Savannah Historic District: Walking tour with local guide

Summary

Stroll Savannah’s storied streets & hear the city’s secrets come alive

You’ll wander Savannah’s shaded squares and cobbled streets with a local guide who knows every story and shortcut. From River Street’s lively chaos to quiet moments inside historic churches and parks, you’ll hear honest history and local legends — plus plenty of laughs along the way. It’s an easy walk but packed with details you’ll remember long after your shoes are off.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect from a walking tour of Savannah’s Historic District — maybe some old houses, a few facts I’d forget. But the first thing that hit me was how the air smelled faintly of magnolia and something sweet, even though it was just after breakfast. Our guide, Marcus, grew up here and you could tell; he waved at three people before we’d even left Reynolds Square. He started us off by pointing out the Olde Pink House across the street, telling this story about a fire and a ghost (I’m still not sure if he was serious). I liked that he didn’t rush — we just sort of drifted from one square to another, letting the city set the pace.

River Street was louder than I expected — gulls squabbling over crumbs, someone playing blues on a harmonica near the water. Marcus talked about how this used to be where ships came in with everything from cotton to, well… people. He didn’t sugarcoat it, which I appreciated. There was this moment where he paused and let us look out at the river in silence for a bit longer than felt comfortable. It stuck with me more than any plaque or monument ever has.

We wandered through Chippewa Square (the Forrest Gump bench isn’t there anymore, by the way), then ducked into the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist when we saw the doors were open. The light inside made everything feel hushed and kind of golden — I caught myself whispering without meaning to. At Andrew Low House, Marcus told us about Juliette Gordon Low starting the Girl Scouts here; Li from our group tried to say her name in Mandarin and everyone cracked up except Marcus, who just grinned like he’d heard every version before.

The last stretch took us past Mercer Williams House (yes, that one from “Midnight in the Garden…”), then finally into Forsyth Park where kids were running around and someone had set up a little stand selling lemonade that tasted mostly like sugar water but honestly hit the spot after all that walking. My feet were tired but my head felt full — not just with facts but with these odd little moments you only get when you’re actually there, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Savannah Historic District Walking Tour

• Start at John Wesley statue, discuss Olde Pink House
• Talk about River Street and its history
• Discuss Savannah in American Revolution and Civil Wars
• Explore Savannah's culture
• Visit James Edward Oglethorpe statue, talk origins
• History of Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
• Discuss historic bed and breakfast inn
• Talk about Juliette Gordon Lowe's home
• View Mercer Williams House Museum and Mickve Israel Temple (pass by)
• History of historic mansion downtown
• Tour ends at Forsyth Park

Top questions

How long is the walking tour of Savannah's Historic District?

The tour covers several key sites in downtown Savannah at a moderate walking pace; comfortable shoes are recommended.

Is this Savannah walking tour wheelchair accessible?

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

Are children or infants allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Does this tour include entry into any buildings?

If open, you may go inside places like the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist during the tour.

What is included in this Savannah Historic District walking tour?

The tour includes a licensed local guide plus all taxes and fees; no extra charges apply.

What’s included

Your day includes all taxes and fees covered upfront plus stories from a licensed local guide who leads your small group through Savannah’s most historic spots — no extra tickets needed along the way.