Explore Savannah History Walking Tour

Overview

On this tour we guide you through the HEART OF HISTORIC SAVANNAH from Wright Square to Forsyth Park.

- You will experience the perfect introduction of Savannah as you discover how and why Savannah was established.
- learn about the unique layout of our squares, gain insights about people who impacted Savannah.
- Of course, everyone wants to know where Forrest sat with his box of chocolates
- find the house from ‘Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil’ and much more.

When you join us on tour, you are ‘our guest’ in Savannah, not a ‘tourist on tour’!

City: Savannah

Mon 24 Feb

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $32.10

Make a reservation

Mon 24 Feb

Starting at $32.10

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Professional Local Guide

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Email confirmation at time of reservation
Comfortable Walking shoes (approximately 1 mile with benches along the way)
Consider the weather, bring an umbrella
Summertime can be hot & humid - bring a bottle of water
Tour operates rain or shine
In the event of severe weather, you will be provided the option to reschedule (no refunds unless we cancel the tour)

What To Expect

Wright Square

Your tour begins in the center of the north side of Wright Square in front of the Gordon Monument. You will learn how and why Savannah was first established, and why General James Oglethorpe decided to establish the colony on a 40-foot bluff. You will also learn how the square are designed and why. Did you know that the Port of Savannah is third largest port in the nation? You will discover who Tomochichi, the chief of the Yamacraw Indians, was and why is the buried under the Gordon Monument in the center of the square.

Juliette Gordon Low's Birthplace

You will admire the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts, born here on October 31, 1860. You will discover the history the Gordon family and what it is used for today. *We do not go into the home, but will admire it from the outside.

Independent Presbyterian Church

The Independent Presbyterian Church was founded in 1755 on Ellis Square (originally Market Square), but was destroyed by fire. Rebuilding on Telfair Square and destroyed by a hurricane. Today it sits on the corner of Bull St and Oglethorpe Ave, where is was built in 1855. You will learn which US President was married in the church in 1885, and why is this steeple so famous today.

Chippewa Square

Here you will see where Forrest Gump sat with his box of chocolates, while waiting for the bus. The monument in the center of Chippewa Square is General James Oglethorpe, not Captain Morgan. We agree he does look a lot like Captain Morgan, and it would be appropriate since Savannah does allow to-go cups. Here you will learn about he man behind the colony of Savannah, and what his monument represents.

The Old Sorrel Weed House Museum & Tours

The Sorrel Weed House is one of the most haunted homes in Savannah. We will pass buy the home, and tell you about the Savannah gray brick wall surrounding the courtyard and you will learn why there are fingerprints in the brick. Where did this brick come from?

Madison Square

Where Madison Square is today, was once the location for one of the bloodiest battles during the American Revolution, the Siege of Savannah.

Green-Meldrim House

Completed in 1853, this house is the finest example for Gothic Architecture in the south. This house cost $93,000, or $3.2 million today, and was the most expensive home in Savannah during the 1800s. This home made history as being the Headquarters for General Sherman during his March to the Sea, when he occupied Savannah.

SCADstory

Originally built and used as the Savannah Volunteer Guard building, this is now owned by SCAD. We go past this building.

Gryphon Tea Room

The Gryphon Tea Room is located inside what we call the Shriner's Building. Inside the Gryphon Tea room is a museum in itself, once being used as Solomon's Apothecary, and still has the original mahogany cabinetry and cubbies used to store the medicines. The Gryphon Tea Room is one of our favorites for lunch, dinner or to relax with a cup of tea!

Mercer Williams House Museum

The Mercer Williams house, made famous by the book Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil, written by John Berendt. This is a true story of Jim Williams, who purchased the home in 1969, and the shooting of his assistant Danny 1981. The book was released in 1993, and on New York best seller list for 216 weeks, longer than any book in history. A few years later, the movie was released and helped put Savannah on the map of tourism. After-all, everyone loves a good scandal every once in a while. We recommend reading the book, or at least watching the movie prior to visiting Savannah.

Armstrong House

Now known as the Armstrong-Kessler house, we will talk about the history of the home, and who lives in this 26,000+ square foot home today. This is the one home in town where everyone gasps "WOW' and has to stop to admire. This is an absolutely magnificent home and one not to be missed. This is a private home today and not open for tours.

Forsyth Park

Forsyth Park, this is where our tour ends. This park began in 1848 with only 10 acres, today it covers 30 acres. It is our Central Park and enjoyed by young and old alike. The crowning jewel of Savannah, our Forsyth Park Fountain. What most people don't realize is that this was a catalog mail order from France and installed in 1858. It is must-see and you must have your picture taken in front of this amazing fountain.

Show 9 more stops

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (647)

Loucee

Jan 2009

A couple of years ago some girlfriends and I did a 2 hour walking tour with Bobby Davis that we enjoyed very much. Over New Year's my husband and I vacationed in Savannah, and I booked a half day tour with Bobby's "Explore Savannah" for the two of us. Both my husband and I have visitied Savannah several times in the past. Still, we were amazed at how much we learned about this beautiful city on our walk with Bobby. I highly recommend a walk with Bobby Davis to anyone going to Savannah. Bobby takes time before hand to find out what your interests are, and will base your walking tour on that. On a walking tour with "Explore Savannah" you will certainly see all of Savannah's main and famed sights...but even better, on a walk with Bobby you see the little things. For example, he points out the beautiful design in a wrought iron fence, shows you the unique patterns in an old building's brick work...All in all, it gives you an intimate look at Savannah that can never be seen from a tour bus! Our half day walk with Bobby Davis was truely the highlight of our vacation, and we look forward to booking another walk with him, next time we are in Savannah.

travelingshutterbug

Dec 2008

We are so glad we went on this tour with Bobby! It was the first thing we did in Savannah and we saw everything we possibly wanted to see. Bobby is very energetic, upbeat, funny, and very knowledgeable about the city and history. We went on a private tour, just Bobby, my husband and myself. Bobby tailored the tour to the things we wanted to see and we loved every minute of it. We saw all the squares, the beautiful homes, the parks, the churches, the cemetaries... you name it, we saw it. Bobby also gives you great suggestions of things you can do on your own after the tour and for very good places to eat! We saw all the tour trolleys all over as we were doing our tour. I must say, they give you a ride and they drop you off in key places, but we loved that Bobby told us all the stories that make things so fun. And, Bobby took us into the churches and explained things inside. I totally appreciated his personal, special attention, his sense of humor and his follow-up is amazing! We highly, highly recommend this tour... you won't be disappointed. One thing... wear comfy shoes... you'll be doing a lot of walking in this beautiful walking city! :)

Walkingmss

Nov 2008

When looking for a private tour guide for historic Savannah put Explore Savannah at the top of your list. Bobby Davis walked us from Lady and Sons to Forysth Fountain and all around. His knowledge of the historic is only out done by his southern charm. We were a small group of three and therefore the tour was planned around our interest and needs for rest stops. As bobby says, "Savannah is best see from the feet and not a seat".