Every time I visit Savannah, Georgia, I fall more in love with the city. I live only five hours away in northwest Georgia, so I’ve been lucky enough to visit Savannah many times, but each time, I discover new attractions, restaurants, and activities. And the best part? Despite Savannah being a historic city, there are a plethora of wheelchair accessible things to enjoy in Savannah!
For my most recent trip in Savannah, I had five days to explore the city. It was a perfect amount of time for me to enjoy some old favorites and discover some new-to-me wheelchair accessible Savannah attractions and restaurants. I had a spectacular trip, as I always do in Savannah, and I’d love to tell you all about it.
I’ll start by telling you about some of the best accessible things to do and places to eat in Savannah, and then I’ll let you know about the fantastic hotel I stayed in. I have no doubt that by the time you finish reading this blog post, you’ll have a desire like never before to visit Savannah. It really is a special city and a wonderful place to visit, no matter what your abilities are!
Wheelchair Accessible Savannah GA Attractions & Things to Do
There are so many things to do in Savannah that it would take years to do it all, but if you have a limited amount of time in the city, my suggestions below can ensure you have a great trip. Whether you want to spend time in museums, eat delicious southern food, or take in the gorgeous scenery, Savannah has something for everyone.
Ride the Old Town Trolley through Savannah
If you’re looking for the perfect thing to do at the beginning of your trip, this is it! The Old Town Trolley can provide you with an introduction to Savannah and throughout the tour, you’ll learn about Savannah’s history and most iconic sights. I rode the Old Town Trolley at the beginning of my trip and would highly recommend that you do the same to get an understanding of the layout of the city and what all there is to see in Savannah.
The trolleys are wheelchair accessible, but you need to let Old Town Trolley know at least 24 hours in advance if you’ll need an accessible trolley. I let them know and scheduled my tour time over the phone, and the wheelchair accessible trolley was there right on time and ready for me. It had a lift in the back of the trolley and once I was inside, the conductor secured my wheelchair with tie-down straps.
The ride lasted about 90 minutes and I was able to see out of the trolley perfectly. It was open-air and our conductor, Lillie Bell, provided live narration throughout the ride. She was fantastic and even checked on me several times to make sure I was comfortable.
The trolley made 14 stops along t he route and you can get on and off the trolleys as you want throughout the day, but wheelchair users do need to stay onboard for the full 90-minute journey. If you are a wheelchair user, you’ll get on and off at stop number one (the Savannah Visitors Center at 301 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd). Honestly, I didn’t really mind that I couldn’t get off at the stops because it gave me a chance to do the full tour of Savannah and it was a great way for me to see and learn about the city.
Watch my short video below about my accessible experience on the Old Town Trolley!
Hang out in Forsyth Park
One of Savannah’s most beautiful areas is Forsyth Park and it’s an absolute must-visit every time I’m in the city. I love coming to this park to just hang out and enjoy the scenery. It’s also very convenient to visit, as it’s in the heart of downtown Savannah near many of the most popular attractions.
There are paved paths through Forsyth Park and you can easily get to the masterpiece of the park, the huge fountain! It’s beautiful and makes for some fantastic photo ops. You’ll also notice live oak trees with the famous Spanish moss in the park, making for even more great photo ops.
Not far from the fountain, there is an accessible playground and wheelchair accessible picnic tables by the playground. I was thrilled to see an accessible playground within the park. If you’re visiting Savannah with children, plan some time for them to enjoy this part of Forsyth Park.
Buy yourself a new book at The Stacks Bookstore
I normally wouldn’t devote an entire section to one bookstore, but The Stacks Bookstore in Savannah is worth it. I visited this bookstore after some people recommended it on my Facebook page and I’m so happy that I was able to visit.
The Stacks opened in early 2024 and it is owned by Cindy Otis, who happens to be a wheelchair user. Cindy noticed that there weren’t any wheelchair accessible bookstores in Savannah, so she set out to open The Stacks, the city’s first accessible bookstore.
I had a chance to meet Cindy during my visit to The Stacks and she was awesome. We talked about traveling (she’s been to so many remarkable places!) and she happily recommended some books by disabled authors for me to check out. The store has a large selection of books by disabled authors and books featuring characters with disabilities, so I loved seeing that!
There are some other great shops and eateries neighboring The Stacks, so be sure to check them out while you’re in the area as well. I had a yummy watermelon lemonade from Waters Cafe and enjoyed browsing around Goodfortune Market after purchasing some books at The Stacks.
