Explore Savannah's Historic Squares at Your Own Pace

Discover the moss-draped charm of Georgia's first city through immersive audio stories and self-guided walking routes.

Savannah is a city designed for wandering, where history unfolds beneath a canopy of live oaks and Spanish moss. Established in 1733, the city’s unique grid system features twenty-two historic squares, each acting as a lush green centerpiece for local life and architecture. Walking through the Historic District allows you to encounter meticulously preserved mansions, secret gardens, and cobblestone streets that whisper tales of the Old South. Beyond the grand facades, Savannah offers a vibrant contemporary culture, fueled by a thriving arts scene and a diverse culinary landscape. As you navigate the winding paths of Forsyth Park or the bustling activity along the riverfront, you will find a city that balances its storied past with a welcoming, modern spirit. Zigway provides the context you need to appreciate these layers of history without the constraints of a rigid schedule, letting you pause and explore as you wish.

Savannah is widely considered one of the most walkable cities in North America. Its flat terrain and the Oglethorpe Plan’s grid layout make navigation intuitive and effortless. The historic squares serve as natural resting points, breaking up city blocks with shade and benches. Most major landmarks are concentrated within a few square miles, allowing visitors to traverse from the riverfront to the southern edge of the Victorian District entirely on foot. Pedestrian-friendly paths and a slow-paced atmosphere encourage deep exploration of its hidden alleys and side streets.

The city is renowned for its haunting beauty and architectural diversity, ranging from Federal and Regency to Greek Revival styles. Notable highlights include the towering spires of the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist and the iron-laced balconies of Jones Street, often called the prettiest street in America. The waterfront's Factors Walk provides a unique glimpse into the city's commercial history, while the sprawling Forsyth Park offers a scenic escape. Savannah's blend of eerie ghost lore and Southern hospitality creates an atmosphere unlike any other.

Top Places to Walk in Savannah

  • Forsyth Park
  • River Street
  • Jones Street
  • City Market
  • Broughton Street
  • Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
  • Chippewa Square
  • Bonaventure Cemetery

Local Tips for Savannah

  • Wear comfortable shoes as many historic streets feature uneven cobblestones and brickwork.
  • Take advantage of the city's open container laws within the Historic District to enjoy a drink while you walk.
  • Plan your walk for the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the humid Georgia heat.
  • Keep an eye out for the 'haint blue' porch ceilings, a local Gullah Geechee tradition to ward off spirits.
  • Use the free DOT shuttle if you need a quick break from walking between the riverfront and Forsyth Park.

Filter by Theme

All Walking Tours in Savannah

The Oglethorpe Plan: Savannah’s Iconic SquaresModerate

The Oglethorpe Plan: Savannah’s Iconic Squares

Explore the historic heart of Savannah on this self-guided walk through iconic squares and lush parks.

2 hr 30 min6 stops
architecturehistorynature
Girl Scouts & Juliette Gordon LowEasy

Girl Scouts & Juliette Gordon Low

Explore the life of Juliette Gordon Low and the founding of the Girl Scouts on this independent walking route through Savannah’s Historic District.

1 hr 15 min6 stops
historybiographyfamilies
Lowcountry Flavors: A Culinary History WalkEasy

Lowcountry Flavors: A Culinary History Walk

Discover Savannah’s culinary soul on this self-guided walking route through historic squares and legendary Lowcountry eateries.

2 hr 30 min6 stops
foodhistoryculture
Starland District: Murals, Makers, and Modern ArtEasy

Starland District: Murals, Makers, and Modern Art

Explore Savannah's creative soul on this self-guided walk through the Starland District’s best murals, maker spaces, and local hangouts.

1 hr 30 min6 stops
artneighborhoodlifestyle
Savannah’s Sacred Spaces: Historic Churches WalkEasy

Savannah’s Sacred Spaces: Historic Churches Walk

Discover Savannah’s spiritual heritage on this self-guided walk through iconic cathedrals, historic synagogues, and storied meeting houses.

1 hr 45 min6 stops
architecturehistoryreligion
Civil Rights & Freedom’s PathModerate

Civil Rights & Freedom’s Path

Explore the powerful legacy of Savannah's Black history and Civil Rights movement on this self-guided walking route through the historic district.

2 hr 30 min6 stops
historycivil-rightsculture
Savannah on Screen: Famous Film LocationsEasy

Savannah on Screen: Famous Film Locations

Discover Savannah’s cinematic soul on this self-guided walk through famous filming locations from Forrest Gump to Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

1 hr 40 min6 stops
moviespop-culturephotography
Midnight & Shadows: The Ghostly Lore of SavannahEasy

Midnight & Shadows: The Ghostly Lore of Savannah

Explore the eerie legends and haunted history of Savannah's Historic District on this self-guided audio walk through the city's most ghostly sites.

1 hr 45 min6 stops
historyghostsmystery
Victorian Splendor: Mansions of the South SideModerate

Victorian Splendor: Mansions of the South Side

Discover the ornate mansions and Gilded Age charm of Savannah's Victorian District on this self-guided walk from Forsyth Park to the Gingerbread House.

2 hr 30 min6 stops
architecturehistoryphotography
River Street & Factors Walk: Maritime HistoryModerate

River Street & Factors Walk: Maritime History

Explore Savannah's maritime history and industrial heritage on this self-guided walk along the historic riverfront and Factors Walk.

1 hr 45 min6 stops
historymaritimeindustrial
Literary Savannah: Bookish LandmarksEasy

Literary Savannah: Bookish Landmarks

Discover the Southern Gothic soul of Savannah on this self-guided walk through legendary homes and historic bookstores.

1 hr 45 min6 stops
literaturehistoryculture
Broughton Street: Shopping & Neon NightsEasy

Broughton Street: Shopping & Neon Nights

Explore Savannah’s premier shopping district and neon-lit theaters on this self-guided stroll through history and modern style.

1 hr 40 min6 stops
lifestyleshoppingarchitecture

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