Founded in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe, Savannah is America’s first planned city, a graceful grid of 22 leafy squares framed by live oaks and ironwork balconies. Its pastel row houses, cobblestone lanes, and riverside warehouses tell stories of colonial ambition, Revolutionary fervor, and Gullah Geechee heritage.

Today, the Historic District hums with art from SCAD, chef-driven Lowcountry cuisine, and a lively but laid-back street scene. Fun fact: you can legally carry a to-go drink in a plastic cup within the Historic District—perfect for sunset square-hopping.

Practical notes: This is a walkable city; pack comfy shoes, a light sweater for AC, and bug spray in warm months. For three adult women, Savannah is wonderfully compact and welcoming—use rideshares at night, and take advantage of the free DOT shuttles by day.

Savannah

Genteel yet creative, Savannah pairs 18th-century architecture with modern art galleries, seafood shacks with James Beard-caliber dining, and quiet squares with a riverfront that sparkles at golden hour. Its highlights—Forsyth Park, River Street, Telfair Museums, and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist—are a scenic stroll apart.

Shopping is stellar: leather goods at Satchel, eclectic home finds at The Paris Market, student-made art at ShopSCAD, and women’s fashion at Red Clover. For sips, drift between wine bars and breweries—Service Brewing Co., Two Tides Brewing Company, and 208 Wine Bar are standouts.

Where to stay (mid-range friendly picks for a trio):

• Homewood Suites by Hilton Savannah Historic District/Riverfront — Spacious suites with kitchenettes and a stellar rooftop pool; easy riverfront access. Typical rates ~$180–$280/night.
• Thunderbird Inn — Retro, walkable, and budget-cute; free popcorn and moon pies. ~$120–$200/night.
• The Perry Lane Hotel — If you decide to splurge: rooftop pool, art program, and chic rooms. ~$350–$600/night.
• Browse Savannah vacation rentals on VRBO — Look for a 2BR/2BA carriage house in the Historic District for space and privacy (often ~$180–$300/night).
• Compare Savannah hotels on Hotels.com — Filter by walk score and breakfast included.

Getting there: Fly into Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV). Search fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. From East Coast hubs, nonstop flights are ~1.5–2.5 hours; rideshare to the Historic District is ~20–25 minutes (~$20–$35).

Getting around: Walk, use the free DOT shuttles, or grab rideshares at night. Tybee Island is ~30–35 minutes by car (~$30–$45 rideshare).

Day 1: Arrival, Riverfront Stroll, and Rooftop Sundowners

Morning: Travel day. Fly into SAV via Trip.com or Kiwi.com, then check in to your hotel or VRBO. Drop bags, freshen up, and lace up for an easy intro walk.

Afternoon: Start with coffee and a light bite at Savannah Coffee Roasters (quiche, almond croissants) or Origin Coffee Bar (seasonal toasts). Wander River Street’s cobblestones and the glossy Plant Riverside District—peek into galleries and watch container ships glide by from the riverwalk.

Evening: Dinner at The Olde Pink House in an 18th-century mansion—order the BLT salad with fried green tomatoes and the shrimp and grits; the Planters Tavern downstairs is candlelit perfection. Prefer something breezier? Ardsley Station serves elevated Southern comfort and great cocktails. Cap the night with rooftop views at Peregrin (Perry Lane Hotel) or Electric Moon; try a gin-and-elderflower spritz and toast to the trip.

Day 2: Squares, Trolley Highlights, Museums, and a Candlelit Ghost Walk

Morning: Breakfast at The Collins Quarter at Forsyth Park—Aussie-style coffee, lavender latte, and the CQ Benedict by the fountain. Then hop aboard the Savannah Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour to get the lay of the land (15 stops, 100+ points of interest). Hop off at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and Chippewa Square for iconic photos.

Afternoon: Lunch options: Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room (weekdays; family-style fried chicken, mac and cheese—line up by 10:45am) or Treylor Park (creative comfort like PB&J wings). Dive into the Telfair Museums: Jepson Center (contemporary art and architecture), Telfair Academy (19th-century works), and if time allows, the Owens–Thomas House & Slave Quarters (powerful, guided interpretation). Shop Broughton Street: The Paris Market (French-inflected homewares), ShopSCAD (student art), and Satchel (handmade leather bags—great souvenir for the trio).

