Beat the Heat: Your Ultimate Guide to Summer in Savannah, GA
Savannah, Georgia, is one of the most stunning cities in the South, and in the summer, it turns up the heat in every sense of the word. With temperatures regularly soaring into the low 90s and humidity that wraps around you the moment you step outside, summer in Savannah is not for the faint of heart. But here's the thing: locals and seasoned visitors know that the heat is no reason to miss out on everything this coastal gem has to offer.
The Best Things to Do Near Savannah This Summer
When the heat cranks up in the city, the coast calls. Savannah is uniquely blessed by its proximity to some of Georgia's most spectacular barrier islands and waterways, and summer is the perfect time to take full advantage of them.
1. Tybee Island — Savannah's Favorite Beach Escape
Just 18 miles east of downtown Savannah, Tybee Island is the go-to summer destination for locals and visitors alike. Wide, sandy beaches and ocean breezes make the heat instantly more manageable, and the island's laid-back, slightly quirky vibe is completely addictive.
South Beach is the most popular stretch, anchored by the iconic pier and pavilion, perfect for catching a sunset or dropping a fishing line. Mid Beach and North Beach offer a quieter experience for those who want more space to spread out. The ocean water temperature in July sits at a warm 82–84°F, making it ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
While you're there, don't miss the Tybee Island Lighthouse, Georgia's oldest and tallest, standing since 1736. Climbing to the top rewards you with panoramic views of the Georgia coast that are absolutely worth every step.
2. Little Tybee Island — Untouched and Wild
Just south of Tybee and accessible only by boat or kayak, Little Tybee Island is a hidden gem that rewards those willing to make the trip. It's one of the largest undeveloped barrier islands on the East Coast, with no roads, no crowds, and no development. Just pristine beach, salt marsh, and the kind of quiet that's hard to find anywhere.
Kayak rental companies out of Tybee offer guided tours to Little Tybee, and it's an experience unlike anything you'll find closer to the city. Keep an eye out for loggerhead sea turtles nesting along the shore throughout the summer months.
3. Wassaw Island National Wildlife Refuge — Georgia's Best-Kept Secret
If you're looking for an island experience that feels genuinely off the beaten path, Wassaw Island is it. Accessible only by boat from marinas at Isle of Hope or Skidaway Island, Wassaw is a National Wildlife Refuge with seven miles of virtually empty, breathtaking beach backed by old-growth maritime forest.
The island has never been cleared for development; it was preserved by a private family after the Civil War and transferred to the U.S. government to remain wild forever. Today, it's a sanctuary for migratory birds, alligators, deer, and nesting loggerhead turtles. Boat charters and full-day guided kayak tours are available out of the Savannah area and include a naturalist-led hike through the forest to the Atlantic-facing beach. It's the kind of summer day you'll talk about for years.
4. Ossabaw Island — A Living Georgia Heritage Preserve
Georgia's third-largest barrier island, Ossabaw, is a State Heritage Preserve rich in natural and human history. The island is home to feral Ossabaw Island pigs, bald eagles, alligators, deer, and even a feral herd of Sicilian donkeys, a roster of wildlife that makes every visit an adventure.
Day trips to Ossabaw depart from Skidaway Island, and overnight trips are available for those who want to explore the island's southern end and boneyard beach. The beaches below the high tide mark are open to the public, a raw, beautiful stretch of coast that feels completely removed from the modern world.
5. Skidaway Island State Park — Nature Trails & Morning Adventures
Only 15 miles from downtown Savannah, Skidaway Island State Park is a perfect morning adventure before the midday heat sets in. Six miles of nature trails wind through maritime forest and along pristine salt marsh, with a boardwalk and wildlife observation tower where you can spot osprey, bald eagles, painted buntings, deer, and fiddler crabs.
The park's Big Ferry trail has a particularly fascinating backstory; it passes Prohibition-era liquor stills, Native American shell middens, and Civil War earthworks. Don't miss the visitor center's 20-foot replica of a prehistoric giant ground sloth skeleton, the first ever discovered in the U.S., unearthed right here on Skidaway Island in 1822. Admission to the park is free, with just a $5 per vehicle parking fee.
6. Kayaking & Sunset Cruises on the Skidaway River
One of the most magical ways to experience Savannah's coast in summer is from the water, especially at sunrise or sunset when the heat softens, and the sky turns extraordinary. The Skidaway River, departing from the historic Isle of Hope Marina along the Spanish-moss-draped Bluff Drive, is a stunning waterway for guided kayak tours and private sunset cruises.
Local outfitters offer guided experiences through the marshes and creeks, with regular sightings of bottlenose dolphins, bald eagles, osprey, pelicans, and even the occasional manatee. A full moon paddle on the Skidaway Narrows is a bucket-list Savannah experience that simply has to be done.
Love the Summer? Imagine Calling Savannah Home.
There's something about a Savannah summer, the evening light filtering through the live oaks on the squares, the sound of the marsh at sunset, the feeling of jumping into the Atlantic after a long afternoon, that makes you start to wonder what it would be like to live here.
Whether you're drawn to the Historic District's timeless architecture, island living on Skidaway or Wilmington Island, or the lush residential neighborhoods closer to the coast, the Savannah real estate market offers an exceptional quality of life. And when your backyard is Tybee Island, Wassaw, and miles of Georgia marsh, every summer feels like a vacation.
Ready to explore what's possible? The Agency Savannah team is here to help you find your perfect place in this one-of-a-kind city. Reach out to us, we'd love to show you around!
