Guys Trip Ideas In Savannah, Georgia

Savannah wraps Southern hospitality around a walkable historic district where oak-shaded squares, open container laws, and some of America's most haunted buildings create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. Georgia's oldest city - founded in 1733 as the nation's first planned urban community - delivers cobblestone streets lined with antebellum architecture, a thriving craft beverage scene, and enough ghost stories to fuel late-night conversations for years. The city's 22 historic squares provide natural gathering spots between rounds at Moon River Brewing Company or plates of shrimp and grits at establishments that have perfected the dish over generations.

About Savannah: History and Key Facts

General James Oglethorpe founded Savannah on February 12, 1733, when he and 114 colonists aboard the ship Anne landed at Yamacraw Bluff along the Savannah River. Oglethorpe negotiated peacefully with Chief Tomochichi of the Yamacraw people, establishing a settlement that would become the capital of Britain's 13th and final American colony. The city holds the distinction of being America's first planned urban community - Oglethorpe laid out a revolutionary grid system incorporating public squares that served as gathering places, marketplaces, and defensive positions. Of the original 24 squares, 22 remain intact today, forming the heart of one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the United States.

Savannah's population stands at approximately 148,000, with the metropolitan area exceeding 430,000 residents. The city sits along the Savannah River about 20 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, with Tybee Island's beaches accessible in roughly 30 minutes. The Port of Savannah ranks as the third-busiest container-handling facility in the nation, driving an economy that also relies heavily on tourism, education through the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), and military presence at nearby Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield. The city's role in American history runs deep - three Savannah citizens signed the Declaration of Independence, General Sherman famously presented the city to President Lincoln as a Christmas gift in 1864, and the first steamship to cross the Atlantic departed from here in 1819.

Why You Should Plan A Guys Trip To Savannah

Savannah ranks among the best Georgia guys trips for crews who appreciate history, architecture, and the freedom to carry a drink while exploring a city that feels genuinely different from anywhere else in America. The open container policy - legal within certain boundaries of the historic district with drinks in approved cups - transforms a walking tour into something more relaxed and social. Add in a concentration of craft breweries, haunted pub crawls, and River Street bars that stay open late, and you have the infrastructure for a memorable weekend.

For your mancation, consider timing your visit around St. Patrick's Day when Savannah hosts one of the largest celebrations in the country, or plan for a quieter shoulder season when temperatures cool and crowds thin. The walkable downtown means you can leave the car parked and cover the historic district, River Street, and the City Market entertainment district on foot. Ghost Coast Distillery - Savannah's first distillery since Prohibition - offers tours and tastings that provide a different angle on the city's drinking heritage.

Weather and Best Times to Visit

Savannah experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures regularly reach the low to mid-90s°F with high humidity that can make outdoor exploration uncomfortable from June through August. Winter temperatures range from the 40s to 60s°F - pleasant for walking tours but occasionally dipping into the 30s. The region receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually, with afternoon thunderstorms common during summer months. Hurricane season runs from June through November.

The sweet spot for a guys weekend falls during spring - March through May - or fall - September through November - when temperatures moderate into the comfortable 60s and 70s. St. Patrick's Day transforms downtown into a massive celebration featuring one of the nation's largest parades, though crowds and hotel prices spike accordingly. October brings ideal weather and Halloween-themed ghost tours that capitalize on the city's reputation as one of America's most haunted places. Savannah's proximity to Tybee Island means beach trips remain possible nearly year-round for hardy visitors.

Getting Around Savannah

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) sits approximately 15 minutes from downtown, with direct flights from major hubs including Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, New York, and Chicago. The airport's proximity makes arrival convenient, and rental car counters are available for those wanting to explore beyond the city center - though a car isn't necessary if you're staying in the historic district.

Downtown Savannah rewards walkers. The Historic District's grid layout and public squares make navigation straightforward, and the flat terrain keeps things easy even after a few drinks. For longer distances, the free DOT shuttle runs through downtown, and Uber and Lyft operate throughout the city. River Street connects to the bluff-level historic district via steep stone staircases and a city elevator near City Hall. For a guys getaway focused on downtown attractions, breweries, and River Street nightlife, you can comfortably leave the car parked and explore on foot.

