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Past webinar content, attendee contact information and certain presentations are available only to U.S. Travel Association members and ESTO attendees. Questions? Contact esto@ustravel.org. To access these files use the login at the top of the page. 

 

Savannah
 

Start Planning Your Savannah Visit! 10 Ideas to Get You Started. 

 

1. Take a Walk Through Savannah's Squares & Forsyth Park: 

The coastal breeze tickling your nose is as natural as the plush foliage you pass as you walk through green squares and gaze at the Spanish moss precariously hanging above you, resting in massive oak trees. Originally designed with 24 squares, 22 remain today to be enjoyed by the millions who grace their grassy utopias yearly.  

The first visit to Forsyth Park can be breathtakingly overwhelming. Oftentimes, visitors need to carve out an entire day to experience all 30 acres of grand scenery, blooming flowers, historic homes, delicious restaurants and the timeless Parisian-inspired Forsyth Park Fountain. Forsyth Park is the perfect first stop on your visit to Savannah because it provides a little bit of everything and much more. 

 

2. River Street: 

Photos won't do - experiencing River Street face-to-face is a rite of passage. The first time you see the massive cargo ships, hear their horn blow down the Savannah River, experience our entertainment district at Plant Riverside, or walk the historic cobblestone streets that have lined the waterway for over 200 years, a nostalgic feeling will wash over you. 

 

3. What's Food Without Soul: 

Savannah's culinary scene consistently sets the bar higher and higher every year, so every meal is unique. When visiting Savannah, you expect to find food prepared from traditional southern and coastal recipes, lovingly known around here as soul food. Restaurants like Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, The Olde Pink House, and Low Country connoisseur Common Thread have you covered, but Savannah isn't limited to its "traditional" palette. Were you craving Asian fusion? Try The Vault, Flying Monk Noodle Bar or Arco Cocktail Lounge + Coastal Fare. You'll swear you've been transported to the French countryside once you've tried Côtelette de Porc at Circa 1875. Cuban, Mexican, Indian, or Greek - Savannah's dining table is worldwide.  

 

4. But First, Dessert: 

Savannah is the ultimate spot to treat yourself! The city is stocked with bakeries, cafes, ice cream parlors and candy shops with various confections to satisfy your guilty pleasure. After all, no meal is complete without dessert. Decadent spots like Leopold's, Lulu's Chocolate Bar, River Street Sweets and District Gelato are a few that will curb that sweet tooth. 

 

5. Shopping:  

Savannah has become an all-encompassing destination for those who love to shop! From fashionable clothing to Savannah-made goods, you'll find the perfect Savannah keepsake to bring back home. Peruse the iconic storefronts on walkable Broughton Street or take advantage of the unique finds you'll see while shopping on Bull Street

 

6. City Market: 

Built in 1755, Savannah's famous City Market has been known as the heart of Savannah for centuries. Initially, City Market was where residents shopped for groceries, services and other goods. Today, visitors and locals flock to City Market for popular and award-winning restaurants such as Belford's Savannah Seafood and Steaks, creative local art spaces, the Prohibition Museum and their fantastic speakeasy, unique shopping and so much more. 

 

7. Rooftop Bars: 

Sometimes you need an elevated perspective - and a drink! A beautiful view, a light breeze and a fantastic cocktail are the perfect recipes for relaxation. Savannah is full of great places to gaze, sip and snack while looking over the city. Whether you want a view of the river, cobblestones or historic homes, you'll find beauty at Peregrin, Bar Julian, Top Deck, Electric Moon Skytop Lounge and many more of our city's rooftop bars and restaurants

 

8. Breweries: 

Get an authentic taste of the city by sampling its locally-brewed beer. Service Brewing Company allows guests to see how the beer is made on a tour of their fascinating facility. But the best part is tasting the finished product. Savannah's original brewpub Moon River Brewing Company, is housed inside one of the city's oldest, and some say most haunted, buildings. But don't let that scare you away. Some solid pub grub and a house-brewed porter, ale or IPA should give you the liquid courage to brave any ghostly encounter.  

 

9. Welcome to Starland: 

In the Starland District, you can expect an eccentric community filled with visionaries and local business owners. Discover 35 blocks of buzzing neighborhoods, vintage finds, establishments and artistically fueled residents waiting to welcome you with open arms. 

