Savannah, GA

About the City
Geography
Climate and Weather
Landmarks
Transport
Savannah's Culinary Traditions
Museums in Savannah
Sport and Sporting Legends
Universities and Educational Institutions
Healthcare Institutions

Savannah, founded in 1733, is Georgia's oldest city. It is a major Atlantic seaport and tourist destination renowned for its historic district with 22 park-like squares, cobblestone streets, and well-preserved antebellum architecture.

About the City

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

Full Official Name: Savannah (English: Savannah)
Administrative Role: Savannah is the county seat of Chatham County and the principal city in the Savannah metropolitan area . It was the first capital of the British Province of Georgia and later the first state capital of Georgia .
Location: The city is located in the U.S. state of Georgia, on the Atlantic coastal plain. Georgia is known for its diverse landscapes, from the Appalachian Mountains to its coastline, and is a major center for Southern history and culture .

Historical Names and Nicknames

Nickname: Savannah is widely known as "The Hostess City of the South" . This nickname reflects its long history of Southern hospitality and its popularity as a destination for visitors.

Date of Foundation and Age

Date of Foundation: Savannah was founded on February 12, 1733 .
Age: The city is 293 years old (as of 2026).
Founder: The city was founded by British General James Edward Oglethorpe and the settlers from the ship Anne, who landed at Yamacraw Bluff .

Geographical Position and Coordinates

Geographic Coordinates: Latitude: 32.0811° N, Longitude: 81.0911° W .
Location and Natural Features: Savannah is situated on the Savannah River, approximately 20 miles (32 km) upriver from the Atlantic Ocean . The Ogeechee River flows south of downtown, forming the southern city limit. The city is near the U.S. Intracoastal Waterway .
Elevation: The center of the city is at an elevation of approximately 20 feet (6.1 meters) above sea level . It is located on a bluff overlooking the river .
Geographic Type: The city is a coastal port city located on a river near the ocean .

City Type and Economic Specialization

Savannah is a city with a diverse economic base:

Major Atlantic Seaport: It is a critical industrial center and an important Atlantic seaport, being the largest port in Georgia . It grew wealthy as a shipping port, historically trading cotton, rice, and timber .
Tourism and Cultural Center: Savannah's economy is heavily driven by tourism. Millions of visitors are drawn annually to its historic landmarks, cobblestone streets, and parks .

Population and Demographics

Population: The city's population was 147,780 at the 2020 census and is estimated to be 148,808 in 2024 .
City Classification: By population, Savannah is a medium-sized city. It is the 5th most populous city in Georgia and the most populous in the Coastal Georgia region . The larger Savannah metropolitan area has a population of over 430,000, making it the third-largest metro area in the state .

"City's Calling Card" (In Short)

Savannah is a city of unparalleled Southern charm, famed for its beautifully preserved historic district, one of the largest in the U.S. Visitors come to wander beneath moss-draped oaks in its 22 picturesque squares, explore antebellum architecture, and soak in the city's rich, welcoming atmosphere as the "Hostess City of the South" .

Geography

Water Bodies

Savannah River: The defining geographical feature of the city, this 300-mile-long river forms Georgia's border with South Carolina and has been central to Savannah's history as a port . The riverfront area, known as River Street, is a popular tourist destination with shops and restaurants in restored 19th-century buildings .
Ogeechee River: This river flows to the Atlantic Ocean about 16 miles south of downtown and forms the southern boundary of the city .
Atlantic Ocean: The city is located approximately 20 miles from the Atlantic, which shapes its coastal climate and was the venue for yachting events during the 1996 Summer Olympics .

Beaches and Coasts

Tybee Island: Located just 18 miles from downtown Savannah, Tybee Island is the nearest beach destination, offering mesmerizing beaches and nature trails .

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Savannah has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa) . This is characterized by long, hot, and humid summers and short, mild winters.

Average Temperatures by Month

January (Coolest Month): Average daytime high of 15°C (59°F), average nighttime low of 4°C (39°F).
July (Warmest Month): Average daytime high of 32°C (90°F), average nighttime low of 23°C (73°F).
Extreme Temperatures: The record high temperature is 105°F (41°C), set in July 1986 and July 1879. The record low is 3°F (-16°C) from January 1985 .

Precipitation and Humidity

Annual Precipitation: Savannah receives around 47-50 inches of rain per year .
Rainfall Distribution: Half of the annual precipitation falls from June through September . Summers are marked by frequent but brief thunderstorms.
Driest Months: November and December are the driest months .
Humidity: Summers are very humid, with average dew points ranging from 20 to 22°C (67.8 to 71.6°F) .

