Savannah Historic District Travel Guide

Wide ,cobblestone streets beneath a canopy of Spanish moss-draped live oaks, surrounded by elegant 18th and 19th-century mansions that tell stories of a bygone era. Welcome to Savannah’s Historic District, America’s largest National Historic Landmark District that feels like stepping into a living painting. Unlike its flashier Southern cousins, Savannah moves at its own leisurely pace—a city where time seems to slow down and invite you to savor every moment. Founded in 1733 as Georgia’s first city, Savannah’s charm lies in its perfectly preserved grid layout of 22 park-like squares, each one a green oasis surrounded by architectural treasures spanning Federal, Victorian, and Greek Revival styles. Whether you’re clinking glasses during a sunset river cruise, digging into shrimp and grits at a local eatery, or hunting for ghosts in America’s “most haunted city,” Savannah’s Historic District offers a richly layered experience that combines Southern hospitality with a touch of mystery. Let’s discover why this Georgia gem should top your travel bucket list!

History at a Glance

Savannah’s story began in 1733 when General James Oglethorpe and 120 colonists landed on the bluff above the Savannah River, establishing Georgia as the 13th and final American colony. What made Savannah revolutionary was Oglethorpe’s visionary urban plan—a grid of streets interspersed with public squares that functioned as mini parks, community gathering spaces, and militia training grounds. This design was not just aesthetically pleasing but also ahead of its time in urban planning.

The city flourished as a commercial port, with cotton exports bringing immense wealth during the 19th century. This prosperity created the architectural splendor we admire today, with wealthy merchants and shipping magnates constructing lavish mansions. During the Civil War, Savannah was famously spared from destruction when General Sherman presented the city to President Lincoln as a “Christmas gift” in 1864, preserving its historic buildings.

By the mid-20th century, many historic structures faced demolition until a group of determined women formed the Historic Savannah Foundation in 1955, pioneering one of America’s first major preservation movements. Their efforts saved hundreds of buildings and transformed Savannah from a deteriorating city into a preservation success story that attracts millions of visitors annually, offering an authentic glimpse into America’s colonial and antebellum past.

Quick Facts

Location: Coastal Georgia, USA – approximately 250 miles southeast of Atlanta

1. Savannah’s Historic District spans roughly 2.5 square miles and contains more than 1,600 historically significant buildings.
2. The famous “Savannah squares” originally numbered 24, though only 22 remain today.
3. Savannah was America’s first planned city, with its distinctive grid pattern designed by founder James Oglethorpe.
4. The city served as Georgia’s capital from the colonial era until 1786.
5. Savannah’s port is one of the largest container terminals in North America.
6. The Historic District sits on a 40-foot bluff above the Savannah River.
7. Chippewa Square gained fame as the bench location for scenes in “Forrest Gump.”
8. Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration is the second largest in the United States.
9. The city’s open container law allows adults to carry alcoholic beverages in open plastic cups throughout the Historic District.
10. Bonaventure Cemetery, featured in “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” dates back to 1846.

Fun Facts

• Savannah’s gorgeous live oak trees draped with Spanish moss create the city’s signature look, but watch out—Spanish moss isn’t a moss at all but a bromeliad related to pineapples!
• The “Forrest Gump” bench in the movie wasn’t a permanent fixture in Chippewa Square—it was a movie prop that now resides in the Savannah History Museum.
• Savannah is said to be built upon its dead. Many buildings stand atop former burial grounds, contributing to its reputation as America’s most haunted city.
• Pirates’ House, one of Savannah’s oldest buildings (1753), was once a tavern where sailors were allegedly kidnapped through underground tunnels and forced into maritime service.
• The “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” book and movie caused tourism to increase by 46% in the years after publication.
• Local lore claims that if you walk around Johnson Square three times and spit in each corner, you’ll get married within a year—a superstition still tested by hopeful singles today!

Cultural Tourism

Savannah’s cultural scene deftly balances its rich history with vibrant contemporary arts. The SCAD Museum of Art, housed in a restored railway depot, showcases cutting-edge contemporary works, while the Telfair Museums—comprising the Telfair Academy, Owens-Thomas House, and Jepson Center—represent the oldest public art museum in the Southeast.

Theater enthusiasts can catch performances at the historic Savannah Theatre, operating since 1818, making it one of America’s oldest continuously operating theaters. For music lovers, the Savannah Music Festival brings world-class performances across genres each spring, while smaller venues like The Jinx and Victory North offer year-round live music experiences.

