Gay Savannah – Ultimate Travel Guide, Hotels, Restaurants, Bars and Activities (Updated 2024)
Gay Friendly Travel Guides 04th May, 2023
Gay Savannah — the oldest city in the U.S. State of Georgia. The city of Savannah became the British colonial capital of the Province of Georgia and, later, the first state capital of Georgia.
As the oldest city in Georgia, wandering around the city is a walk back through the rich history and culture of a city with a distinctive style, known for its thriving arts and cultural scene, old houses, and landmarks dating back hundreds of years.
Gay Savannah, consistently rated as one of the ‘world’s friendliest places’ by Condé Nast Traveler readers, is a beautiful southern escape, with art, historical architecture, stylish boutiques, and ghost legends.
As a gay traveler, it’s understandable to question ‘traditional southern hospitality’ in regard to the LGBTQ+ community. Gay Savannah’s welcoming attitude toward diversity is embedded in the city’s DNA however.
One of the many aspects that distinguish Gay Savannah from other Southern states or cities is its openness to unique experiences and acceptance of people for who they are.
Although the gay scene in Gay Savannah is not as vibrant as some other cities and the prevalence of gay bars and clubs is on the low side, this isn’t always a terrible thing.
LGBTQ+ locals believe that they don’t need their very own local pubs or even a specific gayborhood due to the city’s inclusive attitude toward all visitors and locals alike.
If you are thinking about going somewhere else you can try other Gay Travel Guides.
Remember to always check out the latest rules and restrictions before you leave.
Gay Scene in Gay Savannah
Even though Gay Savannah is a small city with a population of around 140,000 people, it is a surprisingly gay-friendly city with plenty of nightlife and activities.
There’s a huge LGBTQ+ Pride festival held each year in September or October and several welcoming places in the city’s most popular areas, although there is no official gay enclave.
River Street is where you’ll find gay-friendly and LGBTQ+ owned businesses, galleries, and bistros, as well as the city’s liveliest nightlife.
As you wander around River Street, you’ll find Chuck’s Bar – a popular hangout with a bustling happy hour, music from a jukebox, and reasonably priced drinks. Kevin Barry’s, a historic Irish-themed bar with views over the Savannah River, is also nearby.
Even though this is not officially a gay bar, everyone is welcome to go in and enjoy the live folk music, delicious Irish cuisine, and selection of traditional Irish beers.
You can also check out other gay hangouts nearby, such as Bar Bar and much more.
Is Gay Savannah Safe?
During the day, Gay Savannah is relatively safe, especially in tourist districts like the city center, however, walking alone around the city late at night is not suggested.
Always keep an eye on your belongings. Pickpockets are frequent throughout the city as well, particularly on public transport and tourist areas.
Keep track of your belongings by carrying them in an anti-theft backpack.
Even though the city is generally safe, there is still a risk of petty crime in this area, just as there is in any other part of the world, and therefore precautions should be exercised to avoid unfavorable circumstances.
Best Time to Visit Gay Savannah
Gay Savannah’s best time to visit is from March to July. During these months, you can enjoy pleasant weather and blooming trees.
This high season is also jam-packed with festivals. Since this is a high-peak season, expect that flight and hotel rates will be pricey.
Mid-September to mid-November is also a great time to visit Gay Savannah because the summer crowds have subsided along with the scorching temperatures and hotel prices have dropped a bit before the hectic holiday season arrives.
If you want to keep your travel costs as low as possible, it is ideal to visit Gay Savannah during late winter (January to February) – it is a low peak season, and the dip in temperatures coincides with a drop in accommodation rates.
Best Gay-Friendly Hotels in Gay Savannah
Perry Lane Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Nestled among the charming live oak trees adorned with Spanish moss and boasting a distinctive antebellum style architecture, Perry Lane Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, offers a serene escape for visitors and residents alike.
Immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Gay Savannah by hopping on one of their bicycles and traversing the cobblestone streets to discover historic landmarks like Forsyth Park, Jepson Center for the Arts, and Chippewa Square.
Indulge in a luxurious stay in this tranquil oasis and revel in the rich blend of modern amenities and historic charm.
| Activities | Swimming Trails Golf Fitness Center Spa Business Center |
| Price | $$$ |
| Location | Perry Lane Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel 256 East Perry Street, Savannah, GA, 31401 |
| Contact | Call 912.415.9000 information@perrylanehotel.com |
| Website | Downtown Savannah Luxury Hotel | Perry Lane Hotel |
Kimpton Brice Hotel
The Kimpton Brice Hotel exudes the grace and elegance of a true southern belle, with a hint of spunk and rebellion underneath the surface.
