Things to Do in Savannah: Historic District Guide

Start at Forsyth Park

Forsyth Park serves as the geographic and visual anchor of the Savannah Historic District. The nine-acre green space is defined by its iconic fountain, which sits at the center of a long, manicured lawn framed by ancient oak trees draped in Spanish moss. This open area provides a stark, refreshing contrast to the dense, brick-paved streets that surround it, offering the first clear sense of the city's layout.

Begin your walk here in the early morning to avoid the midday heat and the largest crowds. The park is bounded by Forsyth Park Drive to the north, Bull Street to the east, Habersham Street to the south, and Montgomery Street to the west. From the fountain, you can easily orient yourself: Bull Street leads directly to River Street and the waterfront, while Abercorn Street heads north toward the more residential, upscale neighborhoods.

The park itself is best traversed on foot. The paved paths are well-maintained and shade-covered, making it a comfortable starting point before tackling the hotter, sun-exposed sidewalks of the historic district. After viewing the fountain and the surrounding garden, head east toward Bull Street to begin exploring the district's historic sites.

Walk the Historic District Squares

Savannah’s layout is a grid of 22 original wards, each centered on a public square. This design, created by founder James Oglethorpe in 1733, blends residential privacy with communal green space. Walking the Historic District means moving through a series of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own architectural character and tree canopy.

The squares are not merely parks; they are the structural heart of the city. Oglethorpe’s plan included two types of squares: residential squares surrounded by homes and churches, and public squares reserved for military drills and markets. Today, these green spaces serve as the primary gathering spots, shaded by ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss.

Start your walk at Johnson Square, the largest of the original squares. It anchors the northern edge of the Historic District and features the monument to General John E. Johnson. From here, walk south on Broughton Street, the city’s main shopping and dining artery, before cutting west toward Chippewa Square. Chippewa Square is famous for its iron lace fence and its role in the musical For the Girls, but its true appeal lies in the surrounding antebellum mansions.

Continue your route through the central squares, such as Washington and Madison, where the density of historic homes peaks. The architecture here ranges from Federal-style row houses to Greek Revival estates. Keep an eye out for the walled gardens behind the facades, a unique Savannah feature that provides privacy while maintaining the street’s visual continuity.

For the best experience, walk in the late afternoon. The light filters through the oak canopy, casting long shadows across the brick sidewalks, and the crowds begin to thin. End your loop at Forsyth Park, the city’s largest green space, which sits just outside the original ward grid but remains integral to the Historic District’s atmosphere.

Visit Wormsloe and Bonaventure

Both Wormsloe and Bonaventure sit just outside the Historic District, but they offer completely different experiences. Wormsloe is a former plantation and colonial settlement with a famous oaks-lined entrance road. Bonaventure is a 19th-century rural cemetery known for its moss-draped live oaks and haunting atmosphere. Choosing between them depends on whether you prefer structured history or atmospheric photography.

Wormsloe State Historic Site

Wormsloe offers a tangible connection to Georgia’s early colonial past. The site features the remains of a 1735 plantation house and a museum detailing the DePeyster family’s history. The main draw is the half-mile entrance road lined with ancient live oaks, creating a natural tunnel that is iconic in Savannah photography.

Visiting Wormsloe feels like stepping back into the 18th century. You can walk the grounds, visit the museum, and learn about the indigenous Yamasee people who lived here before colonization. The site is well-maintained and educational, making it ideal for travelers interested in architectural history and colonial settlements. It is located about 12 miles east of the Historic District, roughly a 20-minute drive.

Bonaventure Cemetery

Bonaventure Cemetery is less about structured history and more about mood. Established in 1800, it is a National Historic Landmark known for its sprawling live oaks draped in Spanish moss. The cemetery is the final resting place of famous Savannah figures, including author DuBose Heyward, who wrote Porgy.

The atmosphere here is quiet and contemplative. Visitors often come for photography, but the site also offers guided tours that explore the cemetery’s Gothic lore and local legends. It is located about 10 miles south of the Historic District, roughly a 15-minute drive. Unlike Wormsloe, Bonaventure is free to enter, though guided tours cost extra.

Comparison: Wormsloe vs. Bonaventure

Eat at River Street and Downtown

The Historic District’s dining scene splits into two distinct experiences: the tourist-heavy River Street waterfront and the local-favorite downtown grid. River Street offers dramatic views and historic warehouse conversions, while downtown provides a mix of upscale comfort food and casual Southern classics without the waterfront crowds.

River Street restaurants line the cobblestone banks of the Savannah River. The atmosphere is lively, often filled with street musicians and tourists. Expect higher prices and longer waits, especially during peak hours. Parking is limited and expensive, so arrive early or use a nearby garage. The view of the river and historic warehouses is the main draw here.

Downtown Savannah’s dining options are more varied and often more affordable. Areas around Broughton Street and Bull Street offer everything from high-end steakhouses to casual cafes. Reservations are recommended for popular spots, but many places accept walk-ins. The vibe is more relaxed, allowing you to focus on the food and the historic architecture.

To navigate efficiently, start your meal early to avoid peak crowds. River Street gets busy after 6 PM, while downtown remains steady throughout the evening. Consider walking between the two areas to experience both vibes, but be prepared for steep cobblestone streets.

A quick checklist for dining in the Historic District:

• Book reservations for downtown spots, especially on weekends.
• Carry cash for street performers on River Street.
• Park in a garage near Bull Street to avoid River Street fees.
• Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets.
• Try local seafood and Southern classics at both locations.

Plan Your Savannah Itinerary

Savannah’s Historic District is dense with history, but the grid layout makes navigation straightforward. Most attractions cluster within a one-mile radius, allowing you to cover the major sites on foot without feeling rushed. Start your morning at Forsyth Park, where the fountain serves as a central landmark. From there, walk south toward Bull Street to explore the historic squares and antebellum homes. This route minimizes backtracking and keeps you in the shade of the live oaks during the heat of the day.

Afternoon hours are best spent at the riverfront or in the cobblestone streets of River Street. The area offers a mix of shopping, dining, and maritime history. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, consider a trolley tour to cover ground quickly before sunset. The district is fully walkable, so you do not need a car unless you plan to visit Forsyth Park’s outskirts or nearby Forsyth West. Parking is limited in the core, so rely on street meters or nearby lots to avoid traffic stress.