Explore some of Savannah’s great museums
The Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is located in the historic district in the elegant William Scarbrough House. This home, built in 1819, was owned by William Scarbrough, who was one of the principal owners of the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean, known as the Savannah. This beautiful museum houses a large collection of model ships, paintings, and maritime antiques from the time period of the Atlantic trade.
The wheelchair accessible entrance for the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum can be found at the back of the building near the gardens, with a signed pathway leading to a side lift entrance. The lift is electric and you can either call for a staff member for assistance or press the button to go up to enter on the first level.
Once inside the museum, customers using wheelchairs are only able to enjoy the exhibits on the first level, as levels two and three are only accessible via stairs. There are a variety of model ships on level one, so I did have a good time seeing them all.
Another great museum in Savannah is the SCAD Museum of Art! It is a contemporary art museum, serving as a resource for the students and alumni of the Savannah College of Art and Design. This museum boasts with rotating exhibitions, all on one level, from artists who specialize in contemporary art and fashion.
The wheelchair accessible entrance for the SCAD Museum of Art can be found on Turner Boulevard, and it is easily accessible with a smooth floored entryway. Since the museum is on one level, the exhibits are all easy to enjoy from your wheelchair, and there is plenty of space to roll around inside and admire the artwork and exhibits.
Lastly, the Savannah History Museum is located in the former historic center of Georgia Railroad’s passenger station. This is a unique museum that takes you through the history from 1733 through the current times of Savannah. The museum is on one level and easy to access with a wheelchair.
As you roll through the Savannah History Museum, it begins with model replicas of the indigenous people who first settled here, and takes you through a timely journey from the American Revolution, one of the first cotton gins, a full sized train, and history of the railroads, and even the original bench from the set of Forrest Gump. Did you know this famous movie was partially filmed in Savannah? This is a really great museum that you don’t want to miss.
Experience the Starland District in Savannah
The city of Savannah is probably most-known for its Historic District, and for good reason, but if you’re looking for a fun and artsy neighborhood to explore, look no further than the Starland District. I had a chance to spend a few hours in this area and I found quite a few gems that I really loved and will definitely return to on my next trip to Savannah.
The Starland District was the idea of two Savannah College of Art & Design students in the late 1990s. They wanted to turn rundown buildings into one of the city’s quirkiest and most creative areas… and they certainly did that! Today, there are galleries, shops, eateries, and more within the Starland District.
Some of my favorite shops in the Starland District were Graveface Records & Curiosities, which sells used records and pop culture novelties, and Vintage Vortex, which has vintage clothes from every decade. Both of these shops were wheelchair accessible and totally unique. I loved browsing through the many items at each of these shops.
If you are hungry for a bite to eat while exploring the Starland District, check out Starland Yard. At Starland Yard, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste, as there’s an outdoor food court with multiple options and there’s always a changing selection of food trucks as well. Whether you’re wanting pizza, tacos, sandwiches, or something different, you’re sure to find it here. Starland Yard hosts special fun events on select days, so be sure to check out their site to plan your visit.
If you’re visiting Savannah, plan at least a few hours to wander around the Starland District. It’s a cool area that’s fun to explore and you never know what you’ll discover in this creative and vibrant part of the city.
Spend some time at City Market
City Market is a must-visit destination in Savannah. Located in the heart of the historic district, this vibrant market offers a blend of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. From handcrafted goods to delectable Southern cuisine, City Market has something to appeal to everyone.
As you stroll through City Market, you’ll be greeted by a lively atmosphere filled with the sounds of live music, horse-drawn carriages, and the aroma of freshly baked goods. The market is home to a variety of shops, where you can find everything from unique clothing and jewelry to art and sweet treats. Whether you’re searching for a one-of-a-kind souvenir or a special gift for a loved one, you’re sure to find it here.
In addition to its diverse shopping options, City Market boasts a wide selection of restaurants and bars. Indulge in mouthwatering Southern specialties like shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and sweet tea. Or, enjoy a refreshing craft beer or glass of wine at one of the many outdoor cafes. City Market is the perfect place to savor the flavors of Savannah while enjoying the company of friends and family, and I’ll give you some recommendations of great restaurants in City Market a little later in this blog post.
