Experience Savannah, GA
Steeped in history and romance, this Southern gem is within easy reach from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, flying nonstop on Allegiant Airlines.
Allegiant flies directly from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport to Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV) Airport, making it easier than ever to plan a trip to one of America’s most historic cities. With English, French and Spanish influences, Savannah is one of the South’s most charming cities. Plan your next getaway here to see why Savannah is known as “The Hostess City of the South.”
Good to Know
Airport: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)
Average Flight Time: 1 Hour 44 Minutes
Book a Trip: allegiantair.com
Historic Downtown Savannah
The city of Savannah is one of the oldest cities in America, tracing its origins back to 1733 when General James Oglethorpe first settled in what would become the state of Georgia and America’s 13th colony. Savannah served as Georgia’s first city and serves as the seat to Chatham County. With a population of over 140,000, Savannah is smaller than Atlanta but still brings over 17 million visitors to the state each year.
For a city with such a rich past, it’s no surprise Savannah attracts so many tourists each year. The Savannah Historic District features two square miles packed with park squares, museums, mansions, forts, and monuments that date back centuries. One of the Historic District’s greatest gems is River Street. On this 200-year-old cobblestone road, crumbling warehouses have been converted into rows of delightful shops, galleries and restaurants. Take a stroll down Savannah’s historic streets and tour areas like Chippewa Square, where the famous bench scene in Forrest Gump was filmed, and Monterey Square, or relax in Forsyth Park, Savannah’s oldest park and one of the earliest examples of landscape architecture in the United States
For those looking to shop, eat, relax and unwind, look no further than Savannah City Market, located in the heart of downtown. Savannah City Market takes the best parts of Savannah’s history and architecture and combines it with local restaurants, bakeries and shops to create a charming hub of Southern culture. After strolling downtown, cool off at Savannah’s famous Leopold’s Ice Cream shop.
Museums, Tours and More
Savannah is also one of the best places in the country to see antebellum architecture and vibrant art. Tours are plentiful, entertaining and full of variety—ride a Segway or a horse-drawn carriage, or participate in a historic walking tour. Telfair Academy is one of Savannah’s most popular museums, hosting a rich assortment of paintings, statues, metalworks, textiles and an interactive children’s museum. Art lovers won’t want to miss visiting Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and exploring the expressive campus full of creative students.
Architectural Tours of Savannah in Oglethorpe Square presents a walking tour of exterior Savannah homes, exploring all major style and period changes present in the city’s houses and neighborhoods. As one of Georgia’s oldest cities, it’s no surprise Savannah is home to a medley of paranormal ghost tours. Daring vacationers can brave the night and explore the streets by lamplight or take a trolley and see all of Savannah’s most haunted locations in one night.
Beaches and Golf Galore
When you visit Savannah, you’re also in close proximity to popular beach destinations. Nearby Tybee Island, Georgia, and Hilton Head, South Carolina, provide sandy beaches, and the area’s championship golf courses offer the greens. Tybee Island, located about 25 miles from SAV, is one of 15 barrier islands located along the east coast of Georgia. The popular and charming beach town features five miles of beautiful beaches that are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, sandcastle-building, surfing, water sports activities, sand volleyball, or taking in the views of the Atlantic Ocean. Tybee Island features many family-friendly attractions, as well as historic attractions, including Tybee Lighthouse – one of the nation’s oldest lighthouses. The town is pedestrian and bike-friendly and features more than 800 residences that serve as vacation rentals.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is located about 39 miles east of Savannah, Georgia. The barrier island is one of the largest on the east coast, at about 12 miles long and five miles wide, and has plenty to offer. Hilton Head is known for its championship golf courses but also features natural beauty, white-sand beaches, beautiful sunsets, up-scale shopping, fine and casual dining options and a variety of family friendly attractions. Don’t forget to capture the moment at the picture-perfect Harbour Town Pier.
Both beach towns offer many outdoor activities, including kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, canoeing, dolphin sightseeing tours and fishing charters.
However you choose to explore, Savannah is the perfect place for your next vacation. From rich historical tours to sunny beach getaways, the Savannah area has something to offer everyone.
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