Savannah In Five: Family-Friendly, Budget-Friendly Fun
Experience Southern charm and family fun on a trip to Savannah, where memories are made.
19 July 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Savannah, located in Georgia, is a perfect destination for a family-friendly trip with its rich history, charming architecture, and outdoor activities. Families can explore the historic district, take guided tours, and visit museums to learn about Savannah's past. There are also plenty of parks, gardens, and riverfront spaces where kids can play and enjoy the natural beauty of the city.
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- Check into the charming Planters Inn on Reynolds Square, a hidden gem with Southern hospitality dripping from its magnolia-laden pores.
- Stroll the cobblestone streets and soak up the opulent beauty of historic mansions like the Mercer Williams House and the Owens-Thomas House.
- Get your art fix at the Telfair Museums, featuring masterpieces by the likes of Mary Telfair and Kahlil Gibran.
- Savor a scrumptious low-country feast at The Olde Pink House, where the ghost of a former owner may just join you for dinner!
- Take a leisurely cruise down the Savannah River on the Georgia Queen, guaranteed to make even the most landlocked traveler feel like a true sea-faring adventurer.
- Pay your respects to the dearly departed at Bonaventure Cemetery, a hauntingly beautiful final resting place made famous by 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil'.
- Top up your bravery (or foolhardiness) meter with a ghost tour in the moonlit, moss-laden squares of Savannah. Paranormal activity? Don't mind if I do!
- Escape to Tybee Island for some sand between your toes and salt in your hair. The Tybee Island Light Station will guide you safely through this seaside paradise.
- Fill your tummy with fresh seafood at The Crab Shack, where the views of marshes and alligator ponds will make you long for a pet gator.
- Unleash your inner pirate on a dolphin-watching cruise, because everyone knows pirates and dolphins go hand-in-fin.
- Start your day with a hearty Southern brunch at The Collins Quarter, where mouth-watering dishes like avocado smash and cinnamon waffles will send your taste buds into a frenzy.
- Embark on a delish adventure through the City Market, tasting mind-blowing pralines at Savannah's Candy Kitchen and savoring the creamy wonders of Leopold's Ice Cream.
- Take a leisurely bike ride through Forsyth Park, stopping for a picnic under the iconic fountain. Sun, greenery, and finger-lickin' fried chicken – it's a recipe for pure bliss.
- Indulge your inner chocoholic at Chocolat by Adam Turoni, where handmade truffles and exquisite ganache creations will transport you to a cocoa-fueled heaven.
- End your day with some Southern soul food at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, where communal tables and heaping platters of fried chicken and collard greens foster a familial atmosphere.
- Soak up the lively atmosphere of River Street, hopping from one quirky boutique to another, snagging unique souvenirs along the way.
- Dive into a seafood extravaganza at The Crab Shack on Tybee Island, where your meal may come crawling out of a trap or claw its way onto your plate. Prepare to get messy!
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Savannah's City Market, indulging in craft cocktails at artfully hidden speakeasies like AlleyCat Lounge and Congress Street Up.
- Marvel at the stunning murals of artists like Emily Ding, José Ray, and B. Dash at the Savannah Walls Project. Street art always knows how to make a city shine.
- Catch a show at the historic Lucas Theatre for the Arts, where the ghosts of vaudeville performers and silver screen icons still twinkle under the twinkling chandeliers.
- Step back in time at the Wormsloe Historic Site, where the grand avenue of oak trees whispers tales of yesteryear and invites you to wander its enchanting depths.
- Learn about Savannah's rich history at the Savannah History Museum, where interactive exhibits and relics galore transport you to a bygone era.
- Take a leisurely cruise down the Savannah River on the Georgia Queen, guaranteed to make even the most landlocked traveler feel like a true sea-faring adventurer.
- Fuel up with a picnic in the sun-drenched squares, surrounded by the elegance of architectural marvels like the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the First African Baptist Church.
- Bid adieu to Savannah with a farewell dinner at Alligator Soul, where dishes like Cajun seafood é t o u f f é e will leave you wanting to hibernate with satisfaction.
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How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Savannah via plane is to fly into Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. Major airlines like Delta, American Airlines, and United operate daily flights into the airport from various cities across the United States.
Car
Driving to Savannah is a great option if you want the freedom to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace. Savannah is located near several major highways, including Interstate 95, which runs along the East Coast. There are several rental car companies at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport and in the downtown area.
Train
Unfortunately, there is currently no direct train service to Savannah. The nearest Amtrak station is in Jesup, Georgia, about an hour's drive from Savannah. From Jesup, you can take a taxi or rental car to get to Savannah.
Boat
If you're traveling by boat, there are several marinas in and around Savannah. The Savannah River serves as the city's main port, with cargo and passenger ships arriving and departing regularly. Visitors can also take riverboat tours of the city, departing from the Savannah Riverfront area.
Bus
Taking a bus to Savannah is an affordable option. Greyhound Bus Lines offers bus service to Savannah from various cities across the Southeast, including Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Charleston. The bus station in Savannah is located in the heart of the downtown area and is within walking distance of many tourist attractions.
