Walking Tour Savannah, Things to Do in Savannah

Savannah’s historic district is an unusually pedestrian-friendly place, and one of the great pleasures of a visit is simply strolling through it. Still, with so much rich history embedded in these elegant streets, it can help to have a guide. There are dozens of walking tours you can take, each with its particular theme, from Savannah historic tours to general sightseeing tours to haunted tours.

Here is a sampling of what’s offered. Most of these companies offer a range of other themed tours, and can also customize tours to satisfy any curiosity. As a rule, reservations—and sometimes, a minimum number of people—are required, too.

An Overview Tour

If you’ve never been to Savannah or only have one day in town, the 90-minute Savannah Stroll is a wise choice. You’ll be oriented to the city’s street layout and general history, and get recommendations for restaurants, shopping and activities.

The Savannah Walks, 37 Abercorn St. Tel. 888-SAVWALK (728-9255). Cost: $16 for adults, $7 for children 6 to 14. savannahwalks.com

Architecture

Iowa native Jonathan Stalcup’s fascination with Savannah architecture began with novels he read as a child. Now he has a doctorate in architecture from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)—and a continuing passion for the city. He has written Savannah Architectural Tours (Schiffer Publishing, 2008), a guidebook for those who want to explore on their own. But he also offers guided tours. These take in historic buildings from many eras, but he doesn’t slight the modern structures either.

 

• A group learns about Savannah’s architecture from SCAD graduate, Jonathan Stalcup.

Courtesy of Architectural Tours Of Savannah

Meet in Washington Square. Tel. 912-604-6354. Cost: $20 for adults, $10 for kids under 18. Tour times: March to September, 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 5 p.m.; October to February, 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m. architecturalsavannah.com

Bonaventure Cemetery

A 10-minute drive from the historic district brings you to Bonaventure Cemetery, on a riverfront bluff overlooking the marshes. A burial ground since 1868, Bonaventure is a virtual city of statuary under dreamy, moss-draped live oaks.

330 Bonaventure Road. Tel. 866-666-3323. Tickets: $30 for adults, $21 for kids 12 and under (costs after service fees and taxes). Hours: The 2.5-hour walk is given daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. www.bonaventurecemeterytours.com

Ghosts

The Sorrel-Weed House, aside from being one of the handsomest Regency mansions in Savannah, is said to be the most haunted. This 90-minute Savannah ghost tour—given at night, naturally—explores the house, nearby squares and historic Colonial Park Cemetery.

 

• Enter the gates of Colonial Park Cemetery at your own risk.

efleming

6 W. Harris St. Tel 912-236-8888. Tickets: $18 for adults, $10 for kids 7 to 12. Tour times: 6:45 p.m., 10 p.m, 11 p.m. and later as needed. savannahtours.net/savannahghosthunterstour

Gardens

Given Savannah’s moist, subtropical climate, things are blooming all year long—and a Savannah garden tour is a great way to discover them. Roy Heizer, a certified plant professional and author of Savannah Gardens (Schiffer Books, fall 2009), leads these tours through Savannah’s squares, identifying and discussing the history and folklore of the city’s trees, shrubs and flowers.

Tours start at Smooth coffee/smoothie shop at 143 Bull St. Tel. 912-713-7792. Tickets: $20 for adults, free for kids under 12. Hours: June to February, Mon. to Fri., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.; March to May, Tue. to Sat., same tour times. Call to reserve. greenfeetwalkabouts.com

Pirates

A costumed guide leads this tour of waterfront River Street. You’ll learn nautical history, plus legends of sailors, swashbucklers and sea rovers. This tour is especially popular with kids.

 

• Learn about the days of swashbuckling in Savannah from a Pirate’s Walk tour.

Courtesy of SeeSavannah Tours

Tours meet at 135 Bull St. Tel. 912-234-3571. Tickets: $16 for adults, $5 for kids 6 to 14, free for children under 6. Tour times: daily at 12 p.m. pirateswalk.com

Photography

With its historic architecture, lush vegetation and interesting people, Savannah must be one of the most photogenic destinations. You can take a four-hour photo-taking tour under the guidance of local professional photographer Frank Barevich. It’s not about your skill level, or what kind of camera you have. Instead, Barevich will emphasize composition: capturing those perfect images.

Tour starts at Forsyth Park, 600 Drayton St. Tel. 912-660-6994. Tickets: $60 per person. www.savannahphotooutings.com 

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