The Local’s Guide to St. Patrick’s Day 2026: Why Two Wheels are Better Than Four

Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day isn't just a holiday; it’s a season. In 2026, with the parade falling on a Tuesday, March 17, the city is bracing for a massive "long weekend" of festivities starting as early as Friday, March 13.

​Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, navigating the Hostess City during the second-largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the U.S. can be daunting. Between the road closures, the "green" fountain crowds, and the lack of parking, your best friend this year isn't a rideshare app—it’s a bicycle.

​2026 Milestone Events

​To plan your visit, keep these key 2026 dates on your radar:

​March 6 (Friday): The Greening of the Fountain at Forsyth Park (12:00 PM). A perfect day for a midday bike tour to see the water turn emerald.

​March 14 (Saturday): The Tybee Island Heritage Parade. Expect the downtown historic district to be bustling with "pre-game" energy.

​March 17 (Tuesday): The Grand Parade (10:15 AM). The main event!

​Why Biking is the "Secret Weapon" for 2026

​If you try to drive into the Historic District on the weekend of the 14th or the morning of the 17th, you’ll spend more time in your car than at the pub. Here is why we recommend seeing the city on two wheels:

​1. Bypass the Gridlock

​During parade week, the city creates a "Security Zone." Major arteries like Bay Street, Broughton, and Abercorn become strictly controlled. While cars are diverted into endless loops, bikes can navigate the peripheral lanes and smaller brick-paved alleys, getting you to your destination in a fraction of the time.

​2. The "Step-Through" Advantage

​At Savannah Bike Tours, our fleet includes comfortable step-through bikes. Why does that matter for St. Paddy's? Because if you’re wearing a kilt, a tutu, or a heavy green blazer, you want a bike that is easy to hop on and off without a wardrobe malfunction!

​3. Front-Row Square Access

​Savannah has 22 historic squares, and during the parade, they are packed. A bike allows you to scout multiple squares (like Lafayette or Madison) quickly to find that perfect pocket of shade or the best view of the marching pipe bands.

​Pro-Tips for Navigating the Festive Chaos

​Pro-Tip #1: Arrive Early. If you have a tour booked with us at 502 East Broughton St, plan to arrive at least 20 minutes early. Broughton Street is the heart of the action, and the sidewalk traffic can be as slow as a parade itself!

​Pro-Tip #2: The "Open Container" Zone. Remember that while Savannah has a famous "to-go cup" policy, it only applies to the historic district (North of Jones Street). Also, safety first: Please don't drink and pedal. We want you to enjoy the history, not become part of it!

​Pro-Tip #3: Lock it Up. If you’re hopping off your bike to grab a green snapdragon or a Guinness, ensure you use the racks provided. Avoid locking bikes to historic railings or trees—the city is strict during festival week!

​What You’ll See on tour during the week of St. Paddy’s

​While the party is on the river, the story of the Irish in Savannah is in the streets. On our tours, we’ll dive into:

​The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist: The stunning backdrop for many Irish festivities.

​Emmet Park: Named after the Irish orator Robert Emmet, this is the "Celtic Heart" of Savannah.

​The Factor's Walk: See where the history of trade and the Irish labor force shaped the very walls of the city.

​Book Your 2026 Tour Now!

​Availability during the week of March 13–17 vanishes fast. If you want to see the moss-draped oaks and the historic architecture without getting stuck in a pedestrian traffic jam, a guided bike tour is your golden ticket!!

Riding Solo, Never Alone: Why Savannah is a Dream for Solo Travelers

There is a specific kind of magic that happens when you travel solo. You aren't beholden to anyone else’s itinerary, you can linger at a historic plaque for as long as you like, and—in a city as friendly as Savannah—you’re never truly alone for long.

If you’ve been eyeing a getaway to the "Hostess City" but are wondering if it’s the right fit for a solo adventurer, we have some good news: Savannah is one of the most welcoming, walkable, and bikeable cities in the South.

Here is why your next solo trip should involve two wheels and our moss-draped streets.

1. The Safety of the "Small Town" Feel

While Savannah is a thriving city, the Historic District feels like a series of interconnected neighborhoods. Because the city is laid out on a grid system punctuated by 22 lush squares, it is incredibly difficult to get lost.

For solo travelers, this layout is a safety net. You are rarely more than a few blocks from a bustling cafe, a friendly shopkeeper, or a landmark that can help you find your bearings.

2. We’ve Got a "Vision Zero" Mindset

Savannah is actively investing in making its streets safer for everyone. Through the Savannah Vision Zero initiative, the city is currently rolling out significant safety improvements—including expanded bike lanes, better street lighting, and enhanced pedestrian crossings.

When you’re out on a bike, you’ll notice that Savannah drivers are accustomed to "Slow-vannah" speeds. Between the horse-drawn carriages and the curious tourists, the pace of traffic here is naturally mellow, making it a low-stress environment for cyclists.

3. The Ultimate "Icebreaker": A Guided Bike Tour

The biggest hurdle of solo travel can be the occasional bout of "Where do I go now?" or the slight awkwardness of dining alone.

Joining a Savannah Bike Tour is the perfect solution.

• Instant Community: You’ll spend two hours with a small group and a knowledgeable guide. It’s the easiest way to meet fellow travelers without the pressure of a formal social setting.

• Local Intel: Our guides don’t just talk about 1733; they know where the best solo-friendly bars are, which squares are the quietest for reading, and which restaurants have the best "bar seating" (the secret weapon of the solo diner).

• The Safety of Numbers: Exploring with a guide allows you to see the hidden gems and "off-the-beaten-path" lanes with the confidence of a local expert leading the way.

4. Tips for the Solo Cyclist in Savannah

To make your solo adventure even smoother, keep these tips in mind:

• Stick to the "Roads with Squares": Streets like Bull, Habersham, and Abercorn have sqaures which slow traffic, are well lit, and very walkable.

• Daylight is Your Friend: Savannah is beautiful at night, but for solo cycling, we recommend sticking to the daylight hours to fully enjoy the architecture (and the pavement conditions!).

• Lock it Up: Like any city, "Lock it or Lose it" applies. So just lock up your car so you can explore the city, museums, or shops with peace of mind.

Ready to roll? Whether you want to bike or e-bike on one of our guided history tours, we’d love to be part of your solo journey!