Making the Most of St. Patrick's Day in Savannah

In Savannah, St. Patrick’s Day is not simply a parade. It is a tradition that has been observed by the Irish Catholic community since 1824.

The day begins at 8:00 AM with Mass at the Basilica Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. From there, the city gathers. Families, visitors, and generations of Savannahians line the streets of the Historic District as the parade steps off at 10:15 AM. In the days leading up to March 17, Savannah's "Irish Season" includes traditions such as the greening of the fountain in Forsyth Park and special ceremonial events that build anticipation across the city.

Each year, nearly 300,000 people fill downtown Savannah for one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the United States. This scale is expected again in 2026, and yet, at its heart, the day remains centered on faith, family, and community.

If you are planning to experience it, where you stay will shape your entire day.

Photo Credit: Visit Savannah - Casey Jones

The Rhythm of the Day

If you have never attended, it helps to understand the cadence. The morning begins early. Some attend Mass. Others arrive downtown before sunrise to secure their viewing spot along the parade route. Lawn chairs appear. Blankets are unfolded. Families gather.

By mid-morning, the Historic District becomes a sea of green as pipe bands, drummers, heritage groups, military units, and dancers move through streets framed by centuries-old architecture.

The parade winds through Savannah's Historic Landmark District, including directly along East Bay Street. Once it passes, the city does not immediately quiet. Restaurants fill. Music carries through the squares. Friends reconnect. Visitors linger. It is a long, full day, and planning ahead allows you to experience it more comfortably.

Staying Within the Historic District

On parade day, downtown traffic is heavily restricted. Streets close early. Parking becomes limited. Shuttle services and rideshares operate, but access narrows as the morning progresses.

With nearly 300,000 visitors downtown, proximity becomes more than a convenience. It allows you to step into the celebration when you choose and step away when you need to. Accommodations within the Historic District book well in advance for St. Patrick's Day, particularly those located directly on the parade route.

East Bay Inn: On the Route

East Bay Inn sits directly along East Bay Street, part of the official parade route as it moves through the Historic District toward the waterfront. On parade morning, guests walk outside and join spectators lining the route within moments. There is no distant parking to manage and no early transportation to coordinate. The historic brick façades, cobblestone streets, and riverfront views that define Savannah are the backdrop to your day, with River Street just steps away below the bluff along Savannah’s riverfront.

As marching bands, pipe and drum units, heritage societies, and community groups make their way along Bay Street, the energy builds naturally along the waterfront. Watching the parade from this section of downtown offers a distinct perspective where the Savannah River, River Street, and the procession itself converge in one setting.

Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is large in scale, but it remains rooted in tradition.

Staying on Bay Street at East Bay Inn places you at the intersection of history, celebration, and riverfront energy. Accommodation fills quickly for parade week. We recommend booking early.

Also in the {verdigreen} Collection

If East Bay Inn is fully booked, or if you prefer a quieter bed and breakfast atmosphere while remaining close to the celebration, the {verdigreen} collection of sister properties within downtown Savannah each offer something a little different.

Eliza Thompson House

Located on Jones Street, Eliza Thompson House offers a quieter, garden-oriented setting just a short walk from the parade route. Guests who prefer a more residential, tucked-away feel while remaining in the center of the Historic District often gravitate here. It provides a calm retreat between parade viewing and evening festivities.

The Gastonian

Set within two Victorian-era mansions on East Gaston Street, The Gastonian blends residential elegance with proximity to the parade route. Its setting offers the feel of staying in a private historic home while remaining within walking distance of the main procession. For guests who want a more formal, romantic environment without sacrificing access to St. Patrick’s Day festivities, The Gastonian delivers both scale and serenity.

The Kehoe House

Located on Columbia Square near the northern section of the route, The Kehoe House places you closer to the later stages of the parade as it approaches Bay Street. This 1892 Renaissance Revival mansion is known for its intimate size and attentive service. On parade day, that translates into personalized guidance, an easy return point during peak crowd hours, and the ability to experience the event from a slightly elevated perspective within the Historic District.