Savannah: Bonaventure Cemetery Walking Tour with Pickup

Summary

Walk beneath Savannah’s mossy oaks, hear real stories, ride included

You’ll walk shaded paths in Bonaventure Cemetery with a local historian who brings Savannah’s past alive. Expect door-to-door pickup, cold drinks, bug spray, and small moments you’ll remember — like laughter under the oaks or quiet among old stones. It’s not just facts; it’s feeling part of something older than yourself.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect Bonaventure Cemetery to feel so alive. The Spanish moss dripped off the oaks like it was reaching for us, and our guide — Don, sixth-generation Savannahian (he made sure we knew) — had this way of making every name on the headstones sound like someone you might’ve met at the grocery store. We got picked up right in town, which honestly saved me from getting lost in the maze of streets. The van smelled faintly of sunscreen and old pine needles — not bad, just familiar.

Walking through the historic section, Don kept stopping to point out little things I’d never have noticed: a cracked marble angel with a story about lost love, or the way certain graves faced east “so they’d wake up with the sun.” He handed out cold water and bug spray like he was expecting us to wilt. At one point I tried to pronounce a family name carved into a stone — Don laughed and said even locals mess it up. There was this quiet moment under an arching oak where all you could hear were cicadas and our footsteps crunching gravel. I still think about that silence sometimes.

The whole Bonaventure Cemetery walking tour lasted longer than I thought (it’s bigger than you’d guess), but we never rushed. Don gave us tips on where to eat in Savannah after, plus an umbrella when it started to drizzle — he called it “Savannah air conditioning.” By the end my shoes were dusty and my head full of stories that felt more real than any ghost tale. If you’re looking for a day trip from Savannah that doesn’t feel like another tourist checklist, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bonaventure Cemetery walking tour

• Drive through cemetery entrance
• Walk historic cemetery section
• Explore over 100 acres by vehicle

Top questions

Is transportation included in the Bonaventure Cemetery walking tour?

Yes, pickup from downtown Savannah is included, or you can meet at the cemetery if you prefer to drive yourself.

How long does the walking tour last?

The walking portion covers the historic section and lasts about as long as most tours that charge just to meet you there.

Who leads the Bonaventure Cemetery tour?

A 6th-generation Savannah local who is also an academically trained historian guides the tour.

Are refreshments provided during the tour?

Complimentary bottled water is provided for all guests during the walk.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

Yes, infants and small children can use strollers or prams; service animals are allowed; suitable for all fitness levels.

What should I bring on the day trip to Bonaventure Cemetery?

You don’t need much — bug spray and umbrellas are provided if needed.

Does this tour include recommendations for things to do in Savannah?

Yes, your guide will share tips on restaurants and other activities around Savannah.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from downtown Savannah or meeting at Bonaventure Cemetery if you prefer to drive yourself, cold bottled water throughout your walk beneath the live oaks, bug spray and umbrellas for comfort no matter the weather, plus personal stories and recommendations from your local historian guide before returning to town.