Wheelchair Accessible Savannah Georgia: How to Explore Savannah in a Wheelchair
Savannah, Georgia is a charming and historic town that has pretty good wheelchair accessibility given its age. I loved the city so much that I visited there twice so far! I’ll share with you my complete guide on where to stay, eat, how to get around and what to do while exploring wheelchair accessible Savannah Georgia.
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Getting to Savannah Georgia
Unless you plan to visit Savannah as part of a road trip, the easiest way to get to Savannah is by flying. The Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is a short 10-mile drive from the historic district.
Major airlines that use this airport include Air Canada, Allegiant, American, Avelo, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Sun Country, and United.
Check Skyscanner for Available Flights
Mobility Equipment Rental in Savannah Georgia
If you need to rent any mobility equipment during your stay in Savannah, this company is available to meet your needs.
Mobility Bob
Offering mobility scooters, power wheelchairs and manual wheelchair rentals, Mobility Bob will have the mobility device you need for your trip. Delivery to your hotel or residence is also not a problem. It is suggested that you reserve your equipment in advance so that you can get what you need.
Where to Stay in Wheelchair Accessible Savannah Georgia
I recommend staying in the old town/historic area. There are plenty of hotels to choose from and most of the chain hotels have accessible rooms available. Staying here will put you in a central location and make it easy to get around to see the sights.
Wheelchair Accessible Hotels in Savannah Georgia
Marriot Savannah Riverfront
If you want a view of the river and close proximity to the free public transportation, this hotel is an excellent choice. They offer accessible rooms, parking, breakfast and free Wi-Fi.
Staybridge Suites Savannah Historic District
Located just three blocks from the city market, this hotel has a great location. It also offers a free breakfast buffet, onsite parking, free Wi-Fi, and wheelchair accessible rooms with a roll-in shower.
River Street Inn
If you want to have the beautiful views of the river, as well as stay in a property that feels less like a hotel and more like an inn, then this is the perfect place for you. This property offers parking, free Wi-Fi, bathrobes, bottled water in your room, and an afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres reception nightly from 5-7 PM.
Where to Eat in Savannah Georgia
Savannah offers so many great options for any foodie. Some of the places I was impressed with are The Old Pink House, The Public Kitchen and Bar and Leopold’s. For tea lovers, I recommend the Gryphon (for those with limited mobility) and the Savannah Tea Room.
The Olde Pink House
The Olde Pink House is generally busy, so it’s best to make reservations in advance. There is an accessible side entrance and an elevator in the building. Servers and staff may be dressed up in period attire. After dinner, you can tour the building on your own to experience all of its history.
By the way, the food is also delicious! I had fried green tomatoes, fried chicken with mac and cheese and the blackberry bourbon glazed chicken. While the prices aren’t cheap, the quality of food is spectacular. They are also very good at accommodating food allergies.
The Public Kitchen and Bar
The Public Kitchen and Bar is also a great option. This farm-to-table restaurant offers delicious food in a mid-century-modern atmosphere. There is a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating. Reservations are not accepted.
The food is great, and the restaurant offered good options for people with food allergies when I visited with my friend (who is allergic to nuts, dairy and gluten).
Leopold’s
Leopold’s is by far Savannah’s most popular ice cream shop. With history dating back to 1919, they know what they are doing. The owner is also a film director, so you’ll find movie memorabilia throughout the shop.
Known for their Tutti Frutti ice cream (an original since 1919), they also offer lots of other flavors, including some seasonal ice creams. If you want a quick bite of lunch before indulging on dessert, they also offer sandwiches and pastries.
No matter what you choose, it will be amazing. I had a hot fudge sundae here and it was one of the best I’ve ever had. Just be prepared for a long line at almost any time of day…. I told you it was popular! Trust me though, it’s worth the wait.
The Gryphon
The Gryphon is a wonderful place for brunch or a traditional tea. Located in a historic building that was once a pharmacy. You can still see apothecary remnants and beautiful stained glass inside.
