A Local's Guide to Savannah

Stroll through any of the parks or town squares in Savannah — under the cover of oak trees draped in Spanish moss — and you might want to stay here forever. You can live out that fantasy for a few days by renting a place. Many of the houses on sites like Vrbo and Airbnb have porches and gardens that were made for sipping lemonade and people-watching. Read on for tips from locals on how to get the most out of your stay.

Get to Know Savannah

• Population: 147,088
• Average high temperature in May: 84 degrees
• Claim to fame: It’s Georgia’s oldest city.
• Hometown hero: Girl Scouts founder Juliette Gordon Low
• Iconic landmark: The fountain at Forsyth Park

Our Local Experts

• Cheryl Day, owner, Back in the Day Bakery
• Chi-Thien (CT) Nguyen, Chair of Interior Design, Savannah College of Art and Design
• Erica Kelly, owner, Copperseal vintage pop-up shop

Where to Stay

Savannah Nest

An open layout and comfy furniture make this Historic District spot great for families. (Sleeps 6, average $430 per night, #9627112 on vrbo.com)

Habersham House

This charming pink row home is just two blocks from Forsyth Park. (Sleeps 4, average $408 per night, #754414 on vrbo.com)

Heidi’s Hideaway

Pets are welcome at this cute cottage near a dog park and downtown. (Sleeps 6, average $192 per night, #9737062 on vrbo.com)

Harrison House

Architecture buffs will love this 1875 home’s location in the Victorian District. (Sleeps 7, average $261 per night, vacasa.com)

Paul Hamilton Williams House

This historic home is divided into three apartments, all featuring original details. (Sleeps 14, average $563 per night, #886102 on vrbo.com)

Urban Craftsman Tiny Home

If you’re up for a drive, this spot is 20 minutes from town and sits on 2.5 wooded acres. (Sleeps 2, from $150 per night, airbnb.com)

What to See

The Fountain at Forsyth Park

The city’s most famous landmark is located inside a 30-acre urban oasis. “Rest your feet on a nearby park bench and if you’re lucky, you’ll get serenaded by a local musician,” Erica says.

Jones Street

This brick-paved street is lined with ornate buildings from the mid–19th century, making it one of the prettiest stretches in the city, says CT: “It’s quintessential Savannah.”

SCAD Museum of Art

Savannah’s contemporary art museum sits inside an old railroad depot that was updated by SCAD architects. The Walter and Linda Evans Center for African American Studies is a must-visit, Cheryl says.

Where to Shop

Provisions

This Brooklyn–born wine, grocery and gift shop recently relocated to Savannah. “It’s my favorite source for gourmet goods, as well as handcrafted ceramic wares,” says Cheryl. Erica calls it “hostess-gift headquarters.”

The Paris Market

This boutique, inside an 1874 building, sells home goods, clothing and more sourced from the owners’ world travels. “It’s easily the best retail experience in the Southeast,” says Erica. “Don’t leave without indulging in a lavender latte and macaron at the cafe.”

Picker Joe's Antique Mall & Vintage Market

Visit this 10,000-square-foot emporium to experience Savannah’s quirky antiques scene. “You’ll find lots of conversation starters,” says CT, “and the architectural salvage back room is heavenly.”

Places to Eat

The Grey

You’ll find outstanding Southern food in this former Greyhound bus terminal. If you don’t have a reservation, Cheryl recommends showing up early and trying to score a seat at one of the two bars.

Ukiyo

This casual spot is known for its small-plates menu and extensive Japanese whiskey list. “It’s authentic Japanese street bites with a twist,” says CT, who loves the chicken karaage and hamachi sashimi.

Common Thread

At this elegant restaurant, set in a renovated 19th-century home, the menu focuses on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. “It’s arguably the city’s best fine dining,” says Erica.