As the oldest city in Georgia, Savannah is a charming city plucked straight from a storybook, home to cobbled squares, historic buildings and beautiful tree-lined streets. Rent a car at Savannah Airport and you can soak up all its attractions, as well as heading out along the coast or inland to explore wildlife reserves and state parks.
Historic highlights
The Historic District is the centre of all things cultural in Savannah. Park up and explore and you’ll soon discover a mesmerising maze of 18th- and 19th-century buildings, including the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts movement. This Regency mansion, dating back to around 1818, is open as a museum where you can learn all about the life of one of the US’ most famous educators and humanitarians.
Spend some time visiting the fantastic Forsyth Park and admire its famous fountain, one of the most photographed spots in Savannah. There are plenty of peaceful walking trails around the park, or you can sit back with a picnic and admire the views, allowing you to enjoy inner-city serenity however you please.
Other highlights in this part of the city include the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, an impressive French Gothic building dating back to the 1870s, and the Telfair Museums, a site made up of three cultural venues. This includes the Jepson Center for the Arts, where you can enjoy a stunning array of masterpieces, including Sylvia Shaw Judson’s famous Bird Girl statue.
Retail therapy
Nestled side by side with its famous historic sights is Savannah’s impressive shopping quarter, a haven for those looking to weave some retail therapy into their visit. Head to River Street for souvenirs, jewellery and other accessories and be sure not to miss Factor’s Walk, a street which was once the home of the city’s cotton trade. Today, the historic street has been modernised, with many of the original buildings now home to cosy boutiques, cafes and restaurants.
For big name retailers, head to Broughton Street, which boasts local favourites such as the Savannah Bee Company and the Paris Market & Brocante. This street is also home to Leopold’s Ice Cream. Founded in the early 20th century, this is one of Savannah’s most famous institutions. Try its signature flavour, the tutti frutti, which was reportedly invented here back in 1919.
As well as ice cream, Savannah has plenty of restaurants where you can sample everything from traditional southern food to modern, international cuisine. You might find a queue outside Mrs Wilkes’ Dining Room, but it’s worth the wait to sample the fried chicken or pulled pork. The city’s location near the coast also means you’ll find some excellent seafood plucked fresh from the ocean here – head to Vic’s on the River to try the classic shrimp and grits.
Rest and relaxation
As well as exploring all the highlights within the city, Savannah Airport car rental also means you can easily take a day trip to the coast. One of the most popular resorts near Savannah is Tybee Island, home to a sandy beach and Colonial era lighthouse.
Enjoy excellent views of the ocean from the pavilion, or head to one of the waterfront restaurants to enjoy deliciously fresh seafood. With water sportsreadily available, as well as sunset cruises and hiking trails, it’s a perfect day for rest and relaxation.
You can even park up and head to Little Tybee Island, a tiny uninhabited nature reserve only accessible by boat. You won’t find any hotels here, but camping is allowed, allowing you to spend a night surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the lapping ocean.
Car rental at Savannah Airport gives you access to so much of Georgia, from history to coastal delights. Reserve your vehicle today to enjoy the best of the state.
