Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Savannah, Georgia! Savannah is our favorite city to visit in the Southern United States and my wife’s favorite city in the world. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate when you visit Savannah.
Hate #1: Savannah Weather
The weather in Savannah can be a love/hate thing, but in the summer, the heat and humidity are oppressive. The first time I visited Savannah in August, I couldn’t breathe and I thought I was going to die. July and August are the hottest and most humid months to visit Savannah. If you decided to visit Savannah in the summer, make sure you stay hydrated. Any other time of year, the weather in Savannah is perfect.
Love #1: Savannah Tours & Atmosphere
Savannah is the very definition of Southern Charm. It’s called the “Hostess City” for a reason; the food, the people and the culture are all so welcoming. There are tons of historic buildings and sights to visit, with fascinating stories behind each one. You can take ghost tours, historic tours, food tours, or pretty much any kind of tour you want! The city has really done a great job with historic preservation so that everyone who visits can appreciate and enjoy the history.
Hate #2: Crime in Savannah
Savannah definitely has a crime problem. I’ve talked to locals who leave their cars unlocked because it’s better than having your windows broken. As a tourist, you most likely won’t have any issues during the day, although it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out and use common sense. Issues are more likely to occur at night, so if you plan to do any downtown Savannah sightseeing in the evening, talk to your hotel concierge and ask them where it’s OK to wander around at night.
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Love #2: Things to Do in Savannah
In addition to the Savannah tours and the historic homes I already mentioned, there are so many fun things to do in Savannah. There’s a great nightlife scene in downtown Savannah with lots of bars and breweries. Tybee Island is just 15 minutes from Savannah, so you can have a beach day during your trip. Charleston, South Carolina is just a two-hour drive if you want to check out another cool city of the South. Whether you’re visiting Savannah with kids or with a bachelorette party, you’re going to love it!
Hate #3: Savannah Bugs
Have you ever seen a flying cockroach? They have them in the south, only they call them palmetto bugs. Don’t be fooled by the fancy name; it’s a flying cockroach. In addition, they also have mosquitos and sand gnats. The local baseball team even used to be called the Savannah Sand Gnats, but they’ve since changed their name. You can’t do much about the palmetto bugs, but bring bug spray if you’re going out to the beach or into the forests or swamp.
Love #3: People of Savannah
Southern hospitality is alive and well here. The Southern Charm in Savannah is over the top, from the hotel staff, restaurant crew or your tour guides. You’ll hear “sir” and “ma’am” over and over, and people will actually engage with you and interact if you make eye contact. There are also some really interesting characters around town.
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Hate #4: Tourist Crowds
With so many things to see in Savannah, it’s a very popular city for tourists to visit. The biggest tourist issue in downtown Savannah is driving. Savannah has a ton of squares in town, and it’s a bit of an art to navigate them. Tourists tend to just bulldoze through rather than waiting their turn, and it frustrates the locals. The squares in Savannah are like a roundabout, so if someone is already in the square, they have the right of way. St. Patrick’s Day is an especially popular holiday in Savannah, so be prepared for huge crowds.
Love #4: Savannah Food
The food in Savannah is amazing! Southern food is generally pretty good, but Savannah takes it up a notch. It’s not just about Paula Deen’s restaurant, there are so many hidden gem restaurants tucked away in Savannah. In addition to amazing fried chicken and soul food, Savannah also has amazing seafood. If you have a chance to do an oyster roast, don’t miss out!
Hate #5: Prices in Savannah
The southern states are usually very affordable compared to visiting states along the East Coast or the West Coast, but Savannah is one exception. The popularity of Savannah tourism has led to higher prices for hotels, restaurants, and tours. It’s a popular place for retirees and there is a college in town, all of which lead to inflated prices.
Love #5: Savannah Events & Weather
Other than July and August, the weather in Savannah is fantastic. It’s relatively warm throughout the winter, so if you live in a colder climate, it’s a great place to come in the spring, fall or winter. With such nice weather year-round, there are always fun Savannah events happening. They have great Thanksgiving and Christmas events, plus the huge St. Patrick’s Day festivities and other smaller festivals throughout the year.
Savannah is an amazing city and we’ve considered moving here a few times. The “hates” are all really just things to avoid, rather than a reason not to visit Savannah. Want more tips for planning your vacation in the South? Check out these other blog posts: