Looking for the top places to run, local running stores, group runs, and more? Here’s your guide to running in Savannah.

(Feature photo by iStock.com/Kruck20)

Running in Savannah delivers on both historic and nature-inspired running routes, all within close proximity to the downtown area. Whether you’ve landed here for a girl’s weekend getaway or you’re in town for a festival, you’ll find it easy to incorporate your running lifestyle into any Savannah itinerary.

Between the two running companies in town, Fleet Feet and Howe2Run, there’s a running group to join almost any day of the week. And if you’re looking for a destination race, Savannah and nearby Hilton Head have several flat but scenic half marathons and marathons. After your run, grab a beer by the river, a coffee from a century-old roasting company, or a vegan or gluten-free bite to eat from one of many local establishments.

Bookmark this guide for your next trip to Savannah. Rather than researching where to go, you can spend more time on the trails and grabbing a post-run beverage of choice.

• Running in Savannah
• When Is the Best Time to Visit Savannah?
• Where to Run in Savannah
• Running Stores in Savannah
• Running Clubs in Savannah
• Destination Races in Savannah
• 7 Spots for a Post-Run Sip or Bite in Savannah

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Running in Savannah

Plenty of visitors explore Savannah by walking, but running the historic city gives a different perspective. This is especially true during an early morning run before most tourists and bachelor parties have rolled out of bed and made their way downtown for the day. At this hour, you’ll find peaceful settings along the River Street Boardwalk, downtown streets, and Forsyth Park. With fewer people and cars on the roads, it becomes easier to imagine Savannah’s past life as the oldest city in the state of Georgia, founded in 1733.

Outside of the downtown area, run along the waterside McQueen’s Island Trail, the route of an old railroad line that connected Savannah to Tybee Island. Or head over to Whitemarsh Preserve and envelop yourself in nature. (Just be sure to watch for alligators and potential flooding due to storms.)

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When Is the Best Time to Visit Savannah?

Regular visitor season is March through July in Savannah. That said, runners are likely to enjoy Savannah most between October and April when it’s cooler with lower humidity — and less crowded. This is also when most destination races are scheduled.

The months that overlap with visitor season, March and April, are still well-worth the trip. Cherry blossoms pop up all throughout the historic district and Forsyth Park this time of year. Paired with the Spanish moss and historic homes, you have a beautiful setting for a run.

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Where to Run in Savannah

Bonaventure Cemetery
Bonaventure Cemetery, established in 1846, covers more than 100 acres and has winding paved and gravel paths throughout. Park in the parking lot to the right of the entrance gate. If that one’s full, follow Greenwich Road through the cemetery to find a large parking lot at the back of the property. By running the paved roads along both sides of the cemetery and tacking on a few of the paved paths in between grave plots, you can get up to nearly 7 miles. Spend a little time during or after your run familiarizing yourself with some of those who call Bonaventure Cemetery their final resting place, including authors, actors, and politicians. Cemetery gates are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Daffin Park
Daffin Park, situated along Victory Drive about 3 miles southeast of downtown, has a sidewalk and track surface perimeter that measures 1.5 miles. You’ll run past Grayson Stadium at the east end, where the Savannah Bananas play. For extra mileage, consider running through the park’s center which is open to cars, or down Washington Street (from the southwest side of the park) — a tree-lined street covered in Spanish moss with a collection of gorgeous homes. To get to Forsyth Park from here, continue on Washington Street and take a right on Bull Street. This street will lead you to the Park Avenue side of Forsyth Park. The park-to-park connection is about 2 miles.

Forsyth Park
The sidewalk path around the perimeter of Forsyth Park is approximately 1 mile, and running distance can easily be extended within the park by taking the cross paths. To extend outside the park, consider connecting your route to Daffin Park (details above) or River Street Boardwalk (details below). Or simply run down a few of the historical streets north of the park. There’s plenty of street parking as well as a large parking lot on the Park Avenue (south) side of the park.

Islands Family YMCA to Whitemarsh Preserve
About a 15-minute drive from downtown Savannah, the Islands Family YMCA is in a peaceful setting with a paved path that has the feel of a trail. Park at the back of the YMCA parking lot (nearest to Johnny Mercer Boulevard) and hop right on the path in either direction to run the 1-mile loop around the YMCA. On the other side of the Johnny Mercer Boulevard parking lot entrance, the trail splits. To get to Whitemarsh Preserve, take the path to the right (roadside). You’ll pick up the Whitemarsh paved trail from here, which takes you along the perimeter of the preserve. Turn around once you reach the neighborhood street and come back the same way — this will get you about 2.5 miles total from your starting point in the YMCA parking lot. Another option is to hop on a dirt trail within Whitemarsh Preserve for extra mileage and a change of scenery on your way back.