Sunshine and UV Index

Sunshine Hours: The city enjoys ample sunshine year-round. Average daily sunshine ranges from 6 hours in winter to 9 hours in late spring and summer .
UV Index: The UV index is high from April through September, reaching a maximum level of 10 (Very High) from May to August, requiring sun protection .

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

Spring (March - May): Pleasant with warm temperatures (21-28°C / 70-82°F) and moderate rainfall. It's an excellent time to explore the historic district and gardens.
Summer (June - August): Hot, humid, and the wettest time of year, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Highs average 31-32°C (88-90°F). Best for river activities and evenings out.
Fall (September - November): Warm and pleasant with decreasing humidity and rainfall. Daytime highs range from 29°C in September to 21°C in November. An ideal time for visiting.
Winter (December - February): Mild and sunny with cool nights. Daytime highs average 15-17°C (59-63°F). Frost is possible but snow is very rare. Perfect for enjoying the city without the crowds.

Specific Weather Phenomena

Savannah is at risk for hurricanes, particularly from Cape Verde-type storms late in the season (August-October) . The city has been affected by notable hurricanes, including Hurricane David (1979), Hurricane Matthew (2016), and Hurricane Helene (2024) .

Landmarks

Forsyth Park

The most famous park in Savannah, its iconic fountain is a beloved symbol of the city. The 30-acre park features lush green lawns, towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss, walking paths, and monuments, including one to the Confederate slain. It also houses a fragrant garden designed for the visually impaired .

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

This grand cathedral is the oldest Roman Catholic church in Georgia. It is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, known for its twin spires and vibrant interior ceiling frescoes depicting scenes of saints .

Historic District and City Squares

Savannah's downtown Historic District is one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the U.S. . It is defined by founder James Oglethorpe's original plan, which includes 22 picturesque park-like squares .

Chippewa Square: Famous worldwide as the location where Forrest Gump sat on a bench and recounted his life story. The square features a bronze statue of the city's founder, James Oglethorpe .
Jones Street: Often dubbed "the most beautiful street in America," it is admired for its intricate ironwork on historic homes and beautiful architecture .

Bonaventure Cemetery

This vast, 100-acre cemetery is a national treasure, famous for its hauntingly beautiful atmosphere with moss-draped oak trees and picturesque tombs. The most visited monument is the life-sized statue of little Gracie Watson .

River Street

A bustling cobblestone street built along the Savannah Riverfront. Lined with century-old buildings that were once cotton warehouses, it is now filled with quaint shops, pubs, and restaurants, offering scenic views of the river and the Talmadge Memorial Bridge .

Wormsloe Historic Site

The site features one of the most photographed vistas in Georgia: a breathtaking 1.5-mile avenue lined with majestic live oak trees draped in Spanish moss. It is the former estate of Noble Jones, one of Georgia's first settlers, and includes the ruins of his 18th-century tabby house .

Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace

A meticulously preserved National Historic Landmark dedicated to the founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA. The home offers a glimpse into 19th-century antebellum design and the early life of this influential figure .

The Waving Girl Statue

A sculpture on the riverfront paying tribute to Florence Martus, a local woman who greeted ships by waving a handkerchief for 44 years. The statue symbolizes the city's welcoming and maritime spirit .

Old Fort Jackson

Georgia's oldest remaining fort, offering a unique look at American military history. Visitors can explore gun positions and barracks and witness daily cannon-firing demonstrations .

Transport

Main Airports

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (IATA: SAV): Located about 8 miles (13 km) northwest of the city, it is the primary commercial airport for the region . It is served by major airlines like Delta, American, United, JetBlue, Allegiant, and Southwest, with non-stop service to major hubs such as Atlanta, New York, Charlotte, and Dallas/Fort Worth .

Main Railway Stations

Amtrak Station: Savannah's Amtrak terminal, built in 1962, is located about 3 miles west of downtown . It is served daily by Amtrak's Palmetto and Silver Service trains, which run between New York City and Miami .

Major Highways

Interstate 95 (I-95): The major highway on the U.S. East Coast, passing just west of the city and connecting Savannah to Florida and the northeastern states .
Interstate 16 (I-16): This highway terminates in Savannah, running from Macon directly into the heart of the city .
U.S. Route 80: Connects Savannah to the beach communities on Tybee Island.

Public Transportation System

Chatham Area Transit (CAT): The public transit authority for Savannah and Chatham County. It operates an extensive network of fixed bus routes throughout the area .
Fare-Free Services (dot): CAT operates two free downtown shuttle bus loops (Forsyth Loop and Downtown Loop) and the Savannah Belles Ferry, which provides free passage for pedestrians across the Savannah River between River Street and Hutchinson Island .

