Self Guided Historic Savannah Walking Tour
Overview
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
Gallery
What's Included
✓ Included
- Flexible Usage (unlimited access)
- Audio Guide & Route Map (in app)
- App and Tour Download
✗ Not Included
- Smartphone (bring your own)
Itinerary
1
Stop 1
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
Stop 2
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
Stop 3
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
Stop 4
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
Stop 5
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
Stop 6
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
Stop 7
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
Stop 8
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
Stop 9
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
Stop 10
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
Stop 11
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
Stop 12
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
Stop 13
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
Stop 14
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
Stop 15
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
Stop 16
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
Stop 17
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
Stop 18
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
Stop 19
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
Stop 20
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
Stop 21
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
Stop 22
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
Stop 23
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.
Meeting & End Point
📍
Meeting Point
The tour starts at Rousakis Riverfront Plaza, just across the street from 117 E River Street. When you arrive, open the Drives & Detours app and tap "Start Tour".
🏁
End Point
Forsyth Park is a large park in the center of Savannah. It is easily accessible from most areas, and local landmarks include the Armstrong-Kessler Mansion and Hotel Bardo Savannah.
Find Hotels in Savannah
Good to Know
- 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
Known For:
Special Instructions
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ: To access your tour, you will need to download the Drives & Detours app. Prior to your date of travel, you will receive an access code to unlock your tour. Please check your Viator Message Center and/or email prior to your date of travel for a message containing your code.
HOW TO PREPARE: To ensure a smooth experience, we recommend downloading the Drives & Detours app today so you are ready to go as soon as you arrive.
DOWNLOAD THE APP:
iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drives-detours/id6443681888
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mytoursapp.android.app6506
WATCH FOR YOUR UNLOCK CODE:
Your access code will be sent to you the day before your travel date.
Most Visited Tours
Traveler Reviews
✅ Free Cancellation