first time visit to Savannah and car situation

Question

We will be visiting Charleston and Savannah in the middle of May for a week and a half. We will have a car and will visit Charleston first. How much time do you recommend for our time in Savannah? What are Savannah highlights not to be missed. Recommendations of what area to stay in would be vey helpful. Also wondering how to handle the car situation. Is it best to find a hotel with parking but take public transportation when needed to visit the various areas? I am sure we will be taking some tours and the hop on hop off bus, just wondering how to best coordinate the parking situation. Also, my husband an I are not tremendous walkers, though on this trip I am sure we will do our share. Keeping in mind that parking is expensive, just trying to figure out what is the best way to plan getting around and what to do with the car.

Answer

For your first time visiting Savannah, I would recommend planning for about 3 full days in the city to get a good mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and exploration. Savannah is a relatively small city, but it’s packed with history, charm, and beautiful scenery, so you’ll want enough time to experience its highlights at a comfortable pace.

Here are some key Savannah highlights you shouldn’t miss:

Forsyth Park – A beautiful and expansive park located in the historic district, great for a stroll or relaxing in the shade under the mossy oak trees. Don’t miss the iconic Forsyth Fountain!
River Street – Lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries, this cobblestone street offers a great view of the Savannah River and is ideal for a leisurely walk. There’s often live music and street vendors as well.
Historic District Walking Tour – A guided walking tour is the best way to get an introduction to Savannah’s rich history. Many tours take you through the charming squares, mansions, and historic homes that make the city so iconic.
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist – This magnificent Catholic church is a must-see for its stunning architecture and stained-glass windows.
Bonaventure Cemetery – Known for its beautiful statuary, historic graves, and moss-draped trees, this cemetery is both serene and hauntingly beautiful, and it’s one of the most photographed spots in Savannah.
Savannah’s Haunted Tours – If you’re interested in a spooky experience, take one of the many haunted walking tours or ghost tours available throughout the city.

As for where to stay, the Historic District is the most popular area for visitors, as it’s close to the main attractions, restaurants, and shops. If you want to be right in the action, look for hotels or vacation rentals near:

Bay Street – Close to River Street, with easy access to restaurants and shops.
Johnson Square – A great central location, close to many historical sites and the City Market area.
Abercorn Street – If you want a quieter area but still close to everything, this neighborhood has charming boutique hotels and is a short walk to the historic squares and parks.

Regarding the car situation, Savannah’s historic district is compact, and parking can be a challenge. Many hotels charge for parking, and some offer valet services. Since you plan to take tours and use the hop-on, hop-off bus, I would recommend staying at a hotel with parking and then using public transportation or walking to explore the historic district.

Here’s how to handle the parking and getting around:

Use hotel parking – Choose a hotel with parking included or for a reasonable fee. This way, you won’t have to worry about finding parking every time you go out.
Take public transportation – Savannah has a free shuttle service in the historic district, known as the DOT (Downtown Transportation) bus, which can help you get around without needing to use your car. There are also several trolley and bike rentals that can help you navigate the city at a leisurely pace.
Consider using ride-sharing services – If you don’t want to walk, using Uber or Lyft is another convenient way to get to places like Bonaventure Cemetery or other spots outside the historic district.

If you’re not keen on walking long distances, I’d recommend planning your visits to the main attractions by using public transportation, and save your walking for the areas you want to explore at a slower pace, like the squares or River Street. Most of the main attractions are within walking distance from one another in the historic district, so it’s easy to get around once you park your car.

Enjoy your time in Savannah! It’s a beautiful, welcoming city with so much to offer, and you’ll find plenty to do whether you prefer to walk or take a more relaxed approach to getting around.

first time visit to Savannah and car situation

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