Imagine slipping through a hidden doorway on Bull Street just as the night lights up, settling into a plush barstool, and raising a glass of lavender gin while your guide whispers Savannah’s juiciest secrets.
Key Takeaways
– Four “secret” cocktail routes start and end inside Savannah’s historic half-mile loop, so walks stay short and fun.
– Average drink price is $10–$15; history crawls stay quiet (about 65 dB) while ghost tours get louder (up to 75 dB).
– Main tour choices:
• Strangled, Not Stirred = true-crime stories + 5 bar stops
• Generals & Generalities = Civil War facts + rooftop views
• Sips n’ Spooks = neon ghosts + Friday crowds
• DIY Secret Bar Loop = follow passwords at 4 hidden bars
– From Savannah Lakes RV Resort it’s a 35–45 minute drive; easiest returns are resort shuttle (book ahead) or rideshare ($28–$35 each way).
– Carry real ID, wear comfy closed-toe shoes, and pour leftovers into plastic to-go cups (that’s legal inside the district zone).
– Drink smart: one water for every cocktail, start with a protein-carb snack, share small plates mid-tour, grab late-night pizza or a sandwich before bed.
– Pack light layers: summer = linen and fan; winter = jacket and dry shoes; April–October = bug spray.
– Quick match-ups:
• Retirees → Generals tour on a quiet weeknight
• Adventure couples → kayak by day, Strangled tour by night
• Instagram fans → Sips n’ Spooks on Friday and charge your phone
• Parents on date night → early tours, back at resort before 11 p.m.
Ready to swap crowded tourist bars for candlelit corners, easy rideshare links, and stories you’ll retell around tomorrow’s campfire? Keep reading; the map, the passwords, and the perfect late-night snack list are waiting just below.
Choose Your Perfect Savannah Crawl
Savannah’s secret cocktail crawl scene is surprisingly customizable, whether you crave historic anecdotes delivered from a cushioned lounge chair or neon-lit selfie walls pulsing with weekend energy. Mid-week travelers who value quieter ambience often lean toward the history-rich Generals & Generalities route, while Friday arrivals itching to celebrate gravitate to the Sips n’ Spooks lineup. Adventure-minded couples fresh off a kayak run on the May River routinely book the Strangled, Not Stirred tour—true crime tales pair nicely with endorphins. Parents on borrowed babysitter hours, meanwhile, appreciate early-evening mini editions that tuck them back at the resort before 10:30 p.m.
To simplify the choice, focus on three quick icons: walking distance (all routes stay inside a half-mile loop), average drink cost ($10–$15), and decibel level (history tours hover at conversation-friendly 65 dB, haunted versions spike to 75 dB during jump-scare moments). If any crawl seems too lively, remember many operators cap groups at 15 on weeknights—book mid-week and request booth seating when you reserve. That simple shorthand lets you glance at any brochure and know within seconds whether it fits your mood.
Strangled, Not Stirred: True Crime Walk With a Buzz
This adults-only, two-hour ramble kicks off nightly at 8 p.m. beside the infamous Stairs of Death. Guides from Breakaway Experiences narrate murders, duels, and mysterious disappearances while you sip Savannah Brown Ale at Dub’s Pub. From there, you’ll thread through Pour Larry’s and Tondee’s Tavern, pause under the doodle-covered ceiling at Abe’s on Lincoln, and eventually descend into the candlelit cellar bar of The Olde Pink House.
Closed-toe shoes matter—cobblestones stay slick after coastal humidity settles. If you need a breather, Tondee’s cushioned booths offer a comfortable spell, and the bartender at Abe’s usually points out resting ledges along the bar rail. A final perk: every location sits inside Savannah’s plastic to-go-cup zone, so you can transfer unfinished drinks into provided cups and keep walking without fear of citation.
Generals & Generalities: History Poured Over Ice
Civil-War buffs flock to this intimate tour run by Revelry Tours. Meeting nightly at 1 West Liberty Street, the guide intertwines tales of Sherman, Lee, and lesser-known officers with stops at Moon River Brewing and the DeSoto Hotel lounge. Order a General Sherman Bourbon Smash in the beer garden, then take the elevator to rooftop rocking chairs where a Savannah 75—gin, prosecco, and lemon—mirrors the city lights below.
Retirees love the mid-week version because crowd sizes drop to half, conversations remain audible, and the pacing allows for ample seating. Start hydrating an hour before the tour, and consider a peanut-butter sandwich or grilled chicken salad back at the RV: balanced protein and carbs slow alcohol absorption so you can savor each story without racing your buzz.
Sips n’ Spooks: Haunted Libations for the Weekend
If your perfect Instagram grid needs swirling neon skulls or Victorian mirrors, the Sips n’ Spooks Haunted Pub Crawl delivers. Guides weave ghost lore with mixology, ushering guests through the Georgia Tasting Room’s muscadine wine pour before unlocking a code-word-protected speakeasy illuminated only by red Edison bulbs. According to Wandering Crystal’s roundup, the crawl operates several nights a week and tends to sell out first on Fridays.
