September in Savannah: The Perfect Time to Slow Down

September is really two different experiences. Labor Day weekend feels like the grand finale of summer, with hot days and plenty of activity throughout the city. After the holiday, Savannah begins to settle into a slower rhythm and that’s why it’s one of our favorite times to be there.

The weather is still plenty warm enough for outdoor dining, rooftop cocktails (best rooftop bars in Savannah here), and a day at Tybee Island, but you’ll likely find yourself lingering outside longer than you would have in August. If you can be flexible with your schedule, early mornings and evenings are especially pleasant for walking tours, sightseeing, or simply wandering wherever the paths and your desires lead you.

One of our favorite things about being in Savannah this time of year is that you don’t have to rush. Take your time browsing the shops on Broughton Street, spend an extra few minutes on a shady bench in a square, or enjoy another cup of coffee before heading to your next stop. Savannah has always been a city best enjoyed at a slower pace, and September is the perfect month to do just that.

One of the best things about visiting Savannah in September is that you can spend more time outside. Early in the month you’ll still want to take breaks from the heat, but mornings and evenings become increasingly comfortable as the month goes on. It’s the perfect excuse to slow your pace and enjoy the city the way it was meant to be experienced.

Take a stroll beneath the moss-draped live oaks in Savannah’s historic squares, spend some time at Forsyth Park, or explore one of the city’s beautiful historic cemeteries like Bonaventure (a must do on our list of fun things to do in Savannah). If you’re up early, you’ll often have many of these iconic spots almost to yourself, making it an ideal time for photography or simply soaking in Savannah’s unmistakable charm.

One thing we love about Savannah is that there’s no need for a checklist. Sometimes the best plan is no plan at all. Wander a side street that catches your eye, duck into a neighborhood coffee shop, or grab a bench in one of the city’s 22 historic squares and just watch the world go by.

Even though September is beginning to hint at fall, don’t underestimate the afternoon sun, especially during the first half of the month. If the temperatures start climbing, (and they will) it’s the perfect time to step inside and explore some of Savannah’s incredible museums and historic homes. Fortunately, there are plenty to choose from, and yes, they’re all air conditioned!

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• Owens-Thomas House
• Andrew Low House
• Mercer Williams House Museum
• Green Meldrim House
• Harper Fowlkes House
• Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home
• Davenport House
• Ships of the Seas Maritime Museum
• SCAD Museum of Art
• Telfair Academy
• Jepson Center
• American Prohibition Museum
• Savannah Pirates Museum

One of our favorite ways to spend an afternoon in Savannah is simply wandering in and out of the locally owned shops. Whether you’re looking for home décor, books, gourmet treats, or a one-of-a-kind souvenir, you’ll find plenty to tempt you. September’s slightly slower pace makes it even easier to browse without feeling rushed.

Window shopping and browsing is just one of the many free (or nearly free) things to do in Savannah. You may be surprised that this is such a long list!

No trip to Savannah is complete without a stop at Paris Market on Broughton Street, so it always tops our list. But don’t stop there. The city is full of locally owned shops, and you never know what hidden treasure you might discover around the next corner.

This is a great month to slow down and enjoy Savannah’s restaurant scene without feeling rushed. Whether you’re grabbing a casual bite between shops or museums or settling in for a longer, sit-down meal, this is the perfect time to linger a little over lunch.

Savannah has no shortage of great options, from longtime favorites to newer spots worth discovering. A long lunch also gives you a break in the middle of the day before heading back out to explore more of the city.

• Leopold’s for ice cream
• Ardsley Station
• Screamin’ Mimi’s Pizza
• Crystal Beer Parlor
• B. Matthews Eatery
• Collins Quarter (two locations)
• Bull Street Tacos
• The Wyld (out of the historic district but worth the drive)

As the summer heat starts to let up, this month is one of the best times to enjoy Savannah after sunset. The streets are a little quieter, the evenings are more comfortable, and the city seems to slow down just enough to invite you to linger.

Take a stroll along River Street with an ice cream (or a cold cocktail), listen to live music drifting from an open-air patio, or sip a beer overlooking the Savannah River as cargo ships glide past. If you’re in the mood for something a little different, join one of Savannah’s famous ghost tours. Even if you’re not convinced the city is haunted, the history alone makes for an interesting evening. If that intrigues you be sure to check out Savannah’s Most Haunted Hotels before booking your trip.

Looking for a more laid-back night? Grab dinner in the funky Starland District, catch the sunset from Eastern Wharf, or simply wander through the squares after dark when they’re beautifully lit and peaceful.

Sometimes the best way to experience Savannah isn’t by checking attractions off a list. It’s by slowing down, staying out a little later, and soaking up that unique atmosphere.

Travel has the power to do more than create memories. It can also leave a place a little better than you found it.

If you’re planning a September visit to coastal Georgia, consider setting aside a few hours to volunteer while you’re here. Whether it’s helping restore our marshes, protecting wildlife, or supporting a local nonprofit, even a small contribution can make a meaningful difference.

We’ve put together a guide to voluntourism in coastal Georgia with ideas to help you match your interests with organizations doing great work. It’s an easy way to experience the coast from a different perspective while giving back to the communities that make this place so special.

About 45 minutes south of Savannah, Darien is one of those places that practically forces you to slow down. Stroll along the waterfront, enjoy fresh local seafood (shrimp is king here), and soak in the small town charm that keeps visitors coming back. If you have time, take the scenic drive down U.S. Highway 17 instead of the interstate. It’s a beautiful way to experience the Georgia coast.

Planning to stay overnight in Darien? We recommend Oaks on the River for a relaxing getaway, or Emma’s Driftwood Farm if you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path.

Either of these spots are excellent event venues that we can personally recommend. In fact, this article thoroughly explores all of the details of Oaks on the River for events.

Continue south and you’ll arrive in Brunswick, where one of us (Sara) proudly calls home. While many travelers pass through on their way to the islands, Brunswick is well worth exploring in its own right.

Spend some time wandering the historic downtown, enjoy the waterfront, and discover a growing collection of locally owned restaurants, breweries, and bars and shops. If you’re staying overnight, the Kress Hotel is a favorite right in the heart of downtown.

St. Simons Island is home for me (Pam), so naturally I never miss an opportunity to recommend spending a day or two here. Whether you’re looking for beautiful beaches, boutique shopping, great restaurants, golf, or simply a slower pace, St. Simons has something for everyone.

If you’re planning a visit and want ideas beyond the usual tourist stops, browse our St. Simons guides or send me a message on Instagram. I’m always happy to point you toward a few local favorites.

Just a few miles farther south, Jekyll Island offers a different kind of coastal experience. It’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature, whether you’re riding bikes under the live oaks, exploring miles of uncrowded beaches, or learning about the island’s conservation efforts.

If you only have time for one stop, make it Driftwood Beach. It’s one of the most photographed spots on the Georgia coast for good reason, and every visit is a little different depending on the tides and time of year.