From its charming historic squares to its moss-draped oak trees and welcoming Southern atmosphere, Savannah is a city that’s easy to fall in love with. My husband, our toddler, and I visited in July while I was pregnant as we explored the city and considered making it our future home after our lease in Colorado ends. While we had an amazing time, I wouldn’t recommend visiting during the peak of summer if you’re traveling with young children or while pregnant—the heat and humidity can be intense. Even so, we made the most of our trip and discovered so many wonderful places along the way. In this guide, I’m sharing our favorite things to do, the best restaurants we tried, and the hotels I’d recommend to help you plan your own Savannah getaway.

What To Do

Forysth Park

If there’s one place you have to visit in Savannah, it’s Forsyth Park. This 30-acre park is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the scenery. The famous white fountain is beautiful, but the entire park is worth exploring. There are wide walking paths, large open green spaces, towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss, and plenty of shady spots to relax. We loved strolling through the park with our toddler, and it would also be a great place to bring lunch and have a picnic. One of my favorite parts wasn’t even inside the park itself—it was the stunning historic homes surrounding the perimeter. They are absolutely gorgeous and make every walk feel like you’re stepping into another era.

Victorian District

Just south of the Historic District, the Victorian Historic District quickly became one of our favorite areas to explore. The neighborhood is incredibly walkable, with beautiful tree-lined streets, colorful historic homes, charming porches, and peaceful sidewalks. It felt much quieter than some of the busier tourist areas, making it especially enjoyable with a toddler. If you enjoy architecture or simply love wandering beautiful neighborhoods, you’ll definitely want to spend some time here. Every street seemed to have something unique to admire, and we found ourselves stopping often to take photos. Since it’s located right next to Forsyth Park, it’s easy to combine both into one relaxing afternoon.

Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

Located within the Victorian Historic District is one of the most breathtaking buildings we visited in Savannah: the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. From the outside, it’s already impressive, but stepping inside completely exceeded our expectations. The soaring ceilings, colorful stained-glass windows, intricate artwork, and incredible architecture felt like something you’d see in Europe. It’s hard to believe such a stunning cathedral is tucked away in Savannah. Even our toddler enjoyed looking around, and it offered a nice break from the summer heat. Whether you’re religious or simply appreciate beautiful architecture, this is a stop that’s well worth making.

Wormsloe Historic Site

Wormsloe Historic Site is probably one of the most photographed places in Savannah, thanks to its famous entrance lined with hundreds of live oak trees covered in Spanish moss. Driving down the long avenue felt like something straight out of a movie. Unlike the other places on this list, Wormsloe Historic Site is not free. We paid about $30 for our family to visit, and we thought it was well worth it. Beyond the iconic entrance, there are walking trails, historic ruins, exhibits about Georgia’s colonial history, and beautiful natural scenery to explore. We enjoyed taking our time walking around while our toddler explored the trails. If you’re looking for one paid activity to add to your itinerary, I’d definitely recommend this one.

Tybee Island

On our last full day in Savannah, we drove our rental car out to Tybee Island for a relaxing beach day. The drive is easy, making it a fun day trip if you’re staying in Savannah. One thing that surprised us was how warm the ocean water was—it almost felt like bathwater! Our toddler loved playing near the shore, and it was a nice change of pace after spending several days sightseeing around the city. We visited on a Saturday in July, so the beach was very crowded. If you’re able to visit on a weekday or during a cooler time of year, I think the experience would be even better. Even with the crowds, it was still a fun way to end our trip and enjoy some time by the water.

Where To Eat

Saint Bibiana

Saint Bibiana was hands-down our favorite dining experience in Savannah. Located inside the stunning Hotel Bardo, the historic setting created such an elegant atmosphere that made the entire evening feel special. Every dish we ordered was thoughtfully prepared and absolutely delicious, making it one of those meals we’ll be talking about for a long time. If you’re celebrating something special or simply want an unforgettable dinner, this is the place to go.

Bar Bibi

Also located at Hotel Bardo, Bar Bibi had such a fun, retro-inspired vibe that immediately made us want to stay awhile. It felt stylish without taking itself too seriously, making it the perfect place for drinks and light bites. The mini pizzas completely exceeded our expectations and ended up being one of our favorite things we ate during the trip. It’s a great spot to unwind after a day of exploring Savannah.

The Daring Oyster Bar

The Darling Oyster Bar is a lively seafood restaurant with a fun coastal atmosphere that fits Savannah perfectly. The bright, beachy design made it feel relaxed while still being upscale enough for a date night. The standout for us was the crab dip—it was rich, flavorful, and absolutely worth ordering. Whether you’re an oyster lover or just enjoy fresh seafood, this spot is a must-visit.

Ardsley Station

Ardsley Station quickly became one of our favorite brunch spots in Savannah. The atmosphere was welcoming and modern, making it a great place to start the day before sightseeing. Our favorite menu item was the salmon Caesar dip, which was such a unique and delicious twist on familiar flavors. If you’re looking for a brunch that’s a little more creative than the usual, this is definitely worth a stop.

Pritchard & Co

Pritchard & Co was our go-to for a hearty breakfast in downtown Savannah. It had a cozy, welcoming feel that made it easy to settle in before another busy day of house hunting and exploring. The portions were generous, the food was satisfying, and everything was made with care. It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking for a classic breakfast that will keep you full for hours.

Where To Stay

Hotel Bardo

Hotel Bardo is more than just a place to stay—it’s an unforgettable Savannah experience that blends luxury, historic charm, and thoughtful hospitality. Located in the Historic District near Forsyth Park, this five-star boutique hotel offers beautifully designed spaces, incredible dining, and family-friendly amenities through its Tiny Travelers Club package. From the adorable in-room play fort and Savannah Children’s Museum tickets to the stunning pool, relaxing spa, and delicious meals at Saint Bibiana, every detail made our stay special. Whether you’re traveling with kids or looking for a romantic getaway, Hotel Bardo delivers the perfect mix of comfort, style, and Southern charm.

Municipal Grand

Municipal Grand made our first trip to Savannah unforgettable with its stylish mid-century design, comfortable rooms, and unbeatable downtown location. Traveling with our toddler, we especially appreciated the attentive valet service, convenient on-site dining, and family-friendly amenities that made our stay easy and relaxing. We loved being able to walk to local restaurants, shops, and historic attractions, then unwind at the rooftop pool or enjoy a meal at the hotel’s bar and restaurant. From the beautiful accommodations to the thoughtful service, Municipal Grand was the perfect home base for exploring Savannah, and we’d happily stay there again.

Savannah is a destination that offers something for every type of traveler, from its charming historic streets and beautiful parks to its incredible food scene and relaxing coastal escapes. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway, a family vacation, or simply exploring the possibility of calling the city home, there’s no shortage of memorable experiences to enjoy. While our July visit came with the challenge of intense heat and humidity, we still loved discovering everything Savannah had to offer as a family. For the most comfortable experience, I’d recommend visiting during the spring or fall when the weather is ideal for exploring. No matter when you visit, Savannah’s rich history, Southern charm, and welcoming atmosphere make it a place that’s easy to fall in love with.

XOXO