In terms of accessibility at City Market, it’s really good. I spent quite a bit of time enjoying City Market’s offerings during my recent trip and I was able to enter every shop and restaurant that I wanted. Even when it seemed like an establishment wasn’t wheelchair accessible, they had a portable ramp available, so I was happy to see great accessibility in this part of Savannah.
Have a delicious Brunch
Goose Feathers Cafe and Bakery – Located in the heart of the historic district, Goose Feathers Cafe and Bakery will get your day started with some scrumptious dishes. Here, you can find breakfast all day, as well as soups, sandwiches, and salads for lunch. The entry is smooth and I had no trouble at all rolling inside in my powered wheelchair. After looking over all of their amazing options, I chose the Jalapeño and Cheddar Cornbread Waffle with homemade sausage gravy. I knew when I ordered it that it sounded so tasty, but when it came to my table and I tried the first bite, it was like an explosion of flavor! The gravy tasted just like the kind my mom makes, maybe even better, but don’t tell her! It was a perfect start to the day and I may have even licked my plate clean.
Collin’s Quarter at Forsyth Park – Collin’s Quarter could not be at a more perfect location. It sits in the heart of Forsyth Park, near the famous fountain and live oaks. I found wheelchair accessible free parking next to the building and rolled along the paved pathway to the outside dining area. Here, a friendly hostess greeted me and asked if I wanted to dine inside or out. It was such a beautiful day, and the tables had umbrellas over them to block the sunshine if desired, so I immediately chose to dine outdoors and take in the sights of Forsyth Park while enjoying my meal. I chose the Chicken and Waffles and it was definitely a great choice. This dish came with Tempura fried chicken, a Belgian waffle, Buffalo syrup, and mixed berries, and it was so delicious. They also have quite the lengthy teas and coffees menu, but I chose the Sweet Taro Latte. This sensational drink was great, with just the right kick of espresso. I highly recommend this restaurant when visiting Savannah! In fact, I loved it so much that I ate here twice during my recent visit to Savannah. On my second visit, I ordered the Crab Cakes Benedict and it was out-of-this-world good.
Dottie’s Market – Dottie’s Market is located in the heart of all the great shops along Broughton Street. I found a wheelchair accessible metered parking spot just around the corner and was able to roll to Dottie’s within seconds. It is closed on Tuesdays, but luckily I was there on a Saturday to enjoy a delicious brunch. They offer both indoor and outdoor dining tables with bar seats as well. When I reached the entrance, a staff member was there to quickly open the door for me and direct me to the counter to place my order. This is a really popular place, but the line moved quickly to place my order. I chose the Zach’s Hot Chicken Biscuit and definitely made the right choice. Between the biscuit was grits, greens, and a big piece of fried chicken with spicy chile garlic sauce. Honestly, I’m wanting to go there again right now and order this very same thing after typing these words about it. Dottie’s also offers a Grab and Go Deli Case, coffee, desserts, gifts, and wine.
Savor a tasty meal for dinner
Belford’s Savannah Seafood and Steaks – Located in the southwest corner of City Market is the perfect dinner option when visiting Savannah, Belford’s Savannah Seafood and Steaks. This restaurant is open seven days a week, serving daily beginning at 11:30am and closing for one hour from 3pm until 4pm. They offer high-end steaks, seafood, and pasta and it’s such a cute spot with both indoor and outdoor dining. When rolling up to the entrance, you will see a step to get inside, but staff is quick to lay down their portable ramp. I had no trouble getting inside in my powered wheelchair. For the appetizer, I ordered the B.L.T. Stack. This came with fried green tomatoes, candied bacon, arugula, pickled red onion, black pepper parmesan aioli, and balsamic reduction. Then for my meal, I devoured the Lobster Gnocchi. This incredible dish includes an 8 oz lobster tail, ricotta gnocchi, asparagus, heirloom tomatoes, lobster cream, and parmesan. If you think that sounds delicious, believe me, it tastes even better!
Wexford Irish Pub – Also located in City Market, Wexford Irish Pub is such a cute place offering both indoor and outdoor dining, and open daily beginning at 11am. Getting inside here was easily accessible and the staff member who greeted me at the entrance was super friendly to offer me a table that would work best for my needs and even moved a chair for me to pull up to the table. Here, I chose the Celtic Knot as my appetizer. This plate came with a giant pretzel, served with Guinness cheddar sauce and house-made Very Spicy mustard. It was served warm and the spicy mustard was perfection. Next, I devoured one of my favorite dishes, Shepherd’s Pie. This is served with ground lamb, ground beef, carrots, onions, green peas, and mashed potatoes. Although it’s a pretty large dish, it is also served with a wee salad on the side. I loved this mix of meat, potatoes, and vegetables. It was so good and one of the best ones that I have eaten!
