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Hope Taylor is a photographer specializing in senior portraits serving both Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA.

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The Ultimate Savannah, Georgia Travel Guide Personal

Senior Sessions

It is kind of insane to think about…but it has officially been almost ONE FULL YEAR since I moved from Charleston, SC to Savannah, GA! Time really does fly. A couple years ago, after living in Charleston for a bit, I created a blog post called The Ultimate Charleston Travel Guide. It is STILL one of the most-viewed posts on my entire blog! Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA are both SUPER popular travel destinations…and with good reason!!! So, after a year of living in Savannah (and hundreds of DMs asking for my suggestions!!!), I’ve compiled them all into a blog post for you!

This post will include places to stay, eat, drink and explore in Savannah, GA! Keep in mind there are still TONS of amazing spots I haven’t had a chance to try yet (you can see what’s on my list at the end!) – but these are some of Hayden and I’s favorites that we keep coming back to over and over again. If you are planning a trip to the low-country, I hope this post helps give you some inspiration + great spots to try!

PLACES TO STAY: 

The Alida Hotel

My personal favorite, and the hotel where we are hosting our own wedding welcome party in May! This stunning boutique hotel is situated perfectly between the brand new Plant Riverside district and the more well-known, historic areas of downtown Savannah. The interior is stunning, the service is wonderful and the Rhett restaurant in the bottom of the hotel is also one of our favorites!

The JW Marriot

One of the newer hotels in Savannah that has quickly become incredibly popular! The JW Marriot owns the entire new Plant Riverside district on the water in Savannah – and it is all absolutely stunning. While I haven’t personally stayed here just yet, I walk through it almost every time we’re downtown. The lobby doubles as a mini museum, and all of the restaurants are to-die-for!

The Westin Savannah Harbor

Another beautiful hotel that I have not personally had the chance to stay in, but I have photographed more than once! This hotel is located on the other side of the river (opposite the JW) and is situated right on the water. The most important thing to note about this hotel is that you will need to drive over the bridge to get into downtown, or take the ferry provided by the hotel to get across the river! While it may not be as walkable as some of the others on this list, it’s such a peaceful and stunning property to be away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.

The Bohemian Hotel

An iconic Savannah hotel that is incredibly charming and located right near the Plant Riverside District – nestled between cobblestone streets! If you are looking for a hotel that feels more historic and classic Savannah – this is the one!

The Perry Lane Hotel

Another iconic Savannah hotel that has a “refreshed take on luxury and a genuine taste of Southern warmth”. It is located more centrally to downtown, and has phenomenal food and my favorite rooftop bar in all of Savannah!

PLACES TO EAT: 

Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch: 

Colin’s Quarter

Arguably the most popular brunch spot in all of Savannah! Colin’s Quarter has two locations: downtown and Forsyth Park. Forsyth is typically less busy in my experience! Great food, fun atmosphere and tons of Instagram-friendly spots!

Foxy Loxy

My personal favorite coffee shop in downtown Savannah! I come here to work almost once a week. They offer a ton of delicious pastries and treats for breakfast (including GF + vegan options) and surprisingly delicious tacos starting at lunch time! My favorite is the blueberry walnut muffin!

The Grove

Another popular brunch spot (that also serves dinner!) The Grove is SUPER fun if you are with a group of girls or looking for a cute date spot. They have bellinis with popsicles in them and an awesome rooftop bar for great views after brunch! I actually preferred my meal here over Colin’s Quarter!

Little Duck Diner

A super cute duck-themed diner in the heart of downtown! They refer to the decor as “vintage chic” and it truly is just adorable. They serve both lunch + dinner with lots of sandwiches and Southern comfort food – and mini rubber ducks in your cocktails!

Funky Brunch

A really cute spot if you are traveling with kids! I found this menu to be surprisingly gluten-free-friendly, and you can “draw” your own pancakes and cook them in front of you! They don’t take reservations, so there’s typically a line. Plan to wait and grab a mimosa (and walk around while you do)!

Rhett

Rhett is the restaurant located in the bottom of The Alida Hotel. They serve brunch and dinner, and I absolutely LOVE it for both! Hayden and I come here often and we love their smash burger, mushroom tartine and shoestring fries! Honorable mention: the Croque Scarlett sandwich. YUM.

Lunch: 

Nom Nom Poke

Hayden doesn’t like seafood…but I come here myself ALL the time! If you are a poke bowl fan, Nom Nom is a must. You can build your own or choose from their pre-made menu, but they are to-die-for. SO fresh and delicious – I get tuna every time!

Bull Street Taco

I have two favorite taco spots in all of Savannah, and this is one of them! Bull Street is a SUPER cute and trendy taco spot located by a lot of cute shops on Bull Street. I bring almost everyone here that comes to visit! I highly recommend the queso and carne asada tacos!

Tequila & Co.

Another taco spot we love, but it’s probably 3rd on the list! I think Tequila & Co. has the best margaritas and atmosphere. It’s located in the Plant Riverside District and I’m obsessed with their birria tacos!

Plant Riverside District

I’ve mentioned this area quite a few times in this post…and it’s because we love it! This entire area only opened just a few years ago. It is an entire new section of the riverfront with shops, restaurants and live music. There are multiple small restaurants and open-air bars that line the riverwalk – and they are all delicious! We especially love the BBQ spot!

Bow Tie BBQ

Bow Tie is not located in the heart of downtown, so it’s likely not walkable – but it’s worth a quick drive! It’s Hayden and I’s FAVORITE spot for lunch to grab a BBQ sandwich – and they have gluten free bread! The #Hashbrown sandwich is my FAVEEE! And get their house-made ranch with the french fries. Trust me.

