Chippewa Square to Forsyth Park: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Savannah

Exploring Savannah at your own pace can be a delight—and this self-guided audio tour from Chippewa Square to Forsyth Park offers just that. For only $7.99 per person, you’ll get roughly 1 to 1.5 hours of insightful narration, detailed maps, and turn-by-turn directions that make wandering through Savannah’s historic district both easy and enriching. The tour covers key sights like the Savannah Theatre, Colonial Park Cemetery, and the iconic Forsyth Fountain, making it a fantastic way to immerse yourself into the city’s storied streets without feeling rushed or lost.

What we love about this tour is its flexibility—you can pause, repeat, or explore extra sights beyond the script at your leisure. Plus, the offline access to audio, maps, and GPS data means you don’t need to worry about spotty cell service while strolling through these charming neighborhoods. The second thing that’s appealing is the value: lifetime access plus a virtual tour option mean you can revisit Savannah’s stories whenever you want, making this a memorable investment in your trip.

A possible consideration? Some users mentioned that the app can be a bit unstable at times, causing brief interruptions. However, most found it easy to get back on track, and the overall experience remained positive. This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate a self-paced exploration and enjoy hearing engaging stories about historic sites, local architecture, and cultural landmarks.

If you love walking tours that blend history, local color, and flexibility, this experience is an excellent choice. Whether you’re a first-timer in Savannah or someone returning to uncover hidden tales, the balance of structured narration and free movement makes it a rewarding way to see the city.

Key Points

• Self-guided flexibility allows you to explore at your own rhythm.
• Offline access makes it easy to use without worrying about internet connectivity.
• Historic highlights like Chippewa Square, Colonial Park Cemetery, and Forsyth Park are covered with detailed narration.
• Affordable price offers great value, especially with lifetime access.
• User-friendly app with turn-by-turn directions simplifies navigation.
• Authentic local stories add depth beyond just sights.

The Experience: A Deep Dive into the Savannah Self-Guided Tour

Starting Point: The Independent Presbyterian Church of Savannah

You’ll begin your adventure outside the Independent Presbyterian Church, a beautiful historic building and a perfect intro point. The tour kicks off with instructions on how to get the most from your experience, including how to use the VoiceMap app. We appreciated how straightforward the process was, with clear guidance on downloading your tour and accessing it offline. This initial step sets the tone for a smooth, hassle-free journey.

First Stop: Chippewa Square

Walking into Chippewa Square, you’re stepping into one of Savannah’s most recognizable spots—famous for the park bench scene from Forrest Gump. Here, the narration shares the square’s history, its original purpose, and how it’s evolved over the years. The stories make the space come alive, transforming a simple park into a window on the past.

The Savannah Theatre

Next, the tour passes by the Savannah Theatre, the city’s oldest continually operating playhouse. You’ll hear about its history, its role in Savannah’s cultural life, and some of the notable performances hosted there. This adds a layer of appreciation for the city’s longstanding love of the arts.

Colonial Park Cemetery

Meandering past a corner of Colonial Park Cemetery, the narration reveals stories of those buried there, including notable figures from Savannah’s past. Walking through this historic burial ground offers a tangible connection to the city’s early residents, and we found the provided context compelling enough to spark interest in local genealogy or architecture.

The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

The tour then takes you past this stunning cathedral, with stories about its construction, architecture, and significance. Even from the outside, the cathedral’s grandeur is evident, and the narration enriches the experience without requiring an inside visit (though that’s an option if you choose).

Lafayette Square and the Andrew Low House

Wandering through Lafayette Square, you’ll learn about its namesake and its role in Savannah’s history. The nearby Andrew Low House gets a mention too, with stories about the household and its connection to the Girl Scouts’ origins. We loved the way these stories intertwined personal histories with city events, making each stop feel like a chapter in Savannah’s storybook.

The Girl Scout First Headquarters

The tour highlights where the Girl Scouts got their start, adding an unexpected touch of local pride. It’s a reminder of how community movements have shaped the city’s identity, and the narration does a good job of making this feel relevant and inspiring.

Madison Square and Jones Street

As you stroll through Madison Square, the narration shares its history and significance. Then, passing down Jones Street, you’ll see why locals consider it the most beautiful and prestigious street in Savannah—its pristine, historic facades are worth a lingering look.

