Savannah for First-Timers: The Squares, The Secrets, and The Sand Gnats

Skip the Tourist Traps and Explore Savannah’s Historic Squares Like a True Local—on Your Own Time and at Your Own Pace

Visiting Savannah is like stepping on to a film set — Diane Picchiottino / Unsplash

Savannah, Georgia, is a city that practically demands you slow down. With its canopy of Spanish moss, cobblestone streets, and centuries-old architecture, it feels like stepping onto a beautifully preserved movie set. But for first-time visitors, navigating the Hostess City of the South can be a bit overwhelming.

Between the winding historic squares, the legendary ghost stories, and the sheer volume of fantastic food, it’s easy to fall into the usual tourist traps. Worse yet? Getting herded onto a packed sightseeing bus where you have to adhere to a rigid schedule, craning your neck just to see out of a tinted window.

At Drives & Detours, we believe the only way to truly understand a city is on your own time, at your own pace, and with your guide in your pocket. If you are preparing for your first trip to Savannah, leave the umbrella-chasing to someone else. Here are the genuine local tips, weather quirks, and hidden gems you need to know.

The Weather & The Wardrobe: Cobblestones and Microclimates

Savannah’s weather can be very changeable so always bring a jacket — Philip Arambula / Unsplash

Savannah’s weather is a topic of constant local conversation. If you are visiting in the summer, prepare for the humidity. It is the kind of heat that wraps around you like a warm blanket. But the real quirk of Savannah weather is the sudden, highly localized rain showers. It can be pouring on one square and perfectly sunny two blocks away. Always pack a lightweight rain jacket or a small umbrella in your day bag.

Then, there are the sand gnats (locally known as no-see-ums). During the warmer months, these tiny pests hang out near the marshy areas and in the dense parks. Do yourself a favor and pick up a local bug spray—many shops in town sell natural, DEET-free repellents made specifically for the Savannah gnat.

Finally, let’s talk about your footwear. Savannah is a remarkably walkable city, but River Street is paved with historic ballast stones. These rugged, uneven cobblestones are notorious ankle-breakers. Leave the heels in your suitcase and opt for comfortable, sturdy walking shoes. You will be doing a lot of exploring, and your feet will thank you.

Navigating the Savannah Squares (Without Getting Lost)

It is very easy to lose your bearings when exploring Savannah — Philip Arambula / Unsplash

Downtown Savannah is famous for its grid of 22 historic squares. They are lush, beautiful, and shaded by massive live oaks. They are also incredibly easy to get turned around in if you don’t know what you’re looking at.

Each square has its own distinct history, monuments, and architectural vibe. While many visitors blindly wander through them or listen to a muffled loudspeaker on a passing trolley, the best way to experience them is on foot, with the freedom to linger. You want to be able to stop and admire the intricate ironwork of the Mercer-Williams House or read the plaque dedicated to Tomochichi without someone blowing a whistle to herd you along.

This is exactly why we created the Savannah Squares Historic District Walk. It’s a self-guided tour designed for the independent traveler. You control the narrative, you control the pace, and you gain a deep, comprehensive knowledge of the city’s heart without being tethered to a group.

Local Etiquette: To-Go Cups and Taking It Slow

Take it slow when visiting Savannah so the heat doesn’t get you — Tomas Martinez / Unsplash

One of the most beloved quirks of Savannah is the to-go cup culture. Thanks to the city's open container laws, you are legally allowed to take your alcoholic beverage to go, provided you are within the Historic District boundaries and the drink is in a plastic, 16-ounce (or smaller) cup. It is perfectly acceptable—and highly encouraged—to grab a local craft beer or a cocktail and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the squares.

But with this freedom comes a gentle rule of local etiquette: take it slow. Savannah operates on Southern time. Do not rush your bartender, do not honk your horn the second a light turns green, and do not speed-walk through the pedestrians. If you ask a local for directions, prepare for a ten-minute conversation. Embrace the slow pace; it is part of the city’s charm.

Additionally, if you decide to rent a bicycle, remember that bikes are legally vehicles in Georgia. Do not ride them on the sidewalks, and whatever you do, do not attempt to bike down the cobblestones of River Street unless you want to end up in the Savannah River.

Where to Eat (And Where Locals Actually Go)

Leopold’s Ice Cream is iconic but incredibly busy — Nils Huenerfuerst / Unsplash

Savannah’s culinary scene is explosive, but the downtown core is dotted with national chains and flashy tourist traps. If you want to eat like a local, you need to step slightly off the beaten path.

For Comfort Food: Skip the massive lines at the celebrity-owned restaurants. Instead, head to Crystal Beer Parlor. It’s one of Savannah’s oldest restaurants, packed with history, incredible burgers, and a fantastic crab dip. It is a local institution for a reason.

For a True Southern Picnic: If you want an authentic, low-key lunch, head just east of downtown to Randy's BBQ. It is a literal hole-in-the-wall (takeout only), and the line forms early. Grab a styrofoam container of their legendary ribs, walk over to Forsyth Park or one of the nearby squares, and have a picnic under the Spanish moss.

For a Sweet Treat: Everyone will tell you to go to Leopold's Ice Cream. While it is iconic, the line often wraps around the block. If you want to maximize your time, try visiting during off-peak hours, or head over to the Starland District and grab a scoop from Doki Doki for a unique, locally-loved alternative.

For a Drink with History: Avoid the neon-lit clubs and head to Original Pinkie Master’s. It is a beloved, cash-only dive bar where Jimmy Carter once announced a presidential run. It is unpretentious, cheap, and brimming with local characters.

Beyond the Downtown Core

There’s much more to be seen in Savannah than just the downtown — Ron Dylewski / Unsplash

While our self-guided walking tour will make you an expert on the Historic District, a true local knows that some of Savannah’s best sights require a short drive.

If you are visiting in the spring (mid-March is prime time), a trip to Bonaventure Cemetery is an absolute must. Located a few miles east of downtown, this hauntingly beautiful cemetery sits on a bluff overlooking the Wilmington River. When the azaleas are in bloom, the vibrant pinks against the gray moss and old stone monuments create one of the most stunning visuals in the American South.

Similarly, the Wormsloe State Historic Site is a short drive away. Even if you don't explore the whole grounds, driving through the breathtaking avenue of majestic live oaks is a rite of passage for any visitor.

Do It Your Way With Drives & Detours

Discover the magic of Savannah with Drives & Detours — Ashley Knedler / Unsplash

Savannah is a city of layered history, hidden alleyways, and quiet, shady benches perfect for people-watching. It is not a city meant to be rushed through on a checklist.

To truly uncover the magic of the Hostess City, you need independence. You need the flexibility to pause your tour when you smell freshly baked biscuits, or when a local strikes up a conversation about a resident ghost.

Skip the rigid itineraries. Grab a to-go cup, lace up your most comfortable walking shoes, and download the Drives & Detours Savannah Squares Historic District Walk. Let’s explore Savannah the right way—on your terms.