Savannah Historic District & Tybee Island

About

Savannah's Historic District and nearby Tybee Island combine two of Georgia's most beloved experiences into one remarkable trip. The Historic District draws visitors into a world of moss-draped oaks, elegant architecture, and 22 original squares laid out in the 1730s. Each square is its own pocket park, surrounded by historic homes, churches, and monuments that tell the story of one of America's oldest planned cities.

A walk through the district reveals layers of history at every turn. Forsyth Park anchors the southern end with its iconic fountain, walking paths, and shaded benches. Along River Street, restored cotton warehouses now house restaurants, shops, and galleries overlooking the Savannah River. The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, with its stunning stained glass, and the Mercer Williams House, made famous by "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," are just two of dozens of architectural treasures worth visiting.

About 20 minutes east, Tybee Island offers a completely different pace. This laid-back beach community has been Savannah's coastal playground for generations. The island stretches just three miles long, making it easy to explore. Tybee's wide beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and watching dolphins play offshore. The Tybee Island Light Station, one of the tallest and oldest lighthouses in the country, provides sweeping views of the coastline.

Between the two destinations, visitors can fill days with everything from museum tours and ghost walks in the Historic District to kayaking through salt marshes near Tybee. The food scene ties it all together. Savannah's restaurants serve up Low Country classics like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and fried green tomatoes, while Tybee's casual seafood spots dish out fresh catches right off the boat.

Spring and fall bring the most comfortable weather, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is peak beach season but can be hot and humid. Winter stays mild compared to much of the country, making it a solid off-season choice.

Accessibility

Savannah is widely recognized as a very wheelchair-accessible city. The Historic District features extensive sidewalks with curb cuts throughout, and most major attractions offer accessibility features including ramps or elevators. Many of the famous squares have paved pathways connecting them, making it possible to tour much of the district on accessible routes. River Street, built on the old bluff, does involve cobblestones and steep ramps in some sections, so visitors with mobility devices should plan their route carefully or access it via the accessible elevator near City Hall.

Tybee Island has made purposeful accommodations for visitors with disabilities. Mobi-mats (firm roll-out mats placed over sand) are installed at three beach access points, creating wheelchair-friendly paths from parking areas to the water's edge. Fat-tired beach wheelchairs are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis at the lifeguard station beside the Tybee Island Marine Science Center behind the pier. These chairs allow beachgoers to move across sand and into shallow water.

Parking with accessible spaces is available at major attractions in both the Historic District and on Tybee Island. Savannah's free DOT shuttle buses serve portions of the Historic District and are wheelchair accessible. Most restaurants, hotels, and shops in both locations have accessible entrances.

For the latest details on specific accommodations, including the availability of beach wheelchairs and mobi-mat locations on Tybee Island, contact the Tybee Island Visitor Center or Visit Savannah before your trip.

More accessible places in Georgia

• Fort Pulaski National Monument (Savannah)
• Bonaventure Cemetery (Savannah)
• Savannah City Market (Savannah)
• High Museum of Art (Atlanta)
• Fox Theatre (Atlanta)
• Andersonville National Historic Site (Andersonville)

Photo credits

• The black and white Tybee Island lighthouse rises behind a white picket fence and cottages.: Margarete Froelicher, CC BY-SA 3.0 (source)
• The Savannah History Museum's old train shed displays a vintage rail car and harbor artwork.: Myotus, CC BY 4.0 (source)
• A grand staircase and Battle for Savannah exhibit greet visitors inside the Savannah History Museum.: Myotus, CC BY 4.0 (source)