Savannah: Historic District Walking Tour & Movie Sites

Summary

Walk Savannah’s original squares, Civil War homes, movie spots and more

You’ll walk Savannah’s historic squares with a local guide who actually listens—hear stories from colonial days to movie sets, see Civil War homes up close, and feel the city’s quieter moments under live oaks. Ask anything along the way; this isn’t a scripted tour. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve seen Savannah through someone else’s eyes.

What’s the experience like?

We met up at Johnson Square right on time—our guide, Marcus, waved us over with this easy grin like he’d been waiting for friends. No script, just stories. The first thing I noticed was the smell of magnolia in the air and how the light hit those old brick buildings—kind of golden and soft. As we started down Bull Street, Marcus pointed out a church where “Forrest Gump” filmed that bench scene. I didn’t expect to care about movie trivia but there’s something about seeing it in person that sticks.

We wandered through a maze of shady squares—each one different. At Wright Square, Marcus told us about Tomochichi (I hope I’m saying that right), the Yamacraw chief buried there. He said locals still leave little stones on his grave sometimes. There was this moment where everything got quiet except for a trolley bell somewhere in the distance. It felt like the city was listening too.

We stopped by some Civil War-era houses—paint peeling in places, Spanish moss everywhere—and Marcus let us ask anything. Someone asked about ghosts (of course), and he just laughed and said Savannah’s got more stories than ghosts anyway. My feet were starting to feel it by then (it’s about a mile walk), but honestly I didn’t want to rush it. Even my kid barely complained, which is saying something.

I still think about that cool shade under the live oaks and how every square had its own rhythm—kids chasing each other near monuments, an older couple holding hands outside an old theater. It wasn’t fancy or rehearsed; just real people sharing their city with you. And yeah, you can bring your dog or stroller if you want—nobody blinked when someone rolled up with both.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Savannah's historic district

• Learn about Georgia's beginnings
• Tour original squares
• Discuss colonial life and churches
• Visit monuments and markers
• Walk timeline of Historic District
• Proceed down Bull Street
• Stop at Civil War homes
• Visit cemetery and theaters
• See famous movie locations

Top questions

How long is the Savannah guided walking tour?

The walking tour covers about one mile through the Historic District.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on the tour are wheelchair accessible.

Can I bring my pet or stroller?

Yes, pets and strollers are welcome on this family-friendly tour.

Does the tour include movie locations?

Yes, you’ll stop at famous movie locations along Bull Street and in various squares.

Are questions allowed during the tour?

This is not a scripted tour—you can ask questions anytime as you go.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the meeting point.

What kind of historical sites will we see?

You’ll visit colonial squares, churches, monuments, Civil War homes, cemeteries, theaters, and more.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walk through Savannah’s original colonial squares and historic streets with stops at Civil War houses, churches, monuments, cemeteries, theaters, and well-known movie locations—all led by a local guide who welcomes questions any time along the route.