Plan on robust weekend crowds; snag an app-based rideshare to the Jefferson & Congress pickup zone and skirt River Street gridlock. Phones are welcome for photos—just bring a battery pack because low-light shooting and constant GPS use can drain power within two hours. For a smoother Saturday, leave the RV’s Wi-Fi behind and enable camera Night Mode; your followers will swear your shot of back-lit bottles came straight from a magazine.
Easy Transportation From Savannah Lakes RV Resort
Door-to-door, Savannah’s historic district sits 35–45 minutes from your campsite. Depart the resort around 6:45 p.m. if you plan to park; Robinson and Whitaker garages cap evening rates at $5–$10 and stay lit all night with elevator access. Arrive before 7 p.m. and you’ll likely nab a first-floor spot, sparing tired legs at midnight.
Many guests prefer rideshare for worry-free returns. Drivers legally collect passengers inside the district until 3 a.m., and mid-week fares average $28–$35 each way with minimal surge. If your group fills a van, call the resort desk 24 hours ahead; their shuttle seats eight and loops back at 11 p.m.—ideal for parents racing a sitter’s curfew. Cycling works for daytime tastings too, provided you lock up on Broughton Street and remember Savannah’s alcohol rules apply equally to cyclists.
Drink Smart, Walk Easy
Georgia bartenders will cut service to visibly intoxicated patrons, so pacing is more than courtesy—it’s insurance you’ll finish the tour. A water-for-every-drink habit keeps dehydration at bay, especially in humid summer nights when heat indices crest 100 °F. Carry a refillable bottle; most bars oblige free refills with a smile.
Physical ID is mandatory—digital licenses still get side-eyed at many century-old taverns. Once outside, be sure any beverage rests in a plastic cup and stays within the River Street–to–Jones Street corridor flanked by MLK Jr. Boulevard and Broad. Lastly, those Stairs of Death aren’t hyperbole; rubber-soled sneakers or comfy loafers beat slippery sandals every time.
Self-Guided Secret Bar Loop for Off-Nights
Start at Alley Cat Lounge, order from its cheeky newspaper menu, then request the password for the basement rum room; staff love sharing it once you’ve paid for your first drink. Slide south to Artillery, housed in an 1896 armory; when seats fill, bartenders often whisper directions to Pink Lady, the petite speakeasy next door. Cap the first leg by savoring Artillery’s house champagne cocktail—effervescence that sets the tone for the surprises ahead.
From there, duck into The Ordinary Pub through the basement entrance and ask about the weekend-only punch room hidden behind a bookshelf. Cap your loop at Mata Hari, a riverfront hideaway requiring a key—hotel concierges or friendly bartenders generally lend one if you show genuine curiosity. Limit the night to these four venues within half a mile; walking stretches stay under ten minutes, leaving less temptation to over-order and more energy to recall every detail.
Feed the Adventure: Before, During, and After
A solid meal 60–90 minutes pre-crawl sets the stage for a steady evening. Think protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats: a hummus wrap, peanut-butter banana sandwich, or grilled chicken salad mixed right in your RV kitchen does the trick. The goal is sustained release—not a sugar spike that fizzles before the third bar.
Mid-crawl, shared plates keep the food budget light and the stomach lined. Split fried green tomatoes at Moon River or grab a $5 bag of boiled peanuts from a street vendor for a protein hit that travels well. When last call ends, line up at Zunzi’s for a Conquistador sandwich or snag an oversized Vinnie Van Go-Go’s slice; both stay open until 2 a.m. and double as next-day reheats for minimal fatigue.
What to Wear, Year-Round
Summer evenings drape Savannah in thick humidity, so breathable linen shirts, hand fans, and a travel mist bottle help you glide from air-conditioned bars to warm brick lanes without wilting. Keep a lightweight cardigan in your day bag—many interiors settle at 68 °F, and that 30-degree swing can sap energy quickly. Quick-dry fabrics in neutral tones also resist sweat marks, ensuring you look fresh in photos even after a cobblestone sprint.
From November through March, twilight temps dip to the 40s. A packable rain shell handles sudden coastal showers, and closed-toe shoes grip slick cobblestones no matter the season. April through October, don’t forget mosquito repellent; River Street’s marshy edges breed enthusiastic biters ready to photobomb your riverside selfie.
Quick Cheat Sheet by Traveler Type
Retiree mixology fans will appreciate the Generals tour on a Tuesday or Wednesday; mention booth preference when you reserve and book the resort shuttle for a no-stress return. Remote-work weekenders landing a Friday crawl can save time by scheduling a rideshare pickup at Jefferson & Congress and storing a rideshare promo code in their digital wallet. Adventure-oriented foodies should pair a daytime kayak session with the Strangled tour; free bike corrals on Broughton keep gear secure. Parents on date night can shave minutes off the evening by choosing early tour editions and targeting bars with $12–$15 cocktails—value that justifies sitter fees and still feels special.
