Self Guided Walking Tour Savannah: Map & Route Guide

Savannah is one of those cities where you want to slow down and actually look around.

The tree-lined squares draped in Spanish moss, old homes, and cobblestone streets make it a great city to explore on foot.

But without a plan, it is easy to miss the best spots or spend too much time backtracking.

This guide covers the full self guided walking tour Savannah route, including a map, key stops, timing, and practical tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Whether you have a full day or just a few hours, this guide helps you walk smarter and see more of what makes Savannah worth every step.

Self Guided Walking Tour Savannah: Map & Route at a Glance

Before you start walking, it helps to know what you are working with. Here is a quick overview of the full route.

Savannah Walking Tour Map

The self guided walking tour Savannah route runs through the Historic District, which sits between the Savannah River to the north and Forsyth Park to the south.

Most of the main stops are within this compact area, making it easy to cover on foot without needing a car or shuttle.

You can use Google Maps or download a PDF walking map from the Visit Savannah website before you arrive.

Printed maps are also available at the Savannah Visitor Center at 301 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, which also serves as a convenient starting point if you want to pick up a map before heading into the Historic District.

Walking Distance and Estimated Time

The full route covers roughly 3 to 4 miles depending on how many stops you include.

Most people complete it in 3 to 5 hours with time built in for breaks, photos, and short stops inside a few attractions.

If you plan to visit museums or sit down for a meal, add another hour or two.

Starting and Ending Points

The most common starting point is Forsyth Park in the southern part of the Historic District.

From there, the route moves north through the squares and ends at River Street along the Savannah Riverfront.

This direction gives you a natural flow and puts the riverfront at the end of your walk, which is a nice reward after a few miles on foot.

Main Stops on the Walking Route

The route includes Forsyth Park, Monterey Square, Chippewa Square, Wright Square, Telfair Square, City Market, and River Street.

Each stop is within easy walking distance of the next. The streets in Savannah's Historic District follow a grid pattern, so getting from one square to the next is straightforward.

What Is the Best Self Guided Walking Tour Savannah Route?

The best route connects Savannah's most visited squares and landmarks in a logical order so you are not doubling back or wasting steps.

Forsyth Park and Forsyth Fountain

Start at Forsyth Park, the largest green space in Savannah's Historic District. The park covers 30 acres and is home to the famous Forsyth Fountain, which dates back to 1858.

The fountain is one of the most photographed spots in the city. In the morning, the park is quiet and shaded by live oak trees, making it a great place to get your bearings before the walk begins.

Take a few minutes to walk the full perimeter of the park, including the rose garden at the southern end, before heading north.

Monterey Square and Mercer-Williams House

From Forsyth Park, head north on Bull Street to Monterey Square.

This square is known for the Mercer-Williams House, which was made famous by the book and film "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."

The house is now a museum you can tour for a small fee. The square itself has a central monument and is surrounded by well-preserved historic homes.

It is one of the quieter squares on the route and worth a slow walk around.

Chippewa Square

Continue north on Bull Street to Chippewa Square. This square has a statue of General James Oglethorpe, the founder of Georgia, standing at its center.

Film fans may also recognize it as the location where the famous bench scene in Forrest Gump was filmed, though the bench is no longer there.

The square is surrounded by historic buildings and sits in a shaded section of Bull Street that is pleasant to walk through.

Wright Square

Wright Square is one of Savannah's original squares and sits a few blocks north of Chippewa Square.

It features a large granite monument at its center and is surrounded by the Chatham County Courthouse and other civic buildings.

The square is a good resting point before continuing north toward the river. It is less crowded than some of the other squares, which makes it a calm stop mid-route.

Telfair Square

Telfair Square is home to the Telfair Museums, which include the Telfair Academy and the Jepson Center for the Arts.

If you have time and interest, either museum is worth a stop. The Telfair Academy is one of the oldest public art museums in the South.

Even if you skip the museums, the square itself is well-kept and surrounded by good examples of Savannah's Federal and Regency architecture.

City Market

City Market is a lively open-air area in the Historic District that covers four city blocks. It has restaurants, galleries, shops, and live music on weekends.

This is a good place to stop for lunch or a snack before finishing the route at the riverfront.

The brick buildings and courtyard atmosphere give it a laid-back feel that is different from the formal squares nearby.

River Street and Savannah Riverfront

River Street runs along the south bank of the Savannah River and is the final stop on the route.

The street is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars set inside old cotton warehouses.

Just above River Street, Factor's Walk connects the waterfront to Bay Street through a series of iron bridges and ramps and is worth a short detour before heading back up.

You can watch large ships pass on the river from the waterfront. The cobblestone street is uneven, so wear shoes with good grip.

River Street is busier in the afternoon and evening, making it a fitting end to a full day of walking.

How Do You Follow a Self Guided Walking Tour Savannah Map?

Following the route is easier than it looks once you understand how the city is laid out.

Savannah's Historic District follows a clear grid pattern, with Bull Street running north to south and connecting the main squares from Forsyth Park all the way to the riverfront.

Walk north on Bull Street, passing Monterey Square, Chippewa Square, Wright Square, and Madison Square along the way.

At Bay Street, turn right to reach City Market before heading down to River Street. The full route from Forsyth Park to River Street covers about 1.5 miles.

Google Maps works well for the tour using the "Add Stop" feature, and searching full square names like "Chippewa Square Savannah" gives the most accurate results.

If you want audio commentary as you walk, the Action Tour Guide App offers GPS-triggered stories that play automatically at each stop and works offline once downloaded. Short on time?

Start at Chippewa Square and head north to River Street for a one-mile version that covers the most visited spots.

How Long Does a Self Guided Walking Tour Savannah Take?

The full self guided walking tour Savannah route takes between 3 and 5 hours for most people.

This includes short stops at each square, a break for food, and a few minutes inside one or two attractions.

If you plan to visit the Mercer-Williams House Museum or the Telfair Museums, add 45 to 60 minutes per stop.

If you are walking with children or older adults, plan for a slower pace and more rest time. A shorter version of the route that covers only the main stops can be done in about 90 minutes.

What Are the Best Things to See on a Savannah Walking Tour?

Savannah has a lot to offer, and knowing what to prioritize helps you spend your time well.

Historic Squares and Parks

Savannah has 22 historic squares within its Historic District, and several of them are on this route.

Forsyth Park, Chippewa Square, Wright Square, and Monterey Square are among the most visited.

Squares like Lafayette, Greene, and Johnson are slightly off the main route but worth a short detour if you have extra time.

Each square has its own history, layout, and architectural surroundings.

Walking through them feels different from just looking at photos because the shade from the live oak trees, the scale, and the street-level detail are hard to capture in pictures.

Historic Homes and Buildings

The Mercer-Williams House on Monterey Square is the most visited historic home on this route.

Other notable buildings include the Owens-Thomas House on Oglethorpe Square, which is a short detour from the main route and one of the best examples of Regency architecture in the country.

Savannah has hundreds of preserved homes from the 18th and 19th centuries, many of which are visible just by walking the streets. You do not need a ticket to appreciate the exterior.

Museums and Cultural Attractions

The Telfair Museums on Telfair Square offer a good indoor break if the weather is hot.

The Savannah History Museum near the Visitor Center is another option that covers the city's full history in about an hour.

The childhood home of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts, is also open for tours on Oglethorpe Avenue and is a short walk from the main route.

Most museums in the Historic District are within walking distance of the main route.

River Street and the Savannah Riverfront

River Street is one of the most visited parts of Savannah and a natural endpoint for any walking tour.

The old cotton warehouses that line the street have been converted into restaurants, candy shops, galleries, and bars.

Factor's Walk, just above River Street, is a quieter stretch of iron walkways and ramps that connects the waterfront level to Bay Street and gives you a different view of the historic port area.

Pralines from one of the candy shops on River Street are a local treat worth trying.

Shops, Restaurants, and Local Stops

City Market has a good mix of restaurants and local shops.

Broughton Street is the main shopping corridor and has local boutiques, art galleries, and well-reviewed restaurants within walking distance of the main route.

Local specialties to try include shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and biscuits. Leopold's Ice Cream on Broughton Street has been open since 1919 and is a popular stop for a mid-walk treat.

How Should You Plan Your Self Guided Walking Tour Savannah?

A little planning before you arrive makes the walk more comfortable and more enjoyable.

Choose the Best Time to Walk

Morning is the best time to walk in Savannah. The temperature is lower, the squares are less crowded, and the light is better for photos.

Savannah summers are hot and humid, and afternoon heat can make a long walk uncomfortable.

Spring and fall are the best seasons for a full-day walking tour. If you visit in summer, start by 8 or 9 AM and plan to finish before noon.

Plan Parking Before You Arrive

Parking in the Historic District requires some advance planning. The Liberty Street Parking Garage and the Bryan Street Parking Garage are both centrally located and close to the main route.

Street parking is available on some blocks but is metered and limited to two hours.

If you plan to walk the full route, a parking garage is a better option than hunting for street spots throughout the day.

Pack for a Long Walk

Wear comfortable shoes with good support. The cobblestones on River Street are uneven, and the brick sidewalks in other parts of the Historic District can also be rough in places.

Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat if you are walking in warm weather. A small bag or backpack is useful for carrying supplies without adding too much weight.

Schedule Food and Rest Stops

Plan at least one food stop in the middle of the route. City Market is a natural halfway point and has several quick-service restaurants and cafes.