This boutique hotel boasts an urban resort atmosphere that immerses visitors in the heart of Gay Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District.
Explore the area to discover cultural sites, including museums, gardens, churches, mansions, and monuments.
| Activities | Seasonal Outdoor Pool Fitness Center In-Room Dining |
| Price | $$$ |
| Location | Kimpton Brice Hotel 601 EAST BAY STREET SAVANNAH, GA 31401 |
| Contact | Call (912) 238-1200 No Email |
| Website | Hotels in Savannah GA | The Kimpton Brice Hotel |
Foley House Inn
Nestled in the heart of the Gay Savannah Historic District, lies a luxurious 19-guest room bed and breakfast that promises an exceptional travel experience.
The prime location offers guests a chance to revel in the rich history of the southern region, all while enjoying lavish accommodations and top-notch services.
With its well-earned reputation for quality and service, the inn has been recognized by Southern Living Magazine as the Best Inn in the South.
| Activities | Jacuzzi Tubs Nearby Fitness Center Golf Picnic Area Trails |
| Price | $$$ |
| Location | Foley House Inn 14 West Hull Street Savannah, GA 31401 |
| Contact | Call 800-647-3708 info@foleyinn.com |
| Website | Savannah Bed and Breakfast (foleyinn.com) |
Recommended:
Gay Massage in Savannah
Gay-Friendly Dining in Gay Savannah
Gay Savannah, one of the top cuisine cities in the country, provides a seemingly limitless selection.
You’ll believe your last meal was the finest one ever, only to be surpassed by the next. From luxurious, leisurely brunches to coffee, lunch prepared with local ingredients, and dinner, the city has indeed a lot to offer.
1. Belford’s Savannah Seafood & Steaks
Belford’s serves Savannah’s best seafood and steaks. Crab Cakes, Shrimp, Greens, and Grits, smoked salmon, and our mouthwatering certified Angus beef steaks are among the menu’s favorites.
Keep an eye out for Marlowe’s white chocolate cheesecake as well!
| Types of Food | Sandwiches, Desserts, Seafood, Steaks |
| Price | $$ |
| Location | 315 W St Julian St, Savannah, GA 31401 |
| Website | Belford’s Seafood and Steaks – Savannah, GA, Restaurant (belfordssavannah.com) |
2. B & D Burgers
B&D Burgers has been serving superior burgers, beer, and service since 2001.
It has quickly become a Gay Savannah must-visit for locals and tourists alike by exclusively delivering high-quality American food and focusing on giving exceptional service.
B&D Burgers offers something different and wonderful for everyone at the table, from their famed burgers and alligator sliders to their excellent fried chicken and salads.
| Types of Food | Burgers, Salads, Chicken Wraps |
| Price | $$ |
| Location | 209 West Congress St. Savannah, GA 31401, 13 E Broughton St Savannah, GA 31401, 11108 Abercorn St. Savannah, GA 31419 |
| Website | B&D Burgers | A Savannah Favorite for over 20+ Years (bdburgers.net) |
3. Elizabeth on 37th
Elizabeth on 37th has been a favorite Gay Savannah destination for 24 years, thanks to its southern hospitality, fine coastal cuisine, and well-chosen wines served in a comfortable, stylish 1900 mansion.
Elizabeth on 37th is led by Executive Chefs Kelly Yambor and Jeremy Diehl, who continue to deliver a delectable mix of traditional and inventive meals.
The dining areas are decorated with historic Savannah colors and patterns, fresh flowers, original paintings, and ceramics.
| Types of Food | Seafood, Beef, Vegetables |
| Price | $$$ |
| Location | 105 E 37th Street, Savannah, GA 31401 |
| Website | HOME | E37_4.27.20 (elizabethon37th.net) |
4. Kayak Kafé
Kayak is a locally-owned casual restaurant with outlets in Gay Savannah’s Historic District and the Midtown Medical Arts neighborhood.
Their cuisine is diverse and fresh, and they are consistently rated as the Best Place in Town for Fresh Salads, Best Gluten-Free Options, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine.
| Types of Food | Salads, Tacos, Nachos, Sandwiches, Burgers, Breads |
| Price | $$ |
| Location | 5002 Paulsen St, Savannah, GA 31405 |
| Website | Kayak Kafé (eatkayak.com) |
Gay-Friendly Bars and Clubs in Gay Savannah
When the sun sets in Gay Savannah, the party only gets started.
There are lots of things to do in Gay Savannah after dark thanks to the vibrant Savannah nightlife.
