Y’all… please don’t let a bad forecast put a damper on your vacation! There are plenty of indoor activities to keep you busy when it rains in Savannah.
Whether you want to chill out in a bookstore or sip drinks on a balcony overlooking the river, I’ve got some helpful suggestions to keep you busy.
Be sure to scroll to the end of the post to see some of my favorite rainy day photos of Savannah!
Note: This guide contains affiliate links to my trusted travel partners.
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Explore the Lobby of the JW Marriott Plant Riverside
Location: Plant Riverside District
Who Should Go: Take the kids
The JW Marriott is located on the far west end of River Street near the big Savannah bridge. It’s a great place to dodge the rain for an hour or two.
The lobby is set up like a natural history museum and has dozens of glass display cases filled with fossils and rare gemstones. You can spend a good 30 minutes looking through all of them!
There’s also an enormous chrome dinosaur suspended from the ceiling and a rare old crane that serves as a remnant from the days when the building operated as Savannah’s electric plant.
If you want to do some shopping, there are a handful of shops, galleries, and restaurants located on the ground level of the hotel.
Related Reading: Here’s a Helpful Overview of the Plant Riverside District
Watch the Cargo Ships Go By
Location: Waterfront
Who Should Go: Everyone
Watching the massive cargo ships go up and down the river is a quintessential Savannah activity that tends to bring out the kid in everyone.
Here are a few places with clear views of the river:
Huey’s on the River and Olympia Cafe are two family friendly restaurants with window-adjacent seating, so try those spots if you’re toting kids around.
For the adults, Bar Julian is located in the Eastern Wharf District, and it offers the highest vantage point for ship watching along the waterfront.
The bar area is covered, but it’s surrounded by windows on three sides so you can stay dry while sipping on drinks.
208 Wine Bar is another beautiful space where you can relax with a glass of wine while watching the ships go by.
Prefer to sit outdoors?
Moss & Oak at the Hyatt is centrally located along the waterfront, and it has a long covered balcony where you can relax on cozy, cushioned chairs.
There’s also an indoor seating area in the lobby of the Hyatt that has large windows overlooking the Savannah River.
Related Reading: Get the Inside Scoop on the Cargo Ships in Savannah
Check Out the Bookstores
Location: Historic District
Who Should Go: Bookworms
There are a few independent bookstores in Savannah that can keep you busy on a rainy day.
One of my personal favorites is E Shaver Booksellers, and one of the main reasons I love it is because they have four adorable cats that roam the store.
On any given day, you can curl up with a good book and there’s a very good chance you’ll spot Mr. Eliot, Skimbleshanks, Morticia, or Bartleby snoozing in a sunny window nearby.
The Book Lady Bookstore and Books on Bay are two additional options that both specialize in rare and out-of-print books.
Books on Bay features vintage series such as The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew collections (childhood favorites!), and the entire shop has a cozy, nostalgic feel.
The Stacks Bookstore, which is located along the Waters corridor on the city’s east side, is a fourth option. The colorful shop stocks bestsellers and unique titles, and it’s a safe space for all.
Related Reading: Here are 11 Quirky Things To Do in Savannah
Visit a Museum
Location: Historic District
Who Should Go: Everyone
There are plenty of museums to keep you busy when the weather isn’t cooperating!
If you’re interested learning more about Black history in Savannah, take a tour of the Owens Thomas House and Slave Quarters or visit Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum.
Art enthusiasts might enjoy the Jepson Center, Telfair Academy, or the SCAD Museum of Art.
If you prefer something unique, visit Prohibition Museum to learn what happens when you try to ban alcohol in a city loaded with heathens; head to Graveface Museum to delve into the lives of serial killers, cultists, and witches; or head to Webb Military Museum to peruse Gary Webb’s vast collection of military artifacts. (He’s usually there and happy to swap stories about the items!)
Related Reading: These 17 Museums in Savannah are Worth a Visit
Hit the Shops on Broughton Street
Location: Historic District
Who Should Go: Shopaholics
This option is great for escaping the rain, but it might not be so good for your wallet!
Broughton Street is one of Savannah’s primary retail zones, so you’ll find approximately 10 blocks of shops where you can browse for gifts, souvenirs, clothing, and more.
The Paris Market and Nourish are two of my personal favorites, but you’ll also find large national chains like Urban Outfitters mixed in amongst the local spots.
Related Reading: Here’s a Helpful Map of Savannah’s Historic District
Relax in a Coffee Shop
Location: Historic District
Who Should Go: Coffee lovers
Savannah is a great city for people watching, and the coffee shops are a fun place to do just that.
Cafe M is a Parisian-style cafe where you can grab a cup of coffee and watch the rain trickle down the windows along Factors Walk.
A few popular coffee shops in the Historic District include Bitty & Beau’s, Franklin’s, and Origins Coffee Bar.
The sub street-level location at Franklin’s reminds me a lot of the coffee shops you’d find in NYC, while Origins is at street level and has an open and airy vibe.
Related Reading: Check Out the Top Breakfast Spots in the Historic District
Take a Trolley Tour
Location: Historic District
Who Should Go: Ideal for anyone
The trolley tours keep you sheltered from the rain, but you’ll still be able to get a guided overview of the city while you’re on a tour.
The trolleys have plastic “windows” that can roll down when it’s raining to keep passengers dry.