Fox & Fix (vegan)

For my vegan and dairy/gluten free friends – Fox & Fig is SO yummy! I’ve only been once, but was incredibly impressed with the menu and presentation of the food!

Dinner: 

Orale Tacos

This is a hole-in-the-wall taco spot that is located next to a smoke shop. And yes, I am still including it in the blog post…because it is THAT good. This is by far Hayden and I’s #1 taco spot in all of Savannah. We come here for every date night…they are just the BEST and most authentic tacos you will find! Our order consists of: 2 margaritas, large queso, carne asada tacos for him + carnitas for me (Orale style). Just do it.

Stone & Webster Steakhouse

On a totally opposite note, if you want a luxurious steak dinner…this is the spot! Stone & Webster is located in the bottom of the JW Marriot and it is phenomenal. We have been here a handful of times for big celebrations: birthdays, anniversaries and the day of our engagement session! I always get a filet, he gets a ribeye – and we split a few apps like the pork belly and steak tartare. The cocktails are always delicious, too! An amazing date night if you want to splurge!

Alligator Soul

Another amazing date night, except this one is definitely a classic Savannah staple! Alligator Soul is a fine dining restaurant that is located in a basement – and it is ALWAYS delicious…and always hard to get into! We’ve only been twice, but I’ll never forget that filet! If you like exotic food and fine dining, this is a great spot if you can find a reservation far enough in advance!

Squirrel’s Pizza

If you’re craving pizza, Squirrel’s is our favorite! It’s located across the street from Bull Street tacos (mentioned above) and they really impressed us with their gluten free crust!

Emporium Kitchen & Wine Bar

We’ve only been once…but the short rib is seared into my brain forever! Located in the bottom of the Peregrin Hotel, The Emporium “showcases locally-sourced ingredients along with unique roots and bold originality” – it’s a wonderful menu and great atmosphere for a night out!

Elizabeth’s on 37th

Elizabeth’s is right along the same vein as Alligator Soul: a true Savannah, southern classic – except it’s our favorite! It’s located in an old southern home and the hospitality we’ve experienced on each of our visits is truly above and beyond. It’s another spot we save for special occasions, but it’s worth the splurge! If you’re looking for a classic, Southern dining experience – this is it.

PLACES TO DRINK: 

The Peregrin Rooftop

My favorite rooftop bar for a girl’s night out! Black and white checkered floors, stunning views and delicious drinks. Located on the top of the Perry Lane Hotel!

Myrtle & Rose Rooftop Garden

Over-looking the Plant Riverside District with stunning views of the water! The decor is absolutely stunning and it’s a perfect spot for some Instagram photos. The cocktails are great, but I wasn’t super impressed with the food – I’d snack somewhere else!

Electric Moon Rooftop

If you are out with friends and want a FUN, upbeat spot – this rooftop bar has a SLIDE that connects one level to the other! Yard games, a massive inflatable TV screen for football, loud music…it’s a blast! Also has beautiful views of the river!

Totally Awesome Bar

If you want a random, hole-in-the-wall dive bar located in a basement…you’ve found it. Haha!! This is the low-key bar Hayden and I always take our friends when we want to play pool or arcade games. They also have super fun karaoke!

The Lost Square

The rooftop bar on top of the Alida hotel is another favorite of ours (just like everything at Alida!) The views and cocktails are great, and you can get small plates from the same menu as the Rhett!

PLACES TO SHOP/EXPLORE: 

Shop Morgan Rae

My favorite boutique in Savannah! It’s located on the second story of a building off of Broughton Street (above the Vineyard Vines) and it is such a gem! The perfect, trendy boutique if you are looking for a cute dress, shoes or accessories!

The Edition

If you want a more luxury shopping experience, the Edition is STUNNING. They have luxury designer pieces that are always BEAUTIFUL! I’ve personally not purchased anything here…but I always stop in just to look at what they’ve curated!

The Paris Market

One of the most popular spots in Savannah to shop! The Paris Market is a stunning two-story shop that is full of little gems. It has a coffee shop on the first level, and the lower level is full of trinkets for your home, amazing gift ideas and hidden treasures. We walk through here almost every time we go downtown!

The Flower Bar at Urban Poppy

One of my personal favorites! Urban Poppy is a small boutique located by Electric Moon (the rooftop bar mentioned above). In addition to being absolutely BEAUTIFUL inside, they have a “flower bar” with fresh flowers – and you can build your own bouquet! I always go get one for hostess gifts…and just for myself 🙂

Forsyth Park

The iconic Forsyth Park is a MUST-see when you are in Savannah. I recommend grabbing a snack or drink downtown, then walking through the park starting at Colin’s Quarter. The fountain and beautiful Spanish moss shouldn’t be missed!

Starland Yard

One of our favorite weekend activities is to visit Starland Yard! The best way we can think to describe it is a “food truck park” – you purchase a ticket, get a wristband and enter a grown-up playground of open-air bars, food trucks, art vendors, yard games and live music! Such a great spot for a Sunday with pretty weather to enjoy the outdoors and try some local food!

On our list to try…

These are some spots we have heard amazing things about, just haven’t had a chance to try for ourselves! If you get a chance to try them, let us know your faves and what we should order!

Green Truck Pub

The Ordinary

The Grey

Chive

Ardsley Station

Flying Monk Noodle Bar

The Public

If you enjoyed this post, you may also love:

Top 10 Photo Spots in Charleston, SC

Top 12 Favorite Brunch/Breakfast Spots in Charleston, SC

New Year’s Eve at The Alida Hotel in Savannah, GA

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I'm Hope Taylor, an international Senior Portrait and Wedding Photographer based in Charleston, SC. I'm also an educator, international speaker, and the host of multiple sold-out workshops each year!

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