7 Fun Ways to Beat the Heat This Summer in Savannah, GA

Summer is one of the most popular seasons to visit Savannah — and for good reason! The temperatures are ideal for walking around the city, Forsyth Park is full of foliage and flowers, and you can choose from endless outdoor and patio dining options.

Top Things to Do in Savannah During Summer

Of course, there are also plenty of fun activities during summer in Savannah. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Savannah in the summer:

1. Take a Day Trip to Tybee Island

No summer vacation is complete without a trip to the beach. Luckily, Tybee Island is very close to Savannah (20 miles away) and offers multiple sandy shores to choose from. So, if you stay in Historic Downtown Savannah, you can easily take a day trip to Tybee Island!

While on Tybee Island, check out some of the best things to do on Tybee Island, including boat rides to see bottlenose dolphins, kayaking, or dining at the local restaurants. You can also tour Georgia's oldest and tallest lighthouse — Tybee Island Light Station!

2. Sit Down for Dinner at a Popular Savannah Restaurant

Savannah is a food lover's paradise, offering diverse cuisines, from traditional Southern dishes to American classics. Summer in Savannah is the perfect time to grab a bite to eat at one of the city's local restaurants.

These popular places to eat in Savannah have fantastic food and are ideal places for summer dining in Savannah:

• Repeal 33 — This speakeasy-style restaurant (formerly named Prohibition) features specialty whiskey cocktails paired with the best Southern dishes.
• Husk — Visit Savannah's Historic District and make reservations for this southern fine-dining restaurant. It features seasonal ingredients from Georgia's coastal area.
• Vic’s on the River — If you are looking for a place for a casual happy hour or riverfront dinner, Vic’s on the River has a lovely outdoor patio that is dog-friendly (making it one of the best dog-friendly places in Savannah!).
• The Olde Pink House — Not only does The Olde Pink House serve delicious food and craft cocktails, but it is also one of Savannah's oldest-standing buildings that is steeped in history and tradition. Learn all about The Olde Pink House (including why it's pink!) in this post.
• Southbound Brewing Company — There are tons of great breweries and places to drink in Savannah where you can grab a bite and cold beers, but Southbound Brewing Company's taproom and beer garden is a great place to hang out with the family (dogs included!) during a beautiful summer day in Savannah. Or, consider joining a Savannah brewery tour to learn more about beer culture in Savannah. Of all the brewery tours, we recommend this one that stops at Southbound Brewing Company, Two Tides Brewery, and Hop Atomica!

3. Explore Savannah's Historic District

Savannah's Historic District is filled with can't-miss sights and incredible experiences, all within easy walking distance from your vacation rental in Downtown Savannah.

So, grab your most comfortable shoes and take a walk through Forsyth Park to see the flowers, tour the historic houses, like the Mercer-Williams House or Sorrel-Weed House, or beat the summer heat with homemade ice cream from Leopold's Ice Cream (try the Tutti Frutti — it's a Savannah staple!).

4. Embark on a Trolley Tour

If you'd prefer staying cool in the air conditioning while sightseeing, a trolley tour in Savannah is an excellent option during the summer months. Most trolley tours stop at popular sites, like Colonial Park Cemetery, River Street, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and Ellis Square Fountain. They are an excellent way to dodge the high temperatures while still seeing the best of Savannah!

Savannah Sightseeing Tours offers several trolley tour options, including a one-day pass, a two-day pass, and even a trolley ghost tour!

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5. Cruise Down the Savannah River

For a unique sightseeing opportunity, consider booking a riverboat cruise on the Georgia Queen and enjoy an evening sailing along the Savannah River. There are different cruise options to choose from, many with food and entertainment. This is a nice way to see Savannah from a different point of view, stay cool, and enjoy some drinks and food!

6. Stay Cool in a Savannah Museum

Savannah is filled with dozens of fantastic museums that are worth exploring during a summer vacation to Savannah. Visiting a museum is an excellent way for history buffs to learn more about the city's past while staying out of the heat and humidity. Consider checking out the following museums while spending time in Savannah during the summer:

• Georgia State Railroad Museum — Explore the interactive exhibits at the Georgia State Railroad Museum, including a working handcar and historic railcars. You can even take a guided site tour on a train. This is one of the best kid-friendly things to do in Savannah!
• American Prohibition Museum — Travel back to the Roaring Twenties at the American Prohibition Museum to learn more about prohibition in the United States. This museum even has a bar inside called Congress Street Up Speakeasy, so be sure to grab a drink or take one of the cocktail classes to learn how to mix cocktails after exploring the exhibits.
• Telfair Museums — The Telfair Museums encompass three museums (Jepson Center, Telfair Academy, and Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters) that walk visitors through centuries of fascinating history, art, and architecture.

7. Spend the Fourth of July in Savannah

Savannah is a busy city year-round, but things really kick up during the summer when the weather is nice — particularly during the Fourth of July weekend!

One of the best things to do during summer in Savannah is to partake in the city's Fourth of July celebrations, including the River Street Fireworks Show, Savannah Waterfront Independence Day Festival, Fort McAllister Old Fashioned Independence Day Celebration, and more!

Plan a Memorable Summer Vacation to Savannah with South Key Management

There are endless reasons to come to Savannah during the summer, but these are just a few reasons that we at South Key Management love our city during the beautiful summer months!

It's still possible to visit Savannah for a summer vacation! Check out our available accommodations to book your getaway to Hostess City. With our lack of booking fees and competitive rates, we are the key to your Southern comfort this summer in Savannah!

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