Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia is one of the most historically significant cities in the United States, founded in 1733 along the Savannah River. Known for its oak-lined streets, preserved colonial architecture, and distinctive grid of public squares, the city offers one of the most walkable and visually cohesive historic districts in the country.

Its layout of 22 historic squares is one of its defining features, creating a city design that blends green spaces, monuments, and surrounding historic architecture into a continuous walking experience.

🌳 Parks & Green Spaces

Forsyth Park is the city’s most recognized green space, featuring wide walking paths, shaded oak trees, and its iconic central fountain. It serves as a major gathering point within the historic district.

Adjacent to the park, the Forsyth Farmers’ Market (9am–1pm) operates as a seasonal open-air market offering local produce, baked goods, and artisan products.

The site of the original Trustees’ Garden reflects Savannah’s early colonial agricultural planning and settlement history, dating back to the city’s founding era.

🏛️ Historic Squares, Streets & Landmarks

Savannah’s identity is defined by its system of historic squares, each designed as a green public space surrounded by architecture, monuments, and cultural landmarks. These squares are what make the city one of the most walkable historic destinations in the United States.

Key historic squares include:

• Chippewa Square – one of the most recognizable squares, known for its connection to Forrest Gump

• Monterey Square – home to the Mercer-Williams House and one of the most architecturally significant areas

• Columbia Square – laid out in 1799, featuring preserved historic buildings and quiet residential character

• Madison Square – surrounded by notable historic homes and monuments

• Reynolds Square – one of the oldest squares, located near key downtown landmarks

• Johnson Square – Savannah’s first and largest square, established in the original city plan

• Wright Square – historically significant and centrally located within the grid

One of the most iconic streets, Jones Street, is widely considered one of the most beautiful residential streets in America, known for its tree canopy, historic homes, and preserved architecture. It is also culturally associated with the phrase “keeping up with the Joneses,” referring to social comparison and status.

Major landmarks within the historic district include:

• Mercer-Williams House – associated with Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

• Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist – one of the most important churches architecturally in the South

• Colonial Park Cemetery – Savannah’s oldest public cemetery

• Savannah Theatre (1818) – one of the oldest continuously operating theatres in the United States

• Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum – founder of the Girl Scouts

• Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters – preserved historic home with guided tours

• Kehoe House – widely associated with ghost stories and historic lore

• Isaiah Davenport House – first home preserved by the Savannah Foundation

🌊 Riverfront District & City Market

The Savannah Riverfront is a major waterfront area combining historic warehouses, cobblestone walkways, restaurants, and river views.

River Street is the central promenade of the district, known for its converted industrial buildings, dining, shopping, and active waterfront atmosphere.

Nearby, the Plant Riverside District (JW Marriott Savannah) is a redeveloped historic power plant complex that combines industrial heritage with modern entertainment, restaurants, and design.

City Market serves as a historic mixed-use district with galleries, dining, and nightlife located within restored market buildings.