Ultimate 2-Day Savannah, Georgia Getaway: Walk in Forrest Gump’s Footsteps & Southern Charm

Introduction

Savannah, Georgia, is one of America’s most charming cities — cobblestone streets, moss-draped oaks, and historic squares create a cinematic atmosphere that’s perfect for a weekend getaway. It’s also forever tied to Forrest Gump, thanks to its starring role as the backdrop where Forrest shared his story.

This trip is ideal for movie buffs, couples, and travelers looking for a blend of Hollywood magic and Southern charm. Across two days, you’ll see iconic filming locations, explore Savannah’s rich history, and soak up coastal vibes at nearby Tybee Island.

How to Get to Savannah

The easiest way to reach Savannah is by flying into Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV).

• ✈️ Direct flights are available from major hubs like Atlanta, Charlotte, New York, Dallas, and Chicago.
  👉 Search Flights to Savannah on Expedia
  
  

• 🚕 The airport is just 20 minutes from downtown by car, Uber/Lyft, or taxi.
  
  

• 🚗 Driving option: Savannah sits along I-95, making it easy to reach by car from Florida, South Carolina, or Georgia’s inland cities.
  👉 Compare Car Rentals in Savannah on Expedia
  
  

Where to Stay in Savannah, Georgia

1. The Marshall House (Upscale Boutique)

📍 123 E Broughton St, Savannah, GA
✅ Historic hotel, free breakfast, prime location in Historic District
👉 Check Rates & Book The Marshall House on Expedia

2. Hyatt Regency Savannah (Upscale Riverfront)

📍 2 W Bay St, Savannah, GA
✅ Riverfront views, pool, walkable to River Street
👉 See Prices for Hyatt Regency Savannah on Expedia

3. The Thunderbird Inn (Budget Retro Stay)

📍 611 W Oglethorpe Ave, Savannah, GA
✅ Funky retro vibe, affordable, free popcorn & MoonPies
👉 Book The Thunderbird Inn on Expedia

4. VRBO: Historic District Cottage

📍 Savannah Historic District
✅ Cozy private rental, walkable to squares & dining
👉 View This Savannah Historic Cottage on VRBO

Day 1: Movie Magic & Historic Streets

Morning: Forrest’s Famous Bench & Savannah’s Squares

Chippewa Square
📍 Bull St. & McDonough St., Savannah, GA
🔗 VisitSavannah – Chippewa Square Info
⏳ Suggested Time: 1 hour 💲 Free
Description: Start where it all began — Forrest’s famous storytelling bench (now preserved at the Savannah History Museum) sat here. Explore Chippewa Square, snap photos, and wander Savannah’s moss-draped historic district.

Lunch: Classic Southern Dining

Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room
📍 107 W Jones St, Savannah, GA
🔗 mrswilkes.com 📞 (912) 232-5997
⏰ Hours: 11am–2pm 💲 $$
Description: A Savannah institution serving Southern staples family-style. Expect fried chicken, collard greens, biscuits, and banana pudding — a true taste of the South.

Afternoon: History & Cinematic Backdrops

Savannah History Museum
📍 303 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GA
🔗 chsgeorgia.org/savannah-history-museum 📞 (912) 651-6825
⏳ Suggested Time: 1.5 hours 💲 Admission: $10
Description: Discover Savannah’s rich past and visit the original Forrest Gump bench on display inside the museum.

Wormsloe Historic Site
📍 7601 Skidaway Rd, Savannah, GA
🔗 gastateparks.org/Wormsloe 📞 (912) 353-3023
⏳ Suggested Time: 1.5–2 hours 💲 Admission: $10
Description: Stroll through a breathtaking mile-long avenue lined with live oaks and Spanish moss, famously featured in Forrest Gump.

Dinner: Lowcountry Seafood

The Crab Shack
📍 40 Estill Hammock Rd, Tybee Island, GA
🔗 thecrabshack.com 📞 (912) 786-9857
⏰ Hours: 12pm–9pm 💲 $$
Description: End the evening with a casual seafood boil overlooking the marsh. A Savannah classic: “Where the elite eat in their bare feet.”

Day 2: Riverfront Strolls & Coastal Charm

Morning: Riverfront Exploration

River Street & Savannah Waterfront
📍 River St., Savannah, GA
🔗 VisitSavannah – River Street
⏳ Suggested Time: 2 hours 💲 Free (shopping/dining extra)
Description: Walk Savannah’s historic cobblestone waterfront. Browse boutiques, grab pralines at River Street Sweets, and soak in the city’s easygoing pace.

Lunch: Brunch & Coffee Break

The Collins Quarter
📍 151 Bull St, Savannah, GA
🔗 thecollinsquarter.com 📞 (912) 777-4147
⏰ Hours: 8am–3pm 💲 $$
Description: A stylish café serving Southern-inspired brunch with Aussie coffee culture. Try the brioche French toast or shakshuka.

Afternoon: Tybee Island Escape

Tybee Island Beach & Lighthouse
📍 30 Meddin Dr, Tybee Island, GA
🔗 tybeelighthouse.org 📞 (912) 786-5801
⏳ Suggested Time: 3 hours 💲 $10 for lighthouse admission
Description: Just 30 minutes from Savannah, unwind on Tybee Island’s sandy beaches. Visit Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse for panoramic coastal views.
👉 Browse Tybee Island Vacation Rentals on VRBO

Dinner: A Stylish Finale

The Grey
📍 109 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GA
🔗 thegreyrestaurant.com 📞 (912) 662-5999
⏰ Hours: 5pm–10pm 💲 $$$
Description: Dine in a restored 1938 Greyhound station. Chef Mashama Bailey serves elevated Southern cuisine in one of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants.

Final Thoughts

Savannah is more than a backdrop for Forrest Gump — it’s a city where cinematic history, southern hospitality, and coastal escapes come together. From Chippewa Square to Wormsloe’s iconic oak avenue and the sandy shores of Tybee, this weekend delivers a mix of nostalgia, romance, and adventure.

👉 Plan your Savannah getaway today:

• Book Flights & Hotels on Expedia
  
  

• Find Savannah Vacation Rentals on VRBO
  
  

• Reserve a Car Rental on Expedia
  
  

Life may be like a box of chocolates, but this trip is guaranteed to be sweet.