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Savannah's Self-Guided Walking Tour: River Street to Forsyth Park

By Brittany Howard

Beautiful River Street. Courtesy of Wheel the World.

Laces tied. Shades on. Sunscreen sprayed. Sounds like we’re ready because this walking guide is the full Savannah monty. From the river to the squares, shops to the monuments, we're covering the city's iconic grid, weaving through historic squares and the landmarks that help tell Savannah's story before arriving at Forsyth Park.

Some routes will be short, others we'll take the long way around. Although charting your own course is always encouraged, consider this your point of reference. Since this is an extended journey, why not start at the beginning?

Where it Began in 1733

River Street

You are here.

When General James Oglethorpe and his fellow passengers arrived on Yamacraw Bluff in 1733, it's hard to imagine they pictured the lively waterfront Savannah would become. What was once dense forestry, sand and open bluff now hums with rooftop toasts, riverfront strolls and the unmistakable sound of cargo ships drifting down the Savannah River.

For many visitors, River Street is the starting point. The 200+ year-old cobblestones. The crowds of smiling faces. The scent of sugar and seafood floats through the air. Your eyes can't help but dance left and right.

We’re currently near the western riverfront, arguably the ideal middle ground. From here, we'll get more acquainted with our surroundings.

East

To the east, you’ll find the ticket office for Savannah Riverboat Cruises along with sweet shops like River Street Sweets and Savannah's Candy Kitchen & Bakery. There’s River Street Inn and its accompanying speakeasy, The Bootlegger. Local favorites like Bob’s Your Uncle and Simply Savannah. She-crab soup is practically a rite of passage at The Shrimp Factory. Further east, the riverfront slowly transitions toward AC Hotel Savannah Historic District and Eastern Wharf, where marina views, waterfront dining and modern Savannah living all collide.

West

To the west, take a respectable pause at the African-American Monument before passing Hyatt Regency Savannah and The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront. The massive Waving Girl ferry crossing and river traffic alone are worth slowing down for. Continue west, and you’ll arrive at Plant Riverside District, a lively entertainment district filled with rooftop bars, live music, restaurants, shopping and enough energy to convince you to stay longer than planned.

riverboat on the Savannah River at sunset — Sail into the sunset on River Street.

A lounge bar with red velvet couches. — The Bootlegger

Indulge in one of our most cherished Southern favorites - shrimp and grits.

Discover Plant Riverside District, Savannah's premier entertainment hub.

arco_drinks and apps_b.howard.jpg — ARCO Cocktail Lounge + Coastal Flare

Pendant Terrace and Bar rooftop at sunset. — Pendant Terrace and Bar

Let’s Factor in Bay Street

Until the river calls us back, because it always does, let’s head above ground and take East Factors Walk for the two-minute skip to E. Bay Street.

“Not a stairs person? Elevators near Hyatt Regency Savannah and The Alida Hotel can take you topside, though the old ramps and stone stairways are part of the experience. You can also keep left and follow the curve toward Bull Street Ramp for a slower climb to Bay Street.”

Factors Walk

The cobblestones under your feet carry over to underground tunnels to the left and stone stairs off to the far right. Once we reach the top, you can’t miss City Hall’s gold dome, Bay Street ahead, the Washington Guns monument and Factors Walk to the left — where cotton was once priced during the 19th century.

Today, the 0.4-mile stretch of Factors Walk is home to shops, restaurants and hidden corners worth slowing down for, including Vic's on the River and ARCO Cocktail Lounge. The dreamy iron bridges spanning Factors Walk are draped in blooming jasmine in spring, while lush greenery hangs overhead year-round, making this stretch feel equal parts historic and quietly romantic.

As we cross Bay Street, you’ll spot numerous accommodations like The Drayton Hotel, Holiday Inn Express Savannah-Historic District, Hampton Inn Savannah-Historic District and Staybridge Suites Savannah Historic District alongside local restaurants and pubs such as Treylor Park, Double Wide Diner, Churchill's and PS Tavern. While Bay Street is a lively place to discover all on its own, let's set our sights on Bull Street, where Johnson Square awaits next.

Where Savannah Starts to Buzz

Johnson Square

(3 minutes from E. Upper Factor's Walk)

You are here.

Designed in 1733, Johnson Square was Savannah's very first square and quickly became the city’s commercial center. Today, the square is anchored by a monument honoring Revolutionary War hero General Nathanael Greene while surrounded by landmarks like Christ Church Episcopal, the soon-to-debut Recess Hotel & Club and one of the DOT shuttle’s busiest pickup spots along West Bryan Street.

As we continue south on Bull Street, you’ll spot Levy Jewelers to the left, a generational jewelry store dating back to the early 1900s just before reaching Broughton Street. Bull and Broughton are easily two of Savannah's most sought-after shopping streets where boutiques, spas and local shops casually blend between restaurants, sweet spots and keepsakes.

