If your group chat has been going back and forth between Charleston and Savannah for your next girls’ trip, here’s my take as someone who has visited both cities. Skip Charleston’s crowds, expensive prices, and long lines to get into rooftop bars and come here instead.
In this post, I’m breaking down exactly why Savannah beats Charleston for a girls’ trip, from the walkable historic squares and affordable accommodations to our vibrant food scene and cultural activities to keep you happy.
Savannah is hands down one of the best destinations for a girlfriend trip in the country, and since I live here and am a travel expert, I want to tell you exactly why.
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It’s Walkable, Which Means You’re Actually Together
The number one thing that makes or breaks a girlfriends’ trip is logistics. Nobody wants to spend their precious few days together arguing about an Uber or splitting up because half the group wants to drive and half wants to walk.
Savannah’s historic district solves that problem before your trip even begins. With charming cobblestone streets and 22 beautiful squares that are nearly 300 years old, you’ll find hotels, restaurants, shops, and dessert stops all within a few easy blocks. You can spend the entire day exploring on foot, and our centuries-old live oaks provide a canopy from the heat. This means less time coordinating rides and parking, and more time laughing, shopping, and making memories together.
I like to stay in hotels that are closest to the action. Here are a few of my favorites that I refer my best girlfriends to all the time:
- Thompson Savannah by Hyatt
- JW Marriott Plant Riverside District
- Perry Lane Hotel
- Homewood Suites Savannah Historic District/Riverfront
- The Alida
If you want additional information about where your group should stay, I share more of my favorite hotels in my Where to Stay in Savannah guide for Women over 40. For a girlfriends’ getaway, I almost always recommend the Historic District or the Plant Riverside District. The goal is simple: everyone walks out the front door and straight into the fun, not into a rental car.
In my opinion, Charleston is more like a big city. Savannah has the feel of a small town.
Want to see how a full day flows once you’re here? My One Day in Savannah: A Local’s Perfect Itinerary walks you through the squares, the river, and the best stops from morning coffee to sunset cocktails.
The Savannah Food Scene Gives Everyone Something to Love
Here’s the thing about traveling with a group of women: someone wants oysters, someone wants pasta, someone’s doing a modified keto thing, and someone just wants a really good cocktail. Savannah’s food scene has quietly become one of the most exciting in the South, and it has enough range to make every single person in your group happy.
As of late, here are some of my personal favorites:
Fine Dining / Upscale
- 17hundred90 — Savannah’s oldest inn and restaurant, dating to 1790. Historic dining rooms, live piano music, and a menu of she-crab stew, escargot, and generous steaks and seafood. A classic date-night pick.
- Elizabeth’s on 37th — Located in a historic mansion, Elizabeth’s on 37th has offered fine dining for over four decades with refined coastal cuisine and Southern hospitality.
- The Pink House — A landmark 18th-century pink mansion on Reynolds Square. Southern classics like shrimp and grits and fried green tomatoes, plus a moody cellar tavern (Planters Tavern) with live piano.
- The Grey — Chef Mashama Bailey’s acclaimed restaurant inside a beautifully restored 1938 Art Deco Greyhound bus depot. I went recently, and for me, the atmosphere and environment were better than the food. It may have been an off night for the kitchen.
- Noble Fare — a favorite; feels very local
- Alligator Soul — great fine dining option
- Husk — good for something nice and regional
- Garibaldi — Italian/seafood
Mid-Priced & Casual
- Crystal Beer Parlor — an institution, hard to rate on food alone. Amazing pretzel, vast beer selection, always a good time. Perfect for a solo woman because you’ll be comfortable at the bar.
- Chive — Beautiful spot, fabulous menu and drinks. One of my faves!
- B. Matthews — Fabulous service, fresh menu, terrific prices, especially for the lunch/brunch menu.
- Poe’s — A literary-themed tavern near the river with half-pound in-house burgers, fish tacos, and a solid craft beer list. Casual, dog-friendly patio.
- Cohen’s Retreat — A historic five-acre estate 20 minutes south of downtown, blending a seasonally changing Southern restaurant, an artisan market, and cottage rentals. Locally sourced, casually classy, known for its shrimp and grits.
- Rancho Alegre — A longtime local favorite for authentic Cuban and Caribbean food, with live Latin jazz on weekend nights. Known for empanadas, ropa vieja, and strong mojitos.
- Hitch — A vibrant, beach-shack-meets-Southern spot from the Treylor Park team, known for creative dishes like the French dip pizza and endless brunch mimosas.
- FraLi Gourmet — A tiny, family-run Italian artisan kitchen with fresh handmade pastas, ravioli, and gnocchi, plus imported meats and cheeses sold in its attached mini market.
- Little Duck Diner — free rubber duck with every mimosa
- Six Pence — good Shepherd’s Pie, though reports are mixed on repeat visits
- Ardsley Station — mixed reports on repeat visits, still worth trying
- Bella Napoli — A beloved, no-reservations Italian bistro known for old-school New York-style Italian cooking, veal saltimbocca, and homemade pizza crust. Small and popular, so expect a wait.
