Discover Savannah’s charm with a flexible, 4.8-mile self-guided walking tour. Explore historic architecture, scenic parks, and vibrant culture at your own pace, uncovering the city’s hidden gems.
Why Choose a Self-Guided Tour?
A self-guided walking tour offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to explore Savannah at your own pace. With no fixed schedule, you can linger at scenic spots, delve into historic sites, or pause for dining and shopping. This personalized approach ensures a unique, immersive experience tailored to your interests, making it ideal for both casual visitors and history enthusiasts seeking a deeper connection to the city.
Key Features of the Tour
This self-guided walking tour features 70+ audio stories, guiding you through Savannah’s historic district, iconic squares, and picturesque riverfront. The 4.8-mile route includes landmarks, boutique shops, and dining spots. GPS-enabled navigation ensures ease, while flexible pacing allows you to explore at leisure. Rich historical insights and cultural highlights make this tour a comprehensive way to experience Savannah’s timeless beauty and charm effortlessly.
Forsyth Park: The Heart of Savannah
Forsyth Park, a 30-acre green oasis, is Savannah’s heart, offering sprawling fields, gardens, and live oaks. It’s the perfect start for your historic district walking tour.
Historical Significance
Forsyth Park, established in the 1800s, is a cornerstone of Savannah’s history, reflecting the city’s enduring charm. Designed by John Forsyth, it features a iconic fountain and serves as a gathering spot for generations. Its sprawling design and live oaks symbolize Savannah’s commitment to preserving its past, making it a vital starting point for exploring the historic district and understanding the city’s rich cultural legacy.
Things to Do in the Park
Stroll through Forsyth Park’s 30 acres, exploring its wide open fields, paved pathways, and fragrant gardens. Visit the iconic fountain, play tennis or basketball, or relax under the shade of towering live oaks. The park’s amphitheater hosts various events, making it a vibrant hub for both locals and visitors. Whether picnicking, jogging, or simply soaking in the beauty, Forsyth Park offers endless ways to enjoy Savannah’s natural charm and historic ambiance.
Exploring the Historic District
Wander through Savannah’s Historic District, with its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and picturesque squares, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich past and cultural heritage.
Architectural Marvels
Savannah’s Historic District is renowned for its stunning architecture, blending Greek Revival, Victorian, and Italianate styles. Admire the intricate details of historic homes, churches, and buildings, including the iconic Owens-Thomas House. The district’s meticulously preserved structures reflect the city’s rich history, offering a visually captivating journey through time. As you stroll, notice the grand porches, ornate ironwork, and the harmonious blend of natural beauty and architectural craftsmanship that define Savannah’s unique charm and timeless elegance.
Notable Landmarks
Savannah’s self-guided walking tour highlights iconic landmarks like the Forsyth Park fountain and the Owens-Thomas House. Explore the Mercer House, made famous by Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, and visit the Telfair Academy, showcasing art and history. These landmarks, steeped in history and culture, offer a glimpse into Savannah’s storied past and its enduring charm, making your tour unforgettable and enriching with each step.
Savannah’s Riverfront
Stroll along Savannah’s charming riverfront, with cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and riverside dining. Enjoy scenic views of the Savannah River and the Talmadge Memorial Bridge.
Shopping and Dining Options
The Savannah Riverfront offers a blend of boutique shops and waterfront eateries. Discover unique souvenirs, local artwork, and gourmet treats. Enjoy fresh seafood, Southern comfort food, and coffee at charming cafés. Stroll along cobblestone streets, explore riverfront markets, and dine with scenic views of the Savannah River. The area’s lively atmosphere, complete with street performers, makes it a must-visit for shoppers and food enthusiasts alike.
Scenic Views
The Savannah Riverfront offers stunning vistas of the Savannah River and its picturesque marshes. Enjoy panoramic views from the riverwalk, where you can watch boats glide by. Capture memorable photos against the backdrop of the iconic Talmadge Memorial Bridge. The area’s scenic beauty, combined with its historic charm, provides a perfect setting for relaxation and reflection during your self-guided walking tour.
The Famous Squares of Savannah
Savannah’s 24 iconic squares are the heart of the city, each offering a unique glimpse into history. Stroll through shaded oaks and enjoy their serene, timeless beauty.
