What to do on a Rainy Day in Savannah

(And why a rainy day is not the end of your adventure)

Savannah is known for its moss-draped oaks, cobblestone streets, and warm coastal breezes—but like any southern coastal city, we occasionally get rain. While it doesn’t happen often, there are times when the weather simply doesn’t cooperate with our boat tours. Safety is our top priority at Low Country Drifters, so on rare occasions, we may need to reschedule or cancel a tour due to storms, high winds, heavy rainfall, or marine warnings.

But don’t worry—just because the skies are gray doesn’t mean your day has to be. Savannah shines even when it drizzles. Here are a few ideas to help you make the most of a rainy day in the Hostess City of the South:

1. Dive Into Savannah’s Most Unique Museums & Stops

Rainy weather is the perfect excuse to explore Savannah’s fascinating—and sometimes off-the-beaten-path—indoor attractions:

  • Webb Military Museum – A personal and emotional collection of military memorabilia spanning WWI through today. A hidden gem–and one man’s personal collection.
  • Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum – Located in a stunning historic mansion, the William Scarbrough House, this museum features model ships, maritime paintings, nautical history, exciting events, and rotating exhibits.
  • National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force – Just outside the city, this world-class museum honors the “Mighty Eighth” with immersive exhibits and restored aircraft.
  • Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters – Offers a deeper look into the complexities of Savannah’s past.
  • American Prohibition Museum – A fun and interactive museum that ends in a speakeasy—yes, really.
  • The JW Marriott – Explore the marvels inside the lobby of the hotel in Plant Riverside, or grab a bite to eat. Visitors are always welcome.
  • The SCADstory – An immersive 4D experience that tells a universal tale of the dreamer in us all.
  • Lucas Theatre – The first public building in Savannah to offer air conditioning was a luxurious cinema that still operates today.
  • Sears Mishap House – Local myth claims this is a Sears catalogue home with its windows installed upside-down (32 Habersham St.).
  • Pin Point Heritage Museum – A unique museum dedicated to the Gullah-Geechee people, housed within an old oyster cannery.
  • Graveface Museum – Features a spooky collection of oddities–everything from serial killers, to cults, to side shows, and more (if that’s what you’re into).
  • Bonaventure Cemetery – Take a drive through the cemetery and use the Bonaventure Historical Society’s mobile tour app as your guide.
2. Get Hands-on

Leave Savannah with a unique souvenir and a special experience!

  • Sea Love – Create your custom-scented candle or reed diffuser from over 100 fragrance options. Walk-ins are welcome, but we recommend reservations for a smoother experience.
  • Hostess City Hot Glass – Savannah’s oldest glassblowing studio and still the hottest ticket in town! Take a class, book an event, and shop online & in-studio.
  • Scribble Art Studio SAV – Personalized art classes to learn new skills and explore possibilities through a wide variety of art mediums.
  • STUMP – a family-owned retail business also offering workshops to ensure that you have a successful experience owning and caring for your houseplants.
  • American Prohibition Museum – Enjoy tidbits of history with every sip! Certified bartenders will teach you how to make classic cocktails while discovering the history behind them.
  • Salacia Salts – Blend your own fragrance, choose from a range of ingredients, and enjoy a relaxing, interactive activity that makes a customized skincare product.
  • Mamie Ruth Design Studio – Explore their “Build Your Own Hat” bar, where you can step into a world of hat and apparel customization, celebrating creativity, individuality, and the joy of self-expression.
  • Chef Darin – Hired to start the 700 Kitchen Cooking School at the Mansion on Forsyth Park, Chef Darin developed a hands-on approach for classes and garnered widespread acclaim on TripAdvisor.
3. Slow Down & Savor the Food (or Beer)

A little rain is the perfect excuse to enjoy a long, leisurely lunch, an early dinner, local beer, or a cocktail or two.