Ferry and Water Transport

Savannah Belles Ferry: A fleet of four passenger ferries, named after notable women from Savannah's history (Juliette Gordon Low, Susie King Taylor, Florence Martus, and Mary Musgrove), operates free of charge .
Savannah Riverboat Cruises: Private companies like Savannah Riverboat Cruises operate paddle steamers, such as the Georgia Queen, for sightseeing tours from River Street .

Savannah's Culinary Traditions

Savannah's food scene is a delicious reflection of its coastal location and deep Southern roots, primarily defined by Lowcountry cuisine. This unique culinary style, found along the coasts of South Carolina and Georgia, is heavily inspired by Gullah-Geechee culture and emphasizes fresh seafood, rice, and hearty vegetables .

Shrimp & Grits

Considered Savannah's most iconic dish, Shrimp & Grits is a must-try for any visitor . This classic Southern comfort food features plump, wild-caught Georgia shrimp sautéed and served over creamy, stone-ground grits. Local chefs put their own spin on the dish, often incorporating ingredients like tasso ham, andouille sausage, mushrooms, or a flavorful broth. Several restaurants are renowned for their versions:

B. Matthew's Eatery: Serves shrimp with heirloom tomatoes, tasso ham, and collard greens in a wine-cream sauce over cheddar-whipped grits .
The Shrimp Factory: Offers a version with jumbo shrimp in a garlic-butter-Chardonnay sauce, topped with candied ham cubes for a smoky-sweet crunch .
Alligator Soul: Features wild-caught Carolina shrimp in a lemon-butter cream with Creole spices, served over grits made with smoked gouda and candied bacon .

Classic Southern Fare

Beyond shrimp and grits, Savannah's culinary landscape is filled with other Southern classics. You'll find everything from hearty soul food to refined, chef-driven interpretations of regional favorites.

Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room: A legendary, cash-only establishment where diners sit at communal tables and are served family-style portions of Southern staples like fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread dressing .
The Olde Pink House: Housed in a historic 18th-century mansion, this iconic restaurant offers elevated Southern dining with refined twists on classics like fried green tomatoes and she-crab soup .
The Grey: Located in a beautifully restored Art Deco Greyhound bus terminal, this acclaimed restaurant offers a modern, chef-inspired take on Southern dishes, using regional produce, seafood, and meats .
Treylor Park: For a playful and innovative approach, Treylor Park serves unexpected flavor combinations like fried chicken and pancake tacos or PB&J chicken wings .

Unique Local Specialties

Savannah's culinary scene also features unique dishes that highlight local ingredients and traditions.

Lowcountry Bouillabaisse: A local twist on the classic French stew, you can find a version at The Boar's Head on River Street. This dish is loaded with local fish, shrimp, and Sapelo Island littleneck clams, all simmered in a tomato-saffron broth .
She-Crab Soup: A Lowcountry favorite, this rich and hearty soup is made similarly to a bisque with heavy cream, crab or fish stock, and crab meat .
Fried Alligator: For the adventurous eater, restaurants like Alligator Soul offer crispy fried alligator, a true taste of the region .

Farmers' Markets and Artisanal Finds

To sample fresh, local ingredients, visit the Forsyth Farmers' Market, held every Saturday in the park. Here you can find breads, pastries, seasonal pecans and peaches, local honey, and other offerings from farms and bakeries in and around Savannah .

Museums in Savannah

Savannah boasts a vibrant and diverse museum scene, ranging from storied historic collections to innovative contemporary spaces, largely influenced by the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).

Art Museums and Galleries

SCAD Museum of Art (SCAD MOA): A beacon of artistic innovation housed in a restored 1853 railroad depot, this museum is a testament to adaptive reuse and contemporary design . Its galleries have featured works by visionaries such as Kehinde Wiley, Carrie Mae Weems, and Bill Viola. The museum's permanent collection is highlighted by the Walter O. Evans Collection of African American Art, as well as significant holdings in photography and modern art .
Telfair Museums: This is the oldest public art museum in the South and comprises three unique sites . The Telfair Academy features one of Savannah's most famous sculptures, the "Bird Girl," made iconic by the cover of "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." The sleek, contemporary Jepson Center hosts traveling exhibitions and contemporary works, and also houses the Telfair Children's Art Museum, which opened in 2023. Finally, tours of the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters offer a powerful look at the intertwined histories of opulence and oppression in the city .
SCADstory: For a truly immersive experience, SCADstory showcases a sweeping, multi-disciplinary array of work from SCAD students, demonstrating the school's profound cultural force in the city through animation, fashion, and industrial design .

