From Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, a taxi or rideshare to the Historic District usually takes about 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic; expect roughly $30–$45 before tip, though fares vary. Ask to be dropped at The Marshall House on East Broughton Street, a handsome, centrally located historic hotel with shops and sights close by. It’s worth checking room types, elevator access, and any steps or uneven floors when you book, and requesting a room convenient to the elevator if that would make your stay easier.
After settling in, take a relaxed walk to Savannah City Market for about 45 minutes. Its galleries, cafés, and open-air courtyards make for an easy first outing; browse at your own pace, and pause for a drink if you’re feeling travel-weary. Shops typically keep daytime and early-evening hours, but individual businesses vary, so don’t count on every gallery being open late. The walk from the hotel is around 10–15 minutes, with historic sidewalks and crossings along the way.
For your first night, head to The Olde Pink House, a short walk from the hotel, for a memorable dinner in an 18th-century mansion. Reserve ahead—especially for a preferred dinner time—and mention any preference for fewer stairs when booking, since dining rooms are spread through the historic building. Plan on about 1½–2 hours and roughly $50–$90 per person before drinks, tax, and tip. After dinner, enjoy an unhurried stroll back along the historic streets; if you’d rather save your energy, a short rideshare is easy to arrange.
Start at Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist for about 45 minutes, taking time to appreciate the soaring ceiling and detailed stained glass. It’s generally open to visitors on weekday mornings, but services and special events can affect access, so check the cathedral’s schedule before setting out. Then walk a few minutes to Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters for its guided tour, allowing about 1½ hours. Tours are timed and admission is typically around $25 per adult; reserve ahead and arrive a little early. The tour gives important context on both the elegant home and the lives of the people enslaved there.
Walk south along Bull Street to The Collins Quarter for a relaxed lunch; budget about $20–$35 per person, and expect a lively café atmosphere. Afterward, continue south to Forsyth Park—roughly a 15-minute walk from the restaurant—for an easy hour among the fountain, shaded paths, and gardens. The park is free and open daily; take a seat when you fancy a rest, and leave time to wander rather than trying to cover every path.
Head back north for dinner at Alligator Soul, a polished, intimate spot known for creative Southern cooking. It’s a short walk from the park, though a taxi or rideshare is a sensible option if you’d rather save your energy for the evening. Plan on about $50–$90 per person before drinks and tip, and book ahead. March 16 is the eve of Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, so downtown can be busier than usual; make a reservation and allow extra time for your walk.
Have your round-trip taxi or private car confirmed the day before, with a specific pickup point and return time. It’s St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah, so downtown streets and roads can be unusually busy; leave early and allow more than the usual 30–45 minutes via US-80. Start at Tybee Island Light Station & Museum on North Beach, allowing about 1–1½ hours. The tower climb involves many stairs, so you can enjoy the grounds and exhibits without climbing; check the day’s hours and admission before setting out.
From the lighthouse, stroll over to North Beach for an easy hour by the water. The sand can be soft underfoot, so keep the walk as short or long as feels comfortable. Then take your pre-arranged ride to The Crab Shack for a casual seafood lunch in its marsh-side setting; budget roughly $25–$45 per person. It’s a relaxed change of pace from Savannah’s formal dining, and a good spot to linger rather than rush.
Continue to the Tybee Island Marine Science Center on South Beach for about an hour with its exhibits on local coastal wildlife; check its opening hours ahead, as they can vary by day or season. Finish with dinner at Sundae Cafe, a more polished seafood option on mid-island—reserve ahead and expect around $35–$65 per person before drinks and tip. Confirm the restaurant’s March 17 hours, then meet your pre-booked driver at the agreed time and pickup spot; don’t count on finding a ride on demand that evening.
After your prearranged ride back from Tybee, allow 30–45 minutes on the road and aim to reach the Historic District in time for a relaxed start. Begin at the SCAD Museum of Art, a striking restored railway building in the West Historic District. Give yourselves about 90 minutes for the contemporary exhibitions; it’s generally open Thursday, but check the museum’s current hours and admission details before your visit, as exhibitions and schedules can change.
It’s a short walk to Crystal Beer Parlor, a longtime local favorite for an easy lunch. Expect roughly $15–$30 per person; the menu has plenty of familiar options, and you can take your time before heading to the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum. Plan about 90 minutes for the ship models and exhibits, then leave a little time to enjoy the gardens. From there, walk toward Telfair Academy at Telfair Square for an hour with its American and European art; check closing time when you visit, since museum hours can vary.
For dinner at Elizabeth on 37th, take a taxi or rideshare from downtown to Midtown—allow around 10–15 minutes, traffic permitting, and arrange the ride back as well. The elegant restaurant occupies a restored mansion, so it’s a lovely choice for a special evening; budget about $60–$100 per person before drinks, tax, and tip. Reserve ahead and mention any mobility or dietary needs when booking.
Take an easy hour to browse Savannah River Street and watch the cargo ships move along the waterfront. The historic shops make for pleasant browsing, but the cobblestones are uneven; wear supportive shoes and take your time on the slopes and steps. From there, walk north to Savannah’s First African Baptist Church for a guided visit. Its history is remarkable, and tours depend on the church’s schedule, so confirm availability and admission details before you go.
After lunch nearby, stroll back toward Broughton Street and spend about 45 minutes at The Paris Market, a distinctive shop for home goods and gifts. It’s a nice unhurried final stop; check its current opening hours before setting out, as shop hours can vary.
End your trip with dinner at The Grey, an acclaimed restaurant in a restored Greyhound bus terminal in the West Historic District. Expect roughly $60–$110 per person, before drinks and tip, and reserve well ahead—especially for a Friday evening. It’s an easy walk from Broughton Street, though a short taxi or rideshare is a comfortable option if you’d rather rest your feet.
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