There is a small step, however, to enter the building. Once inside, there is another step or two to get to a table. So, while the food and tea are fantastic, this would be best for those with limited mobility.
The Savannah Tea Room
The Savannah Tea Room is not necessarily a restaurant but a small shop that sells incredible teas. You can order a cup to go or purchase tea leaves/bags to take home. It is also connected to a small bookstore where two adorable cats live.
The Savannah Tea Room sells unique tea blends that are very tasty. My personal favorites are the Emperors Bride and Valentine (spiced red berry) loose leaf teas. There are many options to choose from and the staff is very helpful in assisting you to choose the right tea for you.
There is a small step to go into the shop.
Travel Tip: There are no open container laws in Savannah, so it’s very common to see people walking around with a beer or wine. If you order an alcoholic beverage at a restaurant and need to leave before you’ve had a chance to finish it, they will put it in a to-go cup for you.
Getting Around as a Wheelchair User in Savannah Georgia
There is free public transportation in the historic city center. The buses are all wheelchair accessible as they are able to kneel and have a ramp that folds out onto the sidewalk. There are dedicated wheelchair spaces in the front of the bus.
Finding parking can be a challenge, so I recommend if you have a vehicle to park it and use the great public transportation that is readily available. These free buses run throughout the old town of Savannah and have a ramp that folds out, allowing people of all abilities to board.
Sidewalks are mostly in good condition. You may find that they are uneven in some spots, but that’s generally not the norm.
If you are traveling with a service dog, Savannah is very dog friendly. Most store owners have a water bowl outside of their shop and some of the squares even have dog drinking fountains.
Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Rentals in Savannah Georgia
Wheelers Accessible Van Rentals
Wheelers is a nationwide company that specializes in accessible van rentals. They have a location in Savannah and offer a range of wheelchair accessible vehicles, including vans with side and rear entry ramps.
MobilityWorks
This company provides a range of rental options, including minivans and full-size vans with various accessibility features.
13 Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do in Savannah Georgia
Savannah has a number of things to do and is a great way to spend the weekend or even more time. While not all activities are fully accessible (due to the city’s historic nature) there are still plenty of great accessible options. Below I’ll list fully accessible activities as well as options for people with limited mobility.
1. Relax in Forsyth Park
This beautiful park houses the fountain that has become synonymous with the city. It’s located close to public transportation and is flat and easy to navigate. There is a small shop where you can get drinks and use public restrooms (which are accessible).
The second time I visited here, I was lucky enough to be in town during the annual jazz festival. This festival is free of charge and I was able to enjoy the lovely sounds of jazz while exploring the park. It was a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon.
2. Explore the Squares that Make Up Downtown Savannah
Savannah is known for its green spaces. Throughout the city, there are 22 squares or small parks. Each is slightly different but all have benches to rest on.
It was in one of these squares that the famous bench scene from the movie Forest Gump was filmed. See if you can find it. It is not uncommon to have local artists perform here as well.
3. Walk/Roll Through Bonaventure Cemetery
This cemetery was featured in the book (and film) “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil”. It is also a surprisingly lovely way to take a step back in time. Some notable people such as Johnny Mercer are buried here (a singer known for writing and singing the song “Moon River”).
Sculptures are found throughout the cemetery (in fact in Victorian times, it was referred to as a sculpture garden). Each one has a different significance and meaning. Had I gone on my own, they would’ve been pretty but I would never have known the significance of them. Luckily, I stopped here with a knowledgeable tour guide who gave me a new perspective.
Although today most people find going to a cemetery kind of morbid, in Victorian times it was very common to go to the cemetery after church with a picnic lunch to pay respect and visit loved ones that had passed.
If you do not book a tour, you will need your own vehicle to get here. Audio guides are available to download from your App store.
4. Visit Wormsloe Plantation
Another popular and somewhat iconic site in Savannah are the gates and live oak lined path entering Wormsloe Plantation. Although it was closed when I visited (so I only got to see the gate), this now state park is open to visitors.
