1 Day Trip to Savannah

2014-08-13T14:20:59-04:00

What to do on a 1 Day Trip to Savannah

(Printable Ver.)

A Sample Itinerary for a 1 Day Visit to Savannah

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The 5 Crown Jewel Squares (on Bull St) are indicated with '*'

Savannah Visitor's Center

Visit the Visitors Center - 30 Min.

Take Trolley Tour - 90 Min.

From the Visitor's Center parking lot turn right on to MLK Jr Blvd (South).

Walk 1/2 block and turn left on to West Liberty Avenue.

Walk 1 block to Orleans Square (0.3 Miles, 6 Minutes)

Map (Visitor's Center to Orleans Square)

Orleans Square

German Societies Fountain

Points of Interest:

Savannah Civic Center

Harper Fowlkes House

German Societies Fountain - Center of Orleans Square

Orleans Square was laid out in 1815 and commemorates General Andrew Jackson's victory in the Battle of New Orleans. Orleans Square is located on Barnard, between Hull and Perry Streets, and is adjacent to the Savannah Civic Center.

The German Memorial Fountain stands in the center of the square. It honors the German immigrants who came to Savannah. There are several buildings designed and built by prominent architects and builders between 1800 and 1875 that are located around Orleans Square.

Leave Orleans Square and walk 3 blocks South on Barnard Street to Pulaski Square (0.2 Miles, 5 Minutes)

Map Orleans Square to Pulaski Square)

Pulaski Square

Pulaski Monument
Points of Interest:

Pulaski Monument - Center of Pulaski Square

Interesting paired and row houses that are Italianate and Greek revival style with beautiful restored gardens.

Pulaski Square was laid out in 1837 and is named for General Casimir Pulaski, a Polish-born Revolutionary War hero who died of wounds received in the Siege of Savannah in 1779. Pulaski square is located on Barnard, between Harris and Charlton Streets and is known for its live oaks.

The neighborhood around Pulaski Square has many interesting homes. Many are paired houses, row houses, center hall floor plans and five bay houses. Italianate, Greek revival style was extensively used when designing these homes. They are mostly two to four stories in height and behind the brick walls are beautifully restored gardens.

Leave Pulaski Square and walk 4 blocks South on Barnard Street to Chatham Square (0.2 Miles, 4 Minutes)

Map (Pulaski Square to Chatham Square)

Chatham Square

Chatham Square
Points of Interest:

Barnard Street School (now owned by SCAD).

A set of buildings called Gordon Row

Chatham Square was laid out in 1847 and named in 1851 for William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham. Chatham Square was one of the last Squares to be built. The square is located on Barnard, between Taylor and Gordon Streets.

Chatham Square is a beautiful and peaceful place to relax with the old oak trees giving the square a lot of shade especially on a hot summer day.

There are two buildings of interest at Chatham Square. The first is the Barnard Street School (now owned by SCAD). This historic structure, completed in 1901, is located at 212 West Taylor Street is known for its distinctive Italian tile roof. The Square was used as a playground for the students of the Barnard Street school. The other interest is a set of buildings called Gordon Row. It is a series of 15 four story homes in a row. Today they are used as rental properties.

Leave Chatham Square and walk 2 blocks on Barnard Street to West Gaston Street.
Turn left (East) on West Gaston Street.
Walk 2 blocks to the entrance to Forsyth Park. (0.2Miles, 5 Minutes)

Map (Chatham Square to Forsyth Park)

Forsyth Park *****

South end of Historic District (Intersection of Bull Street and Gaston Street)

Forsyth Fountain
Points of Interest:

Confederate Monument - South of the Fountain

Fragrant Garden - Located west of the Confederate Monument and adjacent to Whitaker Street behind a wrought-iron fence. Open 9:00a - 2:00p Monday through Friday.

Forsyth Park Fountain

The Candler 300 year Oak Tree

Although Forsyth Park is not one of the squares, it is a must see on any tour of the Squares. It is at the very Southern end of the Historical District.

