Savannah: Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour & City Highlights

Summary

Hop on Savannah’s trolley for history, parks, riverfronts and lively markets

You’ll ride Savannah’s classic hop-on hop-off trolley with local guides who share stories as you pass Forsyth Park, River Street, City Market and historic homes. Jump off anywhere—explore at your own pace—and soak up city life from shaded squares to lively markets. This tour leaves you with more than just facts; it gives you those little moments you’ll remember later.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the driver waving at a kid on the corner — not just a polite wave, but like he actually knew him. Maybe he did. We started our hop-on hop-off trolley tour right by the Old Savannah Distillery, and even before we pulled away, our guide cracked a joke about “y’all ready for some ghost stories?” (I wasn’t sure if he was kidding or not — in Savannah you never really know.) The trolley rattled a bit as we turned onto Broughton Street; I could smell something sweet from a bakery nearby. I think it was around Madison Square where an older couple got on, and the lady immediately started chatting about her favorite pralines. People here don’t really do small talk — it’s all big talk, straight away.

I hopped off at Forsyth Park because I’d seen that fountain in so many photos, but seeing it in real life — with Spanish moss dripping everywhere and the air feeling heavy but not too hot — was different. There were kids playing tag near the benches and someone strumming a guitar under one of those huge oaks. I sat for a while just watching people walk their dogs or take photos by the fountain (some guy tried to get his dog to pose — didn’t work). When I got back on, our guide pointed out the Mercer House and told us about its wild history. He had this way of making even the smallest detail feel like gossip you weren’t supposed to hear.

River Street was louder than I expected — cobblestones underfoot, music from somewhere mixing with the smell of fried shrimp drifting out of a window. I wandered through City Market too; there were artists painting right there on the sidewalk and a woman selling peach jam who insisted I try some (“You’ll want to take home two jars,” she said — she was right). The best part of this hop-on hop-off trolley is honestly just being able to jump off wherever curiosity hits you and then catch another one when your feet get tired. They come every twenty minutes or so, which is good because I lost track of time more than once.

I didn’t make it to every stop (still kind of regret missing the Cathedral of St. John), but that’s how these days go sometimes. There’s something about Savannah that makes you slow down without noticing it; maybe it’s all that moss or maybe just how everyone seems to know each other’s business. Either way, by the end of the day my head was full of stories — some true, some probably not — and honestly, I still think about that view from Forsyth Park when the light started to change.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Savannah hop-on hop-off trolley tour

• Start at Old Savannah Distillery
• Visit corner of Montgomery and Bryant Streets
• Pass Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
• Explore Madison Square plaza
• Visit Forsyth Park and fountain
• See exhibits at Massie Heritage Center
• Visit Civil Rights Museum
• Stop at Savannah Visitor's Center
• Visit Old Town Trolley Welcome Center
• Shop and dine at Savannah City Market
• Visit Christ Church Parish House
• Explore 301 River Street
• Shop at trendy covered marketplace
• Pass Florence Martus statue
• Pass Davenport House Museum
• Visit Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

Top questions

How many stops are included on the Savannah hop-on hop-off trolley tour?

The tour includes 15 stops throughout Savannah covering major sights like Forsyth Park, River Street, City Market, Davenport House Museum, and more.

Where does the Savannah trolley tour start?

The main starting point is at Old Savannah Distillery at 234 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.

How often do trolleys run during the day?

Trolleys run every 20 minutes between 9am and 5pm.

Is this hop-on hop-off trolley wheelchair accessible?

Yes, standard-sized wheelchairs can be accommodated with advance notice; collapsible wheelchairs can also be stored if needed.

Can children ride free on this tour?

Children under age 4 can ride free on the trolley tour.

Are pets allowed on board?

No pets or emotional support animals are allowed on this tour.

What attractions can I visit during this day trip in Savannah?

You can visit places like Forsyth Park, River Street, City Market, Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, Davenport House Museum and more along the route.

Is lunch included in this Savannah trolley tour?

No meals are included; however there are plenty of dining options at various stops such as City Market or River Street.

What’s included

Your day includes unlimited rides aboard Savannah’s narrated hop-on hop-off trolley with flexible stops at 15 key locations across town—plus local taxes are covered. Children under four ride free and guides share stories along every stretch so you won’t miss what makes each spot special before hopping off again wherever you like.