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Question

Hello!

We are a middle-age couple, no kids, coming in early January. We really don't care how cold it is or isn't. It will be below zero back home. We're staying near Forsyth Park and have rented a car. We have four full days to tour the area. We are really interested in history. We like historic homes and forts. I'm into architecture. From my research, I have concluded that Wormsloe, Tybee Island, Fort Pulaski, Fort Jackson and Bonaventure Cemetery will require driving. My primary interest in the Island is the lighthouse. We assume January will not be beach weather. I'm also assuming doing all these in one day would not be possible? How would you schedule your visits to these areas? If you need to split them into separate days, what would be the best way to group them? Thanks so much!

Answer

It sounds like you're planning a great trip to Savannah, and you've picked a wonderful mix of attractions! Since you have four full days to explore, it's definitely possible to see all of these sites while keeping the experience enjoyable and not too rushed. I'll break down how I would schedule your visits to these historic homes, forts, and cemeteries.

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Savannah On your first day, I would suggest focusing on the attractions right in Savannah. Since you're staying near Forsyth Park, it's the perfect starting point. You can take a walking tour through Savannah’s Historic District, which is rich in architecture, history, and beautiful squares.

Bonaventure Cemetery: Start with Bonaventure Cemetery in the morning. It’s about a 15-minute drive from Forsyth Park, and it’s an incredibly peaceful and photogenic spot. The cemetery is famous for its oak trees draped in Spanish moss and beautiful historic graves. It’s an easy way to ease into the slower pace of Savannah.
Historic District & Homes Tour: After Bonaventure, head back to the Historic District for a self-guided or guided tour of Savannah’s beautiful homes, squares, and churches. Popular homes to check out include the Mercer-Williams House (featured in *Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil*) and the Owens-Thomas House. This will give you a great feel for the city’s architecture and history.

Day 2: Tybee Island & Lighthouse Since you're interested in Tybee Island and the lighthouse, this would be a great day for a trip to the coast. The drive to Tybee Island from Savannah takes about 30 minutes.

Tybee Island Lighthouse: Start with the Tybee Island Lighthouse, which is open year-round. The lighthouse is an iconic piece of the island's history and offers stunning views of the coastline from the top. You can also tour the lighthouse keeper's house, which is filled with historical exhibits.
Fort Pulaski National Monument: After the lighthouse, head over to Fort Pulaski, which is a bit further down the island (10–15 minutes away). This historic fort is beautifully preserved and offers a great look at Civil War history. You can walk along the moat, explore the old brick walls, and even watch cannon firing demonstrations if they’re available in January.

Day 3: Fort Jackson & Wormsloe Plantation On your third day, I would recommend spending time exploring the two historical sites on the mainland, which are a bit farther out from the city center.

Fort Jackson: Start your day at Fort Jackson, which is about a 15-minute drive from Forsyth Park. This fort, one of the oldest in Georgia, was used during the Civil War and offers a fascinating glimpse into Savannah’s military history. They also often have interactive exhibits and demonstrations.
Wormsloe Historic Site: After visiting Fort Jackson, head to Wormsloe Plantation (about 20 minutes away). The drive down the oak-lined avenue leading to the property is stunning. You can tour the historic tabby ruins and the preserved colonial-era structures while learning about Georgia’s early history. It’s a peaceful and beautiful location for history lovers and photography.

Day 4: Flexible Day For your fourth day, I would keep this one flexible to allow for any sights you want to revisit or if you want to explore other attractions you may have missed. You could also use this day to relax, enjoy the local food scene, or take a riverboat cruise along the Savannah River to get another view of the city.

River Street: If you enjoy shopping and exploring more of Savannah's local life, you can visit River Street. It’s lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries, offering a lively atmosphere to soak in the history and charm of the city.
Additional Museums: If you're a fan of architecture and history, consider visiting the Telfair Museums (including the Telfair Academy and the Jepson Center for the Arts) or the Savannah History Museum to dive even deeper into the area’s rich past.

General Tips: Since you'll be driving, make sure to check the hours of operation for each site before you go, as some places may have limited hours in January. Additionally, I recommend packing a picnic for your visits to the forts or Wormsloe, as some areas offer beautiful picnic spots where you can relax after your tours.

With these day-by-day plans, you’ll be able to take in Savannah’s rich history, beautiful architecture, and natural beauty at a leisurely pace. Enjoy your time in this charming city!

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