- Flock to the Wok — A stylish Asian spot near City Market with a striking brass birdcage dining room, known for General Tso’s chicken, dumplings, and a moody downstairs Peacock Lounge for late-night drinks.
Really Casual (Beer, Pizza, Burgers)
- Vinnie Van GoGo’s — A Savannah staple in a Civil War-era City Market building, serving thin-crust New York/Neapolitan-style pizza by the slice or pie. Cash-forward, no-frills, always busy.
- Hop Atomica — A brewery, distillery, and wood-fired pizza spot in a mid-century modern space in the midtown/Baldwin Park neighborhood, with an in-house art gallery.
- Mint to be Mojitos — Known for their empanadas. And, ask the bartender for the code to their Speakeasy, La Aparicion Speakeasy Lounge. Ian Phillips is the bartender and he’s hands-down one of the best in Savannah.
Brunch & Lunch
- Common — $15 bottomless mimosas, creative menu, great vibe. Elevated Southern brunch spot known for oysters and house-made pastas.
- Public Kitchen — practically set the bar too high for everywhere else
- Collins Quarter (Forsyth Park location) — a favorite for women of all ages
- Bread and Butter Restaurant (inside Auspicious Bakery) — A waterside Whitemarsh Island café from Savannah’s beloved Auspicious Baking Co., known for croissants and alfresco French toast.
- Clary’s — A true local landmark for corned-beef hash, crab cake Benedict, and old-fashioned Southern diner charm. Expect a line.
- J. Christopher — A friendly, no-frills breakfast and lunch chain favorite, known for Eggs Christopher (a Southern take on eggs Benedict) and blueberry crunchcakes.
If my insider Savannah tips are speaking to you, let’s stay in touch. Sign up here for my free Smart Woman’s Travel Guide plus my travel newsletter, and you’ll be the first to see every new guide I share.
Sunset, Cocktails, No Wait: Savannah’s Rooftop Scene
If there is one activity that belongs on every girlfriends’ itinerary in Savannah, it’s a rooftop bar at sunset. Preferably with a round of something cold and a view of the river. Charleston has loooooooong waits, but not here!
I’ve done the research here so you don’t have to guess. My full breakdown of the five best rooftop bars in Savannah covers all my favorites, but for a girls’ trip specifically, Myrtle and Rose in the Plant Riverside District is my top pick. It’s romantic, it’s a little whimsical, and it photographs beautifully, which matters more than we like to admit when you’re trying to get one good group shot. Peregrin at Perry Lane is my choice if your group wants that “we made it” luxury moment, and Bar Julian at Thompson Savannah is unbeatable if anyone in your crew cares about the view more than the drink list.
My advice: don’t try to hit all five in one trip. Pick two, settle in, and let the evening stretch out. And, I do have a couple of suggestions that I never let my girls leave home without: a fast-charging power bank so you won’t miss out on the excellent group photos at our rooftop bars. And a stylish crossbody bag so you can wander from boutique to rooftop hands-free, with your essentials close and your mind on the fun.
Rain in the forecast? Don’t let it worry you. Savannah shines indoors too, and my guide on what to do in Savannah on a rainy day keeps your girls’ trip on track no matter the weather.
If you want to ensure you pack the right things for Savannah, I have an awesome What to Pack for Savannah and Tybee Island: A Woman’s Travel Gear Guide. It takes the guesswork out of packing so you can focus on fun, not frustration. From chic yet comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets to beach-day essentials and heat-proof must-haves, this curated guide helps you travel smarter, lighter, and more stylishly.
Shopping: Boutiques, Baubles and Beautiful Things
A girlfriends’ trip gives us a great excuse for some retail therapy. Grab a water, wander from square to square, pop into boutique after boutique on Broughton Street and beyond, and let the afternoon happen instead of scheduling it to the minute. The city is small enough that your group can split off for an hour or two and easily find each other again for dinner.
Because of Savannah College of Art and Design’s influence on our city, you’ll find one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry, clothing, and art from SCAD’s own students and alumni. This differentiates us from Charleston, as we all support the next wave of design talent.
Clothing & Accessories
- Emily McCarthy – Local designer Emily McCarthy’s flagship shoppe, tucked near the Starland District. Known for her signature colorful prints across clothing, stationery, and home goods. It’s a joyful, Savannah-grown brand, and you can book a styling session with her in-house stylist if your group wants the full experience.
- BAZAAR by shopSCAD – Carries atelier-made ready-to-wear clothing and accessories, bench-crafted jewelry, ceramics, and objets d’art, all created by SCAD students and alumni. Expect a rotating mix of limited-run pieces plus works from name-brand alumni like Christopher John Rogers, alongside trunk shows and designer appearances throughout the year.
- Hannah e – A high-end lifestyle boutique in the Design District on Whitaker Street, known for elevated women’s apparel, shoes, and jewelry with a personal touch. The staff are known for going out of their way to make visitors feel like locals, right down to handing out restaurant recommendations.