History and Culture Museums

Pin Point Heritage Museum: Located on the city's outskirts in a refurbished oyster and crab factory, this museum is dedicated to exploring the history, culture, and traditions of the Gullah Geechee people . Exhibits feature traditional art and personal accounts, illustrating how this unique culture, with its own language, food, and traditions, was forged in coastal isolation .
Savannah Paranormal Museum: A new and intriguing addition to the city, this museum delves into the seemingly unexplainable . Displays cover local apparitions, mythical creatures like the Altamaha-ha, Gullah Geechee spirit-handling methods, and even a "demonic" toaster. True to its subject, haunted items are lined with salt moats to keep nefarious spirits at bay .

Historic House Museums and Sites

Savannah True History Tours: For those wanting to separate fact from fiction, these guided walking tours provide a "buzzkill tour" of Savannah's complex and often dark history, free from ghost stories .
Wormsloe State Historic Site: Once a plantation belonging to one of Georgia's colonial founders, this site is now a state park renowned for its breathtaking avenue lined with moss-draped live oaks, creating one of the most photographed entrances in the South .

Sport and Sporting Legends

Historic Grayson Stadium

The heart of Savannah's sports scene is Grayson Stadium, a historic ballpark that has been a community landmark since it was built in 1926 . Originally known as Municipal Stadium, it has undergone several renovations, including a major rebuild in 1941 after a devastating hurricane, led by General William L. Grayson, after whom the stadium is now named . With a capacity of 5,000, the stadium is currently the home of the internationally famous Savannah Bananas, an exhibition baseball team known for their entertaining, rule-bending style of play .

Baseball History

Grayson Stadium has a rich baseball pedigree. It served as the spring training home for the Boston Red Sox in 1932 and was the long-time home of various minor league teams, most recently the Savannah Sand Gnats . A significant moment in sports history occurred here on April 14, 1953, when the first integrated South Atlantic League game was played at Grayson Stadium .

Current Teams and Events

Savannah Bananas: The current tenants, the Bananas, have brought new energy and renovations to the stadium, modernizing its appearance and adding outfield seating in preparation for its centennial in 2026 .
High School Sports: The stadium has also been a venue for major high school events, hosting the GHSA Baseball Championships for multiple classifications in recent years .

Universities and Educational Institutions

Savannah is a significant educational hub in Georgia, anchored by two very different but prominent institutions.

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)

While not detailed in the search results provided, SCAD is an undeniable force in Savannah. As noted in the context of the city's museums and culture, SCAD has transformed Savannah into a vibrant arts hub . Its influence is seen everywhere, from the SCAD Museum of Art to the SCADstory immersive installation, and its students and faculty contribute massively to the city's creative and economic life . The university is known for its programs in architecture, design, fashion, film, and more, attracting a diverse student body from around the globe.

Savannah State University (SSU)

Established in 1890, Savannah State University is the oldest public historically black university in Georgia . It is classified as a state university within the University System of Georgia. SSU offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs and has a strong connection to the local community. Its baseball team has previously used the historic Grayson Stadium as a part-time home field .

Medical Education

Savannah also serves as a hub for medical education. The Medical College of Georgia, part of Augusta University and the nation's 8th-largest medical school, maintains a partnership campus in Savannah for clinical rotations and training .

Healthcare Institutions

Savannah is home to several major hospitals and healthcare systems that serve a wide region across southeastern Georgia and into South Carolina.

Memorial Health University Medical Center

Located at 4700 Waters Ave, this is a major medical facility in the city. It is recognized for its specialized services, having received awards such as "America's 50 Best Vascular Surgery™ (2026)" and a Patient Safety Excellence Award . It is also home to the Memorial Health Dwaine and Cynthia Willett Children's Hospital of Savannah, which provides specialized pediatric care across 45 specialties with 165 affiliated physicians .

St. Joseph's Hospital

Situated at 11705 Mercy Blvd, St. Joseph's Hospital is another key healthcare provider. It has been recognized for its excellence in orthopedics, receiving the "America's 50 Best Outpatient Orthopedic Surgery™ (2026)" award, as well as a Vascular Surgery Excellence Award .

Candler Hospital

Located at 5353 Reynolds St, Candler Hospital is a medical facility with a long history in Savannah. It has been recognized for its stroke care, receiving a "Stroke Care Excellence Award™ (2026)" . It is one of the oldest hospitals in the United States, adding a historic dimension to the city's healthcare landscape.

Other Facilities

The region is also served by other hospitals like Coastal Carolina Hospital in nearby Hardeeville, SC, and Effingham Health System in Springfield, GA, providing a network of care for the surrounding communities .