If you want a sit-down meal, Broughton Street is a short detour from the main route and offers a wider range of options.

Rest in the squares when you need a break. Most squares have benches, and the shade from the live oak trees makes them comfortable even on warm days.

Adjust the Route to Match Your Interests

Not every stop on the route will appeal to every visitor. If history is your main interest, focus on the squares and historic homes.

If food and shopping matter more, spend extra time at City Market, Broughton Street, and River Street.

If you want to visit museums, set aside a longer block of time in the morning when they open.

The route is flexible, and the grid layout of the Historic District makes it easy to add or skip stops without getting off track.

Is Savannah Easy to Explore on Foot?

Yes, Savannah is one of the more walkable cities in the American South. The Historic District is compact, flat, and laid out in a clear grid pattern.

The squares are spaced evenly along the main streets, and most of the top attractions are within a half-mile of each other.

The Spanish moss hanging from the live oak trees along the sidewalks also provides natural shade that makes the walk more comfortable on warm days.

The main challenge is the heat in summer, which can make long walks tiring. Outside of summer, the city is comfortable to walk for several hours at a stretch.

The cobblestones on River Street are the one section that requires a bit more care underfoot.

What Mistakes Should You Avoid on a Savannah Walking Tour?

A few common missteps can turn a great walk into a frustrating one. Knowing them in advance helps you plan better.

• Do not try to visit every square, museum, and historic home in one day. Pick 6 to 8 main stops and give yourself real time at each one instead of rushing through all 22 squares.
• Avoid starting your walk after 10 AM in summer. Later starts mean more heat, more crowds, and less enjoyment at River Street and City Market.
• Take Savannah's heat seriously. Bring water, wear sunscreen, check the forecast before you head out, and use the tree-covered squares for shade breaks when needed.
• Give yourself at least 10 to 15 minutes at each square and more time at any attraction you plan to enter. Rushing through spots like Forsyth Park or Monterey Square means missing what makes them worth visiting.
• Check the total walking distance before you go. The full route covers 3 to 4 miles, and underestimating that is a common mistake. If that feels like too much, trim the route to the northern half of the Historic District.

Is a Self-Guided or Guided Savannah Walking Tour Better?

Both options have real advantages depending on what kind of visitor you are.

For first-time visitors with a full day, the best approach is to do the self guided walking tour Savannah during the day and add a guided or ghost tour in the evening.

Ghost tours typically leave from City Market or Reynolds Square and last about 90 minutes.

They give you a local guide's perspective on Savannah's history after you have already seen the city on your own terms.

Best Tips for a Self Guided Walking Tour Savannah

These practical tips will help you get the most out of your time in Savannah.

• Start your walk between 8 and 9 AM to beat the heat and the crowds. Early morning light is also better for photos in the squares and along the riverfront.
• A group nearby stops together to avoid backtracking. Forsyth Park, Monterey Square, and Chippewa Square are all on Bull Street and easy to walk in sequence without doubling back.
• Build extra time into your schedule for spots like Forsyth Fountain and the Mercer-Williams House. These can each take 20 to 30 minutes if photography or history is important to you.
• Add one or two extra stops like Broughton Street, the Owens-Thomas House, or the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace without overloading the day. More than two additions tend to make the pace uncomfortable.
• Keep your route flexible and do not lock yourself into a strict schedule. Some of the best moments come from slowing down at a square or street that catches your attention along the way.

Conclusion

A self guided walking tour of Savannah is one of the best ways to see the city at your own pace.

The route through the Historic District covers some of the most well-preserved squares, parks, and streets in the country.

Start early, wear comfortable shoes, and give yourself time to actually stop and look around.

You do not need a packed schedule to have a great visit. Use this guide as a starting point, adjust the route to fit your interests, and enjoy the walk.

If this helped you plan your trip, share it with someone who is heading to Savannah, or drop a comment below with your favorite stop on the route.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Savannah Historic District safe to walk at night?

The Historic District is generally safe at night, especially around City Market and River Street, though it is wise to stay in well-lit areas.

Can you do the Savannah walking tour with a stroller or wheelchair?

Most squares and main streets are accessible. River Street's cobblestones can be difficult for strollers and wheelchairs, but a riverside ramp is available nearby.

Are dogs allowed on the Savannah walking tour?

Yes, dogs are welcome in the outdoor squares and on most streets. Some restaurants and shops on River Street also allow well-behaved dogs on patios.

Is there a free audio guide for the self guided walking tour in Savannah?

The Visit Savannah website and apps like izi.TRAVEL offer free or low-cost audio guides you can use on your phone while walking.

What should you wear on a Savannah walking tour?

Wear comfortable, supportive shoes, light clothing in warm months, and bring a light layer for air-conditioned spots or cooler evenings.