Top Activities For Your Crew

Savannah offers a mix of historic attractions, outdoor activities, and entertainment options that work well for groups looking to balance daytime exploration with evening revelry.

Ghost Tours and Haunted History

Savannah's reputation as one of America's most haunted cities has spawned an industry of evening walking tours that combine history, architecture, and supernatural storytelling. Multiple operators run nightly tours through the historic district, Colonial Park Cemetery, and past buildings with documented paranormal activity. The Sorrel Weed House offers tours of a mansion with a dark history, while the Moon River Brewing Company building - reportedly one of the most haunted locations in the South - provides craft beer alongside ghost stories. For bachelor party groups, several companies offer "haunted pub crawls" that combine stops at historic bars with tales of the spirits - both kinds - that inhabit them.

River Street and Factors Walk

The cobblestoned River Street runs along the Savannah River in buildings that once served as cotton warehouses during the city's 19th-century boom. Today, these restored structures house restaurants, bars, and shops, creating a waterfront entertainment district that serves as the natural gathering point for evening activities. The Warehouse offers cold beers in a no-frills setting popular with locals, while the Cotton Exchange Tavern delivers views and Southern cooking in a historic building. Factors Walk - the brick walkway connecting River Street to the bluff above - passes iron bridges and brick vaults that once stored cotton awaiting shipment.

Historic Squares Walking Tour

The 22 remaining squares from Oglethorpe's original city plan create natural stopping points for a self-guided walking tour - made better by Savannah's open container policy. Chippewa Square features the statue of Oglethorpe and served as the filming location for the bench scenes in Forrest Gump (the actual bench now resides in the Savannah History Museum). Johnson Square, the oldest, anchors the business district. Monterey Square showcases the Mercer-Williams House, made famous by the book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." Pack a to-go cup and spend an afternoon exploring the live oaks, Spanish moss, and monuments that define Savannah's character.

Best Nightlife and Entertainment

Savannah's nightlife centers on River Street, City Market, and the craft brewery scene scattered throughout the city, with the open container policy allowing easy movement between venues.

Craft Breweries

Moon River Brewing Company occupies the historic City Hotel building downtown - reportedly one of the most haunted structures in Savannah - and serves a solid lineup of house-brewed beers alongside pub fare. Service Brewing Company, veteran-owned and operated, names its beers after military slang and themes while producing award-winning ales in a welcoming taproom. Southbound Brewing Company hosts live music, yoga, and community events alongside their flagship Hop'lin IPA and seasonal releases. Two Tides Brewing in the Starland District crafts creative small-batch beers in a laid-back neighborhood setting. For trips to Georgia with the guys who appreciate craft beer, Savannah's brewery scene rivals cities twice its size.

River Street and City Market

River Street's concentration of bars makes it the natural destination for groups looking to move between venues without planning. Kevin Barry's Irish Pub brings live Celtic music and a solid whiskey selection. Wet Willie's serves frozen daiquiris in the to-go cups that have become synonymous with Savannah nightlife. City Market - a few blocks from the river - adds more options including jazz bars and live music venues. The Jinx, slightly outside the tourist core, brings touring acts and local bands to a gritty rock club setting. Plant Riverside District, a newer development, adds rooftop bars and upscale lounges to the mix.

Outdoor Adventures and Sports

While Savannah's historic district provides the main draw, outdoor activities extend to nearby Tybee Island and the surrounding Lowcountry landscape. Charter fishing trips depart from Tybee and nearby marinas, targeting redfish, speckled trout, and offshore species depending on season. Kayak tours through the coastal marshes offer wildlife viewing - expect to see dolphins, herons, and alligators - in the tidal creeks surrounding the city.

Golf options include The Club at Savannah Harbor on Hutchinson Island, accessible by free ferry from downtown, and multiple courses in the surrounding area. For a unique experience, Fort Pulaski National Monument - 20 minutes from downtown - preserves the Civil War-era fort that fell to Union forces in 1862 after a 30-hour bombardment that changed military fortification design forever. The grounds offer hiking trails and fishing access alongside the impressive brick fortification.

