Is Savannah, Georgia a good destination for families with young kids?
Unequivocally yes, and we say that as a team that's dragged children through a lot of destinations that turned out to be better in theory than in practice. Savannah's 22 historic squares are essentially built for kids — open, safe, full of trees to climb and fountains to obsess over. Forsyth Park alone can burn two hours of energy without you spending a dollar. The riverfront is walkable and engaging, ghost tours (the family-friendly versions) are a genuine hit with older kids, and Tybee Island gives you an easy beach day without the chaos of a major resort strip. The only thing to manage is the summer heat, which is real and not subtle. Go early, rest midday, re-emerge in the late afternoon. Savannah rewards that rhythm.
How many days do you actually need in Savannah?
Three days is the honest minimum for a family trip where you want to hit the historic district, Forsyth Park, the riverfront, City Market, and Tybee Island without feeling like you're sprinting. We did it in three and felt satisfied but not stuffed. Four days would have let us linger more — an extra morning in Forsyth, a longer afternoon at Bonaventure, a slower last dinner. If you're flying in specifically for Savannah and you have the flexibility, four days is the sweet spot. Two days will leave you feeling like you only got the cover of the book.
What's the best area to stay in Savannah for families?
Stay in or immediately adjacent to the historic district. Full stop. The walkability of Savannah's historic core is one of its greatest assets — the squares, Forsyth Park, City Market, the riverfront, and most of the best restaurants are all within a manageable walk of each other. Staying outside the historic district to save money usually means you're trading convenience for a rental car you didn't want to deal with. The Holiday Inn Express Savannah Historic District is a solid budget-friendly pick. The Kehoe House is our splurge recommendation. Vacation rentals in the neighborhood are perfect for families needing more space and a kitchen.
Is Tybee Island worth the trip from Savannah?
Absolutely, and we'd argue it's essential. Tybee Island is only about 20 minutes from downtown Savannah and it delivers a completely different energy — slower, saltier, pleasantly scruffy in the way that good beach towns always are. The lighthouse is a genuine landmark worth visiting. The north beach area is quieter than the main strip. And after two days of cobblestones and history, having your feet in actual sand does something important for the soul. We went on Day 3 and it was the perfect reset before the long drive home.
Is Bonaventure Cemetery appropriate to visit with kids?
We took kids and we'd do it again. Bonaventure Cemetery is extraordinary — it's one of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in the American South, full of remarkable sculpture, ancient oaks, and Spanish moss so thick it changes the light. It's peaceful, not spooky (at least in daylight), and it opens up genuinely interesting conversations about history, art, and the way different cultures honor people they've lost. Older kids especially find it fascinating. Just frame it as a history and art experience, which is exactly what it is, and let the place do the rest.
What's overrated in Savannah that tourists should know about?
River Street on a weekend afternoon. We said it. The views are beautiful, the history is real, and a morning walk down there is genuinely worthwhile — but by Saturday afternoon it's a bottleneck of matching family T-shirts and shops selling the same pralines wrapped in sixteen different types of packaging. The riverboat cruise is fun and we'd recommend it, but pick your timing. Go early morning or on a weekday if you can. The rest of Savannah — the squares, the side streets, Forsyth, Bonaventure, Tybee — those are where the city actually lives, and those are where we spent most of our time.
