Self Guided Historic Savannah Walking Tour

Departure Point

• The tour starts at Rousakis Riverfront Plaza, just across the street from 117 E River Street. When you arrive, open the Drives & Detours app and tap "Start Tour".

Return Details

• Forsyth Park is a large park in the center of Savannah. It is easily accessible from most areas, and local landmarks include the Armstrong-Kessler Mansion and Hotel Bardo Savannah.

Duration1 hour and 30 minutes - 2 hoursLanguages Available

• Audio guide - English
• Printed guide - English

Points of Interest

Stop At: Cathedral Basilica St John The Baptist222 E Harris St Savannah, Ga 31401 United States, Savannah, GeorgiaThis neo-Gothic cathedral, built in 1876 and rebuilt after a fire in 1898, dazzles with soaring spires, 81 stained-glass windows, and intricate marble altars. As the seat of the Diocese of Savannah, it remains a powerful symbol of faith, resilience, and architectural grandeur. Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Chippewa Squareintersection of Bull and McDonough Streets, Savannah, GeorgiaBest known as the filming location for the famous bench scene in Forrest Gump, Chippewa Square is also one of Savannah’s charming historic parks. Lined with ancient oaks and shaded by live branches, it’s a quiet spot to pause and imagine past eras.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Colonial Park Cemetery200 Abercorn St, , Savannah, GeorgiaThis evocative cemetery dates back to the 1750s and holds the remains of Revolutionary War soldiers, early settlers, and influential Savannah families. Its moss-draped gravestones and silent paths offer a somber walk through early colonial life.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Davenport House Museum324 E State St, Museum Entry Is Through Gift Shop On Broughton., Savannah, GeorgiaStep into this beautifully restored Federal-style home to see how a wealthy merchant’s family once lived in early 19th-century Savannah. Period furnishings and a guided tour reveal both the elegance and complexity of the city’s past.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Factors WalkBay Street, To Factors Walk, Savannah, GeorgiaThis historic waterfront area features old cotton factor buildings perched on steep bluff walls, offering both architectural charm and rich mercantile history. Walking here brings you to hidden alleyways, river views, and echoes of Savannah’s trading heyday.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: First African Baptist Church23 Montgomery St, Enter Through The Red Doors, Savannah, GeorgiaConsidered one of the oldest African-American congregations in the U.S., this church played a pivotal spiritual and social role before, during, and after the Civil War. Its sanctuary and surrounding grounds speak quietly but powerfully of faith, struggle, and community.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Forsyth ParkSavannah, GeorgiaSavannah’s largest public green, Forsyth Park, is beloved for its shaded paths, iconic fountain, and majestic oaks draped in Spanish moss. Whether you’re picnicking or people-watching, this park captures the peaceful beauty of Southern life.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Green-Meldrim House14 W Macon St, on Madison Square, Savannah, GeorgiaBuilt in 1853, this Gothic Revival mansion once sheltered Union General Sherman and hosted historic moments during the Civil War. With its ironwork, crenellated parapet, and richly decorated interior, the house is a striking portrait of antebellum wealth and influence. Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Johnson SquareBull Street, Between Bryan and Congress Streets, Savannah, GeorgiaA bold modern building among Savannah’s historic skyline, the Jepson Center houses contemporary art, photography, and design exhibits. Its vibrant galleries provide a fresh contrast to the city’s traditional architecture.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum10 E Oglethorpe Ave, (corner of Bull St. and Oglethorpe Ave.), Savannah, GeorgiaAs the first and largest of Savannah’s original squares, Johnson Square was laid out in 1733 and remains the city’s bustling civic and financial heart. The square features fountains, a sundial, and monuments that connect past and present.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Madison SquareBull Street, Between West Harris and West Charlton Streets, Savannah, GeorgiaVisit the childhood home of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts, to explore her legacy and the Victorian-era domestic life she once knew. The guided tour reveals her trailblazing spirit and connection to Savannah’s social fabric.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Mercer Williams House Museum429 Bull St, Entrance Located Behind The Main House At 430 Whitaker Street, Savannah, GeorgiaTucked away within the city grid, Madison Square is a peaceful green space bordered by historic homes and charming streets. It’s a lovely place to reflect on Savannah’s evolving past and architectural heritage.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Monterey SquareBull Street, Between Taylor and Gordon Streets, Savannah, GeorgiaThis famous mansion became widely known after appearing in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Tours inside the house spotlight its eclectic décor, storied residents, and whispered Savannah secrets.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Owens-thomas House & Slave Quarters124 Abercorn St, , Savannah, GeorgiaDesigned in 1847 to commemorate the Battle of Monterrey, this square is framed by elegant homes and grand live oaks. Its quiet beauty makes it one of Savannah’s most picturesque and historically layered public spaces.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Historic Savannah Theatre222 Bull St, Chippewa Square, Savannah, GeorgiaA stunning Regency-style mansion, the Owens-Thomas House offers insight into Savannah’s early 19th-century elite and the lives of those enslaved on its grounds. Its restored slave quarters provide a poignant, instructive contrast to the opulence above. Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Telfair Academy121 Barnard St, , Savannah, GeorgiaOne of the nation’s oldest continuously operating theaters, this lavish venue has hosted musicals, plays, and vaudeville acts since 1818. Its gilded architecture, velvet seats, and timeless performances make it a cultural centerpiece of the city.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Congregation Mickve Israel20 E Gordon St, Savannah, GeorgiaHoused in a French-Revival mansion, the Telfair Academy is part of the Telfair Museums and displays classical and contemporary art, including American and European works. The building itself is a work of art, nestled among lush gardens.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Wright SquareBull Street, Between West State and West York Streets, Savannah, GeorgiaFounded in 1735, this gothic-style synagogue is the third oldest in America and remains a serene, historical landmark in the heart of Savannah. Its pointed arches, stained-glass windows, and well-preserved cemetery tell stories of faith, migration, and persistence.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Jones StreetJones Street, Savannah, GA 31401This stately home once belonged to the entrepreneur behind Savannah’s steamship line and now serves as the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum. Its elegant façade and classical design reflect the city’s mercantile rise.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Massie Heritage Center207 E Gordon St, , Savannah, GeorgiaOne of Savannah’s original squares, Wright Square is known for its ancient trees, historic memorials, and tranquil environment. It is also the final resting place of the controversial Tomochichi, a Native American leader influential in Savannah’s early colonial days.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum41 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GeorgiaOften called the most picturesque street in America, Jones Street is lined with ivy-covered houses, elegant ironwork, and a timeless sense of Southern charm. Walking here feels like stepping into a historic postcard.Duration: 5 minutesStop At: Georgia State Railroad Museum655 Louisville Road, Savannah, GeorgiaAt the Roundhouse Railroad Museum in Savannah’s Starland District, you’ll discover restored steam engines, vintage cabooses, and exhibits on regional rail history. It’s a fascinating stop for history lovers and train buffs alike.Duration: Not AvailableStop At: Jepson Center & Telfair Children's Art Museum (CAM)207 West York Street, Savannah, GA 31401This small museum preserves the history of Savannah’s western wards, sharing stories of local neighborhoods, civil rights, and community resilience through photos and personal artifacts. Its displays highlight lesser-seen threads of Savannah’s layered past.Duration: Not Available

