The Alida Hotel rooftop in Savannah, Georgia

The Alida Hotel rooftop in Savannah, Georgia

Safecation Guide to Savannah

Explore Savannah, Georgia, safely with these tips for things to do, places to eat, and places to stay.

Savannah's small-town charm welcomes travelers in search of plentiful attractions. Escape your everyday routine in favor of The Hostess City's laid-back pace. Experience history on nearly every street, and the flavors and hospitality found only here. Whether you're looking for greenspace, charming cobblestones, or a sandy beach, you'll find it in Savannah.

Get Outside

While Savannah is a thriving metropolis, it's also a green city with plentiful outdoor space. In fact, there are 22 iconic squares where you can relax with a book or enjoy a picnic under the ancient trees. Each square tells a story and usually features a statue or two. Stroll the cobblestones on River Street, and head to Forsyth Park, the city's largest park at a vast 30 acres, to walk the shaded paths and see the famous fountain. The Coastal Georgia Botanical Garden is another place to wander among beautiful displays of native plant species.

Savannah's beach, Tybee Island, is only 20 minutes away and has more than three miles of soft sand. There's plenty of room to set up your umbrella away from other beachgoers and enjoy the Atlantic Ocean.

Forsyth Park Fountain in Savannah, Georgia
Forsyth Park Fountain in Savannah, Georgia

Safely (or Virtually) Visit Savannah's Attractions

Savannah's attractions and historic sites are open with precautions in place. If your kids are studying remotely, you can add places like Telfair Academy, the Andrew Low House, and the Davenport House Museum into the curriculum. Savannah's house museums tell the stories of the city's founding families and how they lived. All are limiting the sizes of tour groups, and advance reservations are recommended. The Georgia State Railroad Museum has limited entry, but visitors can still explore the historic trains in the yard. The American Prohibition Museum is a fun place for adults, and even has a speakeasy, where you can enjoy classic cocktails.

Find more things to do in Savannah.

Firefly Cafe in Savannah, Georgia
Firefly Cafe in Savannah, Georgia

Dine In or Take Out

Savannah's dining scene is unmatched. The city has plenty of outdoor dining, whether you are looking for fine dining or casual eateries, and takeout options, which you can enjoy in one of the city's squares. Start your day at B. Matthews Eatery, one of Savannah's best brunch spots. You can dine outside or reserve a table inside to enjoy menu highlights like shrimp and grits, burgers, and the crab BLT. The restaurant also offers takeout.

The Pirates' House is one of the oldest eateries in the state, dating back to 1753 when it opened as an inn for seafarers. Reserve a table to dine in or carry out dishes like she-crab soup, honey pecan fried chicken, and gumbo. Pair with a rum cocktail like the pirates might have enjoyed, which you can take to-go.

For Southern cuisine, The Olde Pink House is in a league all its own. Dine indoors or out, or order takeout, and enjoy fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and fried quail to-go. Sip on the Planter's Punch, rumored to have been invented in the city, or the "Pink Lady," the restaurant's signature cocktail.

If you're not ready to dine inside, you can still enjoy the dishes from The Grey Market, sister restaurant to James Beard award-winning The Grey. Pick up everything you need for a picnic like New York-style bagels and sandwiches and bottled cocktails for two.

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The Grey Market in Savannah, Georgia. Photo by @jispe
The Grey Market in Savannah, Georgia. Photo by @jispe

Spend the Night

Dozens of Savannah hotels have signed the Savannah Safe pledge for safety and cleanliness protocols, providing travelers with peace of mind while away from home. Among them is The Alida Hotel, named for the matriarch of Savannah's historic preservation. With 173 stylish guest rooms and suites, a restaurant, and two bars (including one on the rooftop!), it's the perfect place to base yourself in the city. The hotel is undergoing increased sanitation and requires guests to wear masks in public areas.

Often referred to as Savannah's hippest hotel, The Thunderbird Inn is a throwback to the Golden Age of travel with an iconic neon sign, vintage toiletries, and complimentary coffee and doughnuts. Rooms have exterior hallways, so guests don't have to go through as many shared spaces. Vacation rentals are another safe way to stay in Savannah. Companies like Lucky Savannah Vacation Rentals let you pretend you're a local by staying in homes in some of the city's most popular neighborhoods.

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Although your stay in Savannah may look different these days, you’re sure to enjoy your trip safely.

Published: November 2020

Know Before You Go

To ensure that your trip is a safe one, the city has rolled out the Savannah Safe pledge, signed by more than 700 businesses, to follow CDC and FDA COVID-19 sanitation guidelines. Masks are required in public places, including commercial establishments. For more information on how Savannah is preparing for visitors, see the city's COVID-19 information page.

Georgia Safety Promise

You can show your support and pride by patronizing businesses that have committed to the Georgia Safety Promise, and personally commit to following these guidelines from the Georgia Department of Health when in public spaces:

  • Keep social distance
  • Wear a face covering
  • Wash and sanitize hands
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