The Complete Guide to a Charming Savannah Honeymoon

Founded in 1733, the city of Savannah in Georgia is a picture-perfect destination for honeymooners. Lined with live oak trees and Spanish moss, Savannah features cobblestone streets, town squares and charming pastel homes. Very walkable, the city is full of shops, restaurants and bars. Plus to balance out the culture, newlyweds can explore nature by visiting the beach or a nearby wildlife sanctuary. Here's our guide for a complete overview of an ideal Savannah honeymoon.

Is Savannah Good for a Honeymoon?

Drone Stock Pros/Shutterstock

Savannah is known for Southern hospitality and beauty. Newlyweds can stay at gorgeous stately inns, many of which offer elopement and romance packages. During the day, honeymooners will want to head to the beach, view historic architecture, and take in horse-drawn carriage tours. In the evening, lovebirds savor the city's sophisticated and fun restaurant and bar scene.

Pros of a Savannah Honeymoon

This photogenic city offers culture, nature, romance and Southern hospitality. All in all, newlyweds will feel transported without needing to leave the country.

As an added bonus, all major airlines service Savannah Hilton Head International Airport, says Kemi Wells, Founder and President, Wells Luxury Travel. She points out that travel is easiest from the Midwest and the East Coast, especially Florida.

Cons of a Savannah Honeymoon

The weather can be very hot and humid in the summer, says Wells. You might also have to contend with large crowds and families.

The Best Times of Year to Go on a Savannah Honeymoon

Spring and fall are ideal, says Wells. In March through June, the weather is pleasant and the flowers are blooming. She also recommends mid-September through mid-November.

Places to Visit in Savannah

Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

The Olde Pink House

Built in 1771, this historic Georgian-style mansion is now a restaurant and tavern. Try the fried green tomatoes, fried oysters and planter's punch.

Tybee Island

With three miles of beaches and a lighthouse, Tybee is a mere 20 miles from Savannah's Historic District. Jet-ski, kayak or take a dolphin tour. Afterward, dine on freshly caught seafood.

Savannah Wildlife Refuge

Explore 30,000 acres of creeks, freshwater marshes and bottomland hardwoods by boat. Wells recommends the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge Excursion, which offers a three-hour tour upriver.

Owens-Thomas House

Design-loving newlyweds should take a tour of this English Regency-style private home, now a museum, on Oglethorpe Square. Since more than 40% of the city's buildings have architectural or historical significance, couples can spend days without exhausting noteworthy structures.

Things to Do During a Savannah Honeymoon

Meunierd/Shutterstock

Stroll

For a picnic or run, head to Forsyth Park, in the Historic District. Don't miss its fragrant garden and iconic fountain, an ideal backdrop for honeymoon photos. Also stop by City Market, a lively area with lots of shops, galleries and restaurants. For a view of the Savannah River, explore River Street, with its cobblestones and old buildings. Outside of the Historic District, pass old tombstones on the winding pathways of Bonaventure Cemetery.

Go on a Carriage Ride

Take in Savannah's squares and buildings on a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride. In such a historic city, it's only fitting to soak up Southern charm this old-world way.

Book a Tour

For another charming way to get to know the city, book a trolley tour or take a spooky ghost tour of supposedly haunted establishments in the old city. Conductors will give newlyweds the lowdown on local landmarks, while operators of evening tours will share additional historical tidbits and tales.

Eat and Drink

Savannah is acclaimed for its dining scene. Don't miss celebrity chef-helmed spots, The Grey and The Lady and Sons. Be sure to try trademark dishes and foods, like fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, pralines and local peaches. Beer-loving couples can tour Service Brewing Company and Moon River Brewing Co., while vodka fans can visit Ghost Coast Distillery, the city's first operational distillery since before Prohibition.

Best Hotels and Resorts in Savannah for a Honeymoon

Gestalt Imagery/Shutterstock

For your post-wedding getaway, check-in to historic inns and romantic hotels. Many offer honeymoon and elopement packages, usually including a minister or justice of the peace, bridal bouquet and boutonniere, wedding cake and bottle of champagne.

Perry Lane Hotel

This property is chic and boutique-like in style, says Wells. Deluxe rooms offer views of the parks and historic district. A member of the Marriott Luxury Collection, the property boasts 167 guest rooms, including 12 suites, a rooftop pool and an expansive art collection. Wells recommends enjoying the afternoon tea and calling ahead to see if the live pianist will be performing.

JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District

This "gorgeous" new hotel on the Savannah River is another Wells' pick. Once a power plant, the riverfront property is close to the city's downtown shopping district. Wells recommends the one-bedroom river view suites.

The Hamilton-Turner Inn

This former private home is in the Savannah Historic District, within walking distance of the Savannah Theater, the Savannah College of Art and Design and the Telfair Museum. Stays include scones, yogurt and eggs in the morning and wine and hors d'oeuvres in the evening. In addition to an Elopement Package, the inn offers a Romance package, featuring dinner, a private carriage tour, floral arrangement and bottle of champagne.

The Gastonian Savannah

A 2021 Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award winner, this historic B&B is in a residential neighborhood near Forsyth Park. Whether or not they opt for the Elopement Package, honeymooners will want to reserve Caracalla, The Honeymoon Suite, featuring a whirlpool tub, semi-private balcony and king-size bed.

The Kehoe House

In 1892, this historic bed and breakfast was erected in what is known today as downtown Savannah's Historic District. All stays include breakfast, wine, hors d'oeuvres, cookies and access to a front-desk concierge for recommendations and reservations.

What to Pack for a Savannah Honeymoon

Since it will likely be hot, couples will want to bring lightweight clothes. Wells advises packing comfortable walking shoes, dressy attire for nights out and swimsuits for beach days.