Historic Homes of Savannah Guided Walking Tour

Exploring Savannah’s Historic Homes: A Guide to the Guided Walking Tour

If you’re drawn to the charm of Southern architecture and stories of the families who built Savannah’s elegant mansions, the Historic Homes of Savannah Guided Walking Tour might be just what you’re looking for. Designed for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike, this two-hour stroll offers a blend of beautiful buildings, fascinating tales, and a glimpse into Savannah’s preservation movement.

What we love about this tour is the opportunity to get close to some of the city’s most iconic homes with a knowledgeable guide who brings the stories alive. Plus, the chance to see sites like the Davenport House—where Savannah’s preservation movement was launched—is a real highlight. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that the tour doesn’t include entry to the homes, which means additional costs if you want to go inside.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy outdoor walking, appreciate historic architecture, and want a curated narrative rather than just a bunch of facades. Whether you’re visiting Savannah for the first time or returning to explore deeper, this tour offers a compelling look at the city’s elegant past.

Key Points

• The tour focuses on Savannah’s most beautiful historic homes and their stories.
• It’s guided by an experienced, knowledgeable guide who shares detailed insights.
• The two-hour walk covers key sites and architecture, perfect for a leisurely paced exploration.
• Entry to the homes is not included, but the tour offers a rundown of their history.
• The tour is well-rated with a 4.5/5 based on over 100 reviews, reflecting consistent quality.
• It’s ideal for those interested in architecture, history, and Savannah’s preservation efforts.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Itinerary

The Historic Homes of Savannah tour begins at Warren Square, a central location that makes it easy to find and perfect for those staying in or near the historic district. The walk is about two hours, covering several notable homes and landmarks with an experienced guide leading the way.

Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters

Your first stop is the Owens-Thomas House, a circa 1816 mansion built by a prominent architect. Your guide will tell you who built it and lived there, and explain what makes this house special—its architecture, construction materials, and its survival through centuries. You’ll learn about the history behind the slave quarters on the property, a sobering reminder of the city’s complex past.

While tours of this house are available every hour, admission isn’t included in the tour price. Expect a quick overview rather than a lengthy inside visit, but the outside view combined with the guide’s narration makes it worthwhile.

Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum

Next, you’ll walk to the home where Juliette Gordon Low was born in 1860. This golden-colored house from 1818 is a vivid piece of Savannah’s history. Your guide will share stories about Juliette, founder of the Girl Scouts, and mention that William Tecumseh Sherman was once invited to dinner there—an unusual historical tidbit that sparks curiosity.

This stop offers a quick 15-minute look at the birthplace, giving you a sense of the woman who would go on to inspire millions of Girl Scouts worldwide. Entry costs are separate, but the exterior alone provides a picturesque glimpse.

Green-Meldrim House

Then, the tour moves on to the Green-Meldrim House, built around 1853. As Savannah’s most expensive home—costing about $93,000 at the time—it showcases Gothic Revival architecture with pointed arches and intricate woodwork. Your guide will introduce you to the Green family and their historical significance, including their role during the Civil War.

The Green-Meldrim House’s imposing presence and detailed architecture make it a highlight, especially for fans of Victorian design. You’ll spend about 15 minutes here, learning about its historical context and its role in Savannah’s history.

Davenport House Museum

Probably the most famous stop is the Davenport House, built circa 1820. This Federalist-style mansion is credited with sparking Savannah’s preservation movement in 1954. The house’s restoration was pivotal in changing Savannah’s approach to historic buildings.

Here, everyone gets a voucher to tour the interior after the walking tour, which is a significant perk. With an hour allocated, this is the most in-depth visit, allowing you to see authentic period interiors and hear stories about the house’s role in saving Savannah’s architectural landscape. Entry is included with the tour, making it a true highlight.

