During our time in Hilton Head, we decided to pop over to Savannah for the day. Savannah is only about an hour away so it was the perfect day trip. Here’s how to do Savannah, GA in One Day.
Savannah, GA In One Day
We got a late start that morning after a long night the night before, so we didn’t leave until after 10:30 PM. Below is our schedule with some tips and tricks along the way.
Our schedule:
12 PM: Lady and Sons
Lady and Sons is Paula Deen’s restaurant located in the heart of the city. Personally, I’m not a big Paula Deen fan but my mother-in-law is. To save time, we made a reservation online for lunch, this cut down on wait time so maximize our schedule for the day. We got the buffet which included all the southern staples like fried chicken, pot roast, mashed potatoes, collard greens, etc. The buffet also includes a small portion of dessert which was nice. This was definitely a tourist trap, I would recommend going somewhere local instead of going to Lady and Sons. For the same price, you could definitely go somewhere less commercialized and less touristy.
1 PM: Trolley Tour/Emily McCarthy
Jared and my In-Laws headed off to the Trolley and I split up from the group to head to Emily McCarthy. I’ve been following Emily McCarthy on Instagram for quite some time and knew I had to stop in. They have limited hours on Saturdays and close at 3 PM, so I just hopped in an Uber after lunch. It wasn’t too far, but definitely too far to walk in the heat.
I picked up the cutest things including a gorgeous silk scarf, needlepoint Savannah sweater, an adorable notepad, and a cheetah print headband.
1:45 PM: Savannah’s Candy Kitchen
I headed back to meet up with my family at Savannah’s Candy Kitchen and indulged in some pralines and Jared got some fresh taffy. I’m a sweets girl, so this was heaven, plus they had free samples…yes, please!
2:15 PM: Trolley Tour
Keep reading for my full thoughts on the Trolley Tour!
3:15 PM: Jones Street
This was probably my favorite part of Savannah. Jones Street was voted the prettiest street in America and y’all it’s true! The houses and landscaping are absolutely stunning and the streets canopying over the street looks like a painting. Jared and I got off the trolley and walked up and down it just admiring the beauty and the architecture.
4 PM: Broughton Street
This is where ALL the shopping is from local places to bigger brands like Vineyard Vines. It reminds me a little of King Street in Charleston.
4:45 PM: Leopold’s
Because ice cream before dinner is totally acceptable on vacation right? Leopold’s is a historic ice cream shop that was built in 1919 and has remained unchanged. The line is long but it’s 100% with it!
5:30 PM: Olde Pink House for pictures
We wanted to eat at the Olde Pink House but unfortunately, they were booked for dinner reservations. Luckily, I grabbed some photos in front of it and I’ll make sure to be better prepared next time!
5:45 PM: Head back to Hilton Head
Trolley Tour Thoughts:
Everyone raves about the Trolley Tours, but personally, it wasn’t for me. I’m not a big history buff and honestly, the driver makes it or breaks it. We had three different drivers/tour guides and the first one was ok, the middle one was terrible and the last was amazing, so it really depends. Luckily, if you don’t like the one you can just get off and wait for the next bus.
The group I was with wanted to ride it all the way through, where I wanted to get off at each stop and look around. I like to get out and see a new city, not really just drive around and see things at a high level. It is an easy way to get from point A to point B, but it was SO hot the day we went. It was 92 degrees but felt like 102 with 100% humidity, so being stuck on a trolley with no air conditioning was not for me.
The Next Day
Because we flew out of Atlanta we actually stopped back through Savannah for lunch. We ate at the Pirate’s House which was really yummy and had a cool historical appeal and character to it. I would definitely recommend going here especially if you have kids!
Things We Didn’t Get To But Wanted To
Restaurants:
Olde Pink House
Bar Under the Olde Pink House
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
To Do:
The Paris Market
City Market
Shop The Post:
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I loved this post! I am spending tomorrow in Savannah and I am definitely going to be checking some of these places out!
Yay!! Enjoy and stay cool!
I’ve always wanted to go to Savannah! This is bookmarked in my phone 👯♀️🥳
You HAVE to go, it’s seriously the cutest city with so much charm. You’d love it!
Oh my goodness how cute and fun! I would love to visit Savannah, GA sometime. Thanks for your tips and honesty. Always helpful to know when traveling somewhere new.
You have to go, you’d love it! So glad you found this helpful!
Aw! My husband and I first went to Savannah on our honeymoon 10 years ago, now it’s a favorite destination. It’s such a special city! I agree with your assessment on the trolley tour… it’s fun if you’re going to be there for a couple of days but too time consuming for a day trip! If you’re looking for a fun place to stay next time, we always book our stay at the Mansion on Forsyth Park. They always do something to make the trip extra special!
How fun!! Glad I am not alone on the Trolley Tours. Oooh! I’ll have to add that to my list for next time. Thanks for the recommendation!
One of my favorite posts! Only been to Savannah once, but I’m planning on going again this weekend with my boyfriend, and we’ll definitely be checking out your recommendations. (And love your dress!)
Thanks, girl! I am SO glad this was helpful. Definitely one of my favorite cities! Enjoy!
Savannah looks so stinkin’ cute! Now I want to go. I love the look and feel an old part of town has. Old, established trees and unique buildings are the best! The boutiques on Jones Street looked like they had the cutest stuff too.
Did you notice any playgrounds? I wonder if it would be a good place to bring kids. My kiddos can totally handle walking around to shop if a trip ends with some fun at a playground or park. 🙂