African American heritage is powerfully preserved at the Pin Point Heritage Museum and the First African Baptist Church, one of the oldest Black churches in North America and a former Underground Railroad station. Gullah-Geechee culture—a distinct creole culture developed by descendants of enslaved Africans—influences the area’s food, crafts, and storytelling traditions.

Literature fans can explore sites connected to native daughter Flannery O’Connor or the settings from “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” Meanwhile, SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) has transformed dozens of historic buildings into studios and galleries, infusing the district with creative energy and ensuring Savannah remains not just a monument to the past but a living, evolving cultural center.

Main Attractions

• Forsyth Park – This 30-acre urban park features the iconic fountain, lush gardens, and a local farmers’ market on Saturdays.
• Cathedral of St. John the Baptist – A stunning example of French Gothic architecture with breathtaking stained glass windows and towering spires.
• River Street – Historic cobblestone street lined with 19th-century cotton warehouses converted into shops, restaurants, and galleries.
• City Market – Four-block open-air marketplace featuring artists’ studios, boutiques, and restaurants in restored warehouses.
• Sorrel-Weed House – One of the most impressive historic homes and allegedly one of America’s most haunted buildings.
• Mercer-Williams House – Made famous by “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” and known for its impressive art collection.
• Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters – A National Historic Landmark with one of the best-preserved urban slave quarters in the South.
• Colonial Park Cemetery – Dating back to 1750, final resting place for many of Savannah’s earliest citizens and Revolutionary War soldiers.
• Telfair Academy – The South’s oldest public art museum housed in a Regency-style mansion.
• Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum – Houses ship models, paintings, and maritime artifacts in the historic Scarbrough House.

Reasons to Go

Savannah’s Historic District offers the perfect blend of accessibility and authenticity. Unlike many tourist destinations, Savannah remains a living city where locals and visitors share spaces. The pedestrian-friendly layout means you can park your car and explore for days on foot, discovering picturesque squares and hidden gardens at your own pace.

History buffs will appreciate how the city’s timeline unfolds through its architecture and museums, while photographers find endless inspiration in the interplay of light filtering through moss-draped trees onto historic facades. Foodies are drawn to Savannah’s evolving culinary scene that honors Southern traditions while embracing contemporary tastes.

Perhaps most compelling is Savannah’s distinct atmosphere—something between genteel sophistication and mysterious allure. The city embraces its haunted reputation, its troubled past, and its quirky present with equal enthusiasm. Whether you’re sipping sweet tea on a shaded veranda or cocktails during a ghost tour, Savannah offers experiences that engage all your senses and leave you with stories to tell long after your visit ends.

Ideal For

History Buffs: Savannah’s remarkably preserved architecture spans Colonial, Federal, Victorian, and Greek Revival styles, with museums and historic homes offering glimpses into everything from colonial life to Civil War experiences.

Photography Enthusiasts: The interplay of Spanish moss, historic architecture, cobblestone streets, and fountain-centered squares creates endless perfect compositions at any time of day.

Foodies: From traditional Southern cooking to innovative farm-to-table restaurants and fresh seafood, Savannah’s culinary scene punches above its weight for a city of its size.

Couples: Romantic bed-and-breakfasts, intimate restaurants, and moonlit squares make Savannah perfect for weekend getaways or honeymoons.

Ghost Hunters: As America’s “most haunted city,” Savannah offers numerous ghost tours, haunted pub crawls, and spooky overnight stays in historic inns.

Art Lovers: The influence of SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) has revitalized the city with galleries, design shops, and regular exhibitions that complement the historic museums.

Things To Do

Culinary Adventures:

• Take a food tour through the Historic District sampling Southern specialties like shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and peach cobbler
• Visit Leopold’s Ice Cream, a Savannah institution since 1919
• Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner at The Grey, housed in a renovated 1938 Greyhound bus terminal
• Try authentic lowcountry boil at a riverside restaurant
• Sample craft beers at Service Brewing Co. or Moon River Brewing Company

Cycling & Walking:

• Rent bikes to cover more ground between the historic squares
• Follow the Tree Spirits of Savannah walking tour to spot faces carved into live oak trees
• Take an architecture walking tour focusing on different historical periods
• Explore the Victorian District just south of Forsyth Park
• Join a guided running tour combining history lessons with exercise

Cultural Experiences:

• Attend a performance at the Savannah Theatre
• Visit during the Savannah Music Festival (March/April)
• Take a riverboat cruise with historical narration
• Join an African American history walking tour
• Explore the American Prohibition Museum (the only one in the country)

