Savannah Area Neighborhoods with the Best Nightlife
When the sun sets in Savannah, eclectic entertainment comes to life. If you’re looking for neighborhoods with vibrant nightlife, look no further. Follow this guide to discover the best neighborhoods for nighttime entertainment and happenings.
Historic Downtown Savannah
Savannah is well known for bar hopping, which is an activity for locals and tourists alike. You can wander around the city, drink in hand, stopping into local dive bars, incredible restaurants, and the city’s top social scenes. The Historic District is also a popular place for dance clubs, karaoke pubs, and even outdoor activities such as haunted ghost tours and local live music in City Market.
And don’t forget River Street. The 1-mile river walk bustles in the evenings, especially near the Plant Riverside District, which is home to a Live Nation music venue and free Cirque Du Soleil performances. Listen to street music, take a free ride on the ferry to the Westin, ride the mechanical bull at Saddle Bags, and be sure to stop by River Street Sweets for their World Famous Pralines.
In Downtown Savannah, you’ll find upscale apartments for rent, beautiful historic townhomes, and ornate Victorian-style homes. This is the most walkable neighborhood in Savannah and most residents rarely use their cars to get around.
Thunderbolt
The small, coastal town of Thunderbolt is situated near the middle of Savannah along the Wilmington River. Don’t be fooled by its size…it’s no sleepy town. Fantastic restaurants live in the neighborhood and bring local evening entertainment. Enjoy live music and trivia in the Garden at Coach’s Corner, which is quite possibly one of the best places to watch an SEC football game or the Braves play. Eat fresh seafood while listening to music on the deck at Tuuby’s Tank House or head across the river to Desposito’s Seafood (coming soon) for an evening of drinks and crab legs.
Homes in Thunderbolt range from small coastal cottages to craftsmen bungalows to condos and apartment complexes overlooking the Wilmington River. The area is home to a younger crowd with the nearby Savannah State University.
Isle of Hope/Sandfly
The neighborhoods of Sandfly and Isle of Hope enjoy tasty restaurants and entertaining nightlife. Restaurants like Driftaway and Castaways do not disappoint. These local eateries are well-known for their menus, but they also host local musicians and nightlife for nearby neighborhoods.
Starland District
Over the past decade, the Starland District has become home to unique neighborhood bars, restaurants, and happenings. Go duckpin bowling at Moodrights (they even have a “League Night”) and stop by Lone Wolf Lounge for one of their many house cocktails. It’s hard to miss Starland Yard, an innovative food truck park with live music, a bar, and live entertainment for a family-friendly destination.
On the first Friday of every month, the Savannah community gathers for the Starland District’s First Friday. The event celebrates local artists and businesses in the District and incorporates both the neighborhood brick and mortars and pop-up vendors. It also includes shows from Savannah’s comedy central at Front Porch Improv.
By homeowners in the area, the Starland District is more commonly referred to as the Thomas Square Streetcar Historic Neighborhood. The area has numerous modern apartment complexes mixed in with an array of home styles including Greek Revical, Craftsman, and Colonial Revival. There are also a number of Victorian-style homes as the area sits alongside the Victorian District of Downtown Savannah.
The Islands
A popular place for nighttime activities, The Islands — removed from tourist activity, Talahi, Whitemarsh, and Wilmington Island have some of the best local bars and restaurants that provide entertainment with local bands and musicians to sing all of your favorite songs.
On your way home from Tybee, stop at Bogey’s Sports Bar and Mini Golf to test your shot with libations or relax and enjoy the live entertainment at Flying Fish Bar and Grill. Locals like to chill on the dock at Cheers for a sunset beverage before heading to Molly’s, Basil’s, The Britannia British Pub, and The Island for live entertainment and late-night fun.
The Islands area offers everything from single-family homes to apartment complexes to townhouses and condos overlooking the marsh and waterways depending on what you’re looking for. Whitmarsh and Wilmington Island are commercialized with grocery stores and shops so you really never need to leave the area.
Tybee Island
This 5-mile island is teeming with good times. Discover the history of Tybee with a trip to the lighthouse and museum then enjoy a sunset dining experience at the nearby North Beach Grill. In addition to appetizing eateries, local bars like Huc-A-Poos, Cockspur Grill, Stingrays, and North Beach Grill offer guests a variety of entertainment once the sun goes down.
Kick back at waterfront restaurants like AJs and the Crab Shack, which wow visitors with their unique style of island living.
The “downtown” portion of Tybee, which runs along South beach, bustles in the evenings. If karaoke is your thing, stop into Tybee Time or the Rock House and partake in loads of dancing. Most unique to this area is the Tybee Island Pier, which has its own take-out eateries and live music in the evenings. You might even see a street performer or two.
Harbor Town in Hilton Head
Harbor Town is a waterfront community in the Sea Pines Resort of Hilton Head that is an attractive shopping destination for tourists visiting the Savannah area, but it’s also a place where adults head to party. In addition to being the home of the RBC Heritage, the community hosts a concert series as well as Tap Tuesday every third Tuesday of the month.