How to Spend One Perfect Day in Savannah, Georgia (24-Hour Itinerary)

Savannah had been on our list for years, and we only had 24 hours to experience it—so we were sure to make every moment count.

After a week-long family trip to Hilton Head, my boyfriend, Tim, and I flew in and out of Savannah, spent one night downtown, and managed to squeeze in brunch, sightseeing, museums, and one unforgettable dinner—all without feeling too rushed.

If you’re short on time or adding Savannah to a larger Southern trip, this guide shows exactly how to spend one day in Savannah, including what to see, where to eat, and how to get around with ease.

If you’re short on time, this quick snapshot covers the logistics of our 24-hour Savannah visit, from where we stayed to how we got around and more.

• Trip length: 24 hours (1 night)
• Best for: First-time visitors, weekend add-ons, spring trips
• Where we stayed: Historic District
• Getting around: Uber + walking
• Travel style: Relaxed, food-focused, history-forward

And, here’s a quick overview of how we spent our 24 hours in Savannah, broken into two easy days:

Day 1:

• Uber from Hilton Head to Savannah
• Check-in to The Kimpton Brice Hotel
• Brunch at Myrtle & Rose Rooftop Garden
• Savannah Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour
• Happy hour at the hotel
• Wander Savannah’s Historic District
• Forsyth Park
• Dinner at The Collins Quarter

Day 2:

• Coffee/tea at the hotel
• American Prohibition Museum
• Uber to the airport
• Fly from Savannah to Houston

This itinerary is ideal if you’re flying in and out of Savannah or tacking it onto a longer coastal trip (like Hilton Head or Charleston).

We stayed at The Kimpton Brice Hotel, located just outside the heart of Savannah’s Historic District.

The hotel itself is super cute and well-located for walking or short Ubers around the city.

That said, our AC unfortunately broke overnight, and our room got very warm—not ideal, especially in the South. It’s worth flagging for anyone sensitive to room temperature or traveling during warmer months.

Location-wise, though, it worked well for a short stay and made getting around Savannah easy without needing a car.

Because we only had one full day in Savannah, we kept transportation simple and efficient:

• Uber from Hilton Head to Savannah
• Walking throughout the Historic District
• Savannah Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley to see more of the city without overdoing it
• Uber to the airport the next day

Savannah is incredibly walkable, especially within the Historic District.

Pairing walking with a hop-on hop-off trolley and a short Uber ride or two made it easy to see a lot in a short amount of time—without feeling rushed or exhausted.

👉 I wore my Vessi waterproof sneakers and carried a rain jacket, both of which came in handy since we did a lot of walking and ran into some rain the second day.

Overall, Savannah felt safe and easy to navigate, especially within the Historic District where most attractions are located.

We were comfortable walking around during the day and evening, and used Uber for longer distances or late-night rides.

As with any city, it’s best to stay aware of your surroundings, avoid poorly lit areas at night, and stick to well-trafficked streets—especially if you’re visiting for the first time or traveling solo.

👉 I carry this CLUCI Belt Bag nearly everywhere I go and feel that it’s perfect for keeping my valuables tucked away.

After a week in Hilton Head, Tim and I Ubered to Savannah and checked into our hotel before heading straight out to explore.

Even if your room isn’t ready yet, most hotels will hold your bags, which makes it easy to start sightseeing right away.

The hotel also had a concierge, who recommended some ideas of what to do in the city (like the trolley tour and the Prohibition Museum—this one especially came highly recommended!).

Our first stop was Myrtle & Rose Rooftop Garden, a light, airy rooftop spot that felt like the perfect introduction to Savannah.

This is a great place to ease into the day—think casual bites, drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere rather than a heavy sit-down brunch.

It’s especially nice if you’re arriving from a longer drive or flight and want something low-key.

After our trolley tour, we took a short break back at The Kimpton Brice Hotel for a free happy hour before heading back out to explore.

With just 24 hours in Savannah, building in a little downtime helps keep the evening enjoyable rather than rushed.

After happy hour, we spent the rest of our afternoon doing what Savannah does best: wandering.

We walked through Forsyth Park, admired the Spanish moss, and explored the Historic District at an unhurried pace.

Savannah feels like a city meant to be strolled—there’s no need to over-plan this part of the day.

This is also a good time to pop into shops, take photos, or just enjoy being outside if the weather cooperates.

