A Weekend Getaway in Savannah

Savannah is less than 4 hours drive from Charlotte, so it makes the perfect getaway as you can leave early on Saturday morning and still be back to work on Monday.

Where to Stay in Savannah

On my weekend getaway to Savannah, I found a pretty good deal on Expedia for a two-room suite at the Oglethorpe Inn & Suites (which is now a Comfort Inn). The hotel is located in a good central location for those wishing to visit the beach as well as the historic district. There is also the Oglethorpe Inn in the historic district which is a little further from the beach, but a lot more charming!

Drive time from the Comfort Inn to Tybee Island was roughly 35-40 minutes, and you can get to River Street in a little over 20.

The hotel was slightly dilapidated, but in a charming old south, scrolling cast-iron balconies on each level, fountain in the main lobby kind of way. The room was spacious and clean, the complimentary breakfast was ample and the pool felt refreshing. I really can't speak to what it looks like now, but I'm sure it is similar to any other Comfort Inn around the country.

Tybee Island

After checking in to the room, it's time to hit Tybee Island! The ride to the beach is a long road complete with sea turtle crossing signs. Parking can be crazy in the summer months, but nearly every street has paid parking spots-some metered and some with the payment boxes that accept credit cards, so there is no need to search endlessly in the small lots near the boardwalk or the street spots on the main drag.

A classic beach escape, Tybee Island offers a relaxed blend of sun, sand, and history. You can spend your day swimming and sunbathing on the wide beach. Or you can climb to the top of the historic Tybee Island Light Station for panoramic views. Plus, there is always exploring the unique ecosystem of the surrounding marshes.

As the sun sets, you can stay and enjoy fresh seafood at a casual oceanfront restaurant before taking a leisurely stroll along the iconic Tybee Pier and Pavilion. However, I chose to head back into town for some time on River Street.

River Street

River Street is a little touristy, but it is still a ton of fun! Parking is also difficult to come by around here so just suck it up and pay at a nearby garage or take an Uber from your hotel.

The first stop on River Street should be dinner. Most places have a menu posted outside the front door. On my weekend, I opted for Barracuda Bob’s as it is reasonably priced. And for those that care, it has an acceptable beer selection. I ordered the crab cake sandwich, and Bob’s french fries are exceptionally good. Plus, the tables are really cool! (Unfortunately, Barracuda Bob's closed permanently after COVID. However, you should still be able to find pleny of restaurants to suit your tastebuds!)

Next stop on River Street should probably be drinks. I love Wet Willie’s for frozen daiquiri-style beverages. Savannah has a lovely lackadaisical approach to open containers (similar to New Orleans). If your drink is in a plastic cup, you are good to go. It really makes you feel like a rebel to walk around boldly sipping an alcoholic beverage in full daylight out on a public street.

When I asked if I could bring my drink into a shop (and this is an exact quote): "Baby, this is Savannah. You can take your booze anywhere."

Besides eating and drinking, you can also enjoy other activities. I had my tarot cards read by a psychic, listened to a band play on the outdoor stage, watched caricatures being drawn, sampled freshly made taffy in the candy shop, and had a cup of coffee in a small cafe before finally heading back to the hotel for the night. River Street has something for just about everyone!

Tip: Don’t forget to check out the different sets of historic steps, just use caution if you are wearing heels or ordered the “call a cab” from Wet Willies, because those stairs are STEEP. I felt like I was doing power lunges trying to walk up them!

Forsyth Park

Day two of your weekend should include a trip to Forsyth Park and a stroll through the historic district.

After a continental breakfast and a quick dip in the pool, I checked out of my hotel and spent a little time in Forsyth Park. This 30-acre park is located in the historic district and was originally created in the 1840s. The gorgeous fountain on the north end is a must-see. There was a great walking path flanked by the magnificent trees (oak, I think) with all the hanging moss, perfect for a morning stroll.

Parking was free in the lot on the south end, and I believe there is another lot near the cafe that is kind of in the middle of the park.

If you fancy a cup of coffee while after strolling, check out a cool hipster cafe called the Sentient Bean (conveniently located directly across the street from the parking lot). I only intended to get coffee when I visited, but the haunting aromas in this place had me ordering a 2nd breakfast…or was it elevensies?

The food is farm-to-fork, and all options are either vegetarian or vegan. I went with the breakfast tacos and home fries, and the house-made ketchup was #yumyumyum.

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

If you have time in your weekend, you could add on the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge to your trip. The Refuge is a sprawling 31,551-acre sanctuary protecting the lush river floodplain and its incredible biodiversity.

It is a haven for birdwatchers throughout the year, offering a chance to see everything from majestic wading birds like wood storks and great blue herons to soaring bald eagles and a variety of migratory waterfowl. Alligators are commonly seen basking on the banks, and if you are really lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a river otter!

Unfortunately, it was closed on my weekend in Savannah, so I didn't peep any cool birds or otters.

Savannah, your weekend destination

I was living in Charlotte, NC when I made my trek down to Savannah, and it makes an excellent weekend trip because the drive is very manageable (like 4 hours-ish). But Savannah is easily accessible from a good portion of South Carolina, northern Florida, and Atlanta. You could probably do it from Nashville, but that would be quite a trek at over 6 hours.