Self Guided Historic Savannah Walking Tour
Drives & Detours
3
Tammi_C
51 days ago
Lots of great information. I did get confused as to what building she was talking about but figured it out after awhile. Great way to explore the historic district at my own pace.
Discover Savannah’s Historic District on a self-guided walking tour that showcases stunning architecture and rich history. Stroll through oak-lined squares and brick lanes, immersing yourself in the city’s unique 18th-century layout. This tour reveals the stories behind Savannah's beautiful homes and public spaces, highlighting their roles in the colony's history, the cotton era, and ongoing preservation efforts. Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace while uncovering new perspectives on familiar sights and experience how art, community, and history intertwine in this atmospheric city. — Self-guided tour allows for a flexible pace — Explore Savannah's historic architecture and design — Uncover stories of resilience and change throughout history — Discover lesser-known perspectives on iconic landmarks
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.
Duration
1 hour and 30 minutes - 2 hours
Languages Available
- Audio guide - English
- Printed guide - English
- Audio guide - Spanish
- Printed guide - Spanish
Points of Interest
Stop At: Cathedral Basilica St John The Baptist
222 E Harris St Savannah, Ga 31401 United States, Savannah, Georgia
This 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 minutes
Stop At: Chippewa Square
intersection of Bull and McDonough Streets, Savannah, Georgia
Best 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 minutes
Stop At: Colonial Park Cemetery
200 Abercorn St, , Savannah, Georgia
This 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 minutes
Stop At: Davenport House Museum
324 E State St, Museum Entry Is Through Gift Shop On Broughton., Savannah, Georgia
Step 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 Available
Stop At: Factors Walk
Bay Street, To Factors Walk, Savannah, Georgia
This 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 minutes
Stop At: First African Baptist Church
23 Montgomery St, Enter Through The Red Doors, Savannah, Georgia
Considered 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 minutes
Stop At: Forsyth Park
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah’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 minutes
Stop At: Green-Meldrim House
14 W Macon St, on Madison Square, Savannah, Georgia
Built 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 Available
Stop At: Johnson Square
Bull Street, Between Bryan and Congress Streets, Savannah, Georgia
A 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 Available
Stop At: Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum
10 E Oglethorpe Ave, (corner of Bull St. and Oglethorpe Ave.), Savannah, Georgia
As 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 minutes
Stop At: Madison Square
Bull Street, Between West Harris and West Charlton Streets, Savannah, Georgia
Visit 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 Available
Stop At: Mercer Williams House Museum
429 Bull St, Entrance Located Behind The Main House At 430 Whitaker Street, Savannah, Georgia
Tucked 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 minutes
Stop At: Monterey Square
Bull Street, Between Taylor and Gordon Streets, Savannah, Georgia
This 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 Available
Stop At: Owens-thomas House & Slave Quarters
124 Abercorn St, , Savannah, Georgia
Designed 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 minutes
Stop At: Historic Savannah Theatre
222 Bull St, Chippewa Square, Savannah, Georgia
A 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 Available
Stop At: Telfair Academy
121 Barnard St, , Savannah, Georgia
One 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 Available
Stop At: Congregation Mickve Israel
20 E Gordon St, Savannah, Georgia
Housed 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 minutes
Stop At: Wright Square
Bull Street, Between West State and West York Streets, Savannah, Georgia
Founded 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 Available
Stop At: Jones Street
Jones Street, Savannah, GA 31401
This 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 Available
Stop At: Massie Heritage Center
207 E Gordon St, , Savannah, Georgia
One 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 minutes
Stop At: Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
41 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, Georgia
Often 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 minutes
Stop At: Georgia State Railroad Museum
655 Louisville Road, Savannah, Georgia
At 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 Available
Stop At: Jepson Center & Telfair Children's Art Museum (CAM)
207 West York Street, Savannah, GA 31401
This 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
- Flexible Usage (unlimited access)
- Audio Guide & Route Map (in app)
- App and Tour Download
Exclusions
- Smartphone (bring your own)
Redemption Instructions
IMPORTANT – 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/id6443681888
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mytoursapp.android.app6506
UNLOCK 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 tour
2. Go to start location shown
3. Tap “Start Tour”
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Tour is valid for 180 days, no need to reschedule
Questions? TEXT us at 619.324.9920
Voucher Info
Mobile 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.