A Broad Recommendation: Savannah is one of the most haunted cities in the U.S., and a guided ghost tour is a fun (and slightly spooky) way to explore its darker history—especially if you’re short on time. Evening tours are easy to fit in before or after dinner, and US Ghost Adventures offers several Savannah walking tours, from classic ghost stories to haunted pub crawls. We’ve taken one of their tours in Houston and absolutely loved it!

Dinner at The Collins Quarter was easily one of the highlights of our Savannah trip.

The atmosphere is lively but not overwhelming, and the food was genuinely excellent—the kind of place you wish you could visit twice in one weekend!

It’s a fantastic choice for a one-night stay in Savannah, whether you’re celebrating something special or just want a memorable meal to close out the day.

A Broad Recommendation: Make a reservation in advance, as this spot fills up quickly for dinner. We hadn’t made a reservation, but we arrived fairly early, and the host was luckily very kind and able to squeeze us in!

After the museum, we grabbed an Uber to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport and flew home, feeling like we’d made the most of our short time in the city.

A Broad Recommendation: Get to the airport early enough to enjoy some world-famous Leopold’s Ice Cream. Founded in 1919, Leopold’s is renowned for its original, premium recipes, and classic soda fountain atmosphere and has been named one of the top 10 ice cream parlors in the world!

If you have more than one day in Savannah—or want to swap an activity from this itinerary—here are a few great alternatives to consider:

Take a Ghost Tour

If you want to dig deeper into Savannah’s spooky side, the city offers a wide range of nighttime tours throughout the Historic District.

US Ghost Adventures runs multiple options daily, including traditional ghost walks, late-night tours, haunted pub crawls, and even specialty experiences like Black history and cemetery tours.

Visit Bonaventure Cemetery

Located just outside the Historic District, Bonaventure Cemetery is one of Savannah’s most famous sights.

It’s known for its beautiful statues, moss-draped trees, and river views, and though you’ll need an Uber to get here, it’s worth it if you have extra time.

Explore River Street

River Street is touristy, but it’s still worth a stroll for the views of the Savannah River, historic buildings, and casual shops. It’s especially lively in the evening.

We spent a little time here before and after our trolley tour but would’ve liked to spend an entire afternoon walking around and popping into bars and shops.

Add Another Museum

If you enjoyed the Prohibition Museum, you might also like:

• The Savannah History Museum
• The Telfair Museums
• The SCAD Museum of Art

These are easy to slot in if the weather isn’t ideal.

Savannah is a great year-round destination, but spring and fall are especially popular—and for good reason.

Spring (March–May)

Spring is one of the best times to visit Savannah. The weather is comfortable, flowers are blooming, and the city feels especially lively.

Savannah is also famous for its St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, which are some of the largest in the country, alongside New York City, Chicago, and Boston.

Festivities start well before March 17, and the city truly goes all out.

We narrowly missed the celebrations by a week (we flew home on the Sunday night before they all kicked off—so close!), but even without the crowds, Savannah felt vibrant and full of energy during our visit.

Summer (June–August)

Summer in Savannah can be hot and humid, but it’s still a popular time to visit.

If you don’t mind the heat and plan for slower afternoons, early mornings and evenings are still lovely for exploring the Historic District.

Fall (September–November)

Fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making it another great time to visit Savannah.

This is an especially nice season for walking tours, outdoor dining, and relaxed sightseeing.

Winter (December–February)

Winters are mild compared to much of the U.S., and Savannah has a quieter, more laid-back feel during this time.

It’s a good option if you want fewer crowds and don’t mind cooler evenings.

While you could easily spend several days in Savannah, one day is enough to see the highlights, especially if it’s your first visit.

With 24 hours in Savannah, you can:

• Explore the Historic District
• Visit Forsyth Park
• Learn about the city’s history
• Enjoy a memorable meal or two

If you have more time, Savannah pairs perfectly with other coastal destinations in Georgia and South Carolina.

Savannah completely won us over, even with just one night in the city.

Its walkability, rich history, and relaxed pace make it an ideal stop on a Southern itinerary—whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or adding it onto a longer trip.

Even with just 1 day in Savannah, this itinerary shows that you can see the highlights, eat well, and still enjoy the city’s relaxed pace.

And, if you’re planning a full coastal trip (like we did!), Savannah fits beautifully alongside a week on Hilton Head Island, which is what we did just before this stay.

Our 24 hours in Savannah left us wanting more—maybe we’ll be able to visit during St. Patrick’s Day next time!

XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads