The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), based in Savannah’s Historic District, is a top-ranked private university with 100+ degrees in creative careers, including film, fashion, and digital media. SCAD is home to 18,500 undergraduate and graduate students and usually has a graduating class of 4,000 students each May — making SCAD graduation a huge deal (and big travel weekend!) in Savannah.
If you’re planning to travel to Savannah to celebrate a SCAD graduate, finding the perfect place to stay — with an optimal location and space for the whole family — is likely a high priority! That said, accommodations fill up quickly during graduation weekend, so it’s important to book your stay as soon as possible to maximize your convenience and enjoyment of the weekend.
Here’s everything you need to know about choosing a place to stay during SCAD graduation — and why South Key is the ideal choice for your graduation celebration!
Key Takeaways
- Location — SCAD graduation takes place at the Savannah Convention Center, located across the Savannah River on Hutchinson Island. The best way to reach the convention center from Savannah’s Historic District is via a free ferry that departs from River Street, a rental car, or shuttles provided throughout the Historic District by SCAD.
- Where to Stay — The best places to stay in Savannah’s Historic District for SCAD graduation are River Street and Bay Street for quick access to the ferry, or for families who need a little more room, near Forsyth Park for shuttle transportation to and from the venue.
- Travel Tips — SCAD graduation is a busy weekend in Savannah, so be sure to book your accommodations early, plan for limited parking throughout the Historic District, and arrive early to graduation to avoid transportation delays.
When Is SCAD Graduation?
The graduation ceremony for SCAD Savannah will be held throughout the day on Friday, May 29th, 2026, with the first ceremony starting at 9 AM and the last ceremony starting at 3:30 PM.
Where Is SCAD Graduation — And What’s the Best Way to Get There?
When it comes to choosing a place to stay in Savannah, the important detail to note is that SCAD graduation will be hosted at the Savannah Convention Center, located across the Savannah River on Hutchinson Island, where accommodation options are extremely limited. That said, most visitors choose to stay in Savannah’s Historic District, located on the opposite side of the Savannah River.
Getting to the Savannah Convention Center from Savannah’s Historic District without a car is easy — simply cross the riverfront on the Savannah Belles Ferry, which departs every 10-15 minutes daily from 7 AM to 10 PM. The ferry is free and departs from two main landings: one near the Hyatt Regency Savannah and the other near the Waving Girl Statue on River Street. The ferry ride is only five minutes long and arrives right in front of the Savannah Convention Center.
If you have a rental car, you can also drive across the Talmadge Memorial Bridge to Hutchinson Island — though be aware that parking is limited at the convention center and available on a first-come, first-served basis. As an alternative to the ferry and driving, SCAD will also provide shuttles for graduates, faculty, staff, and guests. Location for shuttle pick-ups will be provided in early May.
Best Areas to Stay in Savannah’s Historic District for SCAD Graduation
Now that you know where SCAD graduation will be, let’s break down some of the best places to stay in Savannah’s Historic District to get to and from the graduation ceremony, while still being close to all the best places to celebrate in Savannah all weekend long!
River Street & Bay Street
River Street or Bay Street are two of our top picks for places to stay in Savannah during SCAD graduation. Not only will you be footsteps away from the main ferry landings — making it super convenient to get to and from SCAD graduation without a car — but you’ll also be right next to some of Savannah’s top dining and nightlife venues, making post-graduation celebrations a breeze to plan!
Just a note — accommodations on or near River Street tend to be on the smaller side (think penthouses or apartments), so this option is generally best for couples or small families.
South Key Property Highlights: The Gaelic Guesthouse @ Washington Square, The Jungle House & The Factors Penthouse
Forsyth Park
Staying near Forsyth Park is an excellent option for larger families who want a bit more space during their trip to Savannah for SCAD graduation. Homes in this area tend to have more bedrooms and bathrooms than those you’ll find further north, and can therefore accommodate more guests.
Though you’ll be a little further from SCAD graduation, staying on the northern or eastern side of Forsyth Park will put you right next to the main building for the Savannah College of Art and Design, which is often a shuttle pick-up and drop-off spot for the commencement ceremonies.
South Key Property Highlights: Hunter’s Knoll on Rainbow Row, Spacious Luxurious Townhome – 2 Blocks to Forsyth & The Artist Retreat
Vacation Rentals vs. Hotels: Why South Key Stands Out as a Premier Option for SCAD Graduation Celebrations
Staying in a vacation rental instead of a hotel offers several benefits for families traveling to Savannah to celebrate SCAD students. Here’s why travelers love vacation rentals hosted by South Key for graduation weekend in Savannah:
- Additional Bedrooms — Compared to hotel rooms with one or two beds, vacation rentals generally come with additional bedrooms and bathrooms, perfect for accommodating large groups and families, and giving each person a little extra space and privacy.
- More Amenities — From fully-stocked kitchens and private pools to pet-friendly stays, our vacation rentals make it easier to feel at home (even while you’re away!).
- Communal Living Spaces — Having communal living spaces where you can gather privately with friends, graduates, and their friends to celebrate such a big accomplishment is a huge benefit of staying in a vacation rental instead of a hotel.
Tips for Planning Your Trip to Savannah for SCAD Graduation
- Book Accommodations Early — Hotels and vacation rentals book up quickly during SCAD graduation weekend. Keep in mind, the families of up to 4,000 graduates are traveling to Savannah to celebrate with them! To secure your desired accommodation and location and to snag the best deals, book your stay as early as possible.
- Plan for Limited Parking — Parking is limited at the Savannah Convention Center during SCAD graduation. However, keep in mind that with such a large influx of tourists, parking throughout Savannah will be congested as well. If you stay in one of our vacation rentals in Savannah’s Historic District, all the main attractions, including graduation, will be within walking, shuttle, or ferry distance, saving you on parking stress and the cost of a rental car.
- Arrive at Graduation Early — Keep in mind that many graduates and families will be wanting to use the shuttles and ferries at the same time. To ensure you don’t end up in a long line waiting for transportation (putting you at risk of missing the big celebration!), try to arrive at the ceremony an hour or so early to avoid transportation snags.
Book the Perfect Rental for SCAD Graduation Weekend with South Key Management
Regardless of where you choose to stay in Savannah’s Historic District for SCAD graduation, we guarantee you’ll have an unforgettable time celebrating your accomplished graduate if you book one of our charming vacation rentals hosted by South Key.
Our condos, apartments, and homes in Savannah’s Historic District are all within easy reach of SCAD graduation and within walking distance from the can’t-miss dining, attractions, and nightlife in Savannah, making it easy to celebrate your graduate all weekend long. Browse our rentals to find an available stay — and book quickly, because our rentals always fill up fast on SCAD graduation weekend!
