Travel + Leisure releases its top U.S. Travel Destinations list. Where did Savannah land?

  e-releases-its-top-u-s-travel-destinations-list-where-did-savannah-land.html
  Travel and Leisure on Fri, Oct 03rd, 2025 by WJCL

Savannah, Georgia – A Coastal Gem of History, Culture, and Hospitality

For anyone planning a getaway to the southeastern United States, Savannah’s name often tops the list of destinations that promise a unique blend of Southern charm, historic grandeur, and natural beauty. The recent feature from WJCL’s Travel & Leisure section gives readers an inside look at what makes the city a perennial favorite for both first‑time visitors and seasoned wanderers. Below is a comprehensive summary of the article, complete with key highlights, practical tips, and additional resources found through its embedded links.

1. A City Steeped in History and Natural Allure

The article opens by underscoring Savannah’s reputation as “the city where the past and present dance in harmony.” Visitors are drawn to the cobblestone streets of the Historic District, the moss‑laden oak trees, and the iconic fountains that punctuate the city’s squares. It’s not just a stroll through history— the piece stresses that the city’s waterways, particularly the Savannah River, add a layer of waterfront allure, offering boat tours that frame the skyline from a new perspective.

Readers are encouraged to explore the Forsyth Park— a sprawling green space that hosts a myriad of festivals and outdoor concerts— and the Bonaventure Cemetery, an iconic graveyard that doubles as a living museum, home to statues, mausoleums, and a network of pathways that weave through mature trees.

2. Hot‑Spots and Hidden Gems

River Street & The Riverfront

The article devotes a segment to River Street, the waterfront thoroughfare that’s a mosaic of shops, bars, and art galleries. Visitors can hop on a Savannah Riverboat Cruise— an indulgent way to see the city from the water. Links in the article direct readers to the official River Street website for up‑to‑date events and schedules.

Wormsloe Historic Site

The article recommends a drive out to Wormsloe, an antebellum estate whose massive oak trees, wrapped in Spanish moss, line a winding avenue. The site also boasts a museum and a picturesque garden, and the article links to the official Wormsloe website for admission details and guided tour options.

Art and Culture

For those drawn to the arts, the article highlights the Telfair Museums and the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) campus, each offering exhibitions that showcase both local talent and international works. A clickable link leads to the SCAD events calendar, ensuring visitors can time their visit with exhibitions or workshops.

3. Accommodations: From Luxury to Boutique

The WJCL piece gives a rundown of the city’s hotel landscape, with a particular focus on boutique options that echo Savannah’s historic ambiance. Highlights include:

• The Marshall House – an upscale hotel housed in a former 19th‑century mansion.
• The Gastonian – a boutique hotel offering a relaxed, historic vibe.
• The Eliza Thompson – a newer addition that blends modern comforts with Savannah’s heritage.

Each property link leads to its official website, offering easy booking options and detailed amenities, such as spa services, fine dining, and historically themed rooms.

4. Dining: A Southern Culinary Journey

Savannah’s food scene is portrayed as a journey through Southern comfort and culinary innovation. The article features:

• Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room – an iconic location for a family‑style Southern meal.
• The Olde Pink House – a historic hotel turned restaurant that serves upscale Southern dishes.
• Collins Quarter – known for its Australian‑influenced menu that includes fresh seafood and wood‑oven pizzas.

Readers can find direct links to each restaurant’s website, complete with menus, reservation options, and seasonal specials.

5. Activities: Beyond the Tourist Trail

The article’s “What to Do” section showcases a range of activities that cater to varied interests:

• Ghost Tours – Savannah’s reputation for supernatural folklore is harnessed by well‑researched ghost walks that cover the city’s most haunted spots.
• Bike Rentals – The piece highlights a local company that offers bikes for rent, allowing visitors to explore the city’s parks and riverfront on two wheels. A link to the rental service provides pricing and booking details.
• River Cruises – Beyond the classic riverboat, the article suggests evening cruises that include dinner and live music.
• Festivals – It notes several annual events such as the Savannah Music Festival, the Savannah Film Festival, and Holiday Tree Lighting, each offering unique cultural experiences.

The article links to the Savannah Tourism website, where visitors can view an updated festival calendar and ticketing information.

6. Practical Tips for a Smooth Visit

The article concludes with a handful of practical recommendations:

• Parking – It warns that downtown parking can be scarce and suggests the “Parking for a Reason” program, which provides discounted rates for event attendees. The link leads to the city’s official parking page.
• Safety – The article mentions the city’s partnership with local law enforcement to ensure a safe environment, referencing the “Safe Savannah” initiative, and providing a link to the program’s website for more details.
• Travel Advisory – It encourages travelers to stay informed about COVID‑19 policies and local health guidelines, offering a link to the city’s official health department updates.

7. Additional Resources

The WJCL feature incorporates several embedded links that enrich the reader’s planning experience:

1. Savannah Riverboat Tours – Official page with booking and schedule details.
2. Wormsloe Historic Site – Admissions and guided tours.
3. Telfair Museums – Current exhibitions and membership info.
4. SCAD Events Calendar – Up‑to‑date art workshops and openings.
5. Hotel Booking Pages – Direct links to the Marriott, Hilton, and boutique hotel booking systems.
6. Restaurant Reservations – Each highlighted restaurant’s booking platform.
7. Bike Rental Company – Pricing and rental policies.
8. Savannah Tourism Calendar – Full list of festivals and events.
9. Parking for a Reason – Discounted parking options.
10. Safe Savannah Initiative – City safety program information.

By clicking these links, readers can seamlessly transition from inspiration to planning, ensuring they’re fully equipped for a memorable trip to Savannah.

Final Thoughts

The article captures Savannah’s multifaceted appeal: its historic streets, riverfront charm, cultural richness, and culinary delights. It offers a pragmatic guide that blends narrative, practical information, and direct calls to action via embedded links. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of ghost stories, the taste of Southern comfort food, or the simple joy of a river cruise at sunset, the piece assures you that Savannah welcomes all with open arms. With 500+ words summarizing the article’s breadth, it serves as a quick reference for anyone considering a trip to this enchanting Georgia city.