Savannah, GA

Savannah is a historic coastal city in southeastern Georgia and serves as the seat of Chatham County. With an approximate population of 150,000, it is one of the oldest cities in the American South, founded in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe. The city is best known for its oak-shaded squares, moss-draped live oaks, restored antebellum architecture, and a walkable historic core that draws visitors year-round. Savannah also functions as a gateway to the Georgia Sea Islands and the state's Atlantic coastline, offering a rare blend of deep history and laid-back coastal living. It lies roughly 240 miles southeast of Atlanta, about a four-hour drive through the rolling Georgia piedmont, and sits about two hours south of Charleston, South Carolina.

At the heart of the city is the Savannah Historic District and Forsyth Park, a 30-acre green space anchored by a white cast-iron fountain installed in 1858. Framed by grand mansions and shaded by towering oaks, the park and surrounding blocks of restored townhouses are the visual signature of the city, and they sit within easy walking distance of most downtown lodging. Just south of downtown, the Wormsloe Historic Site preserves a colonial estate where a nearly mile-long avenue of live oaks leads visitors to the tabby ruins of the original 1739 home, offering one of the most photographed approaches in the region.

About 20 minutes east of the city center, Tybee Island marks the northern end of the Georgia coast. A small barrier community with five miles of public beach, a 19th-century lighthouse, and a relaxed seafood-and-sand character, it is a frequent day trip for Savannah visitors and a natural complement to the city's historic appeal. Closer to town, Fort Pulaski National Monument lies between Savannah and Tybee on Cockspur Island, where Union forces demonstrated the power of rifled artillery during the Civil War. The well-preserved brick fortification, surrounding marshlands, and short trails make it a popular half-day stop about a 20-minute drive from downtown.

Northwest of the city, Skidaway Island State Park offers a quieter nature experience with maritime forest, salt marsh boardwalks, and a chance to spot wading birds, all within roughly 25 minutes of the Historic District. For a different kind of cultural pull, Bonaventure Cemetery on the city's east side has become a destination in its own right, known for its Victorian statuary, massive oaks, and views across the Wilmington River.

For short-term rental operators, Savannah pairs year-round tourism drivers with a compact geography that makes almost every attraction a short drive away. Historic weddings, weekend escapes from Atlanta and Charleston, beach extensions to Tybee, and a steady calendar of festivals and conventions give the market consistent demand, while the city's preserved architecture and canopy of oaks provide a setting that visitors consistently return to.