Discover Savannah’s Historic District on a self-guided walking tour that showcases stunning architecture and rich history. Stroll through oak-lined squares and brick lanes, immersing yourself in the city’s unique 18th-century layout. This tour reveals the stories behind Savannah's beautiful homes and public spaces, highlighting their roles in the colony's history, the cotton era, and ongoing preservation efforts. Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace while uncovering new perspectives on familiar sights and experience how art, community, and history intertwine in this atmospheric city. — Self-guided tour allows for a flexible pace — Explore Savannah's historic architecture and design — Uncover stories of resilience and change throughout history — Discover lesser-known perspectives on iconic landmarks
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.
Duration
1 hour and 30 minutes - 2 hours
Languages Available
- Audio guide - English
- Printed guide - English
- Audio guide - Spanish
- Printed guide - Spanish
Points of Interest
Stop At: Cathedral Basilica St John The Baptist
222 E Harris St Savannah, Ga 31401 United States, Savannah, Georgia
This 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 minutes
Stop At: Chippewa Square
intersection of Bull and McDonough Streets, Savannah, Georgia
Best 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 minutes
Stop At: Colonial Park Cemetery
200 Abercorn St, , Savannah, Georgia
This 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 minutes
Stop At: Davenport House Museum
324 E State St, Museum Entry Is Through Gift Shop On Broughton., Savannah, Georgia
Step 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 Available
Stop At: Factors Walk
Bay Street, To Factors Walk, Savannah, Georgia
This 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 minutes
Stop At: First African Baptist Church
23 Montgomery St, Enter Through The Red Doors, Savannah, Georgia
Considered 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 minutes
Stop At: Forsyth Park
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah’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 minutes
Stop At: Green-Meldrim House
14 W Macon St, on Madison Square, Savannah, Georgia
Built 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 Available
Stop At: Johnson Square
Bull Street, Between Bryan and Congress Streets, Savannah, Georgia
A 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 Available
Stop At: Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum
10 E Oglethorpe Ave, (corner of Bull St. and Oglethorpe Ave.), Savannah, Georgia
As 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 minutes
Stop At: Madison Square
Bull Street, Between West Harris and West Charlton Streets, Savannah, Georgia
Visit 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 Available
Stop At: Mercer Williams House Museum
429 Bull St, Entrance Located Behind The Main House At 430 Whitaker Street, Savannah, Georgia
Tucked 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 minutes
Stop At: Monterey Square
Bull Street, Between Taylor and Gordon Streets, Savannah, Georgia
This 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 Available
Stop At: Owens-thomas House & Slave Quarters
124 Abercorn St, , Savannah, Georgia
Designed 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 minutes
Stop At: Historic Savannah Theatre
222 Bull St, Chippewa Square, Savannah, Georgia
A 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 Available
Stop At: Telfair Academy
121 Barnard St, , Savannah, Georgia
One 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 Available
Stop At: Congregation Mickve Israel
20 E Gordon St, Savannah, Georgia
Housed 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 minutes
Stop At: Wright Square
Bull Street, Between West State and West York Streets, Savannah, Georgia
Founded 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 Available
Stop At: Jones Street
Jones Street, Savannah, GA 31401
This 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 Available
Stop At: Massie Heritage Center
207 E Gordon St, , Savannah, Georgia
One 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 minutes
Stop At: Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
41 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, Georgia
Often 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 minutes
Stop At: Georgia State Railroad Museum
655 Louisville Road, Savannah, Georgia
At 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 Available
Stop At: Jepson Center & Telfair Children's Art Museum (CAM)
207 West York Street, Savannah, GA 31401
This 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
- Flexible Usage (unlimited access)
- Audio Guide & Route Map (in app)
- App and Tour Download
Exclusions
- Smartphone (bring your own)
Redemption Instructions
IMPORTANT – 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/id6443681888
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mytoursapp.android.app6506
UNLOCK 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 tour
2. Go to start location shown
3. Tap “Start Tour”
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Tour is valid for 180 days, no need to reschedule
Questions? TEXT us at 619.324.9920
Voucher Info
Mobile 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.
Need To Know Info
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts. Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and SavingsCustomer Reviews
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based on Groupon 3 reviews
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Emily_P
Viator is awful. The tour was great but had to buy twice once thru Viator and then once again through the real provider Drives and Detours. Use them!
Tammi_C
Lots of great information. I did get confused as to what building she was talking about but figured it out after awhile. Great way to explore the historic district at my own pace.
Deborah_M
The geo-location based information and directions were excellent. This tour emphasizes architecture and design as well as history.