22 Square – 22 Square Restaurant and Bar is located inside the Andaz Hotel and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. Here, you will find southern cuisine with a modern twist. This restaurant is fully accessible and offers window views of parts of the historic district. For my appetizer, I chose the hushpuppies which are always lip smacking good. I then followed them with the 22SQ Burger. This burger was really tasty with a brioche bun, cheddar cheese, black pepper horseradish mayo, and crispy onions. Their fries were crispy, seasoned, and great too! This meal made a perfect ending to a day in Savannah.
Zunzi’s – Zunzi’s is an award winning sandwich and wing restaurant, with a delicious mixture of international cuisine. Rolling inside, I felt a beach bar theme, but with a cultural flavor. My appetizer, the Peri-Peri Cheese Dip, was honestly so good that I almost spoiled my appetite for my entree. It was served with their Zunzi’s chips and they were seasoned perfectly! For my meal, I chose the Conquistador sandwich. It was served on pita bread with chicken, provolone, lettuce, tomato, signature sauce and drizzle dressing, and parmesan. This sandwich was huge and somehow I managed to eat it all because it was so good!
Enjoy River Street and the Plant Riverside District
You can’t visit Savannah without wandering along River Street. It’s undoubtedly one of the most iconic parts of the city, and a must-visit during any trip. I have visited River Street multiple times and while it isn’t the most wheelchair accessible part of Savannah, I’ve still had some great experiences on River Street.
There are many shops, restaurants, and bars along River Street. Not all of them are wheelchair accessible, but you’ll definitely find plenty of places that are accessible. I always love popping into the Savannah Bee Company to buy some honey, and Vic’s on the River is a wonderful restaurant choice on River Street. Vic’s can lay out a portable ramp for you upon arrival if you just give them a call.
River Street does have a lot of cobblestone and it is quite bumpy, but if you stay on the sidewalks, you can avoid the cobblestone for the most part. To cross River Street, there are smooth paved paths in certain areas that will allow you to avoid rolling on the cobblestone. I am always happy that I can enjoy River Street without jarring myself too much.
Just a short walk/roll from the shops and restaurants of River Street is the Plant Riverside District. Having opened in the summer of 2020, this is one of Savannah’s newest areas and it’s very wheelchair-friendly. This area used to be home to a power plant, but now it’s an entertainment oasis in the city.
In the Plant Riverside District, you’ll find more than a dozen dining possibilities, rooftop bars, a spa, retail shops, and even a luxury hotel known as the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District. Whether you choose to stay in the JW Marriott or not, it’s certainly worth strolling through the lobby, as it is gorgeous.
As I rolled from place to place in the Plant Riverside District, it made me fall more in love with Savannah. This is such a nice and beautiful part of the city, and I’m thrilled that Savannah now has a luxurious area right on the river to enjoy. This is a great area to explore during the day or you can come here for nightlife as well.
See the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
I’ve seen some pretty spectacular cathedrals throughout my travels. From the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona to cathedrals in Germany, they have been absolutely beautiful, but one of the most beautiful cathedrals is actually in Savannah!
The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist is a magnificent cathedral located in the heart of Savannah, just a short distance from Forsyth Park. This stunning architectural gem is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Savannah and a beloved landmark in the city. In fact, it’s so beautiful that it is frequently on lists of the top attractions in the U.S.
If you’d like to go inside the cathedral, an elevator is available, but be sure to check the schedule because you cannot visit during service (unless you’re attending the entire service, of course). It’s certainly worth going inside to see the architecture and design, but the exterior is spectacular as well.
The cathedral’s exterior is a testament to the beauty and intricacy of French Gothic architecture. Its soaring spires, intricate stonework, and stained glass windows create a sense of awe. Inside, the cathedral boasts a spacious interior with ornate carvings, stunning frescoes, and a pipe organ. The cathedral’s acoustics are renowned, making it a popular venue for concerts and religious ceremonies.