Take a left onto West Broughton Street where local favorites like Chive Seabar & Lounge, Flying Monk Noodle Bar, The Paris Market, Savannah Bee Company and Nourish line the street before our next right turn onto Barnard Street, where Ellis Square comes into view.

Ellis Square

(4 minutes from Johnson Square)

You are here.

Originally designed in 1733, Ellis Square was once home to Savannah’s historic City Market before eventually being restored into the lively gathering place visitors enjoy today. Its popular splash pad transforms after dark with synchronized music, dancing fountain jets and colorful light displays.

Surrounding the square are dining favorites like Sorry Charlie's Oyster Bar and Little Duck Diner, as well as ANDAZ Savannah and the entrance to City Market on West Saint Julian Street.

City Market

Inside City Market, galleries, restaurants, live music and local shops fill the historic four-block district. Stop into places like Wexford-Savannah's Irish Pub, Charleston Shoe Company and Spartina 449 or visit the American Prohibition Museum, America's only museum dedicated entirely to Prohibition. Before leaving, slip upstairs to Congress Street Up, where prohibition-inspired cocktails are part of the experience. Nearby, you’ll also find the Savannah Pirates & Treasures Museum and numerous art galleries showcasing local and regional creatives.

Photo courtesy of Chive Seabar & Lounge — Chive Seabar & Lounge

Nour-ish Savannah bath and body products including candle, soap, scrubs and bath bombs on a wooden surface. — Unrefined and aromatically divine. Nourish Savannah takes an organic approach to clean, high-quality products.

A large crowd of people enjoying an outdoor festival. — In City Market, the music plays and the crowd moves with it.

Actors in pirate costumes perform inside Savannah’s Pirates and Treasure Museum while a child smiles and holds a sword. — Step into the action at Savannah’s Pirates and Treasure Museum.

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Savannah, Unhurried

From West Saint Julian Street, let's take a left onto Jefferson Street until we reach West State Street.

Telfair Square

(5 minutes from City Market)

You are here.

Designed in 1733 as St. James Square, Telfair Square was later renamed in honor of Edward Telfair, a three-time governor of Georgia and patron of the arts.

Telfair is Savannah's artistic playground, surrounded by Telfair Academy, the Jepson Center and nearby cultural landmarks that keep creativity woven into everyday life. Nearby, Trinity United Methodist Church adds another layer of historic beauty to the square.

As we continue east along West State Street, the scent of smoked barbecue from Savannah Smokehouse tends to travel before you do. Along the way, local spots like Harper Boutique, Bella Napoli Savannah and the historic Lutheran Church of the Ascension guide us toward Bull Street and our next stop, Wright Square.

Wright Square

(4 minutes from Telfair Square)

You are here.

Designed in 1733, Wright Square was named for Sir James Wright, Georgia’s final colonial governor. The square carries some of Savannah's deepest historical weight, including the memorial to Tomochichi, the Yamacraw chief who welcomed General Oglethorpe and the first colonists upon arrival.

Surrounded by towering oaks and historic architecture, Wright Square feels quieter than some of Savannah's busier gathering places — a pause between the energy of downtown and the slower rhythm still waiting ahead.

Reynolds Square

(6 minutes from Wright Square)

Additional Nearby Squares

(3-5 minutes from Reynolds Square)

A short stroll from Reynolds Square will bring you to Oglethorpe Square and Columbia Square, two serene squares that reward visitors willing to wander a little beyond the main route.

A historic four-level home in Savannah, GA restored as a B&B. — Foley House Inn

A young couple walking away from the Savannah Theatre in Savannah, GA. — The historic Savannah Theatre never fails to entertain.

There's local creativity around every corner. Courtesy of shopSCAD.

green-meldrim_a.connor.png — Green-Meldrim House

A couple strolling through Monterey Square in Savannah, GA. — In Monterey Square, even a simple walk becomes a moment worth remembering.

The Savannah You've Been Picturing

This is what we call the scenic route. True postcard territory.

From Reynolds Square, follow East Congress Street west until you reach Bull Street, then continue south. Along the way, you'll pass the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, childhood home of the Girl Scouts founder and one of Savannah's most treasured landmarks. Just ahead, favorites like The Collins Quarter and the towering Independent Presbyterian Church help frame one of the most photographed stretches of the Historic District.

Continue south and our next square comes into view.

Chippewa Square

(9 minutes from Reynold's Square)

You are here.

Designed in 1815, Chippewa Square was named to commemorate the Battle of Chippewa during the War of 1812. At its center stands a bronze statue of General James Edward Oglethorpe, Savannah's founder, facing south toward what was once Spanish Florida.

Chippewa is one of Savannah's most recognizable green spaces, surrounded by landmarks including First Baptist Church, Savannah Theatre, Foley House Inn, Gallery Espresso and the historic Eastman-Stoddard House.