Hamilton-Turner House

Finally, the tour ends at the Hamilton-Turner House, now a bed and breakfast. Built in the Second Empire style, it was the first home in Savannah to be illuminated with electric lights. Legend has it that Walt Disney used this mansion as the pattern for the Haunted Mansion at Disney World—a fun fact for theme park fans.

This 15-minute stop provides a glance at the grandeur of Savannah’s Victorian homes, with your guide sharing colorful stories about its history and architecture. Entry isn’t included, but the exterior photo opportunities are plentiful.

The Value of the Tour: What You’re Getting and What You’re Not

At $35 per person, the tour offers a solid value considering the guided insights, scenic walking route, and access to the Davenport House. The guide’s expertise shines through, often receiving praise for their knowledge and storytelling ability. Multiple reviews mention how informative and entertaining the experience is, with some describing it as one of the best tours they’ve taken.

However, it’s important to remember that entry to the homes isn’t included except for the Davenport House. If you’re keen to step inside all the featured mansions, you’ll need to budget extra for tickets. This isn’t unusual in historic city tours, but it’s worth considering when planning your day.

The group size maxes out at 30, which strikes a balance between intimacy and enough people to keep it lively. The walking pace is leisurely, making it accessible even for those who prefer mild strolls rather than vigorous hikes.

Tour Logistics and Experience

Starting at Warren Square and ending at the Green-Meldrim House, the tour is designed for easy access. The two-hour duration ensures you get a good overview without feeling rushed, and the focus on architecture, stories, and preservation makes it particularly appealing to history lovers.

Most travelers appreciate the guide’s ability to answer questions and provide detailed context. Reviewers consistently highlight how much they learned—one describes it as a “full history lesson” with “lots of unique bits of history.” On the other hand, a few travelers note that the tour was shorter than expected or that some homes were not visited inside, which is typical but worth noting if interior access is a priority.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This guided walk is ideal for travelers who:

• Love architecture and want a visual appreciation of Savannah’s historic homes.
• Enjoy learning about local stories, families, and preservation efforts.
• Prefer a walking tour that covers a variety of sites in a manageable time frame.
• Are comfortable with light outdoor activity and standing for periods.
• Want to combine sightseeing with engaging storytelling from a knowledgeable guide.

It’s less suitable for those looking for long, inside-home tours or wanting to visit only a few select buildings. Since the tour is focused on the outside and the stories, visitors expecting detailed interior visits should plan for additional tickets.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Savannah’s elegant architecture and the stories behind the homes. With a knowledgeable guide, you gain insights that bring each building to life, making the facades more meaningful. The inclusion of the Davenport House, where the preservation movement started, is a big plus—adding depth to the experience.

While entry fees aren’t included for most homes, the tour’s overall value lies in the storytelling, scenic walk, and expert narration. It’s a particularly good choice for those who want a structured, informative, and leisurely exploration of Savannah’s historic district.

If you’re eager to see the city’s most stunning homes and hear their stories without the hassle of navigating alone, this tour will serve you well. For architecture lovers and history enthusiasts, it’s a practical, engaging way to deepen your appreciation for Savannah’s majestic past.

FAQ

Does the tour include inside visits to the homes?
Most of the homes are viewed from the outside during the tour, but the Davenport House is an exception where a voucher allows you to explore the interior afterward.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately two hours, covering several key homes and landmarks within that time frame.

Are admission fees included?
Admission to the Davenport House Museum is included; other homes are not, so you’ll need to pay separately if you want inside access.

What is the group size?
The tour accommodates up to 30 travelers, ensuring a manageable and engaging experience.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but given the outdoor walking and some standing, it’s best suited for those comfortable with mild activity.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Warren Square and concludes at the Green-Meldrim House, both centrally located in Savannah’s historic district.

Can service animals participate?
Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

If you’re looking for an engaging, well-informed walk through Savannah’s historic homes, this guided tour offers a fine mix of architecture, stories, and scenic strolling. It’s particularly ideal for those who appreciate knowledgeable guides and the chance to connect the buildings with the stories that make Savannah unique.