Along River Street and in downtown Gay Savannah, you’ll find dance clubs, pubs, bars, live music, outdoor concerts, and late-night destinations.
1. Club One
The ultimate LGBTQ+ club in Gay Savannah is Club One.
The bar is known for its outstanding drag shows. You can also find a large downstairs dance floor.
From Thursday to Saturday, at 10:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m., the club hosts cabaret shows. Club One, like many other gay clubs in the area, is also straight-friendly.
| Price | $-$$ |
| Food and Drinks | Both Offered |
| Location | 1 Jefferson St, Savannah, GA 31401 |
| Contact | 912.232.0200 |
| Website | Club One – Club One (clubone-online.com) |
2. Bar Bar
Located in Savannah’s River Street area, Bar Bar is known to be a gay-friendly bar.
Customers can enjoy a range of fun games, including foosball and Monopoly, at this low-key tavern. Inside, a large dance floor offers and allows you to dance the night away.
Since Bar Bar was founded and is maintained by bartenders, it has a large variety of tasty drinks.
| Price | $-$$ |
| Food and Drinks | Both Offered |
| Location | 219 W Saint Julian St, Savannah, GA 31401-2513 |
| Contact | No Contact Number |
| Website | No Website |
3. Bar Food
Bar Food is a popular gay-owned bar in Savannah. It’s located in the Habersham Village neighbourhood of Midtown.
It’s a laid-back bar with a casual vibe. You can also enjoy sipping their cocktails on their terrace.
| Price | $-$$ |
| Food and Drinks | Both Offered |
| Location | 4523 Habersham St Habersham Village Shopping Center, Savannah, GA 31405-4210 |
| Contact | +1 912-349-6350 |
| Website | No Website |
Gay Savannah Activities and Attractions
Whether you prefer aquatic activities more than land adventures, or the other way around, Gay Savannah offers a diverse range of activities, making it the ideal playground for everyone.
1. 90-minute Savannah Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise
Take a boat tour of the Savannah riverfront that suits your interests and schedule. There is a cruise for everyone, from brunch to lunch to dinner, and even sunset and sightseeing cruises.
Some trips are completely guided, while others just concentrate on the scenery as they pass. It includes indoor and outdoor seating as well as food and drinks, which are provided on select trips, and a cash bar.
| Activities | River cruise, Sightseeing |
| Location | 9 E. River Street, Savannah, GA 31401 U.S.A. |
| Price | $$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Official Site | Savannah Riverboat | Guranteed Lowest Prices |
2. Savannah History and Haunts Candlelit Walking Ghost Tour
Savannah is sweetly romantic by day, but it gets a lot creepier after sundown. When you go on night time, eerie walking tour illuminated by candlelight, you’ll discover the city’s gruesome side.
After dark, meet your costumed guide in downtown Savannah and explore the city’s historical squares, cobblestone streets, moss-draped trees, and cemeteries. Learn about the city’s most terrifying ghost stories, strange incidents, and creepy characters as you travel.
| Activities | Walking Ghost Tour, Sightseeing |
| Location | W. Perry and W McDonough, Chippewa Square, Savannah, GA 31401 |
| Price | $$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | HOME | Savannah History & Haunts (savannahhistoryandhaunts.com) |
3. Savannah Historic District
Savannah’s magnificent historic area encapsulates the essence of the south. Museums, churches, mansions, monuments, and prominent forts from the Revolutionary and Civil War eras can be found in the historic district.
Taking a horse and carriage trip around town is one of the best ways to see the sights.
| Activities | Sightseeing, Dining, Shopping |
| Location | 301 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401 |
| Price | Free |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Historic District Downtown Savannah | Visit Savannah |
4. Historic Savannah Theatre
The theatre has been meticulously renovated and is a part of Gay Savannah’s heritage. The Theatre Company is extremely gifted and multitasks everything from performance to front-of-house management and more.
The Historic Savannah Theatre is the place to go if you want to spice up your vacation to this historic city with some first-rate entertainment.
| Activities | Sightseeing, Dining, Shopping |
| Location | 222 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401 |
| Price | $$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | The Historic Savannah Theatre |
5. Forsyth Park
Forsyth Park is a significant city park in Gay Savannah, Georgia, that spans 30 acres in the historic district.
The park is bounded on the north by Gaston Street, the east by Drayton Street, the south by Park Avenue, and the west by Whitaker Street.
Walking routes, a children’s play area, a fragrant garden for the blind, a large fountain, tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer and frisbee areas, and the Savannah Shamrocks Rugby Club’s home field are all located there.