Additional Information

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Works entirely offline once downloaded—no cell service required
• GPS-triggered audio plays automatically based on your location
• Flexible - Buy once, use any day/time—access never expires
• Get the Drives & Detours app download the tour ahead of time

Inclusions

• Flexible Usage (unlimited access)
• Audio Guide & Route Map (in app)
• App and Tour Download

Exclusions

• Smartphone (bring your own)

Redemption InstructionsIMPORTANT – YOUR ACCESS CODE IS: NYG181 - PLEASE READ STEPS BELOW - To access your tour, you’ll need the Drives & Detours App. We recommend downloading the tour in advance in case cell service is unreliable.DOWNLOAD THE APP:iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drives-detours/id6443681888Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mytoursapp.android.app6506UNLOCK YOUR TOUR:1. Open app, tap "Walking Tours", then "Self-Guided Historic Savannah Walking Tour"2. Enter Your Access Code (on iPhone tap "Login to Download" then "Login")3. Tap "Download Tour" and wait until complete (1-2 minutes)STARTING THE TOUR:1. Open app, select your tour2. Go to start location shown3. Tap “Start Tour”ADDITIONAL NOTES:Tour is valid for 180 days, no need to rescheduleQuestions? TEXT us at 619.324.9920Voucher InfoMobile or paper ticket accepted

The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the Drives & Detours in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon. This offer is not eligible for promo codes.