90 Minute Historic Savannah Walking Haunted Bar Pub Crawl

Exploring Savannah’s Haunted Past and Vibrant Pubs: A 90-Minute Walking Tour

If you’re looking to combine history, ghost stories, and a bit of local flair into one short, engaging experience, this Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl might be just what you need. Offered by Full Moon Tours, this 90-minute walking journey takes you through some of Savannah’s most iconic and eerie spots, all while enjoying a few drinks at well-loved local taverns. While it’s not a full-blown bar-hopping extravaganza, it promises a taste of Savannah’s haunted legends along with its charming streets.

What we love about this experience is how it balances storytelling with sightseeing. The guide’s knowledge and personal anecdotes bring the city’s haunted tales to life in a way that’s both fun and educational. The tour’s short duration makes it accessible for even the busiest schedules, and the focus on historic sites adds depth beyond your typical pub crawl.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that some reviewers have noted the tour can be a bit rushed, and the number of pub stops might feel limited for those really wanting to sample Savannah’s bar scene. Still, if you’re after an authentic, story-rich exploration that mixes history with a spooky twist, this tour is likely to suit you well—especially if you enjoy a good ghost story and a bit of local lore.

Key Points

• Balanced mix of haunted stories and historic sights
• Short, flexible duration perfect for busy schedules
• Knowledgeable guides providing personal and insider insights
• A great choice for groups wanting a fun, atmospheric experience
• Limited pub stops may mean fewer drinks, but more storytelling
• Ideal for those interested in Savannah’s ghostly history and historic architecture

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and First Stop: Colonial Park Cemetery

Your journey begins at Colonial Park Cemetery, Savannah’s oldest burial ground, with stories that send shivers down your spine. This is the last remaining Colonial Period Cemetery still above ground and holds stories of yellow fever plagues, pit graves, and tales of people buried alive. Visitors love how the guide vividly describes the impact of Sherman’s troops nearly destroying this site, adding a layer of historical drama. As one reviewer noted, “You’re walking on the dead,” which reminds you that in Savannah, history and hauntings often overlap.

This stop offers a condensed yet impactful glimpse into Savannah’s haunted past, with just about 10 minutes allocated. It’s free to explore, but the stories shared by the guide make it come alive much more vividly.

Gothic Grandeur and Sacred Grounds: Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

Next, you walk to the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, an architectural marvel recognized as one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in America. While the cathedral’s spiritual significance is clear during the day, at night, it takes on an even more mysterious air. The guide shares stories about how this cathedral plays a role in the city’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and its long-standing presence in Savannah.

The 15-minute stop allows you to admire the intricate details of the building, and the guide’s commentary adds context about Savannah’s religious and architectural history.

The Hamilton-Turner House and Haunted Residences

Moving on to the Hamilton-Turner House, you’ll hear about its connection to the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. This historic home has its dark tales — stories of accidental deaths, murders, and lingering spirits said to still haunt its halls. Reviewers appreciate the personal stories shared here, which add a layer of authenticity and intrigue.

Madison Square and Civil War Legends

The tour then takes you to Madison Square, home to the statue of Sergeant William Jasper, celebrated for his heroic deeds during the Siege of Savannah. You’ll also learn about Sherman’s 1864 occupation and the tragic fates of some local figures like Francis Sorrell’s wives. The guide recounts stories of suicides, hangings, and voodoo practices linked to the Sorrell-Weed House—stories that truly give you chills.

This stop, around 10 minutes long, offers a fascinating peek into Savannah’s turbulent history, blending war stories with ghost tales.

The Pinkie Master and Local Tavern Charm

A highlight for many is a quick visit to Pinkie Masters, a beloved dive bar with deep roots in Savannah’s social fabric. Here, you can hear about the friendship between former President Jimmy Carter and the bar’s owner. Reviewers mention Pinky’s as one of the best dive bars in America, and it’s the perfect spot to imagine how locals have been living and drinking through Savannah’s centuries of history.

Historic Square and Ghostly Encounters

Chippewa Square is next, famous for its connection to the city’s haunted reputation. The stories of bodies buried in walls, fires, murders, and wars make it clear why Savannah is nicknamed “The City Built Upon The Dead.” Ghost stories about orbs and paranormal experiences are common here, and the guide shares fascinating tales of the square’s haunted theater and local inns.

