie’s paradise! 

With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to narrow it down. 

If you’re looking for a laid-back vibe, check out Treylor Park or Bull Street Taco. If you want to try the famous Savannah’s fried chicken, head to Sisters of the New South or The Pirates’ House.

But if you have your mind set on a fancier option, some of the best restaurants you’ll want to go to are The Grey, Elizabeth on 37th, or The Olde Pink House. 

If you find yourself at The Olde Pink House, make sure to try the fried green tomatoes!

9. Treat yourself to an after-dinner treat at Leopold’s Ice Cream

No day trip to Savannah GA is complete without grabbing a sweet treat at Leopold’s Ice Cream.  

This isn’t just a normal ice cream shop. Dating back to 1919, it’s one of the oldest ice cream shops in the United States. 

Here you’ll get to enjoy homemade ice cream from the exact recipes used when the shop first opened. Plus they have vegan and gluten-free options. 

10. End your day with a ghost tour or a sunset cruise, one of the best things to do in Savannah in one day

Did you know that Savannah is considered one of America’s most haunted cities? In fact, it’s one of the best places to go for Halloween.

You wouldn’t be able to tell by day, but by night, you can choose from several ghost tours. 

If ghosts aren’t your thing, watching the sunset on the Savannah Riverboat Cruise might be more your speed. 

Enjoy a drink while gazing out over the Savannah River…the best way to relax after a fun-filled day. 

More than 24 hours in Savannah GA?

I highly recommend taking a day trip from Savannah to Tybee Island.  

Adding in a little getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city to enjoy some beach time is the perfect way to unwind and rest your feet after a day of walking and exploring. 

While there, make sure to grab a cup of crab stew at The Original Crab Shack for lunch or dinner. 

Best Travel Tips for a One-Day Walking Tour of Savannah

With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan a one-day walking tour. 

That’s why I’ve compiled the best tips to help you make the most of your time in Savannah.

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
• Start early to make the most of your day and beat the crowds.
• Download a map of the historic district and plan your route ahead of time.
• Visit the main attractions, such as Forsyth Park, River Street, and the City Market.
• Take a guided tour to learn more about Savannah’s history and culture.
• Visit at least one museum or historic house.
• Stop for lunch or a snack at a local restaurant or café.
• Take breaks often to rest and take in the scenery.
• Don’t forget to take plenty of photos and enjoy Savannah’s unique charm!

When to visit Savannah 

While you can visit the city of Savannah year-round, the best time to visit are in the spring and fall. 

Not only will you find the most comfortable temperatures for exploring the city in these months, but you’ll also avoid the large crowds that come to the city in the summer months. 

Visiting Savannah in winter can also be a good idea, for many reasons – mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and festive holiday events make it a great time to explore this charming city. 

How to get to Savannah GA

Savannah is a coastal city located in eastern Georgia. And it’s a drive-able distance from many cities. 

You can get to Savannah from Atlanta, Georgia, in 3.5 hours, from Charleston, South Carolina, in 2 hours, and from Jacksonville, Florida in 2 hours. 

If you plan to travel to Savannah by airplane, the best airport to fly to is the Savannah/Hilton Head Island International Airport (SAV). 

How to get around Savannah in one day 

Downtown Savannah, Georgia, is very walkable. 

Don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes for all the exploring you’ll be doing during this Savannah 1 day itinerary. 

But if you need a break from getting around on foot, you can take advantage of the free DOT Shuttle. There are 20 shuttle stops around the Savannah Historic District, taking you to all the main sights. 

Want to get a view of the city from the water? Hop on the free Savannah Belles Passenger Ferry, which takes you from River Street to Hutchinson Island. 

Wrap-up: One Day in Savannah GA

It’s truly amazing how much this city has to offer in just one day!

From its rich history and captivating architecture to its vibrant culinary scene and enchanting parks, Savannah has a way of stealing your heart from the moment you set foot here.

Whether you spent your day strolling down the iconic River Street, immersing yourself in the haunting tales of Bonaventure Cemetery, or indulging in mouthwatering Southern cuisine, I hope this guide helped you make the most of your time in this delightful city.

But remember, one day is just a glimpse into the magic of Savannah.

There’s always more to explore and discover. So, if you find yourself yearning for more, check my post on the best things to do in Savannah.

⭐ Make the most of Savannah with this amazing 3-hour Culinary & Cultural Walking Food Tour including food tastings from 6 popular Savannah eateries!

FAQ about Visiting Savannah GA in one day

Final Thoughts: One Day in Savannah GA

Savannah, Georgia, is full of historic sites and beautiful landscapes, bringing all the Southern charm you could ask for. Not to mention all the great food you’ll eat during your visit!

Spending a day in Savannah will be one you’ll remember forever. 

With so many amazing things to see in Savannah GA, spending just one day in this city may seem daunting. But with my travel guide, you can make the most of your time and experience the top attractions and hidden gems that Savannah has to offer. 

From the stunning architecture and history to the delicious cuisine and beautiful scenery, there’s something for everyone in this charming southern city. 

So if you’re planning a trip to Savannah GA and only have one day to explore, be sure to check out this post of my favorite things to do in Savannah in one day. You won’t regret it!

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