Before You Go

Coordinates | 32.0809°N, 81.0912°W
Baton Rouge to Savannah | 699.1 miles
Driving Time | 10 hours, 20 minutes
Why Savannah? This charming coastal town is sure to be a delight for both kids and adults, because of the variety the city has to offer. The city is a stunning blend of the past and present, with old architecture and ghost tours coupled with stunning art galleries and great new restaurants. Not to mention the fact that Savannah is 20 minutes from the cost, where the seafood is always fresh and the beach seems endless. 

Where to Eat

Love’s Seafood and Steak 
6817 Chief of Love Road, Savannah, GA 31419 
Visit this renowned seafood restaurant for a great night of family time, and see one of the filming locations of Forrest Gump. When you sit down on the outdoor patio overlooking the Ogeechee River, be sure to order the fried catfish or dynamite shrimp. And regardless of what you order, be sure to get a side of hush puppies to round out your Savannah seafood experience. 
■ lovesseafood.com 

Gerald’s Pig and Shrimp 
1115 U.S. Hwy 80 E, Tybee Island, GA 31328
Located on Savannah’s nearby island of Tybee, Gerald’s Pig and Shrimp is known for its delicious BBQ and friendly service, and is sure to be a no-frills family favorite. The all-outdoor seating will give you a great view of Savannah’s sandy beaches, and be sure to try out the Ribs or Shrimp Combos. ■ tybeebbq.com  

Leopold’s Ice Cream
212 E. Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401
This family-owned favorite is a great way to cool off from the summer sun. Known for homemade ice cream, banana splits, milkshakes, and malts, Leopold’s has been the favorite ice cream parlor for many Savannahians since it opened in 1919. And if you or your kiddos aren’t feeling up to ice cream, they have plenty of other sweet treats and soups and sandwiches that have been making families happy for almost a century. 
■ leopoldsicecream.com 

Things to Do

Take a stroll to see one of Savannah’s most iconic landmarks at Forsyth Park. Take photos at the fountain or cool down at one of the nearby splash pads. Also, be sure to swing by the Fragrant Garden, the local cafe, or the two made-for-kids playgrounds. If you’re in town on a Saturday morning, the south end of the park is transformed into the Farmer’s Market each weekend. ■ visithistoricsavannah.com/forsyth-park

Take in the beauty of the ocean at Tybee Island, just 20 minutes from downtown Savannah. If you’re looking to sit back and relax, there are plenty of public beaches for your whole family to enjoy. For more high-paced fun, check out Tybee Jet Ski & Water Sports for plenty of surfing, jet skiing, and kayaking. For inside adventures, visit the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum or learn about local wildlife at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center. ■ visittybee.com

At Savannah’s Tri-Centennial Park, three superb museums bring the past to life and inspire kids in the future. For train fanatics, The Georgia State Railroad Museum gives tours of both old and new trains. Savannah’s History Museum & Battlefield Memorial Park walks your children through centuries of history in an afternoon.  Lastly, the Savannah’s Children’s Museum is a great place to explore and play. It’s currently located in the old Georgia Railway Carpentry Shop and has over a dozen exhibits and play areas to allow kids to run wild with their imaginations. 
■ chsgeorgia.org

If you want fun coupled with a championship-winning minor league baseball team, then head over to the field of The Savannah Bananas. Visitors can enjoy the game, win prizes, and even see Daisy, the bat dog. Even if you’re visiting in the off-season, the park offers concerts, races, movie nights, pet events, and bike rides. ■ thesavannahbananas.com

Visit this Savannah hotspot and stroll along the iconic cobblestones of River Street. Not only will you have a gorgeous view of the Savannah River, but kids will be entertained by the dozens of container ships that sail by each day. If you and your kiddos are looking for more hands-on activities, there are plenty of galleries, restaurants, artists’ studios, and boutiques to enjoy. ■ savannah.com

If you want to see the spookier side of Savannah, take a ride with Hearse Ghost Tours. The hearse driver will pick up your family (up to nine people per hearse) and give you a driving tour of some of Savannah’s most interesting haunts. But, be prepared to laugh, as this company is know for the puns and jokes sprinkled throughout the tour. ■ hearseghosttours.com