Step inside to learn about this colonial estate’s history. The owner was among the first settlers from New England and the tabby ruins that are located in the plantation is considered the oldest standing structure in Savannah.
Historic interpreters dressed in period clothes interact with guests during special programs and events and demonstrate skills and tools used during the Colonial Period. A flat, paved nature trail guides you along the property. There is also a museum on site featuring a short film about the area and houses artifacts found on the property.
As this plantation is not in the historic center of Savannah, it is best reached by your own vehicle.
5. Explore River St.
Filled with shops and restaurants, this exciting street runs parallel to the river (hence the name). It is lower than the rest of the city, but there is a public elevator available for use so that the differently abled can access the popular street without using steps.
Located between the Hyatt and City Hall is an outdoor elevator that will take you from Bay St. to River St. Some hotels and restaurants also have an elevator available for use.
6. Take a Riverboat Scenic Cruise.
If you are already exploring River St., then why not take the opportunity to do some sightseeing from the water on a riverboat cruise. Savannah Riverboat Cruise Company offers accessible cruises onboard two of their ships (The Georgia Queen and The Savannah River Queen).
Both boats have an accessible ramp to board, but the boats differ in the level of accessibility. The Georgia Queen is the most accessible with handicap restrooms and a passenger elevator so you can reach all levels of the boat. The Savannah River Queen only has the first deck accessible and no handicap restrooms.
There are a variety of cruises available to choose from, some including a meal while others are just sightseeing cruises. Pick which one interests you the most.
7. Trolley Tours
These hop on hop off trolley tours are a great way to learn more about the history of Savannah. They are informative and entertaining. I took one both times I visited and learned information I would’ve never known otherwise.
Savannah Sightseeing Tours states that they have wheelchair accessible trolleys available, but those arrangements need to be made through the welcome center by calling 912-233-0083.
There may be some limitations on your ability to hop on or off trolleys as the accessible trolleys are limited. It’s best to stay on your accessible trolley for the full tour and then use the fully accessible public transportation to go back to the sites which interest you the most.
8. Do a Walking Tour
If a trolley tour doesn’t interest you much, then consider doing a walking tour instead. These tours will give you a historic look at the city and allow you to ask questions. Tours may vary in length or theme. Since Savannah is so easy to navigate, most are wheelchair accessible.
You can find these tours on www.viator.com.
9. Learn About Savannah/s Haunted Past on a Ghost Tour
Savannah is reported to be fairly haunted, having numerous stories of tragedies. A ghost tour is a fun way to get a new perspective and hear tales and legends not told on typical day-time tours.
Accessible walking ghost tours are available, although these (and most walking tours) don’t actually enter the haunted buildings you will hear about. These walking tours can be found on www.viator.com. There is even one that is run by a psychic.
If you have some mobility and want to take the creepy factor to another level, consider doing a driving ghost tour that takes place in a converted hearse. When I visited, I had better mobility so this is the tour that I did. The tour guide did a great job and took us to some sights outside of the historic city center. The company was called Hearse Ghost Tours.
Just be aware that you will need to be able to climb a couple of steps to sit in the back of the hearse. Seats are stools with no back support.
10. Visit a Stop on the Underground Railroad
The First African Baptist Church was probably one of the first in the country that was built by slaves so that they would have a place to worship. If you look closely, you can still see some of their finger prints in the handmade bricks that the church was made from.
The history of the church is fascinating and part of its story is that it was part of the Underground Railroad. Although the entrance to the tunnels has been lost over time, you can still see the holes in the floor that allowed fresh air to reach the tunnels.
While the church does have an elevator, I could not find a step-free entrance. There is a side entrance that has less steps than the front entrance, but there is no completely wheelchair accessible entrance that I could find. As a result, this activity is best for people that have some mobility.
