Savannah is a Southern city with history, charm, and layers of nuance. The mossy oak trees, beautiful green square’s, the bench scenes in Forrest Gump, to-go cups of spirits, and SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) just skim the surface of what makes this city unique.
Established in 1733 when General James Oglethorpe and passengers on his ship landed on a bluff along the Savannah River, Oglethorpe named the 13th and final American colony Georgia after England’s King George II.
Savannah became the first city of this new land. It is also considered America’s first planned city. Oglethorpe laid it out in a series of grids allowing for wide streets and 24 public squares, with 22 still in existence.
Through wars, fires, widespread disease and the threat of demolition, Savannah has remained a cultural and historical hub of the South. Savannah is currently Georgia’s fifth-largest city and third-largest metropolitan area. It is an industrial center, important Atlantic seaport and one of the busiest tourism destinations of the Southeast.
What does this mean for the luxury traveler? Savannah offers a range of splendid boutique accommodations to ensure a comfortable and intimate home base for exploring the city.
Wanderlust Travel recently visited Savannah to experience the luxury hotels and memorable opportunities available for our travelers.
We’ve compiled a Q & A to get to know Savannah
How long do you need to visit Savannah?
If you just want to explore the city-center it can easily be done in 2-3 nights. If you want to really dive in and enjoy cultural immersion, we have partnered with a local DMC to provide travelers with very special tours and private experiences in the city and beyond that can fill a 3-5 night itinerary.
What are some unique activities in Savannah?
Depending on your interests we can tailor tours to you. A few ideas for downtown include historical tours on bikes, a walking ghost tour, sip and shop visiting local boutiques, a private picnic in the park, a restaurant dine around, or a cooking class with a local chef after picking out your products at the farmer’s market.
Outside the city center we can arrange fishing charters, visits to Daufuskie Island, bird watching, paddle boarding, lighthouse tours, alligator tracking, helicopter tours and more.
Is Savannah on the beach?
Tybee Island is 18 miles (20 minutes from downtown Savannah). This barrier island is known for its wide, sandy beaches, including South Beach, with a pier and pavilion. Travelers often head over to the island to enjoy some coastal fare at one of the outdoor restaurants.
What other destination can I pair with Savannah?
- Charleston is a little over 2 hours north of Savannah. A lot of travelers enjoy splitting their time among these sister cities.
- Savannah is just 20 miles south of Hilton Head (about an hours drive). This would be a great city and sea pair.
- Montage Palmetto Bluff, a haven for relaxation and adventure along the May River is just 45 minutes from Savannah.
- The Cloister at Sea Island, an internationally acclaimed resort, is 1 hour and 45 minutes south of Savannah.
- The Florida beach town, Amelia Island, is 2.5 hours south of Savannah.
- Atlanta is 4 hours west of Savannah.
What is the best time of year to visit Savannah?
Savannah is a year-round destination. If you don’t like crowds avoid the marathon weekend (usually the first weekend November), the week of St. Patrick’s Day (Savannah has the second largest event in the U.S.), and SCAD graduation (mid May). March through July is popular to experience the blooming flowers and warm weather. Early to mid November is a good off-peak time to visit with less crowds and lower hotel rates.
What hotel is best for our stay?
We believe there is no best hotel, but best match. Some hotels are located along the river and in the middle of the hustle and bustle, and some on our list are in quieter areas around a park. Some are better for families or groups of friends and others have a more romantic ambiance. We have contacts at all the top hotels. We do our best to VIP our guests and provide additional perks you won’t receive on your own.
What should I know before travel?
You must read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt. This non-fiction novel paints the picture of this unique city and tells the story that includes some very interesting local characters, some of which you might find roaming town still today.
How do I start planning my Wanderlust Savannah trip?
Email Wanderlust Travel Boutique ([email protected]) to set up a phone conversation to plan the perfect Savannah adventure tailored just for you.
Amongst other things we will discuss:
- Your travel dates.
- What you already know about Savannah.
- What you envision your ideal Savannah experience to look like.
- Specific interests/things you like to do.
- Do you just want to explore just Savannah? Or would you like to do a split stay with another area?
Should you choose to pursue this memorable experience Wanderlust requests a $150 planning fee. This enables you to take comfort in our expertise of the area and not have to spend your precious time on any of the details.
Your customized itinerary can include any of the following details that are necessary for your visit: flights, local transportation, hotel stay, dining guide & reservations, tickets, schedule tours and activities, and more.
Your custom itinerary will be available via a digital app that you will have easy access to throughout your trip.
“For me, Savannah’s resistance to change was its saving grace. The city looked inward, sealed off from the noises and distractions of the world at large. It grew inward, too, and in such a way that its people flourished like hothouse plants tended by an indulgent gardener. The ordinary became extraordinary. Eccentrics thrived. Every nuance and quirk of personality achieved greater brilliance in that lush enclosure than would have been possible anywhere else in the world.”
― John Berendt, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
Keep dreaming. We’re here when you’re ready.
The Wanderlust Travel process – Click Here –
Contact Us:
Jamie Jackson: (336) 263-1977 or [email protected]
Luxury Travel Advisor and Virtuoso Wellness Travel community member at Wanderlust Travel Boutique
At Wanderlust Travel Boutique, we will create a truly personalized, hassle-free vacation with a comprehensive itinerary, so you can enjoy an unforgettable experience.
If not now, when?
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/jamiejackson
*Make sure to sign up on our website (bottom left corner) to receive our bi-monthly newsletter where we highlight destinations and travel opportunities*
