Georgia's charming historic district features cobblestone streets, moss-draped oak trees, 22 parklike squares, and antebellum architecture. Southern hospitality and ghost tours add character.
The Savannah Historic District encompasses approximately two square miles of Georgia's oldest city, laid out from 1733 by General James Oglethorpe in a unique ward-based grid plan that centered each block on a public square. The 22 surviving squares — of an original 24 — each function as a small park surrounded by historic townhouses, churches, and monuments, creating one of the most livable and walkable urban plans in the United States and making Savannah one of the country's most intact examples of planned colonial urban design. Walking or cycling between squares along Bay Street, Bull Street, and Forsyth Park covers the district's spine and reveals a continuous gallery of antebellum, Federal, and Italianate architecture draped in Spanish moss-hung live oaks. Forsyth Park, a 30-acre formal park at the district's southern end, centers on an 1858 cast-iron fountain that is among the most photographed in the American South; the park is used daily by residents for picnics, exercise, and weekend markets. The riverfront along River Street, immediately below the bluff at the northern edge of the district, is a cobblestone pedestrian strip with restaurants, bars, and shops in converted cotton warehouses. The Mercer Williams House on Monterey Square was the setting of John Berendt's 1994 bestselling book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and offers public tours. Christ Church on Johnson Square is the oldest church in Georgia, dating to 1733. Evening ghost tours are a popular activity throughout the historic district, departing nightly from various meeting points. The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has restored dozens of historic buildings throughout the district and operates them as campus facilities, contributing significantly to the neighborhood's vitality.
Good to know
- Hours
- Open 24 hours; attractions vary
- Best for
- history buffs, architecture lovers, couples
Location
Historic District, Savannah, GA 31401
32.0809, -81.0912 View on map
Highlights
- Stroll or cycle between Savannah's 22 surviving public squares draped in live oaks and Spanish moss
- Visit Forsyth Park and its 1858 cast-iron fountain — the most photographed in the American South
- Walk River Street along the cobblestone riverfront strip of converted cotton warehouse bars and restaurants
- Tour the Mercer Williams House on Monterey Square, setting of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
Tips for visiting
- Take trolley tour for overview
- Visit Forsyth Park fountain
- Try evening ghost tour
When to visit
March through May and October through November offer the most pleasant walking temperatures in Savannah. Spring brings azalea blooms throughout the squares and parks. Avoid the week of St. Patrick's Day if seeking a quieter visit — crowds swell significantly. Savannah is enjoyable year-round for morning walks before summer heat peaks.
Accessibility
Bull Street and the main square routes are paved and wheelchair accessible. Forsyth Park's central paths are accessible. River Street's historic cobblestones make wheelchair navigation difficult on the lower level, though a parallel smoother path runs at street level above. Some historic house museums have accessible ground floors but not upper floors.
Frequently asked questions
Is Savannah Historic District free to explore?
Yes. Walking the streets, squares, Forsyth Park, and River Street costs nothing. Some historic house museums charge admission, including the Mercer Williams House ($12.50 adults) and the Owens-Thomas House run by the Telfair Museums.
How long does it take to see the Savannah Historic District?
A leisurely half-day covers the main squares, Forsyth Park, and River Street. A full day allows house museum visits, deeper neighborhood exploration, and a meal on the riverfront. Two days suits those who want a relaxed pace.
Are ghost tours in Savannah worth doing?
Savannah is widely considered one of the most haunted cities in the United States, and its ghost tour industry is correspondingly large. Walking ghost tours led by local operators are an entertaining way to hear the city's history after dark; quality varies by operator.
When is the best time to visit Savannah?
March and April bring the Savannah St. Patrick's Day celebration (one of the largest in the US) and blooming azaleas, though crowds are significant. October offers comfortable temperatures, fall foliage, and Halloween events. The summer months are very humid and hot.