Savannah on a Budget: Southern Eats & Sights

Experience Southern charm on a dime with a budget-friendly trip to Savannah.

21 June 2023

Discover the charming city of Savannah on a budget-friendly trip. Take a stroll along the riverfront and enjoy the historic architecture of the city. Savor delectable Southern cuisine in local restaurants without breaking the bank.

Day trip plan

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Day

Southern Charm and Cheap Eats

  • Start the day with a stroll through Forsyth Park, admiring the historic fountain and beautiful oak trees dripping with Spanish moss.
  • Head to Sandfly BBQ for a tasty lunch of pulled pork or brisket sandwiches, and don't miss the homemade mac and cheese.
  • Walk off your meal with a tour of the Mercer Williams House, an elegant mansion with a fascinating history and connections to the novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
  • Get a sweet fix at Leopold's Ice Cream, a Savannah institution since 1919, with flavors like Tutti Frutti and Peanut Butter Chippy.
  • Take a free tour of the Savannah College of Art and Design's Museum of Art, featuring impressive works by both established and emerging artists.
  • End the day at a true local hangout, Crystal Beer Parlor, for a classic Southern meal of shrimp and grits or fried chicken with collard greens and cornbread. Don't forget to try their award-winning homemade potato chips.

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.

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