If you only have 1 day in Savannah, GA to visit then it’s best to be as organized as possible. There’s so much to do in the city that spending 3 days is recommended to get the full Savannah experience. From historic sites to restaurants and more, we’ve got you covered so you can start planning the best Savannah vacation.
Planning for 24 Hours in Savannah
First things first…let’s start planning what your goals are before we begin. Are you more interested in wandering around and stumbling upon cool things or would you like to hit a few must-see sites? Remember that “all who wander are not lost” – J.R.R. Tolkien
Top Sites to Visit
There are a number of top sites that most people want to experience when visiting Savannah. Below we’ll highlight our recommended must-do Savannah tours and attractions:
- Get a Savannah Tour Pass – Includes 100% full admission to the top tours and attractions. Also includes a mobile pass which will help you stay organized with maps. You can instantly make reservations and skip the lines when you get there.
- All tours and attractions below are included with a Tour Pass
- Savannah Riverboat Cruise
- Carriage Tour
- Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour
- Walking Tour – everything from ghost, haunted to history and more.
- Bonaventure Cemetery Walking Tour
- Historic House Museums such as Owens-Thomas, Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, Andrew Low, Davenport House, Harper-Fowlkes House and Ships of the Sea Museum.
- History and Art Museums: all the Telfair Museums
- and many more – be sure to visit our Savannah TourPass page to see what’s included
Where to Park & Getting Around
Logic and reasoning would tell you that it’s best to figure out where to start and end the day so you’ll be somewhat close to your vehicle if you have one. Since wandering and exploring isn’t always logical so lets park in one of two somewhat central and places.
Where to Park
- Savannah Visitor Center: 301 Martin Luther King Blvd., Savannah, GA
- Old Town Trolley Visitor Center: (can park here for free if riding the trolley): 214 West Boundary Street, Savannah, GA
- Below you’ll find an interactive parking garage map.
Getting Around & Transportation
- Savannah has a free hop on hop off Trolley (DOT Trolley) that is not narrated. See map below.
- Narrated Hop On Hop Off Trolley by Old Town Trolley Tours: this is an actual tour that is narrated and is included on the Savannah TourPass. See map below.
- For additional Getting Around Savannah tips, checkout this article.
Parking Garage Map
Free Trolley Map
Old Town Trolley Hop On Off Map
Complete 1 Day Savannah Itinerary Timeline
Start at the Savannah Visitor Center
9-10 am: Start the day early at the Savannah Visitor Center. Here you can visit the Savannah History Museum (located inside of the the Visitor’s Center).
Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour or DOT Trolley
10 am: hop on either the Old Town Trolley Tours (also included on your Savannah Tour Pass) for a ride through the city. You can also hop on the DOT Trolley here.
Owens-Thomas House
10:30 am: Visit the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters which is an antebellum mansion. It was built in 1819 and is considered a significant example of American Federal-style architecture. The house features elaborate ironwork, intricate plasterwork, and beautiful furniture from the early 19th century. It has been open to the public as a museum since 1954, offering visitors a glimpse into the life of a wealthy 19th-century family. The guides will also extensively go over the life and stories of Slaves that lived, experience their living conditions there as well.
Stop for Lunch
11:30 – 12:30 pm: Take a break for lunch and head to one of Savannah’s many fantastic restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for high-end cuisine or simple Southern comfort food, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste buds. For a true Savannah experience, try the shrimp and grits at The Olde Pink House.
Prohibition Museum
1:30 pm: This is a fun museum that showcases the historic speakeasy culture and history of prohibition with a bar to get classic-era drinks as well.
Narrated Riverboat Cruise
3:30 pm: The Narrated Riverboat Cruise in Savannah Georgia is a must-do activity for anyone visiting the city. This 90-minute cruise takes you along the Savannah River, where you get to see the city’s skyline from a unique perspective. The knowledgeable guide provides interesting facts and stories about the city’s history, including its role in the Civil War and its booming port industry. The riverboat is equipped with modern amenities, including air-conditioned lounges and outdoor decks, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Explore Some Squares
4:30 – 5 pm: Get off the trolley at Chippewa Square and take a stroll through Forsyth Park, one of Savannah’s most beloved green spaces. Take your time admiring the park’s impressive fountain and the surrounding Spanish moss-draped trees.
Stop for Dinner
5:30 – 6 pm: Grab a bite to eat at one of the many amazing Savannah restaurants. The City Market area and River Street areas are chock full of great restaurants.
Evening Decision Time: The Beach, Ghost Tours or Carriage Tours
Finish the day on a high note in one of 4 ways:
- Take trip to Tybee Island, just a short drive from Savannah. Take some to stroll along the beach and enjoy the sunset.
- Ghost & Gravestones Trolley Tour: this is a fan favorite and included on the Savannah TourPass.
- City Carriage Tour: a great way to relax after dinner and learn even more about this amazing city. Carriage tour is also included on the Savannah TourPass.
- Take a Ghost Walking or Pub Tour in the historic district. The Savannah TourPass has multiple adult-only and family friendly options.
Whether you’re interested in history, art, or nature, this one-day itinerary has something for everyone. With the Savannah Tour Pass, you can experience it all without breaking the bank.
Savannah FAQ's
24 hours in Savannah is not a lot of time so it’s best to be organized about what you’d like to see. Checkout this helpful guide which covers where to park, what to do and gives a timeline itinerary.
We recommend 3 days to really experience Savannah properly, however we put together a handy guide that will help you optimize visiting Savannah in just 1 day.
Yes, the DOT Trolley operates a free hop on hop off trolley that goes around the historic district of downtown Savannah. Here’s a map
Yes, there are quite a few large parking garages scattered throughout the downtown Savannah area. In addition, there are many metered street parking locations. We recommend that you download the Savannah parking app
Download the Parking App. If you want to use street metered parking this app is worth downloading.
Absolutely it is a safe and walkable city. The historic district is considered to be very safe. It’s best to be street smart however and not walk alone at night.
Yes, the DOT Trolley provides free hop on hop off bus transportation throughout the Historic District.
That all depends on your tolerance to heat and humidity. In the peak of the summer season (July – September), Savannah is normally hot and humid. Since many of the trees and squares provide ample shade, we don’t feel that Savannah is unbearable. Typically the spring and fall seasons are best for milder temperatures.