If you’re traveling with friends who have wildly different energy levels, split the group between history and haunted tours and reconvene for a shared late-night slice—everyone wins. Solo travelers might start with the self-guided loop on a weekday to get their bearings before joining a guided crawl the next night. And if rain reshuffles your plans, most operators allow same-week reschedules, so you can pivot without losing your deposit.
From candlelit cellars to neon-lit speakeasies, Savannah’s hush-hush cocktail world is best enjoyed knowing a quiet, full-hookup site and starry Lowcountry sky are waiting just up the road. Make Savannah Lakes RV Resort your base camp, trade downtown parking stress for lakeside serenity, and wake up to fast Wi-Fi, a heated pool, and fresh stories to share around the fire pit. Ready to toast stress-free nights and secret sips? Reserve your campsite today, add our shuttle to your itinerary, and we’ll have your welcome packet—plus a few insider passwords—waiting at check-in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How early should we reserve a Breakaway Tours crawl, especially if we’re aiming for a Friday or Saturday night?
A: Weekends sell out first, so locking in your spot one to two weeks ahead is smart; mid-week history crawls almost always have space up to 48 hours prior, but the earlier you book the easier it is to request booth seating or a lower-decibel group size.
Q: Do we really need to move our RV into downtown Savannah, or is rideshare reliable late at night?
A: Most guests leave the rig at Savannah Lakes and hail an app-based rideshare; cars reach the historic district in about 40 minutes, pickups run until 3 a.m., and mid-week fares hover around $30 each way without surge, making it the stress-free choice for avoiding tight parking garages.
Q: If we prefer to drive a tow vehicle, where’s the safest place to park and what does it cost?
A: Arrive at Robinson or Whitaker Street garages before 7 p.m. and you’ll usually score a first-floor, well-lit spot for $5–$10 for the entire evening, complete with elevators that spare post-crawl knees.
Q: What should we budget per drink and are there surprise fees along the route?
A: Signature cocktails on these crawls average $12–$15, beer or house wine lands closer to $8, and the only extras you’ll encounter are optional guide gratuities and sales tax that’s already included on most menus.
Q: We’re sensitive to noise—can we expect a comfortable volume and plenty of seating?
A: History-centric crawls hover around 65 dB, which lets you chat without shouting, and guides will gladly flag softer booths or high-back chairs at each stop if you mention the need when you check in.
Q: Do the bars offer mocktails or lower-proof drinks for those of us pacing ourselves?
A: Yes; every partner bar keeps at least one zero-proof or session cocktail on hand, and bartenders are happy to riff on fresh juice and house syrups so you can toast with the group minus the buzz.
Q: What’s the recommended dress code—will sneakers and shorts pass muster?
A: Savannah’s speakeasies lean relaxed-smart: closed-toe shoes for cobblestones, breathable layers for humidity, and casual neat attire (clean shorts or jeans and a collared shirt or blouse) that keeps you ready for both rooftop lounges and candlelit cellars.
Q: Are the routes accessible for wheelchairs or mobility scooters?
A: Most stops have street-level or ramp entrances, but a few 19th-century basements have narrow stairs, so let Breakaway know at booking and they’ll adjust the itinerary or secure lift access where possible.
Q: How late do the tours wrap up, and will we be back at Savannah Lakes before the sitter’s 11 p.m. deadline?
A: Standard crawls last two to two-and-a-half hours; booking a 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. start means you’ll finish by 9:30, meet your rideshare by 9:45, and cruise into the resort well before 11 p.m.
Q: Can we legally carry our drink outside between bars?
A: Within the River Street-to-Jones Street corridor, Savannah’s to-go-cup law lets you transfer any unfinished beverage into a plastic cup supplied by the bar and stroll to the next stop without risking a citation.
Q: Do we still need to show ID if we’re clearly over 60?
A: Absolutely; Georgia law requires physical, government-issued photo ID for every patron, and century-old taverns enforce it strictly to keep their licenses intact.
Q: What’s an appropriate tip for our guide at the end of the night?
A: If you enjoyed the stories and service, $5–$10 per person in cash is customary and warmly appreciated, matching what you’d leave a personable bartender for two rounds.
Q: Any food strategy to keep us energized but not overly full during the crawl?
A: Eat a balanced meal—protein, complex carbs, and healthy fat—about an hour beforehand, then share small plates like fried green tomatoes or boiled peanuts mid-route so your blood sugar stays steady and you remember every juicy detail.
Q: Can we snap photos inside the hidden bars without upsetting staff or other guests?
A: Photos are welcome almost everywhere, but always turn off your flash, ask the bartender before filming, and respect any posted “no photography” signs to keep the speakeasy mystique alive.