Lake Mayer and Truman Linear Park Trail
About 15 minutes south of downtown Savannah, off of Harry S. Truman Parkway and East Montgomery Cross Road, is Lake Mayer Park. The loop around the lake is just under 1.5 miles. Extend your run by hopping on the 3-mile-long Truman Linear Park Trail. The trail runs alongside Harry S. Truman Parkway toward downtown for most of its length. It’s an ADA-accessible concrete path with a couple of bridges and a boardwalk. The full out-and-back route plus a loop around the lake is just under 8 miles.

McQueen’s Island Trail
If you’re looking for a waterside run or you’re interested in a little Savannah history, consider running the McQueen’s Island Trail. The trail, which is mostly dirt and gravel, stretches just over 5.5 miles in one direction and is the route of the former Savannah and Atlantic Railroad line, built in the late 1880s, that shuttled passengers to Tybee Island. The area’s history also encompasses Fort Pulaski National Monument, battle grounds during the Revolutionary and Civil wars. Fort Pulaski is at the east end of the trail. Park here (a parking fee is required) or at the small roadside midpoint entrance located along U.S. 80.

River Street Boardwalk
Depending on where you start and where you end — for instance, from the Marriott Savannah Riverfront hotel to the JW Marriott — you can easily run 1 mile in one direction. There are public parking lots near both ends of the boardwalk. For more mileage, run from River Street through Savannah’s historic neighborhoods to Forsyth Park. Straight down Whitaker Street is about 1 mile to the park. Add a few detours through the historic city squares or Colonial Park Cemetery (the resting place of more than 600 victims of Yellow Fever, which hit Savannah in the early 1800s). Take a loop around the 1-mile perimeter of Forsyth Park and head back to where you started on River Street.

As with any running route, take the necessary precautions for a safe run. Whenever possible, run with a buddy. Tell someone you know well where you’re going and when you expect to return, bring your cell phone and an ID, and remain aware of your surroundings.

Read more in 11 Running Safety Tips Every Runner Should Follow.

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Running Stores in Savannah

Fleet Feet Savannah and Pooler
Fleet Feet Savannah has a large storefront in an ideal location just a few blocks away from Daffin Park. Here, you’ll find a wide selection of running shoes from top-name running brands including Hoka, Brooks, On, Saucony, and others, as well as loads of apparel, accessories, and running nutrition. If you’re looking for a running in Savannah “souvenir,” Fleet Feet has a variety of logo’d racing jerseys, short-sleeve shirts, hats, and sweatshirts to choose from. Pooler’s Fleet Feet location is a bit smaller than its counterpart but offers a similar selection of running gear. For runners traveling in via Interstate 16, this is a great stop for any of your running needs before reaching Savannah — or a last stop before heading home.
3405 Waters Avenue, Savannah; 912-355-3527
1702 Pooler Parkway, Pooler; 912-988-7927

Howe2Run
This locally owned running shop has curated a unique selection of running shoes, including Skechers, Adidas, 361 Degrees, and Nike, giving runners options they can’t find elsewhere in town. Here, you’ll go through a full gait analysis and treadmill video assessment to find the shoe that works most efficiently with your foot type. As for gear, there’s an assortment of muscle recovery tools and running nutrition. Apparel includes Howe2Run logo’d racing jerseys and shirts, and ChickenLegs running shorts and singlets.
11 Gateway Boulevard South, Savannah; 912-920-3437

Read the Local Insights Q&A with Howe2Run GM Marc Cameron for more tips on running in Savannah.

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Running Clubs in Savannah

We aim to keep this guide updated regularly, but things can change quickly! Before attending a group run on this list, call the associated store or check the group’s site to confirm the date, time, and location.

Boston Pizza Run with Fleet Feet
When: Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Distance: 1-4 miles
Starting Point: Boston Pizza at 810 Towne Center Boulevard, Pooler

Fleet Feet Savannah Tuesday Group Run
When: Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Distance: Varies
Starting Point: Fleet Feet Savannah at 3405 Waters Avenue, Savannah

Howe2Run’s “Wednesdays We Move” Group Run
When: Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
Distance: 1-6 miles; group leaders for runners, run/walkers, and walkers
Starting Point: Howe2Run at 11 Gateway Boulevard South, Savannah

Service Brewing Run Club with Fleet Feet
When: Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.
Distance: 3 route options with varying distances
Starting Point: Service Brewing Co. at 574 Indian Street, Savannah

Fleet Feet Pooler Saturday Coffee Run
When: Saturdays at 7 a.m.
Distance: Varies
Starting Point: Just Love Coffee Cafe at 1 Godley Station Boulevard, Pooler