Beyond its architectural significance, the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist plays a vital role in the community. It serves as a spiritual center for Catholics in the region and offers a variety of religious programs, including Mass, sacraments, and religious education. The cathedral also hosts community events and outreach programs, fostering a sense of belonging and connection among its parishioners and the wider community.
Be in awe of Savannah’s live oak trees at Wormsloe Historic Site
When you picture Savannah in your mind, you probably imagine the beautiful live oak trees with their draping Spanish moss, right? It’s an iconic Savannah sight and there is no better place to see it than Wormsloe Historic Site. If you are wanting a postcard-worthy picture from Savannah, this is undoubtedly the place to visit.
Wormsloe Historic Site is a picturesque plantation that offers guided tours, nature trails, and more, and in recent years, accessibility has dramatically improved here. Upon arrival, I boarded a wheelchair accessible tram and there was a ramp for me to get on the open-air tram. Tie-down straps were also available to secure my wheelchair.
The tram ride only lasted about 15 minutes, but it was absolutely gorgeous for those 15 minutes. We rode down Oak Avenue, which is nearly one mile long and on both sides of the avenue, there are tall live oak trees with Spanish moss. It was beautiful, but the ride was quite bumpy, so be prepared for that.
Once we reached the end of Oak Avenue, I exited the tram. There was a small museum that I looked around and it told about the history of Wormsloe. The museum was wheelchair accessible and spacious. The staff members were also happy to answer any questions about Wormsloe Historic Site.
Before getting back on the tram and heading to the Visitor’s Center again, we took some photos with the live oak trees on Oak Avenue. Unfortunately, I visited Wormsloe pretty late in the day, so I didn’t have a chance to explore more of the site, but it was worth the trip just to see the beauty of Oak Avenue.
If you’d like to visit Wormsloe Historic Site, it is open every day of the week from 9am-4:45pm. Admission costs $12 per adult and less than $6 per child. On a nice day in Savannah, this is a lovely place to spend some time. Plan to be here for at least two hours.
See a show at the Savannah Theatre
For a fun night out in Savannah, check to see if the Savannah Theatre has a show playing while you’re in town. This theatre is located in the heart of downtown and it has a long history of bringing live theatre to Savannah. It first opened its doors in 1818 and it’s still going strong today!
I had a chance to see a show called “The Best of Broadway” and it was fantastic! Many of Broadway’s best songs were performed and the cast did a phenomenal job. I was amazed at their talent and loved that they included songs from some of my favorite Broadway musicals, including Hamilton, Wicked, The Music Man, The Phantom of the Opera, and more.
The Savannah Theatre is wheelchair accessible and my seat was perfect. It was located in the back of the theatre, but since the theatre is on the smaller side, I could easily see the entire stage. I was very happy with the accessible seating at the Savannah Theatre.
Where to Stay: Andaz Savannah
During my recent trip in Savannah, I stayed at Andaz Savannah. This hotel is located in the heart of downtown Savannah, just a short walk/roll from many of the city’s most popular sights, including City Market, River Street, and the museums I mentioned earlier. It’s really in a perfect location to explore the city!
Andaz has an on-site restaurant and bar, an outdoor pool with an access lift, a fire pit, and more. If you’d like to make s’mores at the fire pit, the hotel provides s’mores kits every night for hotel guests. As a s’mores fanatic, I thought that was a nice touch!
In my wheelchair accessible room, there was a king sized bed. It was 26 inches tall and a hoyer lift could roll under the bed, as there was plenty of clearance underneath. The room was spacious enough for my powered wheelchair and a mini fridge was in the room.
In the bathroom, there was a roll-in shower with smooth entry, grab bars by the toilet, and a pull-under sink. The roll-in shower had a handheld shower wand and grab bars.
Andaz Savannah worked perfectly for my accessibility needs and I loved that it was in such a great location! I would definitely stay here again next time I’m in Savannah. If you’d like to learn more about this hotel or book a stay of your own, just click here.
Savannah is a beautiful city with so much to enjoy, no matter what your abilities are. As you have hopefully learned from reading this blog post, you can have a great time in this city at any of the attractions mentioned above, but there is so much more to enjoy in Savannah as well. Now, you just need to plan a trip of your own and let me know if you discover any other fun and accessible things to do! After all, I’m always ready to plan another getaway to Savannah.
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*Thank you to Visit Savannah for working with me on this trip and showing me the best of wheelchair accessible Savannah! While my experiences were complimentary, all opinions expressed are authentic and my own.
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