Forsyth Park is the largest park in the historic district of Savannah Georgia. It was originally created in the 1840s on 10 acres of land. In 1851, the park was expanded and named for Georgia Governor John Forsyth. Mr. Forsyth also donated 20 acres of his land to increase the park to occupy 30 acres in the historic district of Savannah. The park is bordered by Gaston Street on the North, Drayton Street on the East, Park Avenue on the South and Whitaker Street on the West. Forsyth Park is located at the southern edge of the Historic District.

Forsyth Fountain in Forsyth Park. The most popular feature of Forsyth Park is the large fountain that sits at the north end of Forsyth Park. The fountain was built and added to Forsyth Park in 1858. It resembles fountains in Paris and Peru. Every year on St. Patrick’s Day the city of Savannah dyes the water in the fountain green in celebration of Savannah's deep Irish heritage.

All around the Forsyth Park Fountain are benches. On any given day you can find many people, especially locals, lounging on the benches, relaxing, reading or taking in the scenery.

Today Forsyth Park features walking paths, open areas, beautiful tree cover, a fragrance garden and Savannah's magnificent Confederate Monument.

Confederate Monument

The Confederate Monument is one of the largest Confederate monuments and is located at the far end of Forsyth Park pass the fountain. This impressive monument honored local Civil War veterans as well as those who had lost their lives in the bloody conflict. The Confederate Monument was erected in Forsyth Park in 1879.

Fragance Garden

Interior of the Fragrance Garden

Just southwest of the fountain is the Fragrant Garden for the Blind. It was created by the Trustees Garden Club of Savannah and has been around since 1963, but has only recently been opened to the public A treat for the senses, the plant name plaques also feature Braille writing. The garden is open 9am to 2pm Monday through Friday. It is located in Forsyth Park west of the Confederate Monument and adjacent to Whitaker Street behind a wrought- iron fence.

Forsyth Park Pavilion

Forsyth Cafe in Forsyth Park

Neighboring the Fragrant Garden is one of the park’s newest additions – the Forsyth Park Visitor’s Center, which was opened in 2009.The center consists of a stage, fountain and café. The stage, complete with a band shell, is the venue for many of Savannah’s public concerts and events. The café is great for a fresh sandwich or salad, coffee, tea or bottle of water.

300 Year Old Oak Tree

When leaving Forsyth Park, continue walking on Drayton Street (North towards the river).
When you get to East Gaston and Drayton Street you will see The Candler 300 year Oak Tree on the right.

After seeing the Candler 300 year Oak Tree continue walking 2 blocks (North towards the river) on Drayton Street.
Turn right on East Gordon Street and walk 1 block to Calhoun Square which will be on the left. (0.1 Miles, 3 Minutes)

Map (Forsyth Park to Calhoun Square)

Monterey Square *****

Monument to Brigadier General Kazimierz Pulaski
Points of Interest:

Armstrong Mansion

Mercer Williams House
Monday - Saturday 10:30a -3:40p | Sunday 12:30p - 4:00p

Temple Mickve Israel
Monday - Friday 10:00a -12:00p and 2:00p - 4:00p.
The tour lasts 30 to 45 minutes.
Closed on Jewish and federal holidays.

Monument to Brigadier General Kazimierz Pulaski - Center of Monterey Square

Monterey Square was laid out in 1847 and was named to commemorate the capture of the city of Monterey, Mexico in 1846. In the center of the square is a monument built to honor General Casimir Pulaski, a Polish nobleman who came to Savannah seeking a better life and sacrificed his life in the Siege of Savannah in 1779.

Directly facing the Monterey Square is the Mercer-Williams house which was featured in the book " Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil”. The Mercer-Williams House had begun being built around 1860 but was not completed until after the Civil War. The house was finally completed in 1871. It is located at 429 Bull Street.

This square also is home to Congregation Mickve Israel, which is one of the few Gothic-style synagogues in America, dating from 1878.