Local Food and Drink Scene

Savannah's culinary scene blends Lowcountry traditions with modern Southern cooking, emphasizing seafood, shrimp and grits, and dishes that reflect the city's coastal Georgia location.

Essential Savannah Dining

The Olde Pink House, occupying a 1789 mansion that served as Georgia's first bank, delivers upscale Southern cuisine in a setting dripping with history - the restaurant is also reputedly haunted, adding atmosphere to your meal. Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room serves family-style Southern cooking at communal tables, with lines forming early for lunch. The Grey, located in a restored 1938 Greyhound bus terminal, brings James Beard Award-winning cooking to Savannah. For more casual fare, Zunzi's serves South African-inspired sandwiches that have developed a cult following, and Crystal Beer Parlor has been pouring drinks and serving burgers since 1933.

Distilleries and Cocktail Culture

Ghost Coast Distillery holds the distinction of being Savannah's first distillery since Prohibition, producing vodka, bourbon, and other spirits in the historic district with tours and tastings available. The American Prohibition Museum in City Market tells the story of the era through exhibits and a speakeasy-style bar where you can sample period-appropriate cocktails. For craft cocktails, Artillery offers an intimate setting with inventive drinks, while Alley Cat Lounge provides a more casual dive bar atmosphere with solid cocktails and local character.

More Savannah Trip Ideas

• Tybee Island beach day - Savannah's beach, 30 minutes east, offers sand, surf, and the historic Tybee Island Light Station dating to 1736
• Bonaventure Cemetery - The hauntingly beautiful Victorian cemetery featured in "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," with Spanish moss-draped oaks and elaborate monuments
• Wormsloe Historic Site - A mile-long avenue of live oaks leads to the ruins of a colonial estate, creating one of Georgia's most photographed scenes
• SCAD Museum of Art - The Savannah College of Art and Design operates a contemporary art museum in a restored railroad building
• Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum - Comprehensive museum honoring the World War II bomber command, with restored aircraft and immersive exhibits
• Old Fort Jackson - The oldest standing brick fortification in Georgia, with cannon firings and Civil War history on the Savannah River
• Savannah Riverboat Cruises - Dinner cruises and sightseeing tours aboard paddlewheel riverboats departing from River Street
• First African Baptist Church - One of the oldest Black Baptist congregations in North America, with a history dating to 1788 and connections to the Underground Railroad

Other Destinations You Might Also Enjoy Visiting

If Savannah's combination of historic architecture, Southern cuisine, and walkable downtown appeals to your crew, these destinations offer similar vibes with their own distinct character.

• Charleston, South Carolina - Similar historic charm, exceptional dining, and walkable downtown just two hours north, with its own collection of historic homes, craft cocktail bars, and Lowcountry cuisine
• New Orleans, Louisiana - The open container friendliness, historic architecture, and late-night culture of the French Quarter share DNA with Savannah's atmosphere
• Nashville, Tennessee - Different style but similar energy, with walkable downtown entertainment districts, live music, and Southern hospitality
• St. Augustine, Florida - America's oldest city offers Spanish colonial history, ghost tours, and a walkable historic district two hours south
• Asheville, North Carolina - Mountain setting but shares Savannah's craft brewery concentration and creative food scene in a walkable downtown

Savannah Delivers Southern Charm With a Drink in Hand

Savannah manages something rare - a city that feels genuinely historic without being stuffy, where you can walk through 290-year-old squares with a cocktail in hand while debating which ghost tour to take after dinner. The craft brewery scene provides modern options alongside the historic bars, the food ranges from communal Southern cooking to James Beard-recognized fine dining, and the architecture creates a backdrop that photographs beautifully even after a few rounds. Whether your crew wants to chase ghosts through Colonial Park Cemetery, work through the brewery trail, or simply wander the squares with to-go cups and no particular agenda, Savannah accommodates. For more information on planning your visit, check out Visit Savannah.