As a local in Savannah, Georgia, I know that our weather patterns have a personality all their own. If you’re wondering what to do on a rainy day in Savannah, I’ve got you covered.
Things To Do In Savannah When It Rains
As a tourist in our beautiful Southern city, your vacation will not be a washout if it rains. There are so many things to do indoors that you’ll never feel like your “parade” was rained on while you visit Savannah! The key is to come prepared, knowing that even a rainy day can be rich with discovery.
A Rainy Day in Savannah Is No Laughing Matter (Or Is It?)
Start your day with giggles on a Savannah for Morons Comedy Trolley featuring a comedy show on wheels, hosted by the infamous “Moron twins.” Enjoy quirky Savannah history lessons that feature skits, musical numbers, and costume changes.
Hop On Savannah Trolley Tours
If you prefer a more traditional tour, jump on Savannah Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour to get a fantastic overview of the entire city (shielded from the rain). Even if it’s drizzling, they have the windows that can be shut tight, so you can stay dry and still see all the local landmarks. If you plan to hop on and off, invest in a compact, portable umbrella and leave this in your suitcase at all times. Also, I recently discovered these no-show socks you can wear with your sneakers, and they stay in place.
Explore The Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum Savannah Must-See
Next, head over to Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, which is tucked away in a quiet corner on MLK Boulevard. The entrance is a bit hard to find, but it offers a serene, yet richly immersive journey into the city’s seafaring past. It’s housed in the elegant, three-story William Scarbrough House, a National Historic Landmark.
Even if you don’t have great knowledge about Georgia’s maritime history when you arrive, you soon will, all while you marvel at one of the most photogenic mansions in Savannah. The stunning Atrium’s floor, designed with spectacular color – boasting rich reds, golds and greens, and based on an authentic Etruscan mosaic pattern published in 1825 – is well worth your time to explore.
Beyond the architecture, I really enjoyed looking at the exquisite ship models ranging from wooden sailing vessels to modern steamships. One standout is a model of the Titanic that repeatedly draws gasps for its craftsmanship and scale. Plus, all the detailed maritime instruments were fascinating to see upclose.
On the second floor of the museum, the colors of blue and white dot the walls in contemporary artist Rob Strati’s exhibit Beyond the Plate: Sea and Sky. His mixed-media work begins with fragments of broken blue-and-white porcelain plates. It continues with intricate line drawings that feature sailing vessels, seagulls, pelicans, strands of pearls, stars — all beautiful objects between heaven and earth.
Tip for saving money: If art galleries are your thing and you want to save some cash, check out my blog post about the free experience you can take advantage of at Savannah College of Art and Design’s Gutstein Gallery.
And, here’s another good tip! Parking can be challenging in Savannah, but the Ships of the Museum actually has its own dedicated parking lot that is free for the first 3 hours with your entry ticket. Simply scan the QR code, when you enter the museum, and it will automatically notify the parking management company, letting them know you’re a guest.
Walk Around Plant Riverside District Savannah
Looking for more rainy day activities? After the Maritime Museum, take a 7-minute walk on MLK Boulevard to historic River Street, and you’ll find a 4.5 acre development called the Plant Riverside District. It was developed by hotelier and entrepreneur, Richard Kessler and was originally a power plant called Riverside Station that provided electricity to Savannah for nearly a century. The property has since been redeveloped and reopened as shops and a hotel in 2020.
JW Marriott Plant Riverside Hotel Lobby
Inside Plant Riverside District, you can easily spend your first hour exploring the extraordinary lobby of the JW Marriott Plant Riverside Hotel. This isn’t a typical hotel lobby – it’s part natural-history museum, part art gallery, and part industrial time capsule. Today, many of its original features like its exposed brick walls, steel beams, and soaring ceilings, have been preserved, blending industrial history with modern luxury.
Towering geodes, sparkling gemstones, ancient fossils, and the famous chrome dinosaur suspended overhead create a jaw-dropping indoor experience. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, wandering through the Power Plant building feels like stepping into a curated world where science, art, and history mix together. There are even fossil exhibits embedded in the floor.
Shops and Cafes At Plant Riverside District Savannah
While you are exploring the vast historic space, take time and stop in to the jewelry and fine art store or Swarovski crystal store for a little glitz and glamour, maybe even a souvenir. Plus, the lively Turbine Market + Cafe is open in the lobby – grab a croissant and coffee or sandwich and tea on your way out. Pro-tip: If you want a more comprehensive list of my recommendations for other places to eat in Savannah, you can download my 3-day Ultimate Itinerary.
District Live Music and Entertainment
Next door, in District Live’s lobby and performance space – you’ll find the “That Great Gretsch Sound!” exhibit, a stunning tribute to over 135 years of Gretsch musical instrument history.
I had the honor of interviewing Dinah Gretsch for Pooler Magazine a while back and absolutely fell in love with Dinah and Fred’s story. This power couple has not only made history with their iconic musical instruments, but they partnered with Georgia Southern University to create this free display.
Inside, the free exhibit features more than 100 instruments, including iconic guitars like the White Falcon, the Chet Atkins Country Gentleman, a Brian Setzer signature G6120, and even a ’63 Jet Firebird once played by AC/DC’s Malcolm Young. There are also historic drums, a visual timeline that traces Gretsch’s evolution since the 1920s, and “sound domes”—interactive video installations where you can listen to stories about the brand’s legacy.
Along with a Chihuly chandelier hanging in this space, dozens of guitars hang dramatically from high up on the atrium walls, making for a visually powerful gallery. Below those, more display cases at eye-level let you get up close and read storyboards about each piece’s history and significance. For music lovers, guitar fans, or anyone who appreciates design and heritage, it’s a real hidden gem inside Plant Riverside.
Where to Eat? District Smokehouse Savannah
If you are getting hungry and you still want to avoid the rain, you can’t ask for a better place than two outside eateries between the JW Marriott Plant Riverside Hotel and Savannah River. District Smokehouse and District Seafood sit side-by-side, and the walkway to these outdoor restaurants is fully covered, so you won’t get wet as you depart the hotel lobby. Plus, both eateries have covered outdoor areas, so if it’s still drizzling, no worries at all!
You can people-watch and see the container ships glide down the Savannah River within 100 yards of where you sit. Plus, the Savannah River Queen and Georgia Queen are always ferrying by this area. If you’d rather eat lunch while seeing the entire River Street area, there is a two-hour narrated Harbor Luncheon Riverboat Cruise.
What to Do in Savannah on a Rainy Day? (The Sky’s The Limit!)
Even though the skies may turn gray, Savannah shines in its own unforgettable way. From maritime history and contemporary art to fossil-filled lobbies, legendary guitars, and cozy riverfront dining, a rainy day simply becomes an invitation to explore the city’s indoor treasures. In Savannah, even the rain has a way of making the city feel magical.
Disclaimer: This helpful post contains some affiliate links. This means that if you click on any of the links in this post (AND make a purchase), I may receive a small commission at absolutely no cost to you. As such, I thank you in advance should you decide to click and buy.