Lovingly known as "Forrest Gump Square" by many visitors. While the famous bench now resides in a museum, the bus stop scenes from the Oscar-winning film were filmed on the square's north end, helping make Chippewa one of Savannah's most photographed and visited squares.

Madison Square

(5 minutes from Chippewa Square)

You are here.

Designed in 1837, Madison Square was named in honor of James Madison, the fourth president of the United States. At its center stands a monument to Sergeant William Jasper, a Revolutionary War hero who fell during the Siege of Savannah in 1779. A nearby granite marker marks the southern line of the British defenses during the battle.

Surrounding the square are some of Savannah's most recognizable landmarks, including St. John's Church, Green-Meldrim House, Sorrel-Weed House, shopSCAD and Gryphon Tea Room. Beneath a canopy of live oaks and surrounded by centuries of architecture, Madison Square feels like a place where Savannah's stories never stop unfolding.

We're officially in the whimsical home stretch of this guided trek.

As we continue south on Bull Street, we'll cross East Jones Street, arguably one of the prettiest streets in Savannah. Known for its photo opportunities, self-paced strolls and charming brick-and-clamshell sidewalks, it's the kind of street that encourages you to slow down, even if only for a moment. At the corner of Jones and Bull, take a peek inside Jones & Bull where vintage, classic and modern treasures fill the historic space.

Continue across East Taylor Street and you'll arrive at one of Savannah's most famous — and perhaps most scandalous — squares.

Monterey Square

(4 minutes from Madison Square)

You are here.

Designed in 1847, Monterey Square was named to commemorate the Battle of Monterey during the Mexican-American War, where Savannah's Irish Jasper Greens fought with distinction. At the center stands a monument honoring Casimir Pulaski, the Polish nobleman who was mortally wounded during the Siege of Savannah while fighting for American independence.

Surrounding the square are some of Savannah's most iconic landmarks, including Congregation Mickve Israel and the famed Mercer-Williams House Museum. Thanks to its starring role in Savannah lore, architecture and true-crime intrigue, Monterey Square has earned a reputation as one of the city's most photographed and talked-about destinations.

The Coup de Grâce

This is the moment.

As we continue south on Bull Street, the striking white façade of the restored Armstrong Kessler Mansion offers a gorgeous introduction to what lies ahead in Savannah's Victorian District.

Then it happens.

Cross West Gaston Street and the northern entrance to Forsyth Park opens before you. The fountain many have seen in countless photos finally comes into view.

And somehow, it feels understated.

Because no photograph quite captures what it's like standing here in person.

Forsyth Park

(3 minutes from Monterey Square)

You are here.

Named for Georgia Governor John Forsyth, this 30-acre park has served as Savannah's front yard since the 1800s. Its iconic cast-iron fountain, installed in 1858 and inspired by the fountains of Paris' Place de la Concorde, has become one of the most photographed landmarks in the South.

Today, Forsyth Park is much more than its fountain. Victorian homes frame its edges while visitors gather for Saturday farmers markets, concerts at the bandshell, pickup soccer games, picnics beneath the oaks and leisurely strolls beneath the Spanish moss. Tennis courts, basketball courts, playgrounds and wide-open green spaces make it just as popular with locals as it is with visitors.

Surrounding the park are beloved landmarks, including Hotel Bardo Savannah, Collins Quarter at Forsyth and the SCAD Deloitte Foundry building.

How easy was that? You've officially walked from Savannah's riverfront to its most iconic park. Now we can say you've reached your destination — and discovered so much more in between.

collins_quarter_forsyth_park_6_collins_quarter_at_forsyth_park.jpg — Collins Quarters at Forsyth

photoshoots_forsyth_forsyth_north_end_bikes_bench_geoffsphotos_09_1.jpg — Forsyth Park

Exterior of Hotel Bardo Savannah, a red-brick historic building with a turreted corner, arched windows, palm trees and a tree-lined street in the foreground. — Hotel Bardo Savannah blends historic architecture with modern luxury in the heart of the city.

A couple walking through Forsyth Park with the fountain in the background. — Forsyth Park

Hotel Bardo Savannah - Resort — Hotel Bardo Savannah

Hotel Bardo - Pool Suite — Hotel Bardo's luxurious Pool Suite

Ready for More?

This route highlights Savannah's most iconic squares and landmarks, but nearby squares such as Lafayette, Pulaski, Chatham, Crawford, and Whitefield are also worth exploring for those willing to continue beyond Forsyth Park.

Mentioned in this Article

Bob's Your Uncle - Fannie's Your Aunt

Double Wide Diner

PS Tavern

Wright Square

Lucas Theatre For The Arts

Gallery Espresso

shopSCAD

Congregation Mickve Israel

Diverse & Distinct

Neighborhoods & Communities

Historic and hip, Savannah’s neighborhoods are full of character. Tour the city and see gorgeous gardens, bustling boutiques, edgy artwork and stately Victorian-era homes.