Savannah is one of America’s most beautiful cities, known for its historic architecture and gracious, tree-shaded squares. But Savannah’s more than just a pretty place; look beneath the surface, and the city becomes even more fascinating.

Savannah’s history has been a tangle of misery and opulence, catastrophes and lucky breaks. It was founded in 1733 with the best of intentions—religious freedom was enshrined and slavery was banned. (So were rum and lawyers.) Soon after, however, the ban was repealed and Savannah became a wealthy center of the slave trade. It was devastated by fire and fever, spared in the Civil War, and ultimately saved from demolition by the efforts of preservationists.

Savannah today invites visitors to wander its old streets, listen to its stories, sample lowcountry cuisine and enjoy a drink or three. Thinking about making the trip? Read our guide to the best attractions, hotels and restaurants in Savannah.

3 reasons to buy travel insurance for your Savannah vacation

1. You can get compensated for travel delay expenses. Flight delays and baggage delays continue to frustrate travelers, but insurance helps you tolerate the wait. Baggage delay and trip delay benefits can reimburse you for covered expenses. Even better: Plans with SmartBenefits® can automatically pay you $100 per insured person, per day, if you experience a covered travel delay or baggage delay (up to the maximum no-receipts limit). No receipts are required—just proof of the delay!
2. Insurance safeguards your vacation investment. Sometimes, you have to cancel a trip or cut it short for circumstances beyond your control: sudden illness, an ailing family member, a car accident, a hurricane, etc. Trip cancellation and trip interruption benefits can reimburse your unused, prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses if you have to cancel or interrupt your trip to Savannah for a covered reason.
3. You can save money by purchasing rental car insurance in advance. Planning to rent a car in Savannah? Don’t make the mistake of buying pricey insurance at the rental car counter. Instead, get the OneTrip Rental Car Protector. It gives you up to $50,000 in protection for covered loss, damage, and theft, with no deductible, for just $11 per calendar day.

Find the best travel insurance plan for U.S. trips

3 of the best things to do in Savannah

1. Take a Savannah history tour. Whether on foot, by trolley, on a bike, or in a horse-drawn carriage, a tour with a knowledgable guide is a must. One of the best is offered by Underground Tours of Savannah, led by Gullah Geechee guides who tell the stories of the people and places connected with the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
2. Stroll through Forsyth Park. This 30-acre green space is famous for its fountain centerpiece and live oaks draped with Spanish moss. Order a coffee drink from the café, wander the lush gardens and people-watch.
3. Raise a glass in a haunted pub. Savannah is one of the few American cities where it’s perfectly legal to stroll down the street with a cocktail. Take advantage of this policy and set off on a pub crawl of the five bars known for paranormal activity.
   
   

3 of the best hotels in Savannah

Wake up to the smell of freshly baked cinnamon buns at Ballastone, a Luxury Inn, one of Savannah’s best bed-and-breakfasts. Ballastone offers 16 rooms and suites in a 1838 mansion, all luxuriously appointed, and a lavish breakfast. An elevator makes upper rooms accessible for all guests.

The Drayton Hotel is a delightful contradiction: a lively, modern boutique hotel behind a 19th-century façade. Check into one of the 50 luxury rooms and suites. Then order a drink down low in the intimate Vinyl Room cocktail lounge, or up high at The Rooftop, where you can take in views of City Hall, the Historic District, and the river.

Maybe instead of spirits at a rooftop bar, you’d prefer spirits in your room? The Marshall House, once used as a Civil War hospital, has developed a reputation as Savannah’s most haunted hotel: “Rumors and reports include guests seeing ghosts in the hallways and foyers, hearing children running down the long, narrow halls late at night, faucets turning on by themselves, and much more.” Ghostly activity aside, it’s a lovely place to stay, with a generous complimentary breakfast and cozy rooms.

3 of the best restaurants in Savannah

The Grey is Executive Chef Mashama Bailey’s homage to the Southern food her grandmother and aunts would make. Housed in a restored Art Deco Greyhound Bus terminal, the Grey serves delicious cocktails—both vintage and modern—and seasonal dishes such as chicken country captain, red snapper and smoked pork.

Husk is widely considered one of Savannah’s best restaurants for fine Southern cuisine. Depending on the day, the menu might include local oysters and shrimp, chicken with Sea Island pea miso, or pimiento cheese tartine.

Maybe you’re not looking for a fancy plate, but just some good old-fashioned barbecue. Head to Wiley’s Championship BBQ for a platter heaped high with beef brisket, pulled pork, chicken or ribs, plus a slew of sides like sweet potato casserole and fried okra.

Remember: the best time to buy travel insurance is immediately after booking your trip. Planning a trip soon? Get a quote today!

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