Savannahs Finest History Tour: A Walk Through Time

If you’re strolling through Savannah, and your curiosity about the city’s past is piqued, then the Savannahs Finest History Tour offers an accessible way to soak in its stories. For just $35 per person, you’ll spend about 1 hour 45 minutes walking less than a mile through some of Savannah’s most famous squares and landmarks, guided by passionate, award-winning guides. The tour hits Johnson Square, Wright Square, Chippewa Square, and others, giving you a balanced blend of historic battles, Victorian architecture, and movie magic—all told with enthusiasm and insight.

What’s particularly appealing is the focus on storytelling—not just dry facts but lively narratives that make Savannah’s past come alive. We love how the guides—Chris, Greg, and Will—are described as sincere and passionate, adding authenticity to the experience. Another highlight is the opportunity to see famous filming locations, like where Forrest Gump sat on the bench, alongside the city’s historic and architectural treasures.

A potential consideration is that, although the tour is packed with interesting stops, it may be somewhat rushed if you’re eager for in-depth exploration. Also, as with any popular tour, booking 18 days in advance suggests it’s well-loved, but there’s a risk of disappointment if plans change unexpectedly, as some reviews have mentioned instances of guides not showing up. All in all, this tour is best suited for history buffs, movie fans, or anyone wanting a casual, informative stroll through Savannah’s historic squares.

• Concise and engaging: Less than two hours walking through famous Savannah landmarks.
• Well-rated guides: Guides are passionate and knowledgeable, making history accessible.
• Iconic stops: Includes Johnson Square, Chippewa Square, and Colonial Park Cemetery.
• Visual highlights: Beautiful architecture, historic monuments, and movie filming locations.
• Affordable value: At $35, it offers a quick, well-organized overview of Savannah’s past.
• Potential risks: One review reports a guide no-show, highlighting the importance of confirming bookings.

Walking through Savannah with a knowledgeable guide offers a chance to uncover stories that turn the city’s beautiful facades and squares into a vivid tapestry of history. We’ll break down what each stop entails and what you can expect.

Starting Point: Johnson Square

Your journey kicks off at Johnson Square, one of Savannah’s most central and historic squares, with a meeting in front of the monument dedicated to Nathaniel Greene, the Revolutionary War hero. This is a logical starting point, as Greene’s influence is woven into the fabric of early American history, and the square itself is lush and inviting. Expect a brief but informative introduction to Savannah’s colonial roots. As some reviews suggest, guides tend to share engaging stories here, setting a lively tone from the start.

Wright Square: A Darker Chapter

From there, the tour typically moves to Wright Square, known as “the hanging square,” due to its history of executions. A quick stop of about 5 minutes allows you to appreciate the architecture and hear about Savannah’s darker past. Guides often explain the significance of this site, which adds an element of intrigue and reflection, especially for those interested in the city’s judicial history.

Chippewa Square: Movie Fame and Civil War History

Next up is Chippewa Square, famous as the filming location for Forrest Gump’s bench scene. While you won’t sit on the bench, standing where Tom Hanks sat, watching the square’s lush greenery and historic buildings, adds a cinematic touch. The guide will likely narrate stories of Savannah’s role during the Civil War and the city’s resilience. This stop combines pop culture with deep history, making it accessible for all.

Madison Square: Sherman’s Headquarters

Moving on, Madison Square is where General Sherman established his headquarters during his famous march to the sea. It’s a pivotal site, linking Savannah to Sherman’s Civil War campaign, and the guide might explain how this marked a turning point for the city’s history. Expect interesting anecdotes about the impact of Sherman’s march and the preservation of Savannah’s architecture afterward.

Calhoun Square: A Step Back in Time

The tour’s next stop is Calhoun Square, described as the most original of the squares, with buildings dating back to the 1850s. Walking through here feels like stepping into a living museum, with most structures still standing. Guides often highlight the architecture and how Savannah managed to preserve so much of its historic fabric, making it a favorite for architecture enthusiasts.