Monterey Square and Beyond

The tour continues through Monterey Square, highlighting its standout features like the Colonial Remembrance Monument and the historic ambiance. Passing by Alex Raskin Antiques and The Armstrong House, you get glimpses into Savannah’s eclectic mix of old and new. We appreciated the small details, like the mention of local shops and interior design stores, which added flavor to the walk.

Ending in Forsyth Park

Finally, the tour culminates at Forsyth Park’s fountain, one of Savannah’s most photographed spots. The narration wraps up, giving a final layer of history and charm, leaving you with a sense of completion and longing to explore more.

Practical Considerations and Tips

• Duration: Most users find the 1 to 1.5 hours quite manageable, especially if you take your time. It’s perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
• Price: At $7.99, the tour offers excellent value—especially with lifetime access, meaning you can revisit the narration anytime.
• Navigation: The turn-by-turn directions and maps are a huge plus, ensuring you stay on route without hassle.
• Device Compatibility: The app works seamlessly on both Android and iOS devices, which is important for most travelers.
• Offline Use: No worries about Wi-Fi or cell service interruptions—just download and go.
• Group size: As a private self-guided tour, it’s just you and your travel companions, making for an intimate experience.

Potential Drawbacks

Some reviews note that the app can stop unexpectedly, but overall, most travelers find it easy to restart and continue. If you’re particularly sensitive to tech hiccups, it’s worth being prepared to re-launch the app if necessary.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This self-guided experience is ideal for history buffs, local enthusiasts, or travelers who enjoy exploring at their own speed. If you prefer structured group tours or guided commentary with a tour guide present, this may not suit you. However, if you’re after flexibility, value, and a deepened understanding of Savannah’s architecture and stories, it’s a superb option.

It’s particularly well-suited for seniors or those with mobility concerns who want a manageable, accessible way to enjoy Savannah’s sights without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The narrative’s engaging storytelling makes even familiar sites feel new and interesting.

Final Thoughts

This self-guided audio tour from Chippewa Square to Forsyth Park offers a cost-effective and flexible way to experience Savannah’s historic district. With detailed narration, offline convenience, and a leisurely pace, it’s perfect for anyone eager to learn about Savannah’s past while wandering through its charming streets.

You’ll get a well-rounded look at key landmarks, sprinkled with stories that bring places alive, and the ability to pause and explore beyond the script. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this tour will deepen your appreciation for Savannah’s unique character.

The value for money is undeniable, especially with lifetime access included. It’s a great choice for independent travelers, history enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys discovering local stories on their terms. Just keep in mind that some app stability issues might occur, but they’re usually easy to work around.

In all, this tour strikes a fine balance between education, entertainment, and practicality—making it a worthwhile addition to your Savannah adventure.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
Most people spend about an hour to an hour and a half exploring the route, depending on how much they stop to look around or take photos.

What sites are included in the tour?
Major stops include Chippewa Square, Savannah Theatre, Colonial Park Cemetery, Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, Lafayette Square, Andrew Low House, Girl Scout First Headquarters, Madison Square, Jones Street, Monterey Square, Alex Raskin Antiques, the Armstrong House, and Forsyth Park.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes. It’s ideal for anyone interested in history, architecture, or local stories. The narration is engaging and easy to follow.

What equipment do I need?
You’ll need a compatible smartphone with the VoiceMap app installed. Headphones are recommended for clarity.

Can I do this tour offline?
Absolutely. Once downloaded, you can access all audio, maps, and GPS data without an internet connection.

How do I start the tour?
Simply meet at The Independent Presbyterian Church of Savannah, download the tour, and follow the instructions to begin.

Can I pause and restart the tour?
Yes, the app allows pauses, and you can restart it anytime if interrupted.

Are there any entrance fees for attractions?
No, the tour is a self-guided experience, so entrance fees to sites like museums or buildings are not included.

Is this tour private or group-based?
It’s a private, self-guided experience for your group only—ideal for personal exploration.

What if the app stops unexpectedly?
Most users report that it’s easy to relaunch the app and continue, although some instability has been noted.

In essence, this self-guided audio tour offers a thoughtful, flexible, and affordable way to deepen your Savannah experience. It’s especially suitable for travelers who enjoy a bit of independence, storytelling, and authentic local flavor—all at your own pace.