Outdoor Activities:

• Picnic in one of the historic squares
• Paddleboard or kayak on the Savannah River
• Bird watch at nearby Skidaway Island State Park
• Take a sunset dolphin cruise
• Golf at nearby courses including the Club at Savannah Harbor

Events Not to Miss

• St. Patrick’s Day Celebration (March) – One of America’s largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with a massive parade and the fountains dyed green.
• Savannah Music Festival (March/April) – 17 days of world-class performances across multiple genres including classical, jazz, folk, and international music.
• SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival (April) – Students transform Forsyth Park’s walkways with stunning chalk masterpieces.
• Savannah Jazz Festival (September) – Free concerts in Forsyth Park featuring regional and national jazz artists.
• Savannah Food & Wine Festival (November) – Culinary events showcasing local chefs and internationally renowned winemakers.
• Holiday on the Harbor (December) – Festive boat parade with illuminated vessels on the Savannah River.
• Savannah Book Festival (February) – Nationally recognized authors gather for readings, signings, and panel discussions.
• SCAD Savannah Film Festival (October) – The largest university-run film festival in the country, attracting major industry professionals and premiering award-contending films.

Travel Tips and Practical Information

• Best Times to Visit: Spring (March-May) offers perfect temperatures and blooming azaleas, while fall (September-November) brings cooler weather and fewer crowds. Summer can be intensely hot and humid.
• Getting Around: The Historic District is walkable, but for tired feet, catch the free DOT shuttle that loops through the area. Pedicabs offer quick rides between squares, and rideshares are readily available.
• Parking: Street parking is limited, so consider garage parking (around $15-20/day) or staying at accommodations with parking included.
• Savannah “To Go Cup”: Adults can carry alcoholic beverages in open plastic containers (16oz or smaller) throughout the Historic District—a unique feature many visitors enjoy!
• Weather Advisory: Pack lightweight clothing for summer with rain gear (afternoon thunderstorms are common). Winters are mild but can have occasional cold snaps.
• Reservations: Book popular restaurants and tours in advance, especially during peak season and festivals.
• Ghost Tours: Even skeptics enjoy these tours for their historical value and storytelling—they’re a fun way to see the city after dark.
• Safety: While generally safe, stick to well-lit areas at night and be aware of your surroundings, particularly in areas bordering the Historic District.

Hidden Gem Nearby

Just 20 minutes from downtown Savannah, Wormsloe Historic Site offers a breathtaking entrance unlike any other in America. A 1.5-mile avenue lined with over 400 live oak trees draped in Spanish moss creates a photographic tunnel effect that has become one of Georgia’s most iconic images. Once the colonial estate of Noble Jones, one of Georgia’s original settlers, Wormsloe features the ruins of a tabby fortress—the oldest standing structure in Savannah.

Beyond the Instagram-worthy entrance, visitors can explore a museum with artifacts from colonial life, hike nature trails through maritime forest, and watch costumed interpreters demonstrate colonial skills during special events. The site provides a peaceful contrast to the urban Historic District and offers insights into early colonial Georgia before the development of Savannah’s grand homes. History enthusiasts will appreciate seeing the more rustic beginnings that preceded the elegant city, while nature lovers can spot wildlife along the walking paths that wind through this protected 822-acre site.

Final Thoughts

Savannah’s Historic District isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience that seeps into your soul. There’s something magical about a place where history isn’t cordoned off behind velvet ropes but lives and breathes alongside contemporary life. As you wander from square to square, each with its own distinct personality, you’ll find yourself slowing down, noticing details, and surrendering to Savannah’s languid rhythm.

What distinguishes Savannah from other historic cities is its sensory richness—the heavy perfume of magnolias in bloom, the clatter of horse-drawn carriages on cobblestone, the taste of butter-rich pralines, the cool shade beneath ancient oaks. These impressions linger long after you’ve returned home.

Whether you spend your time tracing the footsteps of Revolutionary War heroes, hunting for antiques in converted cotton warehouses, or simply rocking on a veranda with a sweet tea (or something stronger), Savannah rewards those who embrace its unhurried pace. So plan your visit, but leave room for serendipity—those unplanned discoveries often become the most treasured memories of this captivating Southern gem. After all, as locals will tell you with a knowing smile, “In Savannah, we don’t hide our crazy—we display it on the front porch and give it a cocktail.”