How long does it take to walk the Savannah ghost route?

The walk typically takes 90 to 120 minutes. The distance is approximately 1.2 miles (2 km) through the heart of the Historic District, making it an easy stroll with plenty of stops for stories.

Is the Savannah ghost walk family-friendly?

Yes, it is generally family-friendly, though the stories involve ghosts and local legends. Since it is self-guided, parents can skip any stories that might be too intense for younger children.

Where does the Savannah ghost walk start?

The route begins at the Moon River Brewing Company located at 21 West Bay Street. This is a central location near the riverfront and easily accessible via the free Dot shuttle.

Can I do this walk during the day?

While the atmosphere is best at night, you can certainly do this walk during the day. This allows you to better see the historic architecture and potentially enter sites like the Owens-Thomas House.

Is the Savannah ghost walk accessible?

The route uses standard city sidewalks which are mostly flat. Be aware that Savannah has many historic cobblestone streets and brick sidewalks that can be uneven for those with mobility aids.

What are the must-see haunted houses in Savannah?

Key haunted sites on this route include the Olde Pink House, the Marshall House, and the 17Hundred90 Inn. Each has a unique history ranging from Revolutionary War spirits to Civil War hospital hauntings.

Do I need to buy tickets for any stops?

No tickets are required to view the exteriors of these locations. If you wish to go inside for a meal or a museum tour, you should check individual business hours and pricing.

Is Savannah really the most haunted city in America?

Savannah is frequently cited by paranormal investigators and travel experts as the most haunted city in the US. This reputation is built on its history of battles, fires, and yellow fever outbreaks.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Savannah is often whispered to be America’s most haunted city, a place where the moss-draped oaks and cobblestone streets hold secrets dating back centuries. This self-guided walk invites you to step into the shadows of the Historic District after the sun sets, exploring the eerie legends and documented hauntings that define the city's darker side. This walking route moves through the heart of the original city plan, where the line between the living and the dead is said to be thinnest. Along this neighborhood stroll, you will encounter grand mansions, historic inns, and one of the oldest cemeteries in the South, each with its own story of restless spirits and tragic ends. Your journey begins at the Moon River Brewing Company, a site so active with paranormal reports that it has gained national notoriety. From there, the path leads to the elegant Olde Pink House, where the spirit of a Revolutionary War figure is said to linger among the diners. You will also pass the Marshall House, a former hospital with a chilling history tied to the Civil War and yellow fever epidemics. This self-guided walking tour Savannah offers a chance to see the city's architectural beauty through the lens of its mysterious past, allowing you to linger at each location as long as you dare. Unlike a structured group event, this audio walk lets you discover at your own pace. You can pause to admire the Regency-style architecture of the Owens-Thomas House or reflect on the solemn grounds of Colonial Park Cemetery without the pressure of a crowd. Whether you are a skeptic or a true believer, this haunting walking tour Savannah provides a deep dive into the folklore that makes this city truly unique. Prepare to see the Hostess City of the South in a completely different light—one that flickers with the ghosts of the past.

Highlights

The legendary hauntings of Moon River Brewing Company

Ghostly tales of James Habersham Jr. at the Olde Pink House

The Civil War hospital history of the Marshall House

Regency architecture and the 'Lady in Grey' at Owens-Thomas House

The tragic story of Anna at the 17Hundred90 Inn

Centuries of history at the Colonial Park Cemetery

Tour Stops (6)

Moon River Brewing Company

Welcome to one of the most haunted buildings in the United States. Originally built in 1821 as the City Hotel, this structure has seen its fair share of violence and tragedy. It served as a hospital during yellow fever outbreaks and witnessed several high-profile altercations, including the 1832 shooting of James Stark. Staff and visitors have reported numerous sightings of 'Toby,' a dark shadow figure in the basement, and a 'Lady in White' on the upper floors. While it is now a popular brewery, the upper levels remain largely untouched, preserving an atmosphere that many find deeply unsettling. Listen closely; some say the spirits here are not shy about making their presence known.

The Olde Pink House

This beautiful pink stucco mansion dates back to 1771 and was the home of James Habersham Jr., a prominent figure in Savannah’s early history. Despite its charming appearance, the house is said to be haunted by Habersham himself. Legend says he took his own life in the basement after the death of his wife, and his spirit is often seen wearing his 18th-century attire, tidying up the dining rooms or appearing in the tavern downstairs. During the winter months, visitors have even reported seeing him standing near the fireplaces, perhaps still looking over the estate he loved so dearly in life.

The Marshall House, Historic Inns of Savannah

The Marshall House is more than just a luxury hotel; it is a repository of Savannah’s most somber history. Opened in 1848, it was twice used as a hospital—once for yellow fever victims and later as a Union hospital during the Civil War. During renovations in the 1990s, workers reportedly found human remains under the floorboards, believed to be amputated limbs from soldiers. Guests frequently report hearing the sounds of children running in the hallways and seeing apparitions of nurses. The hotel embraces its history, making it a cornerstone of Savannah’s ghostly lore and a testament to the city's resilience through waves of illness and war.

Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters

This site is a masterpiece of Regency architecture, but it also tells a complex story of power and pain. While the main house is famous for its 'Lady in Grey'—a spirit often seen in the parlor or the garden—the slave quarters at the rear offer a sobering look at the lives of those who were forced to live and work here. The 'haint blue' paint on the ceilings of the quarters was intended to ward off spirits, a tradition brought from West Africa. The haunting atmosphere here is not just about ghosts, but about the heavy weight of history that lingers in every corner of the property.

17Hundred90 Inn and Restaurant

Named for the year it was built, this inn is famous for the ghost of Anna, a young woman who reportedly fell to her death from a third-story window. Stories vary on whether she jumped due to a broken heart or was pushed, but guests in Room 204 often report their belongings being moved or feeling a strange, cold presence. The inn's kitchen is also said to be haunted by a mischievous spirit who throws pots and pans. As one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the city, the 17Hundred90 remains a favorite stop for those seeking a connection to Savannah’s spectral residents.

Colonial Park Cemetery

Your walk concludes at Colonial Park Cemetery, which served as the city's primary burial ground from 1750 to 1853. With over 9,000 bodies interred here—many in unmarked mass graves from yellow fever outbreaks—the energy is palpable. Look for the headstones that appear damaged or moved; during the Union occupation of Savannah, soldiers reportedly altered the dates on the stones as a prank. The cemetery is also linked to the legend of René Rondolier, a supposed giant who was lynched nearby and is said to still stalk the grounds. It is a silent, solemn place that perfectly encapsulates the enduring mystery of historic Savannah.

Frequently Asked Questions

This self-guided audio walk is an excellent choice for ghost enthusiasts. It covers the city's most famous haunted locations, including Moon River Brewing and the Marshall House, allowing you to explore at your own pace without a group.