Savannah: Midnight in the Garden Walking Tour and Pub Crawl

Imagine strolling through the historic streets of Savannah, drink in hand, hearing stories of murder, ghosts, and eccentric characters—this tour offers just that. For $35 per person, over two hours, you’ll follow in the footsteps of Jim Williams and Danny Hansford, visiting some of Savannah’s most beloved local bars and the key sites featured in the famous book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Led by an enthusiastic guide, this experience mixes history, true crime, and nightlife into a lively, memorable adventure.

We love how the tour combines authentic storytelling with the chance to experience Savannah’s vibrant bar scene—a rare opportunity to enjoy the city’s nightlife with a splash of local lore. Plus, the fact that you can carry your drink on the street due to Savannah’s open carry laws adds a relaxed, carefree vibe. Our favorite part? The storytelling about Savannah’s colorful personalities—drag queens, psychics, and preservationists—makes each stop more than just a bar crawl.

A potential drawback? The overall experience can feel disorganized at times, especially if the guide is less experienced or the stops feel less welcoming. Also, since drinks aren’t included, you’ll want to budget for a few beverages along the way.

This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy true stories, historic charm, and nightlife. If you’re curious about Savannah’s darker tales but also want to see its lively side, this pub crawl offers a fun, authentic way to experience both.

Key Points

Historic Savannah focus: Visit sites related to Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and Savannah’s true crime stories.
Vibrant local bars: Sample some of Savannah’s best pubs in an informal, friendly setting.
Knowledgeable guides: Guides like Janie are praised for their enthusiasm and storytelling skills.
Open carry laws: Bring your drink outside and enjoy Savannah’s relaxed attitude toward alcohol on the streets.
Diverse stories: Hear about Jim Williams, Danny Hansford, and Savannah’s eclectic characters, adding depth to the experience.
Value for money: At $35 for two hours, with a walking tour, pub crawl, and storytelling, this elevates a typical bar night into an engaging cultural experience.

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What the Tour Offers

This experience is designed for those who want to combine history, true crime, and nightlife in one walk. Starting at the John Wesley Monument in Reynolds Square, your guide—often a local with a flair for storytelling—will lead you through Savannah’s evocative streets. Over roughly two hours, you’ll visit a handful of carefully chosen bars that are both historic and lively, uniting the city’s past and present.

The core of the tour revolves around Jim Williams, a prominent preservationist who became infamous due to the murder of Danny Hansford. The tour’s narrative weaves the murder mystery with tales of Savannah’s colorful characters, psychics, and city legends, offering a layered look at the city’s eccentric personality.

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The Stops and Their Charm

While the specific bars aren’t listed, reviews paint a picture of neat and unique venues that reflect Savannah’s vibrant nightlife. Our guide’s enthusiasm is frequently highlighted—like Janie, praised for her extensive knowledge and engaging storytelling. This makes each stop more than just a drink; they’re immersive moments filled with local lore.

Many reviews mention the stunning views of Savannah’s architecture and streets, which you’ll enjoy while walking from bar to bar. The relaxed atmosphere—especially since you’re allowed to carry your drink on the street—adds to the sense of freedom and fun.

Authentic Stories and Eccentric Characters

The tour’s storytelling is a standout feature. You might learn about exorcisms, psychics, drag queens, and preservation efforts—all with a drink in hand. This colorful cast of characters makes the tour feel less like a conventional history lesson and more like an entertaining social experience.

One reviewer shared that her guide was “really knowledgeable on the story,” which made the tour memorable. Conversely, another noted that at times the tour seemed “disorganized,” with stops that didn’t feel warmly received by the establishments. This variability highlights the importance of a good guide and an understanding that the experience can differ from night to night.

The Practicalities: Timing, Cost, and Group Size

At just $35, the tour offers excellent value—especially given the included walking, storytelling, and pub crawl. It runs in the evening, perfect for sunset views and night-time atmosphere. The group size is limited to 9 people, promoting a more intimate experience, which helps the guide tailor stories and engage with participants.

The tour is rain or shine, so packing an umbrella or comfortable shoes is wise. Remember, drinks aren’t included, so bring cash for your purchases at each stop. Also, since alcohol consumption on the street is legal in Savannah, this adds a laid-back feel to the night.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a history buff, especially with a taste for true crime or ghost stories, you’ll find this tour fascinating. Those who enjoy local nightlife and prefer a small, intimate group will appreciate the relaxed, friendly environment. However, people seeking a more structured, polished experience might find some parts a little chaotic or less organized.

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Balancing Experience and Authenticity

While some reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and stunning street views, others mention the disorganization or lack of warmth from some establishments. This variability underscores the importance of a great guide—someone who can keep stories engaging and ensure stops feel welcoming.

This tour offers a rich mix of Savannah’s dark tales and lively bar scene. It’s perfect for those wanting an evening combining history, storytelling, and local flavor—a true taste of Savannah’s quirky charm.

The Midnight in the Garden Walking Tour and Pub Crawl offers an entertaining blend of history and nightlife. For a reasonable price, you’ll explore the city’s iconic sites while enjoying some of its best bars, all with a knowledgeable guide who knows how to tell a good story. The relaxed street-drink policy adds a carefree element that few cities can match, making it a fun way to experience Savannah after dark.

This experience is ideal for travelers who appreciate authentic local stories and want to see Savannah beyond the typical tourist spots. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy small group settings and lively, engaging guides. If you’re curious about Savannah’s notorious past and want to sip your way through its vibrant streets, this tour can give you a memorable, immersive evening.

Is this tour suitable for people under 21?
No, this tour is only for participants 21 and older, due to alcohol consumption and open carry laws.

Does the tour include drinks?
No, drinks are not included. You’ll visit bars where you can purchase your own beverages with cash.

Where do I meet the guide?
You meet at the John Wesley Monument located in the middle of Reynolds Square.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since it’s a walking tour. Dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour operates rain or shine.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, usually in the evening.

Is this a private or group experience?
It’s a small group experience, limited to 9 participants, ensuring a more personal and engaging journey.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing some flexibility if plans change.

In all, this Savannah tour is a lively way to connect with the city’s haunted past and local nightlife, making it a worthwhile addition to your visit—especially if you’re ready for stories, spirits, and street-side drinks.