I found this tour to be extremely interesting. The inside of the church is lovely, but the story behind it is even better. During the tour you will learn how the stain glass windows inside had hidden messages about the Underground Railroad, as well as how they were able to operate this without being discovered by their owners.
Outside of the church is a statue remembering the Haitians that served during the Revolutionary War.
11. Go to the Beach at Tybee Island
Tybee Island is a barrier island located off the coast of Georgia near Savannah. While the island does have some areas that are wheelchair accessible, not all areas are fully accessible due to its natural terrain.
The beach itself has a boardwalk that provides wheelchair access to the sand, and some of the beachfront hotels and restaurants have accessible features such as ramps and elevators. Additionally, the Tybee Island Lighthouse has an elevator that provides access to the top for visitors with mobility impairments.
There are also wheelchair accessible beach access points which have Mobi mats at the end of the ramped access areas down to the high-water line. You can also use one of the beach wheelchairs available. These are located at the Ocean Rescue HQ at the south beach near the ramp up to the Pier and Pavilion off the end of Tybrisa Street. Call ahead to check for availability.
12. Savannah History Museum
Explore the rich history and culture of the city when you visit the Savannah History Museum. Here you can learn about the city’s role in the American Revolution, the Civil War, and other significant events that have shaped Savannah’s past.
You will also enjoy fun and interactive exhibits. For example, you can try your hand at piloting a World War II plane, learn about the city’s architecture through a touch-screen display, or even play dress-up and take photos in historic costumes.
It is a fun stop for the whole family that is conveniently located in the historic downtown area.
13. Jepson Center for the Arts
The Jepson Center was designed by Moshe Safdie, a renowned architect who is also responsible for other notable projects such as the United States Institute of Peace headquarters in Washington D.C. The building itself is a work of art, featuring a mix of glass, steel, and concrete, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light.
It also houses a wide range of art collections, including contemporary art, photography, and works on paper. Some of the notable artists whose work is on display include William Christenberry, Howard Finster, and Andres Serrano.
This is a must-see destination for art lovers, and anyone interested in contemporary art and design. Whether you’re looking for a new perspective on art, a fun and engaging activity for the family, or just a place to relax and enjoy beautiful works of art, the Jepson Center is sure to impress.
Wheelchair Accessible Savannah Georgia FAQ’s
Is it Worth Savannah Georgia Visiting as a Wheelchair User?
Yes! Savannah Georgia is absolutely worth visiting as a wheelchair user. The city is full of beauty and history, is easy to navigate and offers great accessibility. I enjoyed Savannah so much, that I went back again!
When to Visit Wheelchair Accessible Savannah Georgia
It can get very hot in Savannah during the summertime. Spring will bring more bearable temperatures and have the added bonus of flowers, like the magnolia, blooming. Fall is also a wonderful time to visit the city. Winter will be the coolest temperatures but also have the least number of crowds.
What is the Weather Like in Savannah?
| Season | Average Temperatures |
| Winter (December-February) | 42-64 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Spring (March-May) | 51-83 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Summer (June-August) | 72-90 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Fall (September-November) | 60-84 degrees Fahrenheit |
Summer will also feel the most humid and have the highest chance of tornadoes.
Is Savannah’s Historic District Safe?
If you look at the statistics, you may have concerns about the safety of Savannah. After all, the crime rate is consistently higher than the national average. However, the historic district of Savannah is relatively safe.
Most of the crimes associated with the statistics do not affect tourists. While there are some areas of town that are risky to travel in, the historic center is safe. As with any travel, however, you should be aware of your surroundings and be on the lookout for pickpockets and muggers.
I personally never felt unsafe during my time in Savannah. One of the trips I was even traveling solo. Take the same precautions as you would with visiting any new place and you should be fine.
Final Thoughts on Wheelchair Accessible Savannah Georgia
I had a great time in Savannah both times I visited, and I have no doubt that you will too. I hope that my guide to exploring Savannah Georgia in a wheelchair has given you more insight into just what a great place this is to visit.
