Stroll Savannah’s Most Beautiful Streets: Top 5 Routes to Explore
Welcome to Savannah, Georgia’s oldest city, full of Southern charm. We’re excited to guide you through some of Savannah’s most stunning streets. Our historic district, covering two square miles, is perfect for walkers. It has 22 beautiful squares to explore.
Savannah’s design, by General Oglethorpe in 1733, encourages walking. You’ll find oak-lined paths and cobblestone streets with old buildings. Every corner has a story, whether you love history or nature.
We’ve picked five routes to highlight Savannah’s beauty. Each path shows a different part of our city’s heritage. From River Street to the Cathedral District, get ready to experience Savannah’s beauty and history.
Beautiful Streets in Savannah: A Journey Through History
Savannah, Georgia, was founded in 1733. It’s a place filled with history and beauty. Let’s explore the oldest city in Georgia, where every street has its own story.
The historic district has 22 town squares. It gives us a peek into the past. At the same time, it shows the city’s lasting charm.
Historic District’s Oak-Lined Pathways
Walking through Savannah’s historic district, we see huge Savannah oak trees. They are covered in Spanish moss, creating a mysterious canopy. Jones Street is especially beautiful, with its tall trees and historic homes.
Cobblestone Streets and Antebellum Architecture
Our walk takes us on cobblestone streets, filled with the sounds of the past. These paths lead to amazing antebellum buildings, like the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences. The Mercer-Williams House, known from “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” shows Savannah’s architectural beauty.
Spanish Moss and Southern Charm
Spanish moss adds Southern charm to Savannah’s streets. It covers the Victorian “Painted Ladies” on Jones Street and the Gothic Revival churches. The Owens-Thomas House, with its English Regency style, adds to the city’s unique beauty.
Forsyth Park to Madison Square Route
Our journey starts at Forsyth Park in Savannah’s historic district. This 30-acre green space is a perfect spot for a scenic walk. Along the way, we’ll see hidden gardens and historic mansions before reaching Madison Square.
The Iconic Forsyth Park Fountain
The centerpiece of Forsyth Park is its stunning fountain, installed in 1858. It’s modeled after Parisian designs and attracts visitors worldwide. The park has wide open spaces, lush gardens, and facilities for all to enjoy.
Hidden Gardens and Historic Mansions
Leaving Forsyth Park, we find hidden gardens and historic mansions. These grand homes show off Savannah’s antebellum architecture. A notable stop is the Sorrel-Weed House near Madison Square, known for its ghost stories.
Madison Square’s Military Monuments
Our journey ends at Madison Square, with memorials from the Revolutionary War. The square is surrounded by significant architecture, giving a peek into Savannah’s military history. It’s one of 22 squares from General Oglethorpe’s original plan in 1733.
This 3 ½ mile walk from Forsyth Park to Madison Square captures Savannah’s essence. It combines natural beauty, historic homes, and military heritage. This walk offers a full view of the city’s unique charm.
River Street and Waterfront Promenade
River Street Savannah is a mix of old charm and modern vibes. It has over 70 shops, galleries, and restaurants in old cotton warehouses. Walking along the cobblestone street, we see a working harbor that shows the city’s sea history.
The waterfront promenade lets us dive into Savannah’s past. We can see the Waving Girl Statue in Morrell Park, honoring Florence Martus. The African-American Monument and Oglethorpe Bench also highlight the area’s history.
Shoppers will love River Street. The Byrd Cookie Company, baking since 1924, has delicious treats. Exotic Cigars and Gifts offers unique items. Christmas on the River has brought holiday joy for nearly 40 years.
Food lovers can enjoy fresh seafood at Fiddler’s Crab House, in an 1850s warehouse. For a fancy meal, 45 Bistro, built in 1852, is perfect. After dinner, Churchill’s Pub or District Live offer live shows.
The River Street Visitor Information Center helps us explore. With free Express Shuttle and Savannah Belles Ferry, getting around is easy.
Cathedral District and Lafayette Square Path
Explore the magical Cathedral District and Lafayette Square Path. This route highlights Savannah’s rich history and stunning architecture. It features some of the city’s most beautiful landmarks and squares.
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Views
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is a highlight of this path. It stands 214 feet tall with 81 stained glass windows and 16 gargoyles. It shows Savannah’s deep religious roots and architectural skill.
The cathedral’s inside is open to visitors at certain times. It offers a peek into its detailed design.
Historic Hamilton-Turner Inn Area
Walking through Lafayette Square, we see buildings from the 19th century. The Hamilton-Turner Inn and Andrew Low House are examples of Savannah’s architecture. This square is one of 23 original squares in Savannah’s grid system.
Architectural Landmarks Along the Way
Our journey passes by many architectural gems. The Green-Meldrim House, an Italianate beauty, is the parish house for St. John’s Episcopal Church. For a view of these wonders, visit the Peregrin rooftop lounge. It offers stunning views of the historic district.
