Savannah 1-Day Itinerary

Looking for a Savannah 1-day itinerary?  I have got you covered!

I visited Savannah this summer and loved visiting the quaint, gorgeous town.  It was a lot bigger than I expected!  

Picture this: sidewalks draped with gorgeous Spanish Moss, red cobblestone streets winding around colorful historic homes, and quiet squares.  

Even with just one day, you can experience Savannah’s charm.  From wandering through lush parks to enjoying waterfront views and a hint of ghostly history, you can sample a bit of everything!  

There are plenty of activities to keep you busy for one day in Savannah.  

I have created this one-day itinerary just for you based on my personal experience and what I would do differently for my own trip next time.

Some of the best things to do for one day in Savannah include Forsyth Park, Square Hopping, breakfast at Little Duck Diner, taking a cocktail-making class, and watching the sunset over the Savannah River.  

Savannah 1-Day Itinerary

Morning

1. Breakfast at Little Duck Diner

Begin your day with a hearty (and adorable) breakfast at Savannah’s Little Duck Diner. 

I learned about this restaurant from a list of local Savannah recommendations.

The diner is known for its playful rubber duck-themed drinks and comforting breakfast classics. 

The cheesy grits are my favorite!  Actually, the whole restaurant is my favorite breakfast in Savannah. 

Aside from the amazing rubber duckies (for me, this is reason enough to dine here alone), the food is phenomenal and great value for the money.  

No reservation is needed- the diner tends to be crowded, but tables open quickly.  

2. Forsyth Park

Forsyth Park is the largest and most famous park in Savannah. 

It is by far one of the best things to do in Savannah on any trip!

Walk along tree-lined paths, admire the iconic white fountain, and enjoy the serene green space surrounded by Spanish moss-draped live oaks. 

If you haven’t already noticed, Savannah is famous for these gorgeous trees.  

PS- These trees are also famous for my allergies- Achoo.  

3. Square Hopping

Savannah is also famous for its 22  historic squares scattered throughout the city. 

Walking between squares gives you a sense of the city’s layout while offering plenty of photo opportunities. 

Don’t miss Chippewa Square or Madison Square for their classic Southern scenery.

One of my favorite squares is Johnson Square because of the gorgeous fountain in the center. 

The squares vary in size, but they all have a least a few benches to kick back and relax.  

Afternoon

4. Lunch at Toaster Barrel

Toaster Barrel serves up some of the best grilled cheese sandwiches in town!  Honestly, the best I have ever had.  

The menu features unique flavor combinations that balance sweet, savory, and tangy ingredients. 

I ordered the crispy goate with roasted beets, fig, chevre, gam, balsamic, walnuts, and apples.  This flavor combination was amazing!  

The restaurant is connected to the Springhill Suites Hotel.

5. Sweet Treat: Leapold’s Ice Cream or River Street Sweets

On your way to the Savannah River, stop by Leapold’s or River Street Sweets.  

Leapold’s is one of the oldest ice cream shops in Savannah and has one plenty of awards- both in the state and nationally.  

Tip: There are also two Leopold’s ice cream shops located in the Savannah Airport if you are tight on time.

Alternatively, taste some pralines or other delicious homemade candy at River Street Sweets. 

The melt-in-your-mouth, buttery concoction is tremendous.  

Or try one of the many other homemade sweets at the shop.  My mouth is watering just thinking about it!  

6. Walk the Savannah River

About 5 minutes past your sweet treat stop, you will arrive at the gorgeous Savannah River.

Take a leisurely stroll, enjoying the waterfront views and historic architecture.  

The Savannah River is connected to Savannah’s Plant River District.  This newer neighborhood is worth a visit in its own right.  

The boardwalk is lined with shops, cafés, and art installations, making it a scenic spot to take in the city’s energy.

Tip: If you have time, stop back at night to watch the sunset over the river. 

Just plop on a bench, check it out from a rooftop, or sign up for a dinner cruise.  

7. Cocktail-Making Class

Ready to try something new?  Join a cocktail-making class!

I highly recommend this creative, immersive experience on your Savannah itinerary.  

But why Savannah for a cocktail-making class?

The city has a troubled history with liquor due to the prohibition movement in the 1920s. 

Speakeasies became a staple of the city, and the traditional cocktail-making tradition lives on today.  

Learn the art of mixing classic Southern-inspired cocktails while gaining insight into local spirits and flavors. 

Classes are immersive and typically small, so you’ll get personalized instruction.  My class had 6 participants total. 

My friend and I combined it with a visit to the Prohibition Museum attached!  

Evening

8. Peregrin Rooftop

End your afternoon with drinks or tasty appetizers at Peregrin Rooftop, located on top of the Perry Lane Hotel. 

During my visit, there was a crew filming a wedding scene for the TV show, Sweet Magnolias.  

It’s a bit pricey, but Peregrin undoubtedly offers some of the best views of Savannah’s historic district.  

It’s an ideal spot for photos and sunset cocktails.

The ambiance is both trendy and relaxing.  Kicking back and relaxing here was one of my favorite activities during my 4 days in Savannah.  

Bonus: If you are staying at the Perry Lane Hotel, guests have access to the hotel’s gorgeous rooftop pool, a relaxing bonus after a day of walking.

9. Ghost Tour

No classic Savannah itinerary is complete without a ghost tour. 

The city is famously haunted, and tours range from lighthearted to spine-tingling. 

Evening tours take you through cobblestone streets, historic homes, and shadowed squares while guides share chilling stories and local legends. 

Many tours are also available during the daytime if you prefer.

There are tons of ghost tours to choose from.  These include ghost trolley tours, haunted walking tours, or even a haunted pub crawl.  

I opted for a paranormal investigation.  During this activity, guests explore a building that is claimed to be haunted, and are provided with their own ghost investigation equipment to create their own ghost story experiences.

I recommend this immersive activity!  My guides, Katie and Andrew, were so fantastic.  

Conclusion

You can experience a taste of Savannah’s charm, history, and Southern hospitality in just one day!  

From scenic squares to sweet treats, rooftop views, and ghostly tales, this one-day Savannah itinerary highlights the city’s most memorable experiences.

However, it’s pretty busy- this itinerary is flooded with activities and really packs a punch.  

As always, I highly recommend making any travel itinerary your own and really fill your trip with the activities that are best for you.  

Take what you want and leave the rest!  No matter what, Savannah is unforgettable.

Start planning your trip today and create your own Georgia adventure!