Concerts are also held at Forsyth for the public’s benefit from time to time.
| Activities | Sightseeing, Walking |
| Location | 621 Drayton St, Savannah, GA 31401 |
| Price | Free |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Forsyth Park | Savannah, Georgia |
Top 10 Things to Do in Savannah
- Explore Savannah City Market – Savannah City Market is a must-see attraction in the area. Visit the American Prohibition Museum, listen to live music, or dine at one of the city’s top restaurants.
This fun-for-the-whole-family attraction has something for everyone. - Discover Forsyth Park – This 30-acre park is notable for its Spanish moss-draped oak trees, pedestrian/jogger-friendly paths, and the iconic fountain, which is located in the Historic Landmark District.
The park’s large fountain is a popular photo site and one of Savannah’s most distinctive attractions. - Visit Savannah’s Sacred Places – It is not necessary to be religious to appreciate Savannah’s sacred sites. Savannah’s hallowed sites are generally at the top of travellers’ must-do lists, with spectacular beauty, rich histories, and plenty of photo opportunities.
Tour Savannah’s most famous churches, such as First African Baptist Church and St. John the Baptist Cathedral Basilica, or visit Congregation Mickve Israel, one of America’s oldest Jewish communities. - Explore Tybee Island – Spend a day at Savannah’s beach, basking in the sun and sand. Tybee Island is about 20 minutes away from downtown Savannah. Relax on the beach for a day of building sandcastles and splashing in the waves.
Beach stores and restaurants abound on Tybee Island, as do well-known sites like Fort Pulaski and the Tybee Island Light station. - Go on a Ghost Hunting Adventure – Savannah is recognised as America’s most haunted city, and there are plenty of eerie things to do and places to see.
Take a stroll through Bonaventure Cemetery to witness antique gravestones surrounded by Spanish moss and flora. Midnight tours, ghost trolley tours, and haunted pub crawls are just a few of the many ghost tours available. - Take a Tour of the City – Trolley tours, ghost tours, cuisine tours, architectural tours, strolling tours, pub tours, whatever your interests are, Savannah has a tour for you.
- Have some fun on River Street – River Street, which runs alongside the Savannah River, exudes an old-world elegance. River Street is ideal for strolling and ship watching, with nine blocks of red brick and old architecture.
The river promenade is lined with more than 75 stores, galleries, artist studios, restaurants, and pubs. - Explore Savannah’s 22 Squares – The city of Savannah was designed with squares in mind. There were originally 24 squares, but only 22 remain, which is still appreciated by visitors and locals alike.
Each square showcases a different aspect of Savannah’s history, as well as monuments, statues, and seating areas. Savannah’s historic mansions and busy businesses surround the squares. - Enjoy a Music Festival – Music is prevalent in Savannah, from street entertainers to local bands performing in places. Savannah’s many music festivals bring in acts from all over the world many times a year.
Purchase Savannah Stopover tickets to hear up-and-coming indie musicians. Visit the Savannah Music Festival to experience world-class performers from all around the world. The Savannah Jazz Festival features legendary jazz musicians jamming on stage.
In Savannah, you’ll discover something to move your musical soul no matter what type or genre you prefer. - Bus Station Dining – The Grey, a former Greyhound bus station that has been transformed into a restaurant, has a menu full of unique culinary innovations. This well-known restaurant serves exquisite cuisine in an unusual setting.
How to get to Gay Savannah?
From Canada:
For Canadian nationals who wish to visit and discover the spectacular surrounding of Savannah, taking a plane is the best option and fastest way to get to Savannah.
Air Canada offers a one-stop flight from Ottawa to Savannah, Toronto-Savannah, Alberta-Savannah, etc. This flight will originate from Toronto Pearson International Airport or any nearby airport to Hilton Head International Airport which would take 4 hours and 41 minutes.
From the United Kingdom:
For British citizens who had the desire to visit Savannah, riding in a plane is the most efficient and swift way.
British Airways provides a one-stop flight, you may book a plane ticket from London to Savannah, the flight will leave at London Heathrow Airport then it will take off at Hilton Head International Airport.
From the United States:
For Americans who want to visit Savannah, taking a plane is the best option to get to Savannah, you may book a flight ticket at Washington Dulles International Airport headed to Hilton Head International Airport.
From Italy:
For Italians that desire to visit Savannah to see its pretty attractions, taking a plane is the most comfortable and swift way. United Airlines offers a one-stop flight from Rome to Savannah.
This flight will commence from Fiumicino-Leonardo da Vinci International Airport to Hilton Head International Airport.
