Why the Lowcountry
We wanted a warm long weekend in March and Savannah kept coming up. The flights from New York were cheap, the historic district is walkable, and Hilton Head Island was close enough to add on as a day trip. Four days, no car needed in Savannah, and exactly the pace we were looking for.
Savannah
Savannah is one of those cities that feels like it belongs in a different era. Spanish moss hanging from live oaks, cobblestone streets, and 22 historic squares connected by tree-lined walks. We spent three nights here and covered the city on foot.
Forsyth Park and the Historic Squares
Start your morning at Forsyth Park. The iconic fountain at the north end is the most photographed spot in the city, and the park itself is perfect for a slow walk with coffee. We grabbed ours from The Sentient Bean, a local favorite just outside the park.
From Forsyth, walk north along Bull Street and you will pass through several of Savannah’s famous squares. Each one has its own character — Monterey Square, Madison Square, Chippewa Square (the Forrest Gump bench scene was filmed nearby), and Johnson Square, the oldest. The whole walk takes about 30 minutes without stops, but you will stop constantly.
Historic Houses and Colonial Park Cemetery
Lafayette Square is a good place to start for the historic houses. The Owens-Thomas House is one of the best examples of Regency architecture in America and worth the tour. Colonial Park Cemetery, two blocks east, dates back to 1750 and is where you will find graves from the Revolutionary War era. It is quiet and a bit eerie in the best way.
The Food
Savannah’s food scene punches above its weight:
- Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room: The line wraps around the block but moves fast. Communal tables, unlimited Southern sides served family-style — fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread. Cash only, no reservations, and worth every minute of the wait
- Leopold’s Ice Cream: Open since 1919. The Tutti Frutti and Chocolate Chewies flavors are the signatures. There will be a line but it moves quickly
- The Grey: A renovated Greyhound bus station turned into one of the best restaurants in the South. Reserve ahead
- Husk Savannah: Southern food with a focus on local ingredients. The cornbread alone is worth the visit
Tybee Island
Tybee Island is about 25 minutes east of downtown Savannah and makes for a perfect half-day trip. The beach is wide and uncrowded in March, the lighthouse offers views of the coast, and the seafood shacks along the strand are excellent. We rented bikes and rode around the island, which takes about an hour at a relaxed pace.
Hilton Head Island
We drove to Hilton Head for a day trip — about an hour and a half from Savannah. The island is more resort-oriented than Tybee, with manicured bike paths running through maritime forests and along the beach.
Coligny Beach is the main public beach and has good facilities. We biked the beach path, had lunch at a waterfront restaurant, and spent the afternoon on the sand. If you have more time, the Sea Pines Forest Preserve has a beautiful boardwalk trail and ancient Native American shell ring.
Wormsloe Historic Site
The drive into Wormsloe through the avenue of live oaks is one of the most photogenic spots in Georgia. About 400 oak trees line the 1.5-mile entrance road, draped in Spanish moss. The site itself has the ruins of a colonial estate and nature trails. Go early in the morning for the best light and fewest crowds.
Getting Around
You do not need a car in Savannah’s historic district — everything is within walking distance. For Tybee Island and Hilton Head, rent a car for the day or use a rideshare. The free DOT shuttle runs a loop through downtown and is handy for getting back to your hotel after a long walk.
What It Cost (Two People, 4 Nights)
- Flights: ~$250 round trip from NYC (budget carrier)
- Hotel: Fairfield Inn Downtown, ~$500 total (3 nights on points + 1 paid)
- Rental car (2 days): ~$120
- Food and activities: ~$600 total
- Total for two: ~$1,470
Would We Go Back?
Absolutely. Savannah is one of the most charming cities in the US and we barely scratched the surface. March was perfect weather-wise — warm but not humid, with the azaleas starting to bloom. If you are looking for a quick getaway from the Northeast with great food, history, and Southern atmosphere, this is it.