Evening: After an aperitif at Artillery (dress code: no caps), join the Savannah History and Haunts Candlelit Ghost Walking Tour. It’s atmospheric rather than gory—perfectly Savannah as gas lamps flicker and moss sways. Finish with craft cocktails at Alley Cat Lounge (newspaper-style menu; try a rye Old Fashioned) or a nightcap stroll through Oglethorpe Square.

Day 3: Tybee Island Day Trip with Dolphin Cruise (Land + Sea)

Trade squares for sea breeze on the Savannah to Tybee Island with Dolphin Cruise. This guided day includes transport from Savannah, free time for lunch at The Crab Shack (low tables over the marsh; peel-and-eat shrimp and key lime pie), and a dolphin-spotting boat ride through Tybee’s waterways. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a swimsuit; plan some beach time on South Beach after the cruise, then browse Tybrisa Street for sundresses and shell bracelets. Return to Savannah by early evening relaxed and sun-kissed.

Back in town, freshen up and head to The Wyld Dock Bar (weather-permitting, marsh views at sunset; fish tacos, hush puppies) or book Common Thread for a refined, seasonal dinner in a restored Victorian. If you’re up for a nightcap, Two Tides Brewing Company pours inventive sours and IPAs in a quirky pink house; for wine, 208 Wine Bar offers flights and charcuterie in a cozy nook.

Day 4: Foodie Send-Off + Last Squares (Depart Afternoon)

Morning: Ease into the day with coffee at Gallery Espresso (Savannah’s living room—curled-up sofas, pastries) before your late-morning tasting walk: the Southern & Secret Walking Food Tour. Led by locals, it weaves Savannah’s East Side history with generous bites—think pimiento cheese, Savannah red rice, and pralines—so you’ll leave full and versed in local lore.

Afternoon: Quick last looks: Forsyth Park for a bench sit under the oaks or a final spin through Jones Street (often called Savannah’s prettiest). If time allows, pop into Savannah Bee Company’s tasting bar for varietal honeys. Grab to-go sandwiches from Fox & Fig (vegan-friendly) or a scoop from Leopold’s Ice Cream for the road. Head to SAV for your flight home via Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Optional add-ins if you extend: Bonaventure Cemetery’s live-oak lanes (consider a guided tour for context), the American Prohibition Museum with its speakeasy finale, and Service Brewing Co. (veteran-owned) for crisp lagers and seasonal releases. For pampering, book a spa treatment at Hotel Bardo and linger by the pool with a spritz.

Dining cheat sheet (reserve when you can):

• Brunch: The Collins Quarter (lavender latte, smashed avo); The Sentient Bean (vegetarian wraps, strong coffee).
• Lunch: Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room (weekdays only), Treylor Park (tacos, TV dinners reimagined).
• Dinner: The Olde Pink House (historic Lowcountry), Common Thread (seasonal, local farms), Vic’s on the River (river views, she-crab soup), Alligator Soul (romantic, game specials).
• Sweet bites: Leopold’s Ice Cream (classic parlor), Back in the Day Bakery (Starland; check hours).
• Drinks: Artillery (classic cocktails), Alley Cat Lounge (encyclopedic menu), Peregrin rooftop (views), 208 Wine Bar (flights), Two Tides & Service Brewing (craft beer).

Budget notes: With a mid-range budget, aim for one splurge dinner, two tours, and a suite/VRBO split across three people. Savannah’s open-container policy (plastic only) keeps evenings lively without pricey cover charges; many museums offer combo tickets for savings.

Book flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com, lock in a suite at Homewood Suites Riverfront or browse a VRBO in the Historic District, and reserve your key experiences early: Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley, the Candlelit Ghost Tour, the Tybee Dolphin Cruise day trip, and the Southern & Secret Food Tour.

In four easygoing days, you’ll taste Lowcountry staples, wander storied squares, clink glasses on rooftops, and breathe in the salt air on Tybee. Savannah moves at the pace of a porch swing—ideal for a relaxing friends’ escape you’ll talk about for years.