Few cities have the elegant, intimate charm of Savannah, Georgia. Since James Oglethorpe landed there in 1733, this gentle coastal city has been an epicenter of trade and culture for the region. From stunning 18th century architecture to coastal lowland marshes, the area is as varied as the many things to do there. For a long weekend, here’s what I suggest you do in Savannah.

Day 1 in Savannah: Blend the Old and New

While it has a long history, Savannah is still a modern, thriving metropolis. Culturally forward and a southern center of art, you’ll want to spend a day experiencing Savannah’s best old (and new) offerings.

Breakfast: Fox & Fig Café

Start your trip off with a visit to a classic, charming cafe. Though you can easily grab ‘n’ go, you don’t have to! The cafe is loaded with delicious drinks, mouth-watering pastries, and a full brunch menu. Best of all - Fox & Fig is completely vegan. For the fellow carnivores out there: I didn’t notice a difference in food taste or quality at all.

Morning: Shop in the South Savannah Historic District

The South Savannah Historic District sits in orderly blocks organized around lovely central plazas. As walkable as it is ‘grammable, this neighborhood is great for taking a stroll and seeing what you see. Book lovers: run, don’t walk to E. Shaver, Bookseller, a charming feline independent bookseller in a building built in 1843. East + Up, a vintage shop with excellent curation, sits perched on a 2nd floor (look for the vintage magic sign!). Red Clover has trendy clothes that are decent quality - without an outrageous price tag.

What to do for 3 days in Savannah Ornate gold chandelier at the gryphon tea room.jpeg — The elaborate chandelier at Gryphon Tea Room

Lunch: Tea at Gryphon Tea Room

Located across the street from Savannah College of Art and Design, Gryphon Tea Room should satisfy the most persnickety anglophile. You can order a full afternoon tea spread, of course, but Gryphon should also hold a spot on your list for a great lunch. You’ll barely notice the charming historic interior as you scarf down delicious pastries, soups, and of course, pots of tea.

Afternoon: American Prohibition Museum

Thanks to its centuries-long history as an epicenter of trade, Savannah played a big role in rum running during the prohibition era of the 1920s and 1930s. The only museum of its kind in the United States, the American Prohibition Museum offers a fun, cheeky, comprehensive experience. You can get a cocktail with your ticket, but teetotalers are welcome, too!

Dinner/Night: Cha Bella

I am not messing around when I say: this restaurant has the best fried oysters I’ve ever had. The perfect combination of sea food, southern comfort food, and Italian food, Cha Bella’s knowledgable staff and instantly welcoming atmosphere rival the delicious dishes. As a bonus, there are lots of gluten free options as well as actual vegan entrees (so hard to find in the south), meaning it’s great for groups with more needs.

Day 2 in Savannah: Get a Little Spooky

Of course a city as old as Savannah has lots of ghost stories! Ghostly pub crawls and haunted bars lurk seemingly around every corner of this genteel southern city.

Breakfast: 45 Bistro at The Marshall House

Start your day with breakfast at one of Savannah’s most haunted hotels - The Marshall House. You’re not likely to see a ghost at breakfast, but it’s worth admiring the stunning architecture and appreciating the flawless service of one of Savannah’s top-rated hotels.

Morning: Take a Tour of Bonaventure Cemetery

Located outside Savannah in the adorably named town of Thunderbolt, Bonaventure Cemetery is a popular spot for tourists looking to get a li’l spooked. It’s still an operational cemetery, but it has some creepy/beautiful headstones and family plots. Think weeping ladies beautifully outlined by Spanish moss. Savannah First-Timer wrote a great outline of the different cemetery tours available, plus their pros and cons.

Lunch: Six Pence Pub

There’s just something about a well-executed British pub. Six Pence Pub is consistently named one of the best bars in Savannah - for good reason. The perfect mix of charming and relaxed, you’ll want to spend a leisurely lunch here. Equally good for escaping the heat as getting out of the rain, the current owners expanded the pub to include a kitchen in 1999. Though it’s known as one of the most haunted pubs in Savannah, don’t worry - most of the ghost sightings are reported by employees!

Afternoon: Take a Hearse Ghost Tour

Sure, lots of cities have ghost tours, but how many of them can you take in a hearse?! Limited to 8 people at a time, these tours are ideal for anyone with mobility issues (or anyone who wants to up the spook-factor!). The tour takes 75 minutes and picks up from 3 central locations around the city.

Dinner: The Olde Pink House

Located in one of the most truly stunning buildings in Savannah (and that’s saying something), you’ll want to tie one on at The Olde Pink House. The house was built in 1771 by the Habershams, one of Savannah’s most prominent early families. Supposedly, brick dust would leak into the white stucco, giving the house its nickname. In the 1920s, the owner gave in and simply painted the stucco pink. Not only does it have an incredible history, but The Olde Pink House has been named one of the 100 Best Restaurants in the United States.

Day 3 in Savannah: Hit the Beach

Though Savannah itself is set a bit away from the ocean, a mere hop-skip-and a jump away sits the slow beach town of Tybee Island. Classic tourist spots meet beautiful coastal scenery in this charming town.

What to do for 3 days in savannah Sunset in tybee island georgia.jpeg — Sunset over the marsh in Tybee Island, Georgia

Breakfast: Tybean Coffee Bar

Nothing says, “small Atlantic town” quite like a quirky beach shack. Jumpstart your visit to Tybee Island at this great coffee shop that serves Georgia-favorite Dancing Goats coffee. While you can grab a bite to go, Tybean also provides seating under large shade trees for comfortable dining even on hot days. Look for the bright blue building with the pink octopus - you can’t miss it.

Morning: Collect Seashells on the Beach

In contrast to beaches in many crowded beach destinations such as Mexico and Hawaii, the sand on Tybee Island is absolutely covered up with seashells. In fact, early permanent settlements in this region were built using a mixture of seashells, lime, and sand to create a sturdy, adobe-like substance called “tabby.” Take your kids and keep them entertained for hours. Tybee residents are serious about their sea turtles - so take care to not disturb their nests.

Lunch: The Deck Beachbar and Kitchen

Tybee Island’s only beachfront restaurant is a must-see. I’ll be honest - their drinks leave a little something to be desired. Their fried seafood (did anyone say “half a pound of fried shrimp”?!), does not. The portions are generous and the food comes out hot and fresh. The Deck is a great place for big groups, as most of their tables are long picnic tables that can accommodate a crowd.

Afternoon: Visit the Tybee Island Light Station

Erected in 1736, the light house on Tybee Island has proudly served the coast of Georgia longer than any other lighthouse. Easily accessible in town, you can see this well-maintained structure throughout Tybee. Not only can you visit the structure, you can also learn about the history of the area, including native history, at the charming museum adjacent to the light station.

Dinner: Sundae Cafe at Tybee

If you, like me, can’t get enough oysters, stop at the Sundae Cafe. A favorite with locals and visitors alike, the Sundae Cafe serves southern favorites like pecan chicken and fried green tomatoes in a fresh, elevated way. Go highbrow with the pistachio-crusted tuna or low country with shrimp and grits. They have an expansive drink menu and sling a great cocktail.