If the rain is heavy, I’d suggest doing a nonstop trolley instead of the hop-on/hop-off versions.
Related Reading: Detailed Reviews of the Top 3 Savannah Trolley Tour Companies
Visit an Antique Map Store
Location: Historic District
Who Should Go: Cartophiles
In a city as old as Savannah, it should come as no surprise that we have quite a few antique stores that lend themselves to hours of browsing in the rain.
If you happen to enjoy old maps, you’ll want to stop inside V&J Duncan Antiques and Maps.
The shop, which is located in the garden level of a home built in the late 1800s, is loaded with historic maps, rare books, posters, and prints.
The original owner was a local history professor and avid collector known for his friendship with Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil author, John Berendt.
Although Dr. Duncan passed away a few years ago, I appreciate that his collection lives on in a new location!
*NOTE: The map store has a new location since Dr. Duncan’s passing. It moved from Taylor St. to 13 W Charlton St.
Related Reading: Here’s Where to Go Shopping in the Starland District
Strike Up a Convo at the Bar
Location: Historic District
Who Should Go: Adults 21+
This city is filled with quirky personalities, and you can eavesdrop on some fascinating conversations if you sit at a bar in Savannah long enough.
In the Historic District, Crystal Beer Parlor is a popular spots amongst locals.
Grab a seat at the bar and pick one of the many local draft options to enjoy.
If you feel like indulging in a sweet treat, the fried poundcake is always a winner!
Pinkie Masters is also located in the Historic District and is easily one of the most well-known bars in Savannah. (Jimmy Carter even visited!)
If you prefer something high energy, head to the touristy dueling pianos bar, Savannah Smiles.
Related Reading: Savannah Nighttime Safety Tips
Eat, Eat, and Then Eat Some More
Location: Historic District, Victorian District, Starland District
Who Should Go: Foodies
Savannah is known for being somewhat of a foodies destination, and there are plenty of incredible restaurants to keep your tastebuds entertained during the next downpour.
Here are a few of the best restaurants to visit if you’re seeking a top-notch culinary experience:
- Alligator Soul
- Ardsley Station
- Brochu’s Family Tradition
- Common Thread
- Cotton & Rye
- Elizabeth’s on 37th
- Fleeting
- Gryphon Tea Room
- Local 11Ten
- Saint Bibiana
You can’t go wrong with any of them!
Gryphon Tea Room has the coziest atmosphere, but Common Thread usually takes the top spot as my favorite higher-end dining experience in Savannah.
Related Reading: A Local’s Guide to the Tastiest Restaurants in Savannah
Try Your Luck at Duckpin Bowling
Location: Historic District
Who Should Go: Families with energetic teens
Duckpin bowling is similar to regular bowling — only with smaller balls and pins on strings.
Sounds easy enough, but it still takes some skill!
Broughton Street Bowl and Brew is a fun new spot where you can go to enjoy live music and test your skills. The location also has pinball machines and a few retro games.
Bowl and Brew is kid-friendly, so this is an ideal spot if you need to entertain the whole family.
They serve small bites (helloooo tasty Wagyu Sliders and Maine Lobster Rolls!) and offer a selection of beer, wine, and cocktails.
For another quirky duckpin-bowling destination, try Moodrights in the Starland District
Related Reading: 11 Incredible Starland District Restaurants (and 5 Hidden Gems)
Catch a Show at the Theatre
Location: Historic District
Who Should Go: Anyone
There are a couple indoor theaters in Savannah’s Historic District.
My personal favorite is the Historic Savannah Theatre, which was built in 1818, but you might have luck catching a classic movie at Trustees Theater, too.
The Historic Savannah Theatre is best known for their live shows and popular musicals. I love their lineup during the holiday season. That’s when they host Christmas musicals and a live version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Lucas Theatre for the Arts is a third option, but they don’t have as many shows as the two listed above. However, you can get a free theatre tour and organ performance from 11 a.m. to noon on Wurlitzer Wednesdays.
If you’re staying in the Starland District, try checking out the hilarious comedy shows at Front Porch Improv!
Related Reading: These are the Most Popular Christmas Events in Savannah
Give in and Go for a Stroll in the Rain…
Location: Historic District
Who Should Go: Photographers
For those of you who don’t know me, my favorite hobby is photography — and Savannah is so stunning in the rain.
If you’re a shutterbug, too, you might want to grab an umbrella or poncho and hit the streets! (Obviously avoid this option if it’s lightning or there are high winds in the area.)
The Historic District is the most photogenic district, in my opinion, but they’re all interesting.
Try strolling through Forsyth Park, the squares, and along Jones Street to see if any pretty vignettes speak to you.
You can get some fantastic reflection shots if you search for puddles in front of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist or in the cracks between the ballast stones and Belgian block pavers along River Street.
Related Reading: Is Jones Street Really the Prettiest Street in Savannah?
Photos of Savannah in the Rain
Here are a few favorite rainy day photos of Savannah. (Queue the song, “Rainy Night in Georgia” while you’re looking at them!)
Want to add some things to do in the rain to this list? Feel free to comment below!
Erin authored the Savannah First-Timer's Guide and loves helping first-time visitors plan their trips. She lives in the artsy Starland District and enjoys exploring Savannah's hidden gems, as well as the surrounding Lowcountry.