Monterey Square is located on Bull, between Taylor and Gordon Streets, and is widely considered to be the most picturesque of Savannah's squares. All of the surrounding buildings but one (the United Way Building) are original to the square.

Leave Monterey Square continue walking 4 blocks North on Bull Street to Madison Square (0.2 Miles, 3 Minutes)

Map (Monterey Square to Madison Square)

Madison Square *****

Monument to Sgt. William Jasper

Points of Interes:

Eliza Thompson House (Bed & Breakfast)

Gryphon Tea Room - 337 Bull Street

Masonic Temple

St. John Episcopal Church

Green Meldrin House
Tours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday - 10:00a - 4:00p
Saturday 10:00a - 1:00p
Tours are 30 minutes

Sorrel Weed House - Open to the public for tours

Monument to Sgt William Jasper - Center of Madison Square

Madison Square was named after the fourth President of the United States, James Madison. The square was laid out in 1837 and commemorates Sgt. William Jasper who fought in the Revolutionary War. In the center of the square is an 1888 statue of Sgt. William Jasper, a soldier in the Siege of Savannah who, though mortally wounded, heroically recovered his company's banner.

Madison Square also features vintage cannons from the Savannah Armory. These cannons mark the starting points of the first highways in Georgia, the Ogeechee Road leading to Darien and the Augusta Road to Augusta.

On the west side of Madison Square is St John's Episcopal Church which was built in 1853. Next door to the church is the Green-Meldrim House which was also completed in 1853. The Green-Meldrim House has beautiful iron work and unique features. On the south side is the Sorrel - Weed house built in 1841. On the southwest corner of Madison Square stands the Masonic Temple.

Leave Madison Square and continue walking 2 blocks North on Bull Street to Chippewa Square (0.2 Miles, 4 Minutes)

Map (Madison Square to Chippewa Square)

Chippewa Square *****

Monument to James Oglethorpe

Points of Interest:

Philbrick-Eastman House

Savannah Theater

First Baptist Church

Independent Presbyterian Church
Tours on Friday 9:00a-1:00p

Statue of James Oglethorpe - Center of Chippewa Square

Chippewa Square was laid out in 1815, after the Revolution, and was named in honor of American soldiers killed in the Battle of Chippewa during the War of 1812.

Chippewa Square is one of Savannah’s most popular Squares. In the middle of the Square is the monument to the founder of Savannah, James Edward Oglethorpe which was placed in the square in 1910.

Chippewa Square is intersected by Hull, McDonough and Perry Streets, with Liberty Street running the southern boundary of the ward.

Buildings of interest surrounding the square are the First Baptist Church, built between 1831 and 1833 and the Philbrick-Eastman House built in 1844. The First Baptist Church is the oldest house of worship in Savannah. The Independent Presbyterian Church, built in 1891, is located on the northwest corner of the square. Also, located on Chippewa Square is the Savannah Theatre. This theatre, built in 1818, is the oldest continually running theatre in the United States.

Leave Chippewa Square and walk 4 blocks North on Bull Street to Wright Square (0.2 Miles, 4 Minutes)

Map (Chippewa Square to Wright Square)

Wright Square *****

Gordon Monument
Points of Interest:

Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace (one block South of Wright Square)
Hours: March thru October:
Monday - Saturday 10:00a - 4:00p
Sunday 11:00a - 4:00p

Hours: November thru February:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Saturday 10:00a - 4:00p
Closed Wednesday
Sunday 11:00a - 4:00p

Ballastone Inn (Bed & Breakfast)

Old County Courthouse

Lutheran Church of Ascension - Open to the public from 9:00a - 2:00p

U.S. Courthouse

Gordon Monument - Center of Wright Square

Tomochichi Monument - Bull Street between West State and West York Streets on Wright Square

Wright Square is one of the original 4 Squares to be laid in 1733 by General Oglethorpe. Wright Square is located on Bull, between State and York Streets.

A courthouse has stood on this square since the time of Oglethorpe. Monthly auctions of livestock, government bonds, furniture and other goods were held in Wright Square.

