Experience one of the South’s friendliest cities without having to break the bank

As far as Southern cities go, there isn’t much more charming than a town full of kind faces, good food and interesting backstories that tell the city’s history, which is the embodiment of Savannah, Georgia. According to a list by Southern Living Magazine, based on the opinions of local readers, Savannah was ranked the second, friendliest city in the South.

One underrated part of the coastal city, that brings in tourists from all over, is how inexpensive it can be. Most tourist spots have a daily spending cost of at least $50. However, in Savannah, it’s possible to enjoy your day to the fullest with less than half of that. Here’s your guide to experiencing with some places that can get you a full day of fun for $20 or less in the Hostess City of the South.

Food

Quinn’s Breakfast and Lunch

If you’re looking for a quality breakfast that won’t take every penny from your pocket, Quinn’s is the perfect spot. With friendly staff and a pleasant pastel color theme, the atmosphere is just as enjoyable as the delicious food. Prices for the majority of breakfast sandwiches, bowls, sides and other individual breakfast items are under $10 with certain classic or original dishes costing a few dollars extra.

Their highest prices stop at $17, with plenty of options. The restaurant stays open, daily, from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Flying Monk Noodle Bar

For fans of Pan-Asian dishes, a stop at Flying Monk Noodle Bar is a perfect detour for your day. The noodle bar off of West Broughton Street offers all sorts of authentic soups, noodle dishes and rice dishes for a range of $12 to $18, with appetizers and sides that range from $3 to $12. They also offer a range of gluten-free and vegetarian options for anyone with dietary restrictions.

As one of the higher-priced food options on the list, it’s recommended to stop here if you plan on exploring more than spending time in gift shops after eating. Their times are as follows:

• Monday - Thursday | 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
• Friday | 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
• Saturday | 12 - 10:30 p.m.
• Sunday | 12 - 10 p.m.

Kay’s Pizza

When the late-night cravings hit you hard, Kay’s has full-size pizza slices for a little over $4, six-piece wings for $7, combos for $9 and desserts for $3. Such low prices are perfect for a final big snack before you turn in for the night, or if you want something off the menu to eat as you take a midnight stroll along Front River.

If you find yourself more hungry than usual you can buy a 10-inch pizza for yourself or to share for $15. The shop’s hours are as follows:

• Sunday - Wednesday | 12 p.m. - 12 a.m.
• Thursday - Friday | 12 p.m. - 3:30 a.m.
• Saturday | 12 p.m. - 4 a.m.

River Street Sweets

To wrap up a meal, head down to River Street and stop by the iconic River Street Sweets for your pick of desserts, candy and a selection of other unique sweets that the shop has to offer. The gourmet sweets shop is known for being the main stop for a large assortment of gifts, but if you’re looking to get something for yourself you can expect to spend no more than $5 a product.

On your visit, you can also see some of the treats being made right in front of you at any point of the day, including their world-famous pralines. The store operates on Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Recreation

Festivals

River Street Shopping District

Returning to the popular location of River Street, there are tons of shop options for buying tourist merchandise, novelty items and fishing paraphernalia. These items could range from as little as a $3 key chain to more than $20 for shirts, but there is always the free option of window shopping and finding things to come pick up later.

Most shops open around 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. and close between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Star Castle Family Entertainment Center

A lesser talked about entertainment spot is Star Castle Family Entertainment Center. The medieval-times-themed restaurant, laser tag center, arcade and skating rink are a whimsical paradise for not only young kids but also all ages who enjoy a fun time

The establishment off of Mall Blvd. is a colorful change from the more vintage style of the rest of Savannah, as it is a hard-to-miss remake of a medieval stone castle with statues of knights and dragons decorating the exterior. One of the best things about such a magical environment is that it’s only $7 a person to enter, so you can enjoy the fun without financial stress for you or your family.

It’s worth noting that they allow party and group event bookings, but their hours here tend to be short and selective. Those times are as follows:

• Monday - Wednesday | Closed
• Thursday - Friday | 7 - 10 p.m.
• Saturday | 2 - 5 p.m. and 6 - 9 p.m.
• Sunday | 3 - 6 p.m. and 8:30 - 11:30 p.m.

SCAD Art Museum

Art lovers always have their haven somewhere nearby, and Southern College of Art and Design has an art exhibition center that is just that. The creative minds of SCAD students produce a range of paintings, clothing items, statues and other pieces that represent themselves and the world around them in ways as simple or as complex as they desire. A visit to the museum will expose you to a new world and enlighten you on just how different our minds see the world through each work displayed.

General admission prices start at $10, are $8 for seniors and military, and a SCAD alum or college student can get in for $5. The museum offers a $20 bundle deal for families of three or more. Children under 14 and SCAD students/faculty/staff enter free. The museum’s operating times are as follows:

• Tuesday | Closed
• Monday; Wednesday - Saturday | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Sunday | 12 - 5 p.m.

Sightseeing

Savannah Botanical Gardens

Setting aside time for a nice, peaceful walk might be just the break you need after a busy day. In the massive garden layout of Botanical Gardens, there are trees, flowers and greenery surrounding you at every turn. The simple design of the extended garden walk can serve as a very nice photography spot or place to read when weather permits.

The grounds for the gardens stay open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and are completely free to explore and enjoy.

Ferry Across the River

The Savannah Belles Ferry System is a free passage system across the Savannah River between downtown’s river walk and Hutchinson Island where the Savannah Convention Center is located.

The sights of the entire River as well as the Talmadge Memorial Bridge are what attract many people to the ferry so they can get their photo opportunity and a chance to check out the whole river side without having to walk the whole way. The ferry runs from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day and stop times to take passengers at the dock are split into intervals.

Forsyth Park

Forsyth Park, known for its large open lawn and beautiful mossy trees, is the perfect place to take a midday stroll, enjoy a nice picnic with friends, or have a field day if you bring a football or anything of the sort. The park is great for playing and letting your dog run around and get their energy out without restriction. The park also has two adjacent full basketball courts and a splash pad for kids to enjoy in the summer.

It’s completely free to enter and enjoy the park and it stays open at all hours of the day every day.

This story was originally published June 17, 2024 at 4:44 PM.