Spring comes early to Savannah. By March the flowers are blooming and the weather is pleasant, making Savannah a great option for travelers needing a break from winter’s chill. For those who love walking, greenery, and architecture the gridded layout of the Historic District offers plenty to do. The nearby Wormsloe Historic Site, Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Bonaventure Cemetery, and Tybee Island are also lovely to visit in such wonderful weather.
The main attraction in Savannah during March is the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and the Annual Music Festival. It is very busy within the city on St. Patrick’s. If you want the chance to enjoy a nice walking tour or even just to stroll the city streets it is best to come at the start of March or the week after St Patrick's. My favorite walking tour companies are Noble Jones Tours, Savannah Dan’s, and the Afterlife Ghost Tours. If you want to skip the walking, Old Savannah Trolly Tours covers the entire historic district, and offers transportation from site to site throughout the day. The Owens Thomas House, Isaiah Davenport House, and Mercer Williams are my favorite historic homes to tour in Savannah.
The city boasts one of the largest St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the nation. The festivities begin the week before when water in the fountain within Forsyth Park is dyed green. On the Saturday closest to the 17th, the Parade is held. Spectators line the streets hours before the 10 am start time just to snag a great spot. Attendees are encouraged to wear fun bright green costumes. Within Forsyth Park, there are activities for kids as well as a special St Pats rugby tournament.
At night visitors party from Thursday til Sunday. Food trucks, bar stands, and miniature concert stages are set up downtown for the nearly half a million visitors to enjoy. For this weekend only the whole of Savannah's historic district becomes a festival. Because the downtown area is full to the brim during this weekend most tours do not run. And since it can be hard to get reservations at restaurants, it is important to make them well in advance.
The annual Savannah Music Festival begins on the 27 of March and runs into April 12. Artists from all genres come to Savannah to play live music across the city. The events are held at multiple locations throughout the city such as the historic Lucas Theater, The Ships of the Sea Museum, and Trinity Methodist Church.