Savannah is the largest city in, and the county seat of, Chatham County, in the U.S.  state of Georgia. The city of Savannah was established in 1733 and was the colonial capital of the Province of Georgia and later the first state capital of Georgia.

Each year Savannah attracts millions of visitors, who enjoy the city's architecture and historic buildings: the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low (founder of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America), the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences (one of the South's first public museums), the First African Baptist Church (one of the oldest African American Baptist congregations in the United States), Temple Mickve Israel (the third-oldest synagogue in America), and the Central of Georgia Railway roundhouse complex (the oldest standing antebellum rail facility in America).

Today Savannah's downtown area, which includes the Savannah Historic District, the Savannah Victorian Historic District and 22 parklike squares, is one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the United States (designated by the U.S. government in 1966). Savannah was the host city for the sailing competitions during the 1996 Summer Olympics held in Atlanta, Georgia.

Head to Savannah, GA for an affordable beach/history vacation   by Jennifer Dlugozima

If dragging your kids to one historical monument after the other is more of headache than a vacation, you may want to head to Savannah, GA this summer.

Georgia's oldest city has more than 200 years of history, but it also offers an easily accessible and free beach that is a perfect break for kids of all ages.

It's an ideal beach/history vacation. And, it can accommodate many family budgets, especially by staying in a downtown vacation rental with off-season rates.

The beach, known as Tybee Island, is located about 20 minutes from Savannah's famed Historic District. And, unlike its neighbors to the North and South, it hasn't succumbed to excessive commercialism.

The beach is open to the public and is enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike. It has a few low-priced tourist attractions, like the Tybee Island Light Station. This lighthouse was built in 1732, and is a treat for the whole family.

By following the river, you can head directly into Savannah's well-known Historic District. This district, a National Historic Landmark District, features architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries and more than 20 exquisite squares.

These squares, or well manicured parks, were created by General James E. Oglethorpe in 1733 and thereafter. Their beauty has remained intact, and can provide a free walking tour of U.S. history.

For example, some squares were named after Revolutionary war figures, like Pulaski Square. This square honors Revolutionary War Hero Count Pulaski, who was the highest ranking foreign soldier to die during the American Revolution. The square was created in 1837.

During summer months, it's advisable to walk the squares early in the day or later in the afternoon. The summer sun can get quite hot, so you should use the afternoon for beach time.

You can make your trip more affordable by staying in a vacation rental - or fully furnished home - in the downtown Historic District. Many downtown vacation rentals offer off-season rates for June, July and August (whereas beach vacation rentals are at the height of their season).