There is no shortage of romantic things to do in Savannah GA. Kevin and I first visited Savannah back in 2013 — and we knew immediately that we’d return some day. But who could imagine back then that it would include twin babies in tow? Um, certainly not me! When planning our cross country road trip to Florida for the holidays to see our family, we were shocked to see just how close Savannah is to Florida. In fact, it’s only a 2 hour drive from Jacksonville, Florida, where my sister lives.

That’s when Kevin suggested a mini-stopover in Savannah. After all, we could self isolate a few days before seeing our family during these COVID times. Plus, let’s face it, we now had an excuse to go back to Savannah (win win!). The city remains as picturesque as we remembered. In fact, very little has changed (that we can remember) from that first trip back in 2013. We were especially excited to see our favorite coffee shop, Gallery Espresso, open and as comfy as ever.

Check out our recommendations of the most romantic things you can do in Savannah, the oldest city in Georgia.

A Romantic Home: Where To Stay in Savannah GA?

Before we get into our top picks of romantic things to do, we thought we’d highlight our Airbnb. There is no shortage of accommodation options in Savannah — from romantic inns to bed and breakfasts and even hotel chains. For this trip, we booked this 1860’s Savannah Victorian Home, an Airbnb priced at $250 a night. It was truly one of the best spots we stayed on our entire cross country trip. If you’re traveling as a family, this could be the perfect option. Everyone had space and we were mere steps from the heart of historic Savannah.

Romantic Things To Do In Savannah GA: Our Top 5 Picks

5. Retrace The Steps of the Classic Novel, Midnight in the Garden of Good And Evil

Genteel society ladies comparing notes on their husbands’ suicides. A foul-mouthed drag queen. A voodoo priestess and a reclusive inventor who has enough poison to kill everyone in the city. John Berendt’s novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil captures the wildly eccentric characters you could only find in Savannah. In fact, I love this book so much that I actually started reading it again right before this trip to refresh my memory.

If you are a reader, we suggest that you and your partner pick up the book (or at least rent the movie) and visit the many sites that still remain today. First stop, Clary’s Cafe, where many of the characters swapped stories and the latest gossip. Be sure to head towards the back of the restaurant where you’ll find production shots from the film’s shooting and a stained glass window featuring the statue from the book’s iconic cover.

Besides seeing the location from the book, you’ll also find a tasty breakfast. We suggest ordering the hash, grits and biscuits (and maybe sharing it since it’s a lot of food!).

From here, you’re just steps away from the Mercer House, where Jim Williams shot and killed Danny Hansford. You should also continue along south to see Forsyth Park and snap a photo in front of the 33-acre park’s impressive three-tiered, cast-iron fountain, which served as a backdrop in the film.

4. Stroll Through History at Bonaventure Cemetery

No Savannah trip is complete without visiting its most famous cemetery, voted one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. But a cemetery as a romantic stop? Believe me, it sounds crazy but it actually makes a very romantic activity. If it sounds familiar, the cemetery was featured prominently in the novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

The cemetery is over 100 acres, marking some of Savannah’s most prominent residents including the gravestone of Johnny Mercer, a popular lyricist of the Great American Songbook era (writing Moon River). We suggest following along the audio tour, made available by the Bonaventure Historical Society. It includes 31 stops, which aren’t EXACTLY the easiest to follow. But it at least gives you an activity to figure out as a couple. My favorite fact from the tour? Some graves had bells outside — an invention to ease people’s fear of being buried alive. A string was attached to the bell and the person in the coffin, inspiring the phrase “dead ringer,” “saved by the bell” and possibly others. Who says you don’t learn something new every day?

3. Tour the Prohibition Museum

Maybe a little sauce will help get the romantic juices flowing? Actually, there is a bar halfway through the museum where they’ll make you a cocktail. Though, we weren’t feeling it at 10 AM! Why stop here? Well, it’s the first and only museum in the United States dedicated to the history of Prohibition. And guess what? It’s a lot of fun. We weren’t expecting to actually enjoy this stop as much as we did — and spent about 3 hours wandering the exhibits. The place is huge!

There were so many interesting things we learned here. But probably the most fascinating of all? The Walgreens pharmacy once sold “medicinal whisky” during prohibition — and shocker to nobody, business boomed. It become one of the most popular and fastest growing pharmacies of all time. Think of that whenever you walk by one — pretty much on every corner in Los Angeles.

2. Take an Evening Ghost Tour

Did you know Savannah is considered the most haunted city in America? We certainly didn’t. We joined Blue Orb tours for their 10 PM ghost tour through Savannah. “10 PM!?” Kevin said shockingly. “We’ve been in bed by this time most nights!” Yep, this would be a late night. But it was so much fun hearing the tales, and cuddling up closer. Okay, it was freezing that night, so maybe that’s why Kevin was being so loving.

Designed with adults and fans of the paranormal in mind, this adults-only walking tour focuses on the haunted history of Savannah. Some of the tales are gory and truly terrifying. But you’ll also get a chance to hear about the general history of Savannah and ask just about any question you want (okay, maybe that was just us! We definitely dominated on the question front during this tour). It makes the perfect COVID activity — being all outdoors, and a small group. Winter activity? Well, maybe not as much. It suddenly dropped into the 40’s that night after a warm and balmy week. Clearly, the ghosts wanted us to suffer. Tickets can be purchased directly from Blue Orb Tours. Cost: $30 for the zombie tour and $25 for the Savannah Shadows Tour.

1. Our #1 Pick of Romantic Things to Do in Savannah GA, Dinner at Old Pink House

Located in the heart of historic Savannah, The Olde Pink House is Savannah’s only 18th century mansion and one of the most romantic spots you can find anywhere. Advanced reservations are required and we recommend checking out the restaurant to scope out the best table. This is a massive mansion, with each room having a completely different vibe. We ended up dining upstairs in a room that had just one other table occupied and a roaring fireplace to set the romantic mood.

You’ll find all kinds of southern fare — but our top picks were the fried green tomatoes (because clearly that’s a thing), the fried chicken (noticing a theme?) and the “southern sushi” (not so much sushi, but shrimp and grits rolled in a nori wrap). We had such a lovely evening here — and sampling many of their wines. This is a special occasion restaurant at its best. In fact, we wished we were celebrating something besides just a night out. When our waitress asked if we were celebrating anything, I almost said “surviving the cross country trip!” But I figured that might be too much. Before you head out, go downstairs to see the piano bar and the super romantic wine vault seating.

It’s a little spooky (especially with Kevin wearing a mask!) but incredibly unique.

Looking for other itineraries to plan out your next vacation? Check out our full section dedicated to our road trip adventures. Thinking about visiting Florida since you’re so close? We recommend reading all of our Florida coverage, including our top picks of things to do in St. Augustine for families.