 

10. Tybee Island, Savannah's Beach - A visit to the coast is only complete with a trip to Tybee Island, Savannah's Beach. Located only 20 minutes from Savannah's Historic District, Tybee Island is home to three miles of five beautiful beaches, locally-caught seafood and historic sites.  

 

Need more Savannah inspiration?

Don't worry; we'll always keep it reel with you.  Be inspired and share your favorites when you follow @VisitSavannah on social.  

 


Art on Wall
Cobble Road

 

 

 

 

 

Georgia

 

Technically, driving the 100 miles that comprise the Georgia coast takes only a couple of hours. But, it's a lot more fun to take your time and make the most of your visit to the coast. Once you’ve had your fun in the sun on Tybee Island, check out these other coastal Georgia destinations. We’ve included a mix of top attractions and off-the-beaten-path favorites to get you better acquainted with this charming area. 

Tybee Island → St. Simons Island approximately 105 miles

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St. Simons Island

 

St. Simons Island 

Guide to St. Simons Island

Drive to St. Simons Island, the largest of Georgia’s barrier islands, and make it your home base for your Golden Isles leg of the trip. Plan a beach day at Coast Guard Station Beach, complete with shaded picnic tables, plenty of bike racks, and a concession stand. Fork up shrimp and grits or another low country dish at ECHO, the island’s only oceanfront dining, or the widely regarded Southern Soul Barbeque. After satisfying your appetite, stroll through Pier Village (and be sure to keep an eye out for Tree Spirits that are scattered across the island), climb 129 steps to the top of St. Simons Lighthouse Museum, or make a trip to the World War II Museum, housed in the Historic St. Simons Coast Guard Station. End the night at Hotel Simone, one of the island’s newest adults-only boutique hotels. The hotel offers numerous luxury amenities, including a rooftop pool with picture-perfect sunset views, complimentary beach bicycles, and access to perks at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort.

St. Simons Island → Brunswick approximately 7 miles

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Downtown Brunswick

 

Brunswick Stopover

En route from St. Simons to Jekyll islands, stop on the mainland in Historic Brunswick to go out on the town. Check out Silver Bluff Brewing, a grown-up playground featuring a taproom and cornhole-friendly outdoor beer garden. Sample the year-round brews (including their own Mexican lager and a blonde ale) plus a variety of seasonal pints. Or, cross the street and visit Richland Rum Distilling Company. Begun in 1999 in southwest Georgia, this distillery has since become one of the biggest players in the industry, and offers tours and tastings of their artisanal spirits in their Brunswick outpost. Bring a bottle of Old South Georgia Rum back to the suite for late-night cocktails. 

Brunswick → Jekyll Island approximately 13 miles

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Driftwood Beach

 

Jekyll Island 

Guide to Jekyll Island

Drive to Jekyll Island, where adventure awaits. Visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center to learn about rehabilitation efforts to save all five threatened or endangered species of sea turtles that nest in Georgia. Pedal along paved trails that loop 20 miles through beaches, marshes, forests and historic sites on wheels from Jekyll Island Bike Rentals. For a quick bite and souvenirs, drop by Jekyll Market in Beach Village, where you’ll find a selection of fresh produce, three delicious on-site eateries, a full-service salad bar, a fantastic sweet shop, and a vast array of delightful gifts. Before heading home, catch a camera-ready sunset at Driftwood Beach, scattered with knobby and twisted tree trunks made gray by the sun and sea. 

Jekyll Island → St. Marys approximately 46.8 miles

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Dungeness Ruins

 

Cumberland Island via St. Marys

Guide to Cumberland Island

Wrap up your tour of Georgia’s coastline on Cumberland Island. Home to the Cumberland Island National Seashore, this southernmost of Georgia’s barrier islands is only accessible via ferry from St. Marys, a small town with quaint shops and a charming waterfront park. Catch up on sleep at Spencer House Inn Bed & Breakfast so you’ll be ready to catch the morning ferry. Make it a day trip, or stay overnight at the exclusive Greyfield Inn and see more of Cumberland Island’s historic sites

End your trip with a 30-minute drive south to depart from JAX airport. Or, double back and head north to depart from SAV airport, stopping to hit some of the spots you couldn’t get to the first time!