Monterey Square: Pulaski and Midnight in the Garden

Monterey Square is home to the Pulaski Monument and the famous Jim Williams house from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. This stop offers a mix of military history and literary intrigue, with stories about the influential figures memorialized here. The Jim Williams mansion adds a touch of celebrity and storytelling magic to the stop.

Lafayette Square and the St. John the Baptist Cathedral

Lafayette Square features the Andrew Low House, where the first Girl Scouts meeting took place in 1912. The nearby Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is described as the “Sistine Chapel of the South,” with breathtaking architecture. Inside visits typically take about 10 minutes, giving you a glimpse into Savannah’s religious and social history.

Colonial Park Cemetery: Resting Places of the Past

A walk through Colonial Park Cemetery reveals graves dating back to the 18th century. Guides share stories about how disputes in the colonies were settled, adding depth to the understanding of early American life and Savannah’s role in that history.

Architectural and Cultural Highlights: Owens-Thomas House and Reynolds Square

The tour concludes with Oglethorpe Square and the Owens-Thomas House, a prime example of Regency style architecture and a National Historic Landmark. Reynolds Square features a monument to John Wesley, foundational in Methodist history, rounding out a comprehensive look at Savannah’s spiritual and architectural heritage.

Access and Logistics

Starting at Johnson Square at 10:00 am, the tour ends back at the same point. The group size is capped at 30 travelers, ensuring a reasonably intimate experience. The tour is accessible and near public transportation, making it convenient for most visitors.

What sets this tour apart is the passion and expertise of the guides. While some reviews mention a guide no-show, the general consensus is positive regarding the knowledge and storytelling ability of those leading the tour. The stops are carefully selected to provide a well-rounded glimpse of Savannah’s history, architecture, and pop culture.

The cost of $35 appears reasonable given the amount of ground covered, the quality of the stories, and the inclusion of admission tickets to each site. However, it’s wise to book well in advance, especially during peak tourism months, to avoid disappointment.

This Savannah history tour is an excellent choice for travelers eager to get an authentic, engaging overview of the city’s past in a short amount of time. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate storytelling, historic architecture, and pop culture, all delivered by guides passionate about Savannah’s heritage.

While it’s not suited for travelers seeking in-depth, lengthy explorations of each site, it offers a solid, paced introduction perfect for first-timers or those with limited time. The experience’s value lies in its accessible format, passionate guides, and the ability to walk through some of Savannah’s most picturesque squares while learning stories that will stay with you.

For those willing to book early and enjoy a casual, lively stroll, this tour delivers a memorable taste of Savannah’s history, architecture, and film fame, all wrapped into a friendly, engaging package.

• What is the duration of the tour?
  Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, covering less than a mile of walking.

• Where does the tour start and end?
  It begins and ends at Johnson Square in downtown Savannah.

• What sites are included?
  Stops include Johnson Square, Wright Square, Chippewa Square, Madison Square, Calhoun Square, Monterey Square, Lafayette Square, Colonial Park Cemetery, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Oglethorpe Square, and Reynolds Square.

• Are tickets included in the price?
  Yes, admission to each site is included in the $35 fee.

• Is the tour suitable for all ages?
  Most travelers can participate; it’s casual and accessible.

• Can service animals join the tour?
  Yes, service animals are allowed.

• Is this tour good for movie fans?
  Absolutely, it highlights film locations like the Forrest Gump bench.

• What should I wear?
  Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

• Is booking required?
  Yes, it’s recommended to book at least 18 days in advance due to popularity.

• What if the guide doesn’t show up?
  One review mentions a guide no-show, so confirm your booking and check your email for updates.

This tour strikes a nice balance between informative storytelling and sightseeing, making it a worthwhile addition to your Savannah itinerary—especially if you want to learn about the city’s colonial, Civil War, Victorian, and pop culture moments without spending a whole day on it.