  • The Collins Quarter – Aussie-Southern fusion in a chic space.
  • Alligator Soul – Once a basement grain warehouse, this intimate Southern eatery uses organic and local ingredients.
  • Crystal Beer Parlor – a cozy American bistro and bar with extensive food and beer menus in a century-old former grocery store.
  • The Grey – Fine dining in a restored Greyhound station.
  • Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room – A classic Southern family-style meal.
  • Vic’s on the River – A fine-dining restaurant in a 19th-century warehouse features classic Southern cooking.
  • Abe’s on Lincoln – This bar hosts an ever-evolving napkin art installation devoted to an American president.
  • Starland District – Starland is a vibrant neighborhood featuring “unique-to-Savannah boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and breweries, supporting local entrepreneurs and artists. Be sure to check out Starland Yard, an outdoor food court with a bar and a pizzeria, plus a changing selection of international food trucks and live entertainment.
  • Bubba Gumbo’s – This waterfront fish shack serves the day’s catch & fried shellfish in a homey, nautical-themed setting.
Breweries
  • Two Tides Brewing Co. – In addition to their taproom, they are home to Crispi (food truck), Float Coffee, and Smol Bar (featuring Third Wave Spirits).
  • Service Brewing Co. – A veteran-owned craft brewery in downtown Savannah, GA. Local hangout with a selection of year-rounds, seasonals, and small-batch beers.
  • Hop Atomica – A restaurant and brewpub specializing in craft beer, wood-fired pizza, and food in a cool mid-century modern atmosphere.
  • Southbound Brewing Co. – Currently closed, awaiting a new location.
  • Coastal Empire Beer C0. – Georgia’s most award-winning brewery offers a variety of year-round and seasonal beers in a dog-friendly taproom environment. 
4. Shop & Stroll Indoors

Savannah’s many galleries, boutiques, and antique stores offer shelter from the rain and plenty of one-of-a-kind treasures. Visit City Market, browse art at Telfair Museums, or explore the home goods, vintage finds, and jewelry along Whitaker and Broughton Streets. Here are some local shops and brands we enjoy:

  • Paris Laundry – For clean skincare and makeup options.
  • The Paris Market – Equal parts café, boutique, and curiosity shop, this dreamy space on Broughton Street offers espresso, fresh pastries, and a front-row seat to Savannah’s charm.
  • Savannah Bee Company – Premium honey and hive-inspired products, but more importantly, works to educate people about the importance of bees and protect.
  • Savannah’s Candy Kitchen – A family-owned candy company, founded in Savannah, Georgia, in 1973, that specializes in handcrafted Southern sweets, most famously its pralines
  • Byrd Cookie Co. – Another family-owned company (est. 1924) that offers a variety of gourmet cookies, cheese biscuits, and southern-style condiments.
  • shopSCAD – A unique retail gallery for artwork and designs created by a talented community of artists from SCAD.
5. Hop on a Trolley Tour

Most of Savannah’s trolley tours are covered and operate rain or shine. You’ll stay dry while hearing centuries of stories about ghosts, pirates, poets, and the people who shaped this historic port city.

6. Cozy Up in a Coffee Shop

When the rain starts to fall, there’s nothing better than sipping a hot drink while watching the city slow down outside. A favorite local spot:

  • The Paris Market – Equal parts café, boutique, and curiosity shop, this dreamy space on Broughton Street offers espresso, fresh pastries, and a front-row seat to Savannah’s charm.

Other great stops: Foxy Loxy Café, Mirabelle Savannah, Franklins, and The Coffee Fox.


Don’t Let the Rain Stop You

Savannah is full of character—and that includes how it shines even in the rain. If your boat tour has to wait for sunnier skies, take the opportunity to explore the city’s indoor gems. You’ll gain new perspectives, make unexpected memories, and be all the more ready to hit the water when the sun returns and we can hop on the boat for a Low Country Drifters boat trip!

A Quick Note About Rain & Boat Tours

We only cancel or reschedule tours when the weather poses an unavoidable safety risk. Coastal showers often pass quickly, and we’ll do everything possible to adjust timing or routes to keep your tour on track. We’ll work with you to reschedule or issue a refund if we must postpone or cancel.

Just remember: safety comes first, and a little patience usually rewards you with clearer skies and a smoother ride.

Published On: May 9, 2025Categories: Savannah, DrifterTags:
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