You could (and should) spend an entire day in your beach chair on Tybee Island. If you allow it, the soft sound of her waves will sweep you into a utopian state. During your stay, Tybee Light will guard over you, keeping you safely nestled into her sandy shores.
Every once in a while, consider leaving your beach chair folded up so you can venture into nearby Savannah. She’s as elegant and beautiful as they say. Her sister city, Charleston, is within reach, too. Savannah and Tybee often leave a permanent mark on their visitors. It was an unplanned day trip to this area that led me to falling in love.
Now a bonified Savannahian, I’ve outlined a lovely little treasure map for you. Take my hand. I can’t wait to share some of her most magnificent jewels. Here are 10 best daytrips from Tybee Island!
1. Old Town Trolley Tours, Savannah
This is one of the best ways to begin your adventures downtown. Each of the trolley drivers are a joy to spend an hour or so with. Their stories are informative; their tone is humorous.
There’s so much history steeped in these streets, an hour could never be enough. However, this will provide you with a nice lay of the land and more than a few pointers to enrich your time here.
Old Town Trolley Tours
Address: 234 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401
Website: Old Town Trolley Tours
2. River Street, Savannah
Surely, River Street has to be included in one of your afternoon jaunts to Savannah. This cobblestone (and ballast stone) street lined with old factory buildings is truly one-of-a-kind. Now, those factories are mostly refurbished inns, restaurants, and shops.
While you’re here, make sure you pick up some sweets at Savannah’s Candy Kitchen. Then, see if you can find a seat at the rooftop bar in the Bohemian Hotel. Sip sweetly on a Savannah Tea. You’ll definitely want to order some of their truffle fries, too.
River Street
Address: 13 E River St, Savannah, GA 31401
Website: River Street
3. Historic District, Savannah
The historic district encompasses an entire stretch of downtown. If you’re looking at a map, it’s safe to say it starts on River Street and extends out to Gaston Street, one of the final cross streets before you hit Forsythe Park.
In its midst, you’ll walk through many of Savannah’s 24 squares and be forced to stare at countless Victorian homes. When your feet get tired and you’re ready for a snack, stop by The Olde Pink House.
If you can’t get a seat in the restaurant, just pull up a stool at their sidebar. Whatever you do, you must order their Pink Lady lemonade!
Historic District
Address: Oglethorpe Ave, Savannah, GA 31401
Website: Historic District, Savannah
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4. The Mercer Williams House, Savannah
If you’ve ever read “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil”, or watched the film starring Kevin Spacey and John Cusack (directed by none other than Clint Eastwood), this is a must-see.
The tours are affordable and it’ll be so much fun to stand in the very rooms we saw in the film. Only the downstairs is open to the public. Surprisingly, a member of the Williams family still lives here. So, as not to intrude upon her privacy entirely (and due to fire codes), you won’t be able to travel upstairs.
Dry your eyes, though. A gander at the art downstairs will bring tremendous joy. Jim Williams surely had an eye for art and we’re fortunate enough to be able to share in what was surely a rare gift.
The Mercer Williams House
Address: 429 Bull St, Savannah, GA. 31401
Website: The Mercer Williams House
5. 6th Sense Ghost Tours, Savannah
According to the tour, this is the most haunted house in Savannah. People reportedly get physically ill just standing in front of it. In fact, if the legend is true, these guys are way too close.
If you drive by it in person, you can be sure it has the look of a haunted house. (Not that I recommend it, but it’s located on Abercorn Street.) Across the street, and through a beautiful square, is yet another haunted home (now a rectory) where another ghost is said to haunt. Indeed, Abercorn is full of eerie vibes.
You’ll soak up scary tales such as these, as well as a couple fun ones like the ghost over on Jones Street who used to play the piano at night. If you need to sleep with a light on after your tour, nobody will blame you.
6th Sense Ghost Tours
Website: 6th Sense Ghost Tours
6. Hilton Head, SC
Hilton Head is a short drive from Savannah. To make things easy, I’d suggest putting Harbour Town Light in your GPS. The prettiest little lighthouse guards this side of the island and, right below, you’ll find some wonderful shops and restaurants. Just know you’re bound to leave with some major boat envy!
Hilton Head
Website: Hilton Head
7. Charleston, SC
When visiting this lovely sister city, plan to start your day with lunch on the rooftop of the Market Pavilion Hotel. Located right on Bay Street, you’ll drink up some gorgeous harbor views. On your way out, see if you have some time to visit Middleton Place. Only 30 minutes outside of town, the gardens here are the oldest landscaped gardens in America.
Charleston
Address: Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401
Website: Charleston
8. Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, Savannah
Girl Scout cookies, anyone? Or, better yet, did you grow up a Girl Scout? Either way, this home is well worth a tour. Not only does it provide a lovely background of the strong and courageous woman who created the Girl Scouts, it also offers a rich history of Savannah.
When you’re finished, stroll across the street to Collins Quarter for one of the most indulgent and delicious meals this city has to offer. I feel like I’ve been there 100 times but, every time I go, I always order the Upstream Supreme. It’s that good.
Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
Address: 10 E. Oglethorpe Ave, Savannah, GA 31401
Website: Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
9. Forsythe Park, Savannah
Designed by the same mastermind who brought us Central Park in New York City, you’ll enjoy delicious cross breezes and streams of sunlight through gorgeous oak trees.
Try to make Saturday morning your day for a visit. The Farmer’s Market is delightful. If nothing else, it’s worth the trip for a famous cup of watermelon juice.
Forsythe Park
Address: Bull St and Gaston St, Savannah, GA 31401
Website: Forsythe Park
10. Telfair Museums, Savannah
Telfair Museums includes three properties: The Telfair Academy, Jepson Center, and Owens-Thomas House. All are worthwhile visits. If you’re a fan of modern art, Jepson Center it is. If you have a penchant for the classical, head on over to Telfair Academy on Barnard Street. The Owen-Thomas House offers that same appeal, history wrapped in gorgeous interior design. You can’t go wrong with either site. All three are a generous gift to this glowing city.
Telfair Museums
Address: 207 W. York St, Savannah, GA 31401
Website: Telfair Museums
Sweet tea and Savannah strolls
Savannah casts a spell on every one of her visitors. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself trying to shake off the feeling that you want to stay. Maybe it’s the sweet treats down on River Street. Maybe it’s the ghosts over on Jones. Surely, sun-streaked squares and sweet Savannah tea is the Oxford definition of joy. If you decide to stay, I hope you’ll stay forever.
History
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