- The Annex – One Fish Two Fish’s sister store, right across the street on Whitaker. Where One Fish Two Fish leans home and gifts, The Annex is all resort-ready clothing, dresses, and accessories, housed in a former art-deco gas station.
- Anthropologie – The reliable, beautifully merchandised national favorite, right in the mix on Broughton Street.
- Marmalade – The vibe is fun, contemporary, multi-brand fashion. Think ready-to-wear, denim, and elevated everyday essentials from emerging and cult designers, all curated for women of all ages.
- Harper – Modern, feminine selections with versatile staples and standout pieces, perfect for everyday wear or travel outfits.
- Morgan Rae Boutique – Highly rated Broughton Street boutique with a broad range of stylish options that appeal across age groups.
- Red Clover Boutique – Southern-chic boutique with fashion that works well for brunch, evenings out, or vacations.
- Copper Penny – Stylish and curated clothing and accessories on Broughton Street, great for refined everyday looks.
- Terra Cotta – Elevated boutique with wardrobe pieces and jewelry that feel polished and mature.
- Brown Dog Market – It’s a 15-minute drive, but so worth it. Inside Cohen’s Retreat. Curated selection of art, jewelry, home decor, accessories, and small-batch food items. Unique, one-of-a-kind gifts. Insider’s Tip: Have lunch at Cohen’s Retreat and shop after.
- The Horseshoe Crab – Unique accessories, linens, gifts, all set in a coastal-themed store. A Savannah favorite!
- Candler Hospital Gift Shop – I know, I know! Weird, right? But this is one of my FAVORITE places to shop in Savannah, GA and a well-loved local secret. It’s surprisingly a well-curated boutique-style shop that carries women’s clothing, shoes, home goods, and a large selection of gift items, all at reasonable prices. Unique gifts.
Interiors and Women’s Accessories
- Nested Fig – A home and garden lifestyle boutique on Abercorn Street with designer furniture, decor, and gifts at accessible prices. Great for a browse-and-buy stop if someone in your group is redoing a room back home.
- ShopSCAD – Run by the Savannah College of Art and Design, this shop features original art, jewelry, and design pieces made by current students and alumni. Every purchase supports a working artist, and you genuinely can’t find these pieces anywhere else.
- One Fish Two Fish – A Whitaker Street favorite for home accessories, jewelry, and art, alongside its sister clothing shop, The Annex, right across the street.
- Leah Bailey Interiors – A lifestyle boutique from a 20-plus-year Savannah interior designer, mixing designer furniture and European antiques with apparel, jewelry, and handbags. Feels more like touring a beautifully styled home than a store.
- Britt’s Funky Stitch – A local maker known for hand-embroidered linens and apparel plus custom gemstone and freshwater pearl charm necklaces with a full charm bar. A fun, personal souvenir stop, especially if you want something monogrammed or made on the spot.
- Proper English – A home decor and curated design shop. Think fine furnishings, custom faux floral arrangements, local art, and gifts, all styled like a real home rather than a showroom.
- Madison & Fifth – A luxury resale boutique tucked into a beautiful 412B Whitaker Street storefront. It’s the kind of place you stumble on mid-stroll and end up staying an hour, with racks of authenticated Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Gucci, and Prada, every piece verified and backed by a money-back guarantee.
Before You Go: A Smart Packing Tip from a Local
Here’s something I tell every girlfriend group heading my way. When you’re bouncing from boutiques to rooftops to dinner, the last thing you want is to be fussing over your wallet or worrying about your cards in a crowd.
I’ve never found pickpocketing to be a problem in Savannah, but I still never travel without my Boxiki money belt. It tucks discreetly under your top at the waist, has a soft moisture-wicking mesh back, and an adjustable, reinforced strap that stays snug without digging in. No itching, no sweating, just easy peace of mind while you focus on your people.
Use code JENNY15 for 15% off any Boxiki product.
The Bottom Line: Savannah vs. Charleston for a Girl’s Trip
Savannah gives girlfriends’ trips something that a lot of destinations can’t: a genuine sense of ease. The city does the heavy lifting. You just have to show up, bring good company, and let a few days of squares, rooftops, and Southern hospitality do what they do best.
If you’re starting to plan, begin with where you’ll stay and work outward from there. And when you’re ready to map out the days themselves, I’ve done that part for you too. My Savannah 3-Day Ultimate Itinerary hands you the restaurants, the rooftops, the hidden gems, and the walking routes, all mapped out so your group can skip the research and get straight to the fun. You can get your copy right here.
And if your group decides you’d rather have the details handled for you, from hotel blocks to dinner reservations, that’s exactly the kind of trip I love helping women plan. Just reach out, and let’s make it happen.
If you love all my insider secrets to Savannah, GA, sign up here and get my freebie and subscribe to my travel newsletter so you’ll never miss my upcoming blogs.