Final Stop: McDonough’s Restaurant & Lounge

The tour winds up at McDonough’s, a historic building that has served as a bar, restaurant, grocery store, and Civil War hospital. The stories of blood, death, and an unhappy grocer add a ghostly dimension to this final stop. The guide recounts that even Billy Lee, the longtime operator, once felt uneasy living in the apartment built upstairs.

What You Can Expect: Practical Details and Atmosphere

This tour, priced at just $19 per person, offers impressive value considering the amount of storytelling and sightseeing packed into 90 minutes. The group size is capped at around 30, which helps ensure that everyone can hear the guide’s stories, often delivered with a mix of humor and historical insight.

The guide, often praised for being knowledgeable and personable, personalizes the experience with insider details and stories not easily found in guidebooks. Reviewers mention Craig as a standout guide—entertaining, well-informed, and engaging. His personal anecdotes make the tales more vivid.

The tour starts at Chippewa Square at 7:15 pm, making it ideal for an evening activity that doesn’t require a late night out. It’s a good choice for those who want a compact experience, combining history, ghost stories, and a taste of Savannah’s tavern culture.

What’s Not Included

Remember, alcohol isn’t included, so you’ll be responsible for purchasing your own drinks at the stops. The focus is more on storytelling than on drinking, but as one reviewer noted, the tour weaves in the sights and stories with a relaxed pace that makes it easy to enjoy a drink or two along the way.

Accessibility and Logistics

The tour is accessible for most travelers, with service animals allowed. It’s conveniently located near public transportation options, making it easy to find the meeting point at Chippewa Square. The entire experience is designed to be manageable even for those with limited mobility or tight schedules.

Authentic Feedback from Reviewers

Many guests found the storytelling to be a highlight. One reviewer noted, “Craig was great; his storytelling was great, and Savannah is an absolute gem,” emphasizing how a knowledgeable guide can make all the difference. Others appreciated the atmosphere, mentioning that the route took them through some of Savannah’s prettiest neighborhoods and historic areas—adding a visual element to the tales.

Some critiques point out that the tour could have more pub stops or that it felt a little rushed at times, but overall, guests enjoyed the mix of history and hauntings. One reviewer said, “Our guide shared personal stories and kept the pace just right,” reflecting how the tour balances information and atmosphere.

On the downside, a few unlucky guests experienced issues with booking or guide availability, which highlights the importance of booking well in advance and confirming details.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This 90-minute haunted pub crawl is ideal for travelers eager to combine Savannah’s ghost stories with its historic sites without committing to a long night. It’s especially suited for groups interested in local lore, architecture, and a lively storytelling atmosphere. The focus on history and personal anecdotes means it’s as much about learning as it is about having fun.

Those with a curiosity for Savannah’s darker past will find this tour a compelling way to see some of the city’s most haunted and significant landmarks. It offers a great balance of storytelling, sightseeing, and a taste of local tavern culture—all within a manageable time frame.

If you’re looking for a reasonably priced, engaging experience that blends history, ghost tales, and a bit of Savannah’s famous hospitality, this tour is worth considering. Just be sure to book in advance and come ready for a lively, spooky walk through one of America’s most haunted cities.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Since it’s a pub crawl with stories of murders, hangings, and voodoo, it might be better for older kids or teens who enjoy ghost stories. It’s not explicitly designed for children, and alcohol consumption is part of the experience.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a quick but immersive way to explore Savannah’s haunted history.

Are drinks included?
No, you’ll need to purchase your own drinks at the stops. The tour emphasizes storytelling and sightseeing rather than bar-hopping.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Chippewa Square and concludes at Madison Square, conveniently located in Savannah’s historic district.

Is it accessible for people with mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed, but walking is involved, so consider your personal mobility needs.

What is the guide like?
Reviewers praise guides like Craig for their storytelling, knowledge, and personal anecdotes that make the experience memorable.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Is this a good tour for couples or friends?
Absolutely. It’s a fun, atmospheric way to explore Savannah together, with plenty of stories and some local tavern charm to enjoy.

Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost enthusiast, or just looking for a unique way to see Savannah at night, this walking pub crawl offers a compact, engaging experience that mixes spooky tales with charming city sights. It’s a lively, informative stroll that highlights Savannah’s haunted reputation without requiring a long commitment.