Savannah Historic District

The Basics

Savannah’s Historic District encompasses more than 20 city squares laid out in a distinctive grid pattern by General James E. Oglethorpe, founder of the British Colony of Georgia in 1733. Today, it’s the largest National Historic Landmark District in the United States, attracting millions of visitors on an annual basis. The area also remains easily walkable—it’s flat and full of benches so you can sit and rest under the oaks draped with Spanish moss.

Many visitors opt for a walking tour to fully appreciate the area: niche tours focus on its eclectic architecture, rich culinary traditions, and important contributions to black history. Or, make your own tour by strolling through the area and popping into cafes, restaurants, shops, and bars for a taste of Southern hospitality.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Dress for the weather with plenty of water and sun protection during the summer.

• Bring some spending money to enjoy the area.

• Easily cater your visit for your group—there’s something for everyone (including kids).

How to Get There

The boundaries of the Savannah Historic District are the Savannah River, E. Broad Street, Gwinnett Street, and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The Savannah Visitor Center is located in the restored Central of Georgia railroad station located at 301 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and has plenty of information to get your exploration of the area started.

When to Get There

The Historic District is active all day, every day. The only real consideration with when to visit is the weather—summer is notoriously hot and humid, especially during the middle of the day. The city hosts special events every season, from Christmas on the River to one of the largest Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations in the country, so check the official calendar to time your visit for something out of the ordinary.

Top Historic District Attractions

It’s impossible to miss the Historic District while in Savannah. Some of the attractions you might come across include River Street, Forsyth Fountain, Oglethorpe Square, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and more.

Ways to explore

Savannah’s Historic District encompasses more than 20 city squares laid out in a distinctive, easy-to-navigate grid pattern. Today, it’s the largest National Historic Landmark District in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. The area is flat and super walkable, plus it’s full of benches so you can sit and rest under the oaks draped with Spanish moss.

Many visitors opt for a walking tour to fully appreciate the district and its history. Others make their own tour by strolling through the area and popping into cafes, restaurants, shops, and bars for a taste of Savannah hospitality.

Accessibility

Some brick and cobblestone streets can be challenging for wheelchairs and strollers, but otherwise the district is paved and easy to navigate.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water bottle, sunscreen, camera, layers for switching between indoors and outdoors

What to wear

Comfortable clothes and shoes for walking, hat, sunglasses

Not allowed

Climbing on monuments or fountains, public disturbances

Amenities

Cafés, restaurants, shops, bars, shaded squares, benches

Address 

The Savannah Historic District sits right in downtown Savannah and includes the city's iconic squares. If you’re in town, it’s difficult to miss it—get there on foot or by bike, taxi, tour, shuttle, and more.

Driving

Highway 17 will get you there. To offload your wheels, look for parking garages or street meters. Nab a Visitor DAYPASS to make parking a bit easier.

Public transportation

The Old Town Trolley and the free DOT Express shuttle are both easy ways to navigate Savannah’s historic side. You could also opt to simply walk, since the area is very pedestrian-friendly.

Best times to visit

Early morning or late afternoon offer the best light for photography and fewer crowds in the squares. It can get quite busy in the early afternoons, especially near pretty spots like Forsyth Park.

Best days to visit

Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends. Early Sunday mornings can be peaceful for walking through the squares, too.

Best months to visit

March through May and September through November usually mean pleasant weather, lower humidity, and smaller crowds.

Special events

Check out the St. Patrick's Day Parade, the Savannah Music Festival in March and April, the Savannah Jazz Festival in September, plus Christmas events and decorations in November and December.