Chippewa Square
Chippewa Square, one of Savannah’s 24 iconic squares, is a peaceful retreat nestled in the heart of the city. Known for its historic significance, the square is adorned with towering oak trees and a striking memorial to James Oglethorpe. Visitors often pause here to relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere. It’s also a popular spot for photos and people-watching. Don’t miss the nearby benches where Forrest Gump famously sat in the movie;
Lafayette Square
Lafayette Square, another of Savannah’s picturesque squares, offers a serene escape with its majestic oak trees and historic charm. Named after the Marquis de Lafayette, it features the stunning Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Visitors enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, perfect for reflection or a quiet break during their self-guided walking tour. The square’s beauty and historical significance make it a must-visit destination in Savannah’s Historic District.
Self-Guided Shopping Tour
Explore Savannah’s unique boutiques and galleries at your own pace. Start at City Market, then discover charming shops and hidden gems throughout the Historic District effortlessly.
Boutiques and Galleries
Discover Savannah’s unique boutiques and art galleries, offering everything from handmade crafts to high-end fashion. Explore The Paris Market, One Fish Two Fish, and Satchel for distinctive finds. These charming shops showcase local artisans and designers, providing a personalized shopping experience. Galleries like the Savannah Art Gallery feature works by regional artists, adding cultural depth to your tour. This self-guided journey through Savannah’s retail scene promises unforgettable treasures and memories.
Unique Finds
Uncover Savannah’s hidden treasures by exploring its distinctive shops and markets. Discover handmade jewelry at The Paris Market, vintage treasures at Zia Boutique, and custom leather goods at Satchel. Each store offers one-of-a-kind items that reflect the city’s artistic soul. From artisanal home decor to rare antiques, these unique finds make your self-guided tour unforgettable, giving you a piece of Savannah’s charm to take home.
Ghost Tours and Haunted History
Embark on a spooky adventure through Savannah’s haunted sites. Explore eerie mansions, cemeteries, and pubs, uncovering the city’s paranormal past. Evening tours reveal its ghostly charm.
Haunted Sites
Savannah’s haunted history comes alive through its eerie sites. Explore the Owens-Thomas House, a mansion with paranormal activity, and the Olde Pink House, known for ghostly encounters. Stroll past ancient cemeteries and haunted pubs, where legends of spirits and mysterious events linger. These sites offer a chilling glimpse into Savannah’s past, making them must-visit stops on your self-guided ghost tour.
Evening Tour Options
Experience Savannah’s mystical side with evening tours. Join a ghost tour to explore haunted mansions, cemeteries, and pubs, or embark on a self-guided scavenger hunt under the stars. Stroll through illuminated squares and enjoy the city’s romantic ambiance. Evening tours offer a unique perspective on Savannah’s history and charm, perfect for those seeking a blend of mystery and beauty after dark.
Practical Information
Download audio guides for turn-by-turn directions and insights. Plan your itinerary to explore key sites efficiently, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable self-guided walking tour experience in Savannah.
Audio Guides
Enhance your self-guided walking tour with audio guides offering over 70 stories about Savannah’s history, architecture, and culture. Available as smartphone-guided, GPS tours, they provide turn-by-turn directions and insights into the city’s landmarks. Each tour costs $6.99, making it an affordable and convenient way to explore at your own pace, ensuring a rich and immersive experience of Savannah’s historic district and scenic sites.
Itinerary Tips
Start your self-guided tour at Forsyth Park, the heart of Savannah, and explore the Historic District’s cobblestoned streets. Plan your day to include iconic squares, scenic riverfront views, and unique boutiques. Download detailed maps for turn-by-turn directions and allocate time for meals at local eateries. Wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated, as the 4;8-mile route offers plenty to discover. Adjust your pace to soak in the city’s charm and history seamlessly.
Wormsloe Historic Site
End your tour at Wormsloe Historic Site, featuring a stunning oak-lined drive and colonial-era ruins. This picturesque location offers a glimpse into Savannah’s early history and natural beauty.
Oak-Lined Drives
Stroll through Wormsloe Historic Site’s iconic oak-lined drive, one of the South’s most photographed. The majestic live oaks, draped in Spanish moss, create a breathtaking canopy. This picturesque avenue, part of the colonial estate since 1736, offers a serene and historic walking experience, perfect for capturing memorable photos and immersing yourself in Savannah’s natural beauty and heritage.
Colonial Ruins
Explore the remnants of Wormsloe Historic Site, a colonial estate established in 1736. The ruins offer a glimpse into Savannah’s early history, with crumbling tabby walls and a restored 18th-century house. Visitors can walk through the site, imagining life in colonial Georgia. The ruins are a poignant reminder of the city’s founding and its role in the region’s colonial past, making them a fascinating stop on your self-guided walking tour.