What to do in Autumn in Savannah - A Vacation Guide

Can I be honest? Autumn is my favorite season. As much as I love the fresh flowers of springtime, the moody quiet of Winter, and the adventurous spirit of Summer - Autumn holds a special place in my heart.

There’s something about those first days of crisp fall air, pumpkin spice lattes, harvest festivals, and of course, the spooky fun of Halloween. I find myself counting down to fall about half-way through August. (poor august, lol)

Brenna Michaels smiling in the park and holding autumn leaves

Autumn is a beautiful time of year just about everywhere, but Savannah is absolutely gorgeous. While we don’t necessarily get the technicolor leaf change along the Emerald Coast (we’re called the Emerald Coast for a reason) there’s something special in the air.

Some say it’s the energy of the earth - Savannah is believed to sit at a crossroads of nature, a place where the veil between the seen and the unseen is especially thin - which is perhaps why ghost sightings are so common here - even among locals who swear they aren’t “believers”.

Whatever your take on ghosts, one thing is for certain - between the perfect weather, scrumptious fall-themed culinary delights, festivals, and haunted downtown experiences, Savannah is the ultimate Autumn destination.

Here’s a breakdown of some of our favorite Autumn festivities in Savannah!

Enjoy the perfect weather with a picnic in Forsyth Park

There’s nothing quite like a picnic, wouldn’t you agree? We love grabbing a healthy snack at park-adjacent Brighter Day Market and spreading out in a quiet little corner of one of America’s most beautiful parks. Set up near the fountain for a particularly picturesque experience. PRO TIP: If you happen to be in Savannah on the right date in October you might be lucky enough to attend the official Picnic in the Park Concert put on by the Savannah Philharmonic. Enjoy the sound of the symphony while lounging in style under the stars.

Brenna Michaels and Mandy Hendrix at Forsyth Park, Savannah GA

Go Pumpkin Hunting Around Savannah’s Historic District

Our little guy, Rhett, absolutely adores pumpkins, and there’s little he enjoys more in the fall time than strolling with us around the historic district and spying all the pretty pumpkin arrangements and fall decor on the residents’ porches and balconies. It’s a great way to get out and about and explore lesser-traveled thoroughfares. If you’re lucky, you might stumble upon some of Savannah’s hidden antique shops or art galleries.

Pumpkins line the classic steps of The Ballastone Inn in Historic Savannah, GA

T.C., Brenna, & Rhett at a pumpkin patch

Autumn curb appeal decor in Savannah, GA

Catch a show at SCAD’s famous Savannah Film Festival

This is the little film festival that could, y’all. This multi-day event is a great chance to get first-looks at up-and-coming films, not to mention, bump into a Hollywood A-Lister or two. It’s one of the fanciest events of the year in Savannah, and it just wouldn’t feel like autumn here without it.

The Lucas Theater lit up for the SCAD Savannah Film Festival

Have a Thanksgiving “Practice” Meal at Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House

This famous bed and breakfast has one of the most scrumptious, home cooked, classic southern, family-style, finger-licking good (yes, I said it) meals around. Meals are served between 11am and 2pm. We suggest lining up outside the door no later than 10am. No, we’re not kidding. But don’t worry, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is located on Jones Street, popularly regarded as the most beautiful street in the country. So the wait is no trouble. TRUST us - this is the perfect Savannah must-do, and it’s just especially tasty in the Fall.

The sign outside of Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room on Jones Street in Savannah GA

Outside of Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House and Dining Room on Jones Street in Savannah GA

Get spooked on a Genteel & Bard DArk History and Ghost Encounter tour

Let’s go ahead and get this one out there right from the start. Savannah is believed to be the most haunted city in the United States, and the taking into the count we’re a necropolis (a city built literally right on top of its dead) there’s little wonder! Join one of our ghost tours and brave the shadowy depths of Savannah’s darker history and learn the chilling ghost lore that came out of those cursed events - if you dare.