Savannah’s Historic District offers the perfect setting for a self-guided walking tour through one of America’s most beautiful cities.
Essential Walking Tour Route
Start your tour at Forsyth Park, the crown jewel of Savannah’s park system located at Drayton and Gaston Streets.
Walk north on Bull Street to explore these iconic squares in order:
- Monterey Square – Home to Mercer-Williams House
- Madison Square – Features St. John’s Episcopal Church
- Chippewa Square – Where Forrest Gump’s bench scenes were filmed
- Wright Square – One of Savannah’s oldest squares
- Johnson Square – The city’s first square
Key Landmarks & Points of Interest
- Forsyth Park Fountain – 1858 cast iron fountain modeled after those in Paris
- Cathedral of St. John the Baptist – 222 E. Harris St
- Colonial Park Cemetery – 201 Abercorn St
- Sorrel Weed House – 6 W Harris St
- Davenport House – 324 E State St
Practical Tips
- Download the free Savannah Historic District map from VisitSavannah.com before starting
- Begin early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat (especially May-September)
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as streets are mostly cobblestone
- Bring water and sun protection
- Public restrooms available at Visitor Center (301 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd)
Recommended Food Stops
- Leopold’s Ice Cream – 212 E Broughton St
- Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room – 107 W Jones St
- The Olde Pink House – 23 Abercorn St
- Crystal Beer Parlor – 301 W Jones St
Photo Opportunities
- Wormsloe Historic Site entrance with Spanish moss-draped oak avenue
- Forsyth Park fountain (best lighting early morning)
- Jones Street (voted America’s prettiest street)
- River Street waterfront
The complete walking tour takes approximately 2-3 hours at a leisurely pace.
Free parking available at the Visitor Center (301 MLK Jr Blvd) or use metered street parking.
For guided tour options or more information, contact Visit Savannah at (912) 944-0455.
Additional Highlights
Beyond the main walking route, several notable attractions deserve exploration if time permits:
Museums & Historic Sites
- SCAD Museum of Art – 601 Turner Blvd
- Telfair Academy – 121 Barnard St
- Owens-Thomas House – 124 Abercorn St
- Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum – 41 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Evening Activities
- Ghost tours departing from Reynolds Square
- Savannah Theatre performances – 222 Bull St
- Riverside drinks at Top Deck Bar
- Live music at Jazz’d Tapas Bar
Seasonal Events
- March: St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- April: SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival
- September: Savannah Jazz Festival
- October: Savannah Film Festival
Conclusion
Savannah’s Historic District seamlessly blends Southern charm, architectural heritage, and modern amenities. This walking tour covers the essential highlights while allowing flexibility to explore additional sites based on personal interests. Remember to pace yourself and embrace the city’s relaxed atmosphere.
For seasonal updates and event information, visit SavannahVisit.com or download the official Savannah mobile app.
FAQs
- What is the best time of year to take a self-guided walking tour in Savannah?
Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) offer the most pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Spring features blooming azaleas while Fall has mild temperatures and fewer tourists. - How long should I plan for a self-guided walking tour of Savannah?
A comprehensive tour of Savannah’s Historic District typically takes 2-3 hours, covering approximately 2-3 miles at a leisurely pace. - What are the must-see squares on a self-guided walking tour?
Forsyth Park, Chippewa Square (famous for Forrest Gump scene), Johnson Square (oldest square), and Reynolds Square are essential stops on any walking tour. - Is it safe to do a self-guided walking tour in Savannah?
The Historic District is generally safe during daylight hours. Stick to well-traveled areas and main streets, especially if walking alone. - Where should I start my self-guided walking tour?
Most tours begin at City Market or Forsyth Park, both offering convenient parking and easy access to major attractions. - What should I bring on my walking tour of Savannah?
Comfortable walking shoes, water bottle, sun protection, camera, and a map of the Historic District are essential. A paper map is recommended as phone batteries can drain quickly. - Are Savannah’s historic homes open to the public during self-guided tours?
While most historic homes require guided tours with admission fees, you can admire their architecture from the outside during your self-guided walk. - What’s the best route to see Savannah’s famous Spanish moss?
Jones Street and Gaston Street offer the most spectacular views of Spanish moss-draped live oaks, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon light. - Where can I find public restrooms during my walking tour?
Public restrooms are available at Visitor’s Center, City Market, Forsyth Park, and various museums and cafes throughout the Historic District. - Are there free parking options for self-guided walking tours?
Free parking is available on Sundays and after 8 PM on weekdays in most areas. The Visitor Center offers affordable all-day parking, making it a good starting point.
