Savannah, GA: Must-See Highlights For A 24-Hour Visit

Emily Molina Avatar
The cast-iron fountain in Forsyth Park.
A visit to Forsyth Park in Savannah, GA should be at the top of your list. Photo credit: Emily Molina

Twenty-four hours in Savannah is not nearly enough to soak in the full charm of this striking city, but if that’s all the time you’ve got, there’s still a great deal you can experience. From historic landmarks to hidden gems, here are some must-see attractions and activities to make the most of your day. Trust me, I’ve done it myself, and every moment was worth it.

Savannah is the Oldest City in Georgia and Located on its Coast

Savannah, GA, is just a few hours from the Atlantic Coast– a charming getaway exuding loads of history and southern charm. From historic parks and squares to fountains, churches, and cobblestone streets, the timeless city connects its past to the present.

Discover the Beauty of Forsyth Park

Sidewalk leading up to the fountain in Forsyth Park.
The 30-acre Forsyth Park is Savannah’s most famous. Photo credit: Emily Molina

Stroll beneath the lush canopy of sprawling branches within Forsyth Park. Guiding you toward the breathtaking Forsyth Park Fountain, this iconic cast-iron landmark, built in 1858, was designed to resemble the grand fountain at Place de la Concorde in Paris and serves as the perfect backdrop for memorable photos and peaceful moments.  

Join our travel tribe! Subscribe!

Wander Through Savannah’s Enchanting Squares

Front of the Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah
The Independent Presbyterian Church can be seen as the feather gently glides and lands by park bench in the film Forrest Gump. Photo credit: Emily Molina

Chippewa Square is where the iconic feather lands after floating past the Independent Presbyterian Church and landing near the park bench featured in the film Forrest Gump, resting beside Forrest’s foot. However, the beloved bench is now on display at the Savannah History Museum. Although we didn’t have time to visit, which was a bit disappointing, we thoroughly enjoyed strolling through this picturesque square and soaking in the sunshine that day.

Explore the Pathways of Colonial Park Cemetery

Entryway to the historic Colonial Park Cemetery.
Stroll through Colonial Park Cemetery. Photo credit: Emily Molina

The 6-acre Colonial Park Cemetery is the city’s oldest and located in Savannah’s historic district. With over 9,000 graves, some dating to the mid-1700s, each weathered stone tells a story about the city’s rich history. We walked along its sidewalks and rested on benches, taking it all in.

Experience The Olde Pink House

Front of The Olde Pink House
Visit the Olde Pink House. Photo credit: Emily Molina

Whether you’re stopping in to dine or simply to take a peek, The Olde Pink House—originally the home of one of Savannah’s early founders—is a must-see landmark. We opted for the latter, having stopped mid-day and before dining hours.

Exquisite chandeliers and paintings of historical figures gracing the walls created an elegant atmosphere, blending the past with unavoidable Southern charm.

We were surprised to step into the Olde Pink House cellar and find Planters Tavern, where dinner, drinks, and, allegedly, spirits are also served. We didn’t see any ghosts that day.

Take a Walk Down Historic River Street

River street with many shops and restaurants
River Street is quintessential for the best shopping and dining along the Savannah River. Photo credit: Emily Molina

Stroll the cobblestones of Historic River Street, where you’ll find a wide variety of shopping, dining, and delicious treat options. From souvenir shops to candy stores, coffee spots, and cocktail bars (not necessarily in that order), we even stumbled upon a Zoltar Fortune Teller machine, adding a fun twist as we had our futures revealed.

Walking along the Savannah River were nostalgic riverboats, views of the Talmadge Memorial Bridge, historic buildings, and plenty of opportunities for people-watching. If you’re lucky, you might even be serenaded by a talented local street performer.

Take a Guided Tour

We really wanted to take a tour but weren’t sure we’d have enough time. With a wide variety of options—from trolley rides and walking tours to riverboat cruises —there was something for everyone, covering everything from haunted history to food, drinks, and local culture. Get there at the start of your day and explore the city while saving your feet (mine were tired from all the walking).

Where To Eat

Clary's grilled Reuban with fires and pickles on the side.
A grilled Reuban from Clary’s is a must for lunch. Photo credit: Emily Molina

Savannah boasts an abundance of incredible restaurants, but with limited time, we opted for quick stops offering satisfying bites and refreshing pick-me-ups to keep us energized throughout the day.

  • Breakfast or lunch at Clary’s Cafe – We stumbled upon Clary’s just after the lunch rush and instantly knew we’d found the perfect spot for endless homecooked diner-style options. With all-day breakfast and the best Reuban sandwich around, we left with full bellies, feeling recharged and ready to explore more of Savannah. Made famous by its cameo in the film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Clary’s has earned a reputation well beyond the silver screen. It was even featured on Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern and celebrities like Darius Rucker are known to stop by.
  • Spring for sweet treats at River Street Sweets – We were in awe upon entering the sweets shop that seemed to magically go on for several blocks. Row after row of tantalizing homemade Savannah pralines, glazed pecans, and chocolate covered delights beckoned us.  
  • Coffee or Cocktail at Vic’s Coffee Bar, also on River Street – Caffeine was the drink of the day, and lots of it. Vic’s was a welcome respite for a quick rest and coffee that paired perfectly with our sugary treats. However, additional bevvies and bites, including beer, wine, and craft cocktails, were also on the menu.
  • The Lost Square at the Alida Hotel- Not many views can top the Alida’s rooftop bar as all of Savannah unfolded before us. Perched atop the building, cocktails in hand, a vibrant skyline seemed to stretch out in every direction. Comfy seating, overhead string lights, and fireplaces kept us cozy.  

Places To Stay In Savannah, GA

The Alida Hotel's rooftop bar, the Lost Square.
The Lost Square Rooftop Bar is only the beginning of the Alida Hotel’s allure. Photo credit: Emily Molina

There are numerous hotels to choose from as your downtown Savannah home base. Options range from historic inns to luxury accommodations, all just a short ride or Uber from the airport. Many are easily walkable to historic landmarks, area attractions, and eateries, depending on your fancy, and reducing the need for a car. Several quaint Airbnb rentals can be found in the vicinity, too. During our visit we stayed at The Alida Hotel just off River Street.  

Read More

Emily Molina is a freelance writer and author originally from the Midwest. She is a former International Flight Attendant and military spouse with a love for the sea and history, which has led her to pursue new stories and adventures. Currently located in the PNW, her writing and content can be found in various publications, including South Sound Magazine, Northwest Travel & Life Magazine, Experience Cannon Beach, Visit Tacoma Pierce County, Arcadia Publishing, Showcase Magazine, South Sound Business, 425 Magazine, Northwest Yachting Magazine, 48North, South Sound Talk, and more. A proud member of North American Travel Journalists (NATJA) and the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) A passion for history and the sea, combined with a deep curiosity about people, draws her to historic places. While pursuing a story, she discovered the Odyssey, sparking a newfound love that inspired her not only to learn how to sail but to write her first book, ,Tacoma’s Tall Ship: The Extraordinary Journey of the Odyssey.
Read full bio

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *