localtravelguide. Georgia · Historic Squares & River Street

Oak-Shaded Squares, Historic Homes & Riverfront Charm

Savannah,
Georgia.

From Forsyth Park's fountain and the 22 oak-shaded squares of the Historic District to River Street's cobblestones, Bonaventure Cemetery and Tybee Island's beach: discover the Hostess City of the South.

Information reviewed October 2026 · Live National Weather Service forecast for Savannah, GA.

The Forsyth Park fountain framed by live oaks and Spanish moss
Forsyth Park fountain

01 / Getting Here & Around

Fly Into SAV, Then Explore on Foot.

Savannah's Historic District is laid out in a grid of squares that's perfect for walking, with free shuttles and a ferry to help.

Airport

Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV)

The airport is about 20 minutes from the Historic District by car, with taxis, rideshares and rental cars available.

Hilton Head Island is about 45 minutes away.

SAV Airport Info ↗
Getting Around

Free DOT Shuttle & Savannah Belles Ferry

Chatham Area Transit's free DOT shuttle loops the Historic District, and the free Savannah Belles Ferry crosses the river to Hutchinson Island.

Most sights are a short walk from each other.

CAT Routes ↗

To-go cups: Savannah's Historic District allows open containers of alcohol in plastic to-go cups, within limits. Check the current rules and boundaries, and drink responsibly.

02 / Interactive Map

Savannah Historic District Map.

Filter by area or type, tap a pin for details, and save places to download as a shareable image.

03 / Iconic Stops

Fountains, Moss-Draped Squares & Cobblestone Riverfronts.

America's first planned city, preserved block by block.

Historic District

Forsyth Park

A 30-acre park anchored by its famous 1858 fountain, with a Saturday farmers market and shady paths under live oaks.

Park Guide ↗
Historic District

Historic Squares

Twenty-two leafy squares, many with monuments and fountains, make the city a joy to explore on foot; Chippewa and Lafayette are favorites.

Squares Guide ↗
Riverfront

River Street

Cobblestone ramps lead down to restored cotton warehouses filled with shops, restaurants and riverboat docks along the Savannah River.

River Street Guide ↗
Monterey Square

Mercer Williams House Museum

The Italianate mansion made famous by the book 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.'

House Tours ↗
East Savannah

Bonaventure Cemetery

A hauntingly beautiful 19th-century cemetery of oak-lined avenues, statues and river views.

Cemetery Info ↗
Tybee Island

Tybee Island Light Station

Georgia's oldest and tallest lighthouse, with sweeping views of the beach and Atlantic from the top.

Lighthouse Info ↗

04 / Savannah Eats

Shrimp & Grits, Pralines & Family-Style Feasts.

Southern comfort food and Lowcountry seafood rule the table.

Southern & Lowcountry

Expect shrimp and grits, fried chicken, crab stew and Lowcountry boils, with family-style Southern feasts at historic dining rooms around the squares.

Savannah Dining Guide ↗

Sweets & River Street Treats

Sample warm pralines from candy shops on River Street, and cool off with ice cream at long-loved parlors in the Historic District.

Sweet Treats ↗

05 / 3-Day Plan

The Essential Savannah Itinerary.

Squares, river views and a day at the beach.

  1. Day 1: Squares & Forsyth Park

    Walk from River Street through the Historic District's squares to Forsyth Park, touring a historic house museum along the way.

  2. Day 2: River Street & Bonaventure

    Explore River Street and City Market, take a riverboat cruise, and spend a peaceful hour in Bonaventure Cemetery.

  3. Day 3: Wormsloe & Tybee Island

    Walk Wormsloe's famous oak avenue in the morning, then drive to Tybee Island to climb the lighthouse and relax on the beach.

Heat, Storms & Night Walks

Lowcountry Conditions.

Summers are hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms. Walk in the morning and evening, rest in the shade of the squares, and drink plenty of water.

Stick to well-lit, busy streets at night, especially after tours, and watch your step on uneven sidewalks and River Street's cobblestones. Hurricane season runs June through November.

NWS Charleston Office ↗ · City of Savannah ↗
Cobblestones and historic warehouses on River Street
River Street at dusk

06 / Official Resources

Handy Links & Portals.

Tourism, transit, history and weather links for planning your Savannah trip.

Frequently Asked Questions.

How many squares does Savannah have?

The Historic District has 22 squares from the city's original plan, each with its own character, monuments and shade trees.

Do I need a car in Savannah?

Not for the Historic District, which is very walkable and served by the free DOT shuttle. A car or ride helps for Bonaventure Cemetery, Wormsloe and Tybee Island.

When is the best time to visit Savannah?

Spring, when the azaleas bloom, and fall offer the most comfortable weather. Summer is hot and humid, and St. Patrick's Day brings huge crowds in March.

How does the saved places list work?

Clicking "Save" on any location card or map marker stores it directly in your browser's local storage. You can filter the view to "Saved" or choose "Save list as image" in the place list beside the map to generate a clean PNG containing all your chosen stops and addresses for offline navigation.