Self Guided Historic Savannah Walking Tour

Discover Savannah’s Historic District on a self-guided walking tour that showcases stunning architecture and rich history. Stroll through oak-lined squares and brick lanes, immersing yourself in the city’s unique 18th-century layout. This tour reveals the stories behind Savannah's beautiful homes and public spaces, highlighting their roles in the colony's history, the cotton era, and ongoing preservation efforts. Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace while uncovering new perspectives on familiar sights and experience how art, community, and history intertwine in this atmospheric city. — Self-guided tour allows for a flexible pace — Explore Savannah's historic architecture and design — Uncover stories of resilience and change throughout history — Discover lesser-known perspectives on iconic landmarks

1. 1

   Cathedral Basilica St John The Baptist

   5 min

   This neo-Gothic cathedral, built in 1876 and rebuilt after a fire in 1898, dazzles with soaring spires, 81 stained-glass windows, and intricate marble altars. As the seat of the Diocese of Savannah, it remains a powerful symbol of faith, resilience, and architectural grandeur.

2. 2

   Chippewa Square

   5 min

   Best known as the filming location for the famous bench scene in Forrest Gump, Chippewa Square is also one of Savannah’s charming historic parks. Lined with ancient oaks and shaded by live branches, it’s a quiet spot to pause and imagine past eras.

3. 3

   Colonial Park Cemetery

   5 min

   This evocative cemetery dates back to the 1750s and holds the remains of Revolutionary War soldiers, early settlers, and influential Savannah families. Its moss-draped gravestones and silent paths offer a somber walk through early colonial life.

4. 4

   Davenport House Museum

   Pass by

   Step into this beautifully restored Federal-style home to see how a wealthy merchant’s family once lived in early 19th-century Savannah. Period furnishings and a guided tour reveal both the elegance and complexity of the city’s past.

5. 5

   Factors Walk

   5 min

   This historic waterfront area features old cotton factor buildings perched on steep bluff walls, offering both architectural charm and rich mercantile history. Walking here brings you to hidden alleyways, river views, and echoes of Savannah’s trading heyday.

6. 6

   First African Baptist Church

   5 min

   Considered one of the oldest African-American congregations in the U.S., this church played a pivotal spiritual and social role before, during, and after the Civil War. Its sanctuary and surrounding grounds speak quietly but powerfully of faith, struggle, and community.

7. 7

   Forsyth Park

   5 min

   Savannah’s largest public green, Forsyth Park, is beloved for its shaded paths, iconic fountain, and majestic oaks draped in Spanish moss. Whether you’re picnicking or people-watching, this park captures the peaceful beauty of Southern life.

8. 8

   Green-Meldrim House

   Pass by

   Built in 1853, this Gothic Revival mansion once sheltered Union General Sherman and hosted historic moments during the Civil War. With its ironwork, crenellated parapet, and richly decorated interior, the house is a striking portrait of antebellum wealth and influence.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   Pass by

   A bold modern building among Savannah’s historic skyline, the Jepson Center houses contemporary art, photography, and design exhibits. Its vibrant galleries provide a fresh contrast to the city’s traditional architecture.

10. 10

    Johnson Square

    5 min

    As the first and largest of Savannah’s original squares, Johnson Square was laid out in 1733 and remains the city’s bustling civic and financial heart. The square features fountains, a sundial, and monuments that connect past and present.

11. 11

    Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum

    Pass by

    Visit the childhood home of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts, to explore her legacy and the Victorian-era domestic life she once knew. The guided tour reveals her trailblazing spirit and connection to Savannah’s social fabric.

12. 12

    Madison Square

    5 min

    Tucked away within the city grid, Madison Square is a peaceful green space bordered by historic homes and charming streets. It’s a lovely place to reflect on Savannah’s evolving past and architectural heritage.

13. 13

    Mercer Williams House Museum

    Pass by

    This famous mansion became widely known after appearing in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Tours inside the house spotlight its eclectic décor, storied residents, and whispered Savannah secrets.

14. 14

    Monterey Square

    5 min

    Designed in 1847 to commemorate the Battle of Monterrey, this square is framed by elegant homes and grand live oaks. Its quiet beauty makes it one of Savannah’s most picturesque and historically layered public spaces.

15. 15

    Owens-thomas House & Slave Quarters

    Pass by

    A stunning Regency-style mansion, the Owens-Thomas House offers insight into Savannah’s early 19th-century elite and the lives of those enslaved on its grounds. Its restored slave quarters provide a poignant, instructive contrast to the opulence above.

16. 16

    Historic Savannah Theatre

    Pass by

    One of the nation’s oldest continuously operating theaters, this lavish venue has hosted musicals, plays, and vaudeville acts since 1818. Its gilded architecture, velvet seats, and timeless performances make it a cultural centerpiece of the city.

17. 17

    Telfair Academy

    5 min

    Housed in a French-Revival mansion, the Telfair Academy is part of the Telfair Museums and displays classical and contemporary art, including American and European works. The building itself is a work of art, nestled among lush gardens.

18. 18

    Congregation Mickve Israel

    Pass by

    Founded in 1735, this gothic-style synagogue is the third oldest in America and remains a serene, historical landmark in the heart of Savannah. Its pointed arches, stained-glass windows, and well-preserved cemetery tell stories of faith, migration, and persistence.

19. 19

    Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum

    Pass by

    This stately home once belonged to the entrepreneur behind Savannah’s steamship line and now serves as the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum. Its elegant façade and classical design reflect the city’s mercantile rise.

20. 20

    Wright Square

    5 min

    One of Savannah’s original squares, Wright Square is known for its ancient trees, historic memorials, and tranquil environment. It is also the final resting place of the controversial Tomochichi, a Native American leader influential in Savannah’s early colonial days.

21. 21

    Stop 21

    5 min

    Often called the most picturesque street in America, Jones Street is lined with ivy-covered houses, elegant ironwork, and a timeless sense of Southern charm. Walking here feels like stepping into a historic postcard.

22. 22

    Georgia State Railroad Museum

    Pass by

    At the Roundhouse Railroad Museum in Savannah’s Starland District, you’ll discover restored steam engines, vintage cabooses, and exhibits on regional rail history. It’s a fascinating stop for history lovers and train buffs alike.

23. 23

    Massie Heritage Center

    Pass by

    This small museum preserves the history of Savannah’s western wards, sharing stories of local neighborhoods, civil rights, and community resilience through photos and personal artifacts. Its displays highlight lesser-seen threads of Savannah’s layered past.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Works entirely offline once downloaded—no cell service required
• GPS-triggered audio plays automatically based on your location
• Flexible - Buy once, use any day/time—access never expires
• Get the Drives & Detours app download the tour ahead of time

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.