A Solo Female Traveler’s Guide to 2 Magical Days in Savannah
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I stepped off the plane for my solo visit to Savannah with that familiar flutter of excitement, and a few nerves, too. Would I enjoy this charming Southern city for the first time on my own for 2 days? Would I feel safe walking through its oak-lined squares and cobbled streets? Yes! I did, in fact, I fell in love with Savannah at first sight!
Savannah turned out to be one of the most charming places I’ve ever visited. It’s beautiful, walkable, full of personality, and best of all easy to navigate alone. Whether I was sipping a chilled blue cocktail at a cozy champagne bar, meandering through shops selling spices and French linens, or chatting with locals on a walking tour, I never once felt out of place or uncomfortable.
If you’re a woman dreaming about a solo getaway filled with history, charm, and those “I can’t believe I’m here” moments, this is probably your cup of tea. In this post, I’ll share exactly what made my solo trip to Savannah so special, along with the safest places to stay, the best tours that don’t feel awkward alone, and where to eat without ever feeling like the odd one out.
Let’s explore Savannah, one moss draped Oak at a time.
Top Things To Do in Savannah for Solo Travelers
Walking Tour
For my first activity, I chose a historic walking tour that focused on architecture, culture, and the city’s layered history: I took the two-hour Genteel & Bard Savannah History Walking Tour (@$35).
It helped me get oriented, spot places I wanted to return to, and feel grounded in the city. Savannah is flat and beautifully walkable, and having a guide point out hidden alleys and local legends added richness I wouldn’t have uncovered alone.
There were about 12 of us on my tour. Our guide spoke through a mic, and we had headsets. He even played us some great Savannah Jazz by Ben Tucker over our headsets as a soundtrack for us as we walked. We went through about six squares and down beautiful Jones Street, ending near the Cathedral.
Our guide was Ray Christy and he was awesome! He was really knowledgeable, friendly and engaging. I highly recommend this acclaimed guided tour to get a quick, yet detailed explanation of Savannah’s history.
By the way, I am too much of a wimp for ghost stories, but if that’s what floats your haunted boat, here’s the most highly recommended one – Genteel and Bard’s Savannah Dark History and Ghost Encounter Walking Tour. (@$35)
Tip for fellow solo travelers: Look for tours that cap the group size around 10–12. They feel more personal and less overwhelming, and you’re more likely to strike up a friendly chat.
Forsyth Park
Forsyth Park is a 30-acre park in the historic district of Savannah. The gorgeous and iconic fountain below is in the center of the north end. The walkways leading up to it are lined with beautiful Spanish moss-draped Oak Trees. My tour guide mentioned that if you spend any amount of time hanging out by this fountain on a weekend, you are sure to see a wedding proposal!
A bit further south in the park, there is a large field and stage where festivals are held at different times of the year. I got to enjoy some of the wonderful live music Jazz Festival!
- the Sidewalk Arts Festival (April)
- the Savannah Jazz Festival (September)
- the Picnic in the Park with the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra (October)
- the Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon (November)
Info on more events in the Park (and Savannah overall) can be found here.
Squares and Houses
Just wandering around the cobblestone streets of the Historic District from historic square to square, past beautiful charming historic houses, was the highlight of visiting Savannah for me! Are you catching the drift that Savannah has a rich history? 🙂
The city was founded in 1733 by the visionary General James Oglethorpe. The Squares helped develop close neighborhoods and provided defense against fires. They were also used for community gatherings, markets, and military defense drills. The buildings surrounding the Squares were a mix of private homes, churches, and businesses.
Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
This stunning 1873 Cathedral is on the corner of Lafayette Square. Even if you’re not religious, make time for this stop. It’s free, safe, and filled with beauty that makes you pause and reflect.
Savannah’s Waterfront
The Port of Savannah is the 3rd busiest seaport in the United States. River Street runs next to the Savannah River and is lined with shops and restaurants. You can pop into shops selling pralines or handmade art, sip a sweet tea or a crisp glass of wine, and just soak up the energy.
This is a touristy area, but fun to see the river, especially catching glimpses at some of the absolutely huge container ships cruising by!
Tip: Come just before sunset. It’s cooler, less crowded, and the light on the water is pure magic. There’s plenty of space to sit, reflect, and savor.
Shopping
Shopping solo in Savannah felt like a treasure hunt, with the added bonus of taking my sweet time. No one to rush me, no one to second-guess whether I needed another scarf or ceramic mug. Just me, the smell of old wood floors and candles, and that quiet thrill of finding something special.
Broughton Street
This street reminded me of “old downtowns” when I was a kid… waayyy back in the 1970s. It’s lined with shops, shoe stores, restaurants, and ice cream shops. I half expected to see a “Kinney’s Shoes” there!
The Paris Market
I gravitate toward locally owned shops, and the corner store, The Paris Market, feels like stepping into a French daydream. I wandered slowly through rooms filled with books, jewelry, bath products, housewares, stationery, vintage curiosities, and soft lighting. Everything beautifully displayed and begging to be touched. It was the kind of store where I could spend an hour just browsing and feeling exotic. It also has a small cafe with a few tables.
Salt Table
I read about the Salt Table in quite a few guides. It features many different Georgia grown local products like spices, oils and vinegars, BBQ sauces, and syrups. The clerk was very friendly and helpful when I went in and he showed my their top-selling (and award winning) spice blends. These made great, useful souvenirs to bring home to friends and family.
Where to Eat Solo in Savannah (Without Feeling Awkward)
Savannah’s dining scene surprised me in the best way: approachable, delicious, and filled with the kind of Southern hospitality that puts a solo traveler instantly at ease.
Collins Quarter
Collins Quarter came highly recommended, and it didn’t disappoint. Set on the corner of Bull St and E Oglethorpe Ave, this beautifully designed spot blends Southern charm with a touch of Melbourne café culture. The menu is fresh, creative, and full of flavor. (There is another more casual Collins Quarter location within Foryth Park, btw.)
As a solo diner, I felt completely at ease here. I made a reservation (highly recommended, especially on weekends) and was seated at a small outdoor table, perfect for people-watching. The staff were warm and attentive without hovering, and the ambiance had that rare balance of buzz and calm, ideal for a leisurely solo dinner or a peaceful brunch.
Bar Bubbly
I stumbled upon (not literally, I hadn’t drank yet) this fun champagne bar while shopping around Broughton Street. I had to go in, it just looked so cool!
The owner greeted me, then actually sat down with me to explain the place and the menu. I chose a “Babbling Brooke Spritz” to go! Yes, you can wander Savannah with your drink! Such a fun novelty to drink “on the go” 😀
Sipping a bubbly cocktail as I strolled down historic streets? That was a “pinch me” solo travel moment for sure.
If you love places with personality, charm, and genuinely kind people behind the counter, make time for Bar Bubbly. It’s a perfect solo stop, whether you sit, chat, or grab a sparkle to go.
Sorry Charlie Oyster Bar Rooftop
I hadn’t planned on eating at Sorry Charlie’s, but when the Salt Table shop clerk lit up and said, “You have to check out their rooftop,” I listened. And I’m so glad I did.
The rooftop overlooks Ellis Square, with views stretching all the way to the Savannah River and the Talmadge Memorial Bridge in the distance. I went for lunch and snagged a high-top by the railing, perfect for taking in the city’s soft buzz from above.
I ordered a burger (solid choice: juicy, flavorful, and just the right size for a solo lunch), and let the atmosphere do its magic. The rooftop had a laid-back, friendly vibe with music playing at just the right volume. I didn’t feel out of place dining alone. If anything, it felt empowering, like I was exactly where I was meant to be.
Whether you want a casual lunch, a solo happy hour, or just a spot to pause with a great view, this is one of those Savannah finds that hits the mark.
Solo Travel Tip: I found that dining a little earlier (around 5–6 pm) helped me get prime seating and a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere—plus, less waiting!
Spanish Moss Fun Fact Section
You can’t walk through Savannah without noticing the dreamy, draping Spanish moss hanging from the oak trees—it’s practically the city’s signature accessory. But did you know it’s not actually Spanish… or moss?
- Spanish Moss isn’t Spanish. It is native to tropical climates in the Americas.
- Spanish Moss isn’t moss. It is in the “bromeliad family” which is the same family as pineapples and succulents!
- It does not kill trees.
- It was named out of spite! Larry David would be proud! Spanish moss was named by French explorers. They decided it looked like the Spanish conquistadors’ long beards, so they called it Barbe Espagnol, or “Spanish Beard.” The Spaniards got back at them by calling the plant Cabello Francés, or “French Hair.” The French name won out though. Over time the name Spanish Beard changed to Spanish Moss.
Where to Stay
- The Douglas – When I visited Savannah, I stayed in this stunning historic building, then called The Ballastone Inn. Since my visit, it’s been taken over and remodeled by a new hotel company and rebranded as The Douglas. What hasn’t changed? The prime location! It sits right at the corner of Bull Street and Oglethorpe Avenue, in the heart of the beautiful Historic District. From what I can tell, the rooms have been modernized but still retain the charm of this 1853 gem. Prices have gone up quite a bit since my stay (now starting around $523 and climbing to $925+), but if your budget allows, it’s definitely worth a look!
- East Bay Inn – If I were booking a trip to Savannah today and looking for something in a more typical price range, I’d go with the highly rated and historic East Bay Inn (est. 1852). It’s right near the Riverfront and E. Bryan Street – smack in the middle of the Historic District and just steps from shops, restaurants, and those postcard-perfect cobblestone streets. Rooms start around $160 and go up to about $349.
- (Pro tip: Booking.com has some offers for a little bit cheaper.
A Thoughtful Pause: Savannah’s Complex History
With only 2 days in Savannah I think I barely scratched the surface. There is so much complicated and painful history there that I really didn’t get to delve into much. As one of the primary seaports Savannah was a major port for the Atlantic slave trade from 1750 to 1798. There is so much history to learn about that time period.
I love to travel and see new places, and I believe part of that is learning about the history of these places and not forgetting the lessons we should have learned. I think this adds to the value and richness of travel.
Next time in Savannah I plan to learn more about the dark sides of its history that were part of making it into what it is today. The Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters is on my future visit list. It’s a site that thoughtfully preserves and interprets the lives of the enslaved people who helped shape this city.
If you, like me, believe in meaningful travel that informs as much as it inspires, I encourage you to seek out these stories, too. They add gravity and context to the beauty, and make the journey all the more powerful.
In Summary
I loved my visit to Savannah and very much look forward to returning someday. I don’t think I have ever been so swept away by how charming a place was before! Even the airport is adorable (see proof below)!
Next time I visit I am going to be sure to do a day trip or two to visit the Bonaventure Cemetery, and the Wormsloe Historic Site! If you have the time I think those both seem worth seeing for their haunting beauty and history. If you have more time than I did, definitely add them to your itinerary.
Traveling solo here reminded me how empowering it can be to claim space for yourself, follow your curiosity, and lean into new experiences, even if they’re a little outside your comfort zone. Savannah made it easy.
If you’ve been to Savannah, I’d love to hear what spots you loved or what I should add to my list for next time. Drop a comment below or send me a note!
