Savannah: Historic Squares Walking Tour & Movie Landmarks

Summary

Walk under Spanish moss past movie spots & haunted homes in Savannah

You’ll wander Savannah’s historic squares from Wright Square to Forsyth Park with a local guide who makes history feel personal. See movie landmarks like Chippewa Square, hear stories behind haunted houses and Civil War sites, and end by Forsyth Park’s famous fountain. You might leave thinking about this city for days after.

What’s the experience like?

We met our guide right by the Gordon Monument in Wright Square — I was still fumbling with my coffee lid when she started weaving stories about Oglethorpe and Tomochichi. The way she described Savannah’s layout made me see the city like a living puzzle. There was this moment when the wind caught the Spanish moss overhead and everything felt kind of hushed, except for a distant bell and someone’s laughter echoing from across the square. It’s funny, I’d read about Savannah’s squares but never realized how much they shape how people move and gather here.

We strolled toward Juliette Gordon Low’s birthplace (no, you don’t go inside, but you get close enough to peek at the brickwork). Our guide paused so we could listen to church bells — apparently, the Independent Presbyterian Church has survived more disasters than I can count. She asked if anyone knew which president got married there; someone guessed wrong and everyone laughed. Chippewa Square was next, where Forrest Gump sat with his chocolates. I tried to picture Tom Hanks on that bench (the real one’s gone), but it was easy to imagine with all the live oaks around.

Passing Sorrel Weed House, our guide told us about fingerprints left in the bricks — actual fingerprints from enslaved workers. That stuck with me more than any ghost story could have. Madison Square felt heavy after hearing about Revolutionary War battles fought right there; you could almost sense it under your feet. And then suddenly we were gawking at Mercer Williams House, talking about “Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil.” Someone tried quoting a line from the movie and totally flubbed it — our guide just grinned and said, “That happens every day.”

The walk ended at Forsyth Park by that white fountain everyone photographs (I didn’t know it came from a French catalog). There were kids running through bubbles, old men playing chess on benches, and somewhere nearby someone grilling something smoky that drifted over. I found myself lingering there longer than planned — Savannah just gets under your skin like that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Historic Savannah walking tour highlights

• Start at Wright Square by Gordon Monument
• Learn Savannah's founding and square design
• Admire Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace exterior
• Visit Independent Presbyterian Church history
• See Forrest Gump bench at Chippewa Square
• Pass by Sorrel Weed House and courtyard wall
• Explore Madison Square Revolutionary battle site
• View Gothic Mercer Williams House exterior
• Pass Savannah Volunteer Guard building
• See Gryphon Tea Room in Shriner's Building
• Pass Mercer Williams House from book and movie
• Admire Armstrong-Kessler private home exterior
• End tour at Forsyth Park and fountain

Top questions

How long is the Savannah walking tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and covers around 1 mile.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Wright Square by the Gordon Monument and ends at Forsyth Park.

Is this walking tour wheelchair accessible?

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

Are children or strollers allowed on this tour?

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

Do we enter any of the historic homes?

No, you view places like Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace and Mercer Williams House from outside only.

What landmarks are included on this Savannah walking tour?

You’ll see Forsyth Park, Mercer Williams House Museum, Madison Square, Sorrel Weed House, Chippewa Square, and more.

Who leads the walking tour?

A professional local guide leads each small group tour through historic Savannah.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

The tour operates rain or shine; rescheduling is offered only for severe weather cancellations.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walk led by a professional local expert through Savannah’s most historic squares and landmarks—from Wright Square to Forsyth Park—plus plenty of stories along shaded paths under live oaks draped in Spanish moss. Benches are available along the way if you need a break; just bring comfy shoes and maybe an umbrella if rain looks likely.