The beauty of Brays Island lies in the iconic lowcountry surroundings, accessibility to outdoor sporting activities and serenity of the 5,500 acres, but just outside lies three of the South’s most charming cities. With Beaufort, Charleston and Savannah all just a short drive away, Brays Island owners need not go far for the finest in arts, culture, shopping and dining—as well as everyday necessities.
Just under an hour from Brays lies the enchanting Southern city of Savannah, Georgia. Consistently ranked as one of the “world’s friendliest cities” by Conde Nast Traveler, Savannah is a favorite destination for our owners and staff. Full of trendy boutiques and cobblestone streets, period architecture and even some ghost stories, Savannah is a perfect day trip by water or land. Recommended as an overnight stay if you boat from the Pocotaligo River here at Brays, Savannah has countless places to visit, shop and dine.
“Savannah is a place where cuisine comes straight from the coast and cocktails are served at every meal.” - Visit Savannah
EAT
Part of true Southern hospitality is a great meal and Savannah has plenty of it. Start the day at Collins Quarter, a vibrant cafe with an all-day brunch menu. Between sightseeing adventures, stop for lunch at Little Duck Diner, a vintage, chic diner with a contemporary twist or a more upscale choice, Vic’s on the River, for views overlooking the Savannah River. Take in the cityscape from the rooftop of Peregrin for an afternoon drink and watch the sun set over the city. With so many options for dinner, you really can’t go wrong. Elizabeth’s on 37th features a chef’s tasting with wine pairing, while Alligator Soul offers eclectic Southern dishes set in a converted grain warehouse. However, anyone familiar with Savannah will say The Olde Pink House is an essential Savannah dining experience. For after dinner drinks, pick from a lengthy craft cocktail list and cozy up in a booth at Alley Cat Lounge.
EXPLORE While Spanish moss and stunning oak trees are part of the lowcountry as a whole, the one distinctive feature of Savannah is how the city is comprised of 22 squares, with cross-streets laid out in a grid. Originally created for ease of navigation, the town squares are open areas made for public use and are a gathering place filled with beauty and history.
While wandering the streets, browsing the shops and dining in the restaurants of Savannah is enough to make you fall in love, there are countless museums, historic landmarks and parks to visit during a trip. A 30-acre park, home to the iconic water fountain and fragrant garden, Forsyth Park is a can’t miss. Explore historic downtown by trolley to see the most that Savannah has to offer in a leisurely way, but make sure you visit The Jepson Center Art Museum, The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and The Mercer Williams House. If you’ve ever read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil - or when in Savannah just referred to as “The Book” - it’s based around Bonaventure Cemetery and is stunning in the springtime.
BY BOAT For the boating enthusiast, a trip to Savannah via the waterways surrounding Brays is a beautiful way to explore the lowcountry and experience an overnight stay. Dock your boat on historic River Street and either stay along water at the Alida Hotel or the new J.W. Marriott. Part of a new area of Savannah called Plant Riverside, the J.W. Marriott is surrounded by dynamic restaurants, vibrant nightlife and high-end retail.
While many owners frequent Savannah individually, Brays Island also offers curated group visits to this historic town and others through its Owners Services team for a care-free and fun experience. After all, one of the most beautiful things about Brays Island is spending time with new friends.