Dreaming of Travel: Savannah, Georgia
Published on June 23, 2020 - Updated on November 20, 2020
Plan your next adventure in the “Hostess City of the South”
If you’re looking for quintessential Southern charm laced with history, coastal beauty, picturesque architecture, and loads of Spanish moss, then Savannah, Georgia should be your next destination! Find yourself immersed in the historic district enjoying traditional Southern fare, shopping along the cobblestone streets lined with activity, or on a walking or carriage tour learning about Savannah’s rich history, with your legal traveler in hand.
There are endless opportunities for fun in town, and even more just on the outskirts. Bike the McQueens Island Rail Trail, surf at Tybee Island, or take a scenic drive to the Wormsloe Historic site. Regardless of what you’re seeking, we are sure you will find plenty of solace in this welcoming and picturesque destination.
The Best Time to Visit
Depending on what kind of trip you and your family are looking for, there are options when it comes to the best time to visit. March to July are undoubtedly the most popular months because spring temperatures make way for festivals, events, and the annual welcoming of the wildflower bloom. Azaleas, dogwoods, and many other flowers specific to the South capture the attention of eager travelers every spring.
If you can’t make it then or are looking to travel in the offseason, have no fear, the Spanish moss and looming, aged oak trees are ever-present and equally as stunning year-round. These natural wonders are just a couple of the reasons so many people adore Savannah. The fall is a popular time to visit as well, and as in many places, the prices tend to drop with the temperature. Winter will be the quietest time of year, but also the most affordable.
Where to Stay
Skidaway State Park & Camping/RV Area
We loved our stay at Skidaway State Park! This beautiful area not only had great camping spots but also tons to do! You can enjoy birding on the Colonial Coast Birding Trail, geocaching or hiking on the 6 miles of trails, Interpretive Programs, Volleyball, and on-site Bicycle Rentals. There were also multiple playgrounds and the variety of walking trails ranged from easy to challenging so every member of the family can take part.
The Skidaway State Park embodies the character of Savannah with large aak trees covered in Spanish moss and palm trees galore. It is well shaded with a variety of picnic areas to choose from. The camping areas are available for both RV and tent camping. The spaces are surprisingly large with nice shade coverage and pull through spots. It’s worth noting that dump stations are not available at your spot but rather for general use.
Reservations, Accommodations & Facilities
- 588 Acres
- 3 Camper Cabins
- 87 Tent, Trailer & RV Campsites
- 3 Pioneer Campgrounds — groups of 10+ only
- 5 Picnic Shelters
- 1 Group Shelter (seats 150)
- 2 Playgrounds
- Outdoor Fitness Equipment
- Volleyball Court
- Wi-Fi — available in the park office
Tips: We highly recommend bringing bikes. There are many trails to explore and it’s a nice way to see the park!
Red Gate Farm Campground RV Park
We are so grateful to find this incredibly special campground only minutes from Savannah (thank you to The Dyrt app). It is the closest RV park to the city and the pictures hardly do it justice. Upon arriving, we were presented with the gifts of beautiful grounds, four on-site lakes, walking paths, an old wooden playground with swings, and a lovely pool area. The sites are nicely spread out with options for shade and/or lake views. The team at the farm is friendly and everything is very clean.
It’s a wonderful place to stay for a few nights while touring Savannah and actually feels like a destination itself.
Olde Harbour Inn
Located along the river and near to the city’s famous River Street, this historic, family-friendly hotel is a great place to lay your head. The Inn is true to the hospitable reputation of Savannah, with complimentary wine and cheese and snow cones for the kids available in the evenings.
The rooms are well laid out for families with a main level master and a loft for kids to stay. Additionally, there are suites designed for extended family stays with separate spaces on a shared entryway. It’s a great location and appeals to the whole family!
Where to Play
Explore the Historic Downtown
Wander the cobblestone streets of this downtown area rich with history. There are 22 squares to explore with tons of dining, shopping, and museums! Founded in 1733, Savannah is also known as “America’s first planned city” based on the thoughtful grid layout.
Bike the Rail Trail
The McQueens Island Trail is a 6-mile long trail just 10 miles east of Savannah. You can take this trail all the way from the eastern end of Savannah to Fort Pulaski. Plan a visit to Tybee Island on the western end if you want to include a beach stop!
Forsyth Park
Forsyth Park is covered in beautiful oak trees with moss and sprinkled with picnic areas and a variety of spaces to relax. We love the stretch of paths for walking or biking, and the central playground areas are also awesome. Saturday proved a lively time with the Farmer’s Market in action. We enjoyed fresh peaches, ice pops, and a variety of meat and produce stands. The area was pleasantly bustling with families of all ages.
Many cities have the benefit of being designed with thoughtful green space and this is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. The park is both wide and long and the trees make it feel magical and picturesque in a warming way.
Tips: if you’re looking for coffee, a smoothie, or pastries, The Sentient Bean coffee shop is at the south end of the park.
Activities In or Near the Park
This park begs to be enjoyed all day long. Bring a picnic, lawn chairs, and plenty of sweet tea to enhance your experience. Within its borders, you can visit the Rotary Club of Savannah Children’s Playground, the Forsyth Cafe (bathrooms inside), The Garden of Fragrance, and the Forsyth Park Tennis Courts.
If you’re looking for adventure on the outskirts, walk over to the Historic District and explore the 22 squares full of history and opportunities for fun! Additionally, the Savannah Children’s Museum looks incredible. It was closed when we were there, but will definitely be first on our list when we return!
