9 Ways to Beat the Heat in Savannah

Grab a barstool at one of Savannah’s multiple bars and brewery options. You’ll feel refreshingly chilled at Mint To Be Mojito, where they serve a fantastic variety of mojitos using only fresh ingredients. The smell of fruit and mint will be pleasing to the senses. Grilled cheese and bourbon? Absolutely! The Toasted Barrel is a relaxing and creative spot to grab hand-crafted cocktails, cold beers and a choice of over 40 bourbon selections. Pair it with the chef's diverse grilled cheese options for a delectable experience. If wine is more pleasing to your palate, stop by ARCO, The Emporium, Wine Bar on the River, and more. 

Step out of the sun and into a brewery, where you can get the freshest, coldest beer imaginable. Savannah has grown into a great brew town, offering a variety of beers from breweries with their individual batches, flavors and personal touches. Service Brewing Co. has different brews and its own special beer recipes. 

Learn more about Savannah’s vibrant breweries, wine bars, and craft cocktail and mocktail spots.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it - will be epic! Escape the heat by stopping in Encryption: Escape & Adventure Game. Test your wits and skills in this live-action 60-minute escape game using clues, codes and puzzles in one of four themed interactive worlds. The rooms have cool air-conditioning, but you might break a sweat finding a way to escape The Cursed Crypt, Studio 31, Hellevator and Lights Out at the Museum.

Savannah's outdoor beauty is undeniable, but its indoor art scene is just as inspiring. Spend the day flexing your creative muscles at Telfair Museums, a trio of distinct experiences. The Jepson Center and Telfair Children's Art Museum spotlight exceptional modern works and feature hands-on, interactive exhibits for young artists. Step into the past at the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, where layered histories unfold, or admire 19th- and 20th-century masterpieces at the Telfair Academy.

Explore the bravery of the Mighty Eighth Air Force at its namesake museum, or dive into personal wartime stories through artifacts at the Webb Military Museum. Discover the richness of African culture at the Savannah African Art Museum, where every piece is a vibrant tribute to heritage. And if you're in the mood for something unexpected, the American Prohibition Museum takes you back to the 1900s to explore the rise of speakeasies and the fall of the booze ban.

History buffs will love wandering through Savannah's many house museums, like the Davenport House, Andrew Low House, and others, which offer a glimpse into the families and figures of yesteryear who helped shape the city's character. No appointment needed - just step through the door and into another time.

We all scream for ice cream, especially on sunshine-filled days. Grab a scoop of Mint Chocolate Chip from Leopold’s Ice Cream to cool down while also experiencing a true, authentic ice cream parlor. Want a double scoop with a view? Venture down to River Street and make your way to Plant Riverside District, where District Gelato's whimsical flavors are even sweeter with a view of the river. Want a taste of the islands? Say hello to Doki Doki, a local shop with eccentric, classic and vegan melt-in-your-mouth options. Try their blood orange gelato, lavender honey ice cream or the irresistible vanilla soft serve to stay icy cool. Visit Mango Mix for a refreshing way to keep cool, featuring fresh fruit blends, açai bowls and smoothies made with local ingredients. 

Take your sweet treat to the Ellis Square fountain, located by Savannah’s City Market. The fountain is a great place for kids to play, but there won't be any judgment if you decide to make a splash yourself!

Have you taken a dip in your deluxe aquatic abode yet? Swan dive into one of the city's numerous hotel pools, and lounge poolside or beneath ‌your own private cabana with a cocktail in hand, with several offering rooftop views. You'll find that for some, you don't even need a reservation.

Request your favorite cuppa over ice at some of Savannah’s standout coffee and tea spots. You’ll get your caffeine fix, tasty bites, and a welcome break from those golden rays. Turn your day into a personalized coffee and tea crawl with stops at local favorites like Foxtail Coffee Co., Kava House, Ashford Tea Company, cousins The Coffee Fox and Foxy Loxy, Stevedore Bakery and Coffee Shop, Savannah Coffee Roasters, Franklin’s and many more.

Discover more coffee spots and window seat favorites!

Savannah has some of the best shopping that will satisfy almost any retail enthusiast. In the Historic Landmark District, check out The Paris Market, a French-inspired boutique with a vast array of home décor and antiques. Both Nourish and Salacia Salts is a refreshing, locally-made skincare gift shop that utilizes all-natural Georgia-grown ingredients. Satchel is a cozy boutique where you can get a custom-made leather bag and wallet on the spot. If you make your way to Tybee, stop by Seaside Sisters, an eclectic shop offering a variety of novelty, art, souvenirs and gifts. You're sure to feel the breeze in either of these local options.

Let someone else do the driving while you sit back, relax and enjoy the breeze. Savannah has no shortage of climate-controlled, ride-along adventures perfect for staying cool while taking in the sights. Old Town Trolley Tours and Kelly Tours offer guided city experiences packed with history, humor and iconic stops—ideal for groups, families or first-time visitors. Want something more immersive? Try The Savannah Story Driving Tour, a narrated deep dive into the city's layered past, all from the comfort of your own car.

If you're looking to raise some goosebumps while you cool down, Savannah's ghost tours are the way to go. From the spooky charm of Hearse Ghost Tours to the theatrical thrills of Ghosts and Gravestones, you’ll get a fright and a front-row seat to some of the city’s most haunted sites. Savannah Ghost Tours also offers a chilling ride through local legends and paranormal tales, perfect for after-dark explorations.

Beat the heat by going to Savannah’s beach! Tybee Island is only 20 minutes from Savannah’s Historic Landmark District. Take a two-hour trip to an uninhabited island with East Coast Paddleboarding. Or get a rum runner from North Beach Bar & Grill or a frozen mojito from Fannies on the Beach and drink it right back to your beach chair. Whether you prefer cooling off in or out of the water, Tybee Island has plenty of options for beating the heat.