First-Timer’s Guide to Visiting Savannah, GA

Savannah, Georgia had been on my travel bucket list for a while, and since moving to Atlanta at the end of July, it was easier than ever to get there. I picked Labor Day Weekend as it was the first long weekend I had available. I was fully aware that going on a holiday weekend at the tail end of summer might present some challenges, but I came away from my first Savannah trip with a lot of helpful knowledge. 

How to Get to Savannah from Atlanta
Savannah’s only about a 4-hour drive from Atlanta, so it’s easy to get there by car. However, another way to get there is via bus. You can purchase a Flixbus or Greyhound roundtrip ticket. You’ll start at the Atlanta Bus Station, which is right near a MARTA station, and you’ll arrive at Savannah Bus Station.

There are different bus schedules (at different price points), so you can base your trip around what’s most convenient for your schedule and budget. Some routes are quicker than others, which is something to keep in mind. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, avoid booking a bus that has multiple stops along the way. For example, going to Savannah, my trip was only 4 hours nonstop, but coming back, we stopped like 3 times and it took over 5 hours.

How Far is Savannah from Atlanta?
Savannah is about a 4-hour drive from Atlanta. If you take a direct bus route, it should also be around 4 hours. However, bus routes with multiple stops can take upwards of 5 hours to get there.

Savannah Bus Station: What You Need to Know

• Walking distance to Historic District: From my hotel on Bay Street, it was only about a 15-minute walk to and from the Savannah Bus Station.
• Can feel unsafe: While waiting for my bus back to Atlanta, there was a woman harassing people in the bathroom. I do not recommend being at the station late at night. 

Savannah Hotels 
My recommendation for where to stay on a budget is the Quality Inn in Savannah’s Historic District. This hotel is right in the heart of Savannah’s top sightseeing area. While it’s not as cheap as hotels further out, you won’t have to worry about driving into the historic district since you’re right there.

Learn all about the Quality Inn Savannah Historic District in my full-length hotel review

Savannah Hotels in the Historic District
Pros: 

• Walking Distance to River Street, Forsythe Park, ghost tours, Historic District homes, and shopping on Broughton Street

Cons:

• More noisy (especially if you’re on Bay Street)
• More expensive
• Will likely have to pay extra for parking

Savannah Hotels in Midtown
Pros: 

• Cheaper
• Usually include free parking

Cons:

• Will have to drive into the Historic District (and deal with parking and traffic)

 
Savannah Weather
Savannah's weather will depend on when you go.  During my Labor Day Weekend trip, there was rain and cloudy skies the first day, and then it was hot and sunny the next few days. Summer can be extremely hot, humid, and unpredictable with rain. You'll find cooler, more mild weather in winter and early spring.

What to Do in Savannah

• Ghost tours
• Shopping on Broughton Street
• Day trip to Tybee Island
• Explore the Historic District 
• Visit Forsythe Park

Frequently Asked Questions About Savannah, GA

1. What is the best month to go to Savannah?
The best month to go to Savannah will depend on what you’re looking for. If you want warmer weather, consider going from March to June or July. For cooler temps and smaller crowds, January and February are considered slower months. Personally, I think a really great month to go is October since Savannah is known for its spooky history, complete with lots of available ghost tours!

2. Does Savannah, Georgia have a beach?
Yes, you can access the beach at Tybee Island from Savannah. Tybee Island is roughly a 20-minute drive from the city.

3. What is Savannah GA best known for?
There’s a lot Savannah, GA is known for! Spooky history, historic homes and buildings, and coastal southern charm are a few examples. From what I saw during my time there, Savannah is a prime spot for friend trips, with lots of girl groups there for bachelorette parties.

4. What county is Savannah, GA?
Savannah is located in Chatham County, Georgia.
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5. Is Savannah a city in the USA?
Yes, Savannah is actually one of the oldest cities in the United States, as it was founded in 1733.

​Transparency Disclosure — The opinions on this website are independent and based on my own personal experiences. I may receive a referral fee for stays booked through the links on this site.
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