If you’ve ever wondered “Is 24 hours enough in Savannah, Georgia?” — the answer is YES… and I’m here to show you exactly how to do it!
This past weekend, we squeezed in a spontaneous 24-hour trip to Savannah, GA, and it turned out to be the perfect quick getaway. Even with limited time, we were able to explore the charming historic district, discover amazing food spots, and soak in all those iconic Southern vibes Savannah is known for.
Our trip actually started in Greenville, South Carolina, where we kicked off spring break with an incredible Eric Church concert on Friday night. Originally, we planned to head straight to Hilton Head Island on Sunday—but instead of going home and turning around the next day, we decided to make the most of it and add Savannah, Georgia to our itinerary.
And honestly? It worked out perfectly. Savannah is only about a 45-minute drive from Hilton Head Island, making it an easy and convenient stop if you’re already traveling through the Lowcountry.
So if you’re short on time but still want to experience one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the South, don’t worry—you can absolutely do Savannah in a day.
Keep reading for our full 24-hour Savannah itinerary, including must-see spots, food recommendations, and travel tips to help you make the most of your visit!
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Where To Stay in Savannah, Georgia (Best Hotels Near River Street)
First things first—where you stay in Savannah matters, especially if you only have 24 hours. I highly recommend booking a hotel near River Street and the Historic District so you can walk everywhere and make the most of your time.
We stayed at The Drayton Hotel, and it was truly the perfect location. Not only is it right in the heart of downtown Savannah, but it’s also one of the most beautiful boutique hotels we’ve stayed in. This Hilton boutique hotel is styled so elegantly, and we were lucky enough to book a junior suite—which gave us plenty of space while still feeling cozy and luxurious.
One of the highlights was the rooftop bar, Pendant Terrace and Bar, which offers panoramic views of Savannah’s skyline. They also have a great happy hour (2–5 PM), where you get drinks and a complimentary mini charcuterie board—honestly one of my favorite parts!
Inside the hotel, you’ll also find:
- St. Neo’s Brasserie – serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- The Vinyl Room – an intimate cocktail lounge
- A cozy coffee bar in the lobby for your morning caffeine fix
Having all of these dining options and amenities in one place made our stay so convenient. If you’re looking for where to stay in Savannah for a quick trip, I can’t recommend The Drayton Hotel enough!
Explore River Street (Must-See in Savannah)
If you only have one place to visit in Savannah, make it River Street.
This iconic waterfront area is full of history, charm, and incredible views of the Savannah River. You’ll see massive cargo ships passing by, explore local shops, and walk along those famous cobblestone streets that feel like stepping back in time.
To get down to River Street, you can:
- Take the elevators near the Hyatt Regency Savannah or City Hall
- Use the elevator by The Alida, Savannah
- Or walk the historic stone stairs (just be careful—they’re steep!)
We loved seeing the Georgia Queen Riverboat and browsing all the shops along the river. There are also tons of rooftop bars and restaurants here, making it the perfect place to relax and take in the views.
Visit Plant Riverside District (Free + Unique Experience)
Another must-see spot is the Plant Riverside District, home to the stunning JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District.
Even if you’re not staying here, you should absolutely walk inside. The lobby feels like a mini museum, featuring:
- Massive geodes
- Fossils
- Unique historical displays
And the best part? It’s completely free to explore.
This area is lively, beautiful, and definitely one of the most unique things to do in Savannah.
Explore Downtown Savannah Shops (Broughton Street Guide)
If you love shopping, head to Broughton Street in downtown Savannah.
This is where you’ll find a mix of:
- Local boutiques
- Popular clothing stores
- Unique Southern shops
The area is super walkable, clean, and less crowded compared to places like King Street in Charleston—which honestly made the experience even more enjoyable.
It’s the perfect place to spend a couple of hours if you want to shop and explore at a relaxed pace.
Where To Eat in Savannah (Quick Trip Recommendations)
Since we were only in Savannah for less than 24 hours, we didn’t get to try as many restaurants as we wanted—but we did have dinner at Circa 1875.
This cozy French-inspired restaurant has:
- A charming interior filled with antiques
- A warm, intimate atmosphere
- Solid food options for a nice dinner
The food was good too, although I was expecting more of a Charleston level of food. And I don’t think personally it was as good as Charleston. Although, I can’t really speak to the other restaurants around since we didn’t get to try them all out.
Another highly recommended spot (that we sadly missed) is The Olde Pink House, which is known as one of the best restaurants in Savannah. Definitely add it to your list if you have more time!
Savannah Ghost Tours (Are They Worth It?)
Savannah is known as one of the most haunted cities in the U.S., so of course we had to try a ghost tour.
While the one we did wasn’t our favorite (it felt more like a history lecture than an entertaining tour), I wouldn’t skip this experience altogether. There are so many different ghost tours in Savannah, and the experience really depends on your guide.
One option that looked especially fun was a hearse ghost tour, where you ride around the city in an actual hearse while visiting haunted locations—definitely a unique way to explore Savannah at night!
Final Thoughts on Visiting Savannah in 24 Hours
Overall, our quick trip to Savannah completely exceeded our expectations! Even with less than a day to explore, we were able to see so many of the city’s highlights—from strolling along River Street to shopping on Broughton Street and soaking in the charm of the Historic District.
While we still personally love Charleston, Savannah definitely has its own unique vibe that’s worth experiencing at least once. If you’re planning a trip to Hilton Head Island or anywhere nearby, I highly recommend adding Savannah as a quick stop—you truly don’t need a full week to enjoy it.
Whether you’re visiting for the history, the food, or just a fun getaway, this 24-hour Savannah itinerary proves you can still make the most of your time and leave wanting to come back for more!
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