Wright Square was the location of the Gallows in Colonial Savannah. The hangings which took place in Wright Square were public hangings. The first jail in historic Savannah was at the north end of Wright Square in the 1700's and 1800's. If any of the prisoners were sentenced to death they were sent to the gallows in Wright Square. After they were hung their bodies were simply buried right behind the gallows. Today, there is a CVS on the site of the jail and the Courthouse stands where the gallows once stood. The post office also stands on the square. It is located on the west side and was constructed in 1898. The current courthouse was built in 1889.

The Lutheran Church of the Ascension is located on the northeast trust lot. This is one of Savannah’s most loved churches and landmarks. It was built in the Norman and Gothic styles and has one of Savannah’s most dramatic church interiors.

Tomo-chi-chi Monument Originally, the grave site of Chief Tomo-Chi-Chi, the Yamacraw chief who offered peace and cooperation with the settlers, occupied the center of Wright Square after his death in 1739. More than 100 years later, after William W. Gordon brought immense wealth to Savannah by constructing a railroad which brought cotton to the docks and wharves of Savannah from distant plantations, the Savanahians felt that he should be honored by a memorial in Wright Square. Therefore, they removed Tomo-Chi-Chi’s grave and replaced it with a monument to Gordon, which is there today.

Gordon's widow objected strongly to this perceived insult to Tomochichi. She and other members of the Colonial Dames of the State of Georgia planned to erect a new monument to Tomochichi. A massive piece of granite from Stone Mountain, purchased and planned by William Gordon’s widow and other members of the Colonial Dames of Georgia, was erected in 1899 to honor Tomochichi. Tomochichi was laid to rest on the southeast side of Wright Square.

Leave Wright Square and walk 3 blocks on Bull Street (North) to Johnson Square (0.2 Miles, 4 Minutes).

Map (Wright Square to Johnson Square)

Johnson Square *****

Monument to Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene
Points of Interest:

Christ Church - 28 Bull Street

Monument to Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene - Center of Johnson Square

Johnson Square was laid out in 1733 and was the first of the original squares and is still the largest. Johnson Square is located on Bull, between Bryan and Congress Streets.

Johnson Square has two fountains and a sundial. The original sundial was replaced in 1933 and it still sits today on the south side of the square. You can also find a plaque and mosaic map of the early city in Johnson Square. There is also a white marble bench in Johnson Square which pays tribute to Johnny Mercer, Savannah's popular and successful songwriter.

Johnson Square contains a tall white obelisk memorializing the Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene. The cornerstone was laid in 1825. Greene, who was originally buried in the Colonial Park Cemetery, was re-interred under this monument in 1902.

On the east side of Johnson Square is the Christ Church (now known as Christ Episcopal Church), called the Mother Church of Georgia. This was the first church in historic Savannah.

Another landmark of Johnson Square includes the Johnson Square Business Center. This building, formerly known as the Savannah Bank Building, was the city's first "skyscraper", built in 1911. Johnson square is known as the financial district, or banking square, and many of the City's financial services companies are located here.

From Johnson Square continue walking North 335 feet on Bull Street to City Hall on Bay Street. On Bay Street, go to the right and visit Salzburger Park on the left side of the street and the Old Cotton Exchange also on the left side of the street.

From Bay Street, you can proceed down the cliff to River Street by some steep stone stairs set into the cliff, a cobber stone drive, or an elevator. Look for the first two if you wish to take one of those routes. If there is a gap in the buildings and you can clearly see the Westin Hotel on the other side of the river, then you are right next to a set of stairs.

The elevator is to the right of the Hyatt Hotel and it will take you down to River Street. The Elevator Exit is right behind the Visitor's Center on River Street. The elevator is the safest and most comfortable route from Bay Street to River Street. Because the elevator is not easily seen, locals use it much more than visitors. Proceed North on Bull Street to Bay Street (335 Feet, 1 Minute).

Map (Johnson Square to Bay Street)

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Fun things to do in Savannah GA - Savannah Historic District -1 Day Trip Itinerary