Savannah

Savannah, a coastal Georgia city, is separated from South Carolina by the Savannah River. It’s known for its manicured parks, horse-drawn carriages, and antebellum architecture. Its historic district is filled with cobblestoned squares and parks, such as Forsyth Park, shaded by oak trees covered with Spanish moss. At the center of this picturesque district is the landmark Gothic-Revival Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist.

Savannah is similar to Charleston, South Carolina, with its Spanish moss, Southern accents, and spooky graveyards. However, this city, some 100 miles to the south, has a quirky side. Savannah College of Art and Design students mingle with ghost hunters and preservationists, and Southern eateries coexist alongside trendy cafés and renovated theaters on city blocks. The eccentric characters in "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" say it all. Yes, quirkiness is the name of the game, but if that isn't your "box of chocolates," as Tom Hanks memorably stated in the Savannah-shot "Forrest Gump," perhaps history or nightlife are.

Savannah's antebellum past leaks from practically every corner—it's home to one of North America's oldest black churches, and Fort Pulaski served as a safe haven for enslaved people seeking freedom. Whether you're in town to immerse yourself in history, see the sites, enjoy the delicious Southern food, or spend a few hours bar-hopping, Savannah knows how to entertain tourists.

Best Hotels in Savannah:

• Perry Lane Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Savannah
• JW Marriott Savannah Plant, Riverside District
• The Mansion at Forsyth Park, Autograph Collection

The Best Things to Do in Savannah:

• Forsyth Park
• History Tours
• Savannah City Market

Rankings:

• 1 in Best Relaxing Getaways in the USA
• 1 in Best Places to Visit in Georgia
• 1 in Best Cheap Romantic Getaways
  

Rating:

• 14 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South