Getting Around Savannah
Getting around Savannah is not as difficult to do as some travel guides may indicate. Granted, during high season, traffic is heavy and parking is hard-to-come-by, but with a few little tips that I gathered, you'll be moving around the city like a local.
Rental Cars
If you are going to see the sites in and around Savannah, I highly recommend getting a rental car. Many attractions such as Richmond Hill, Tybee Island and Hilton Head are at least 20 miles away. Before you rent a car, get great advice and tips on getting the best price on your next car rental. Check out information on car rental policies, one-way car rentals, car rental insurance and more.
All major car rental companies can be found at the Savannah International and Jacksonville International airports.
Parking
The City of Savannah has over 3000 metered spaces in just the Historic District, and those meters are enforced continuously. You must pay for any metered space between the hours of 8a and 5p, Mon thru Fri. Parking costs $.30 to $.75 per hour, depending upon the location of the meter. Many of the metered spaces are not the traditional meters, but pay-and-display spaces that accept credit cards.
 Colonel Jeb: If you are going to be spending a couple of days in the Historic District, I highly recommend the purchase of a Vistor Day Pass. Visitor Day Passes allow unlimited parking in any City parking garages, lot or parking meters. They are available at many hotels, inns, and the Savannah Visitor's Center at a price of $8.
The City of Savannah also operates several parking garages in historical downtown. The cost of parking in these garages, is $1 for the first hour and $.75 for every extra hour, Mon-Fri. These lots are monitored with security systems and patrolled by security officers. These garages are located at:
Bryan Street Garage - 100 E. Bryan St.
State Street Garage - 100 E. State St.
Robinson Garage - 132 Montgomery St.
Liberty Street Garage - 401 W. Liberty St.
Whitaker Street Garage - 7 Whitaker St.
Traffic
Savannah traffic and traffic regulations can be very frustrating to a first-time visitor, but within a few days, you will be getting around like you were born here. Here are a few things to think about as you drive around the Historic District:
The Historic District has a lot of one-way streets, so study a map before you hit the road to determine the best way to get to your destination.
Always yield when approaching a square - vehicles traveling around the square have the right of way.
Always proceed counterclockwise around the squares.
Yield for pedestrians.
You may walk around the Historic District with alcohol, but you still can't have an open container in your vehicle.
You may make a right turn on a red light, unless otherwise posted.
Making a left turn from a divided street is permissible.
|