Rise and Shine Saturday Group Run
When: Saturdays at 8 a.m.
Distance: Varies
Starting Point: Fleet Feet Savannah at 3405 Waters Avenue, Savannah

Howe2Run Sunday Morning Group Run
When: Sundays at 7 a.m.
Distance: Varies
Starting Point: Weekly location varies between Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, and Tybee Island; join the Run 912 Facebook page or call the store to find out the week’s route: 912-920-3437

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Destination Races in Savannah

• Daufuskie Island Marathon: January | Daufuskie Island, South Carolina | Marathon, Half Marathon
• Skidaway Island Marathon: February | Savannah | Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K
• Hilton Head Marathon: February | Hilton Head, South Carolina | Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K
• Publix Savannah Women’s Half & 5K: April | Savannah | Half Marathon, 5K
• Enmarket Savannah Bridge Run: December | Savannah | 5K, 10K, 15K

For more details on each of these destination races, visit our Savannah Race Guide.

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7 Spots for a Post-Run Sip or Bite in Savannah

Big Bon Bodega — This is your place for a post-run bagel sandwich. Try the Savannah 912 after a morning run, or bite into one of the many lunch varieties such as the Cubanito, B.L.A.T.T., or the Korean Mama (Guy Fieri’s favorite). You can also choose from bowls such as the Bon Mi or a falafel bowl. Big Bon has a large patio space with picnic tables, making it a perfect stop after a visit to Forsyth or Daffin parks.
2011 Bull Street, Savannah; 912-349-4847

Foxy Loxy — Just up the street from Big Bon Bodega, Foxy Loxy has another prime patio spot to dine on — this one’s tucked in Foxy Loxy’s backyard. Order a latte and choose from one of the delicious homemade pastries, which often include a few vegan and gluten-free options. Or stop in after an afternoon run for the cafe’s incredible chipotle chicken, beef and chorizo, or vegetarian tacos.
1919 Bull Street, Savannah; 912-401-0543

Goose Feathers — After your run along River Street, walk a few blocks south to the other side of Ellis Square for breakfast or lunch at Goose Feathers. Place your order at the counter and settle at a table inside or outside. This casual spot serves up fresh-baked bagels, egg sandwiches, quiches, croissants, and pastries. For lunch, choose from a menu of sandwiches, paninis, and salads. Gluten-free bagels and bread are available!
39 Barnard Street, Savannah; 912-233-4683

Kayak Kafé — Swing by the downtown location after a run along River Street, or visit the midtown location on your way back from Daffin Park. Both have extensive menus that include ingredient-packed salads, loaded tacos, quesadillas, paninis, and burgers. Many items are vegetarian or vegan (tofu, walnut “chorizo,” lentil burger, cauliflower “wings”). Most of the salads are gluten free, and even the sandwiches and burgers can be made with a gluten-free wrap or Udi’s burger bun.
Downtown: 1 East Broughton Street, Savannah; 912-233-6044
Midtown: 5002 Paulsen Street, Savannah; 912-349-4371

Savannah Coffee Roasters — Settle on the patio for a post-run coffee and breakfast or take a seat inside the large coffee house. Savannah Coffee Roasters, originally named Savannah Coffee Company at a location closer to the waterfront, was established in 1909. Enjoy your espresso, latte, cold brew, or specialty tea with a bagel and lox, breakfast burrito, Belgian waffle, or egg sandwich (gluten-free bread is available). Lunch salads, sandwiches, and wraps are also on the menu for visits later in the day.
215 West Liberty Street, Savannah; 912-352-2994

The Sentient Bean — Located at the south end of Forsyth Park, on Park Avenue, The Sentient Bean is an ideal stopping point after a park run. There’s plenty of street parking as well as a large parking lot just across the street. Enjoy your coffee inside or outdoors on the patio facing the park. All-day breakfast options include vegan and non-vegan breakfast burritos and tacos, gluten-free quiche or a black rice-based breakfast bowl, an egg sandwich, and more.
13 East Park Avenue, Savannah; 912-232-4447

Service Brewing Co. — If your River Street run takes you into the late-afternoon or evening hours, swing by Service Brewing for a pint before finding a spot for dinner downtown. Year-round pours include a juicy IPA and a Bohemian-style pilsner, and seasonals may include a wheat, a stout, and anything in between. This veteran-owned brewery has a great patio space and open-air taproom when the weather’s nice. It’s also the meeting spot for a Thursday evening group run.
574 Indian Street, Savannah; 912-358-1002

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Looking for more running destinations? Check out our other City Guides!

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PLAN YOUR TRIP TO SAVANNAH

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