Hit the Beach at Tybee Island
Located 20 to 30 minutes from Savannah, Tybee Island is a wide, flat, and long beach. We recommend parking prior to town if possible before 12th Street to avoid big crowds. Street parking can be tricky but patience will be your friend to best enjoy a relaxing beach experience.
If you’re looking for a beach town scene, drive to the end of Tybee Island and you’ll find an assortment of beach shops and restaurants.
It was pretty chaotic and commercial for what we were seeking but it’s important to note that it was a Saturday. That said, it was awesome to tour the lighthouse and there are surfing, biking, sea kayaking, and other opportunities to enjoy out on the water. For beach and cruising needs, we recommend Tim’s Bike and Beach Gear for rentals on either the north or the south end of the island.
Free Summertime Splash Parks
If you’re visiting between May and July, you might just get lucky enough to enjoy one of the many free splash parks for kids! This is the perfect post-lunch excursion because the summer sun can get pretty intense down south so water is always a welcome sight! Located at the following locations: Avondale, Hull Park, Forrest Hills, Forsyth Park Paulsen, 38th Street Park, Savannah Gardens, and Victory Heights Parks.
Sights to See
Wormsloe Historic Site
Enjoy this historic site with a beautiful scenic drive under a canopy of oak trees dripping in Spanish moss. Once you arrive at this property, enjoy interpretive programs, tours, and a collection of impressive artifacts.
John P. Rousakis Riverfront Plaza
Located along the Savannah River, this old shipping channel is a highly trafficked area among tourists. If you’re looking to wander and enjoy historic local architecture, or your kids enjoy seeing big boats then this could be worth your time. If you have really little kids (which we do) and have limited time, this could be one to skip.
First African Baptist Church
This historic landmark, built in the 1850s to house the first black church in the United States, still stands on Montgomery Street across from Franklin Square. The First African Baptist Church has origins that date back to 1773, even before the birth date of America.
The church served as a stop on the Underground Railroad, concealing runaway slaves in a small space beneath the floorboards during the Civil War. Holes in the floor formed in tribal shapes served as air holes for the people that hid there, and they still exist today. Some of the original pews, built by slaves, are still located in the upstairs balcony and the stained-glass windows date back to 1885.
Bonaventure Cemetery
Original home of the sculpture known as “Bird Girl” featured on the cover of the best selling book, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Bonaventure Cemetery is located on the Wilmington River east of downtown. It is very large and extremely beautiful and is open to the public daily.
Savannah is believed by many to be a haunted city, as it was built on Native American burial grounds, so while it may not seem family-friendly and too much talk of ghosts might spook the little ones, Ghost Tours and visiting cemeteries are common for visitors, surprisingly even those with kids.
Where to Dine
Vinnie Van GoGo’s
Grab delicious jumbo New York-style pizza (whole pies or by the slice) directly across the square from The First African Baptist Church and adjacent to Savannah Candy Kitchen. The soft, thin-crust of this Neapolitan pizza really makes it memorable and the patio seating will keep you there even longer.
It’s also the ideal grab and go option if you want to enjoy an outdoor meal on one of the 22 squares or head to Ellis Square’s Interactive Splash Park near City Market (located on Barnard and West Congress Streets). It has restrooms and seating so you can enjoy your lunch while the kids cool down and play!
Bull Street Tacos
This spot has great family-style or a la carte tacos, burritos, and dips. What a great find just blocks from Forsyth Park, in the heart of Savannah. We had the taco box with tortillas, your choice of meat or veggies, cheese, cilantro, lime, and onions. It was nice because everyone can dress their tacos the way they like. They are also boxed cleanly in a pizza type box with dividers.
While we chose to get take out to bring to the beach, there was ample indoor and outdoor seating. It was a really special place and we’ll definitely return!
Leopold’s Ice Cream
A Savannah staple, Leopold’s offers delicious, creamy ice cream in creative flavors. They are slightly off the beaten track but an excellent stop if you want to refuel before or after a visit to Forsyth Park.
Savannah’s Candy Kitchen
In historic Savannah on River Street, this is the largest candy store in the south. Free praline samples are delicious, and the displays of fudge, large candy dispensers, and more are really delightful to the eye. It’s a kid’s dream and sometimes a parent’s nightmare with all of the choices. Consider preparing the family before so you’re not overwhelmed.
A Gift to President Lincoln, and to us all.
Savannah is so lovely that it is no wonder Union General Sherman felt compelled to spare it during his march south. Despite burning Atlanta, he chose to leave Savannah’s beauty untouched and instead sent a telegraph of the city to President Lincoln offering it to him as a Christmas gift. If that doesn’t inspire you to put a trip to Savannah, Georgia on your bucket list I don’t know what could!
Let us help you get outdoors with Ten Tips For Hiking Safely During COVID-19 or seek inspiration from the safety of your home in Dreaming Up Your Next Adventure.
Start by Making Nature Your Focus in Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, or check out Shenandoah National Park and Charlottesville, Virginia.
To really get your imagination in motion, Explore the Magical Grand Teton National Park or Yellowstone, or the recent blogs by Colin Boyd Dreaming of Safe Travel: Dry Tortugas and Why Mojave National Preserve is Our Favorite Park.
If you have a perfect getaway or a favorite landscape, please share it with us at team@happyly.com. We love hearing from you!