Self-Guided ‘Old Squares of Savannah’ Solo Walking Tour

If you’re dreaming of strolling through Savannah’s charming streets and soaking up its historic charm at your own pace, this self-guided tour promises to be a flexible and budget-friendly way to explore. For just under $10, you get a smartphone-based guide that takes you through the city’s most picturesque squares, revealing stories that bring Savannah’s antebellum glory to life. While it’s not a guided tour with a live person, it offers a personalized experience suitable for independent travelers, history buffs, or anyone wanting to discover Savannah’s iconic landmarks on their own schedule.

What we love about this tour is how it combines accessible technology with a deep dive into the city’s historic architecture and famous film spots, like the bench from Forest Gump. Plus, the ability to stop and start whenever you like means you can tailor the experience to your interests and energy levels. However, there are a few considerations — some reviewers mention that the narration could be more polished and that navigation might not always be crystal-clear. This tour suits travelers who value flexibility, authentic sights, and a reasonable price point.

If you enjoy wandering at your own pace, learning about local history through self-guided audio, and discovering Savannah’s most photographed squares, this tour is well worth considering. It’s especially ideal if you’re comfortable with smartphone tours, don’t mind a bit of DIY navigation, and want to soak in the city’s beauty without a large group or high cost.

Key Points

• Flexible Schedule: You can download the tour and explore Savannah’s squares whenever it suits you.
• Personalized Experience: It’s just your group, so no crowds or noisy guides.
• Affordable Price: At $9.75, it offers good value compared to guided tours.
• Highlight on Historic Landmarks: From Reynolds Square to Chippewa Square, learn the stories behind these famous sites.
• Audio Content: Your smartphone narrates the stories, but some users find the narration could be clearer or more engaging.
• Includes Movie Filming Spots: See where Forest Gump was filmed and learn about Savannah’s vibrant film industry.

Exploring the Itinerary: What to Expect

This tour covers a wide stretch of Savannah’s historic core, focusing on the city’s renowned squares, each with its own story and character. Here’s a detailed look at each stop:

Reynolds Square

Your journey begins in Reynolds Square, a quiet spot with a spooky twist. You’ll hear about the Olde Pink House, one of Savannah’s most famous historic homes, and stories about the victims of malaria who once haunted this area. The review comments that this segment is “a bit historical and a bit spooky,” which sums up the atmosphere well. Expect to spend about three minutes here, making it a gentle start that sets the tone for the tour.

Lucas Theater

A quick stop outside the historic Lucas Theater offers a glimpse into Savannah’s entertainment history. The theater is still active today, and hearing its story adds a layer of cultural insight to your walk.

Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters

Next, you’ll pause outside the Owens-Thomas House, a prime example of Savannah’s historic architecture and a site with a complex past involving slavery. While the house itself is a museum (entry not included), the outside story about the slave quarters offers a sobering reminder of the city’s history. One review notes that the story of the house is “interesting,” though some visitors wish for more detail.

Davenport House Museum & Colombia Square

The Davenport House, another iconic Savannah property, is discussed from the outside. Its story reflects the city’s restoration movement and historic preservation efforts. Afterwards, you’ll stroll into Colombia Square, showcasing its famous fountain and charming ambiance. Expect a brief stop here, about three minutes, with the chance to snap photos and listen to local tales.

Wright Square

This is a highlight — and a favorite among visitors — as it’s where you learn about Tomochichi, the Yamacraw chief who helped establish Savannah. The story of his grave and the statue in the square is both historical and poignant. The review mentions spending around five minutes here, emphasizing its significance.

Wright Square Vintage & Retro Mall

Not just a shopping spot, this stop highlights Savannah’s film industry as one of the biggest filming locations in the world. Many famous movies have used Savannah as their backdrop, and this segment connects the city’s historic charm with modern Hollywood. It’s a brief, three-minute stop with a focus on Georgia’s thriving film scene.

Telfair Academy & Telfair Square

You’ll pass by the entrance of the Telfair Museum, the oldest art museum in the South. While entrance isn’t included, hearing the story of this art institution and the statues outside offers cultural context and a chance to appreciate Savannah’s artistic heritage. Expect to spend around three minutes here.

Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace

Ending your tour outside the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts, provides a lovely personal story of leadership and community service. It’s a quick stop, just three minutes, but one that leaves a lasting impression on the city’s contributions to social movements.

Final Stop: Chippewa Square

Your journey concludes at Chippewa Square, one of Savannah’s most recognizable squares thanks to Forest Gump. Sitting on the famous bench here is a memorable photo moment, and the square’s beauty makes it a fitting finale. The entire experience takes roughly 55 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes, but the flexibility means you can linger longer if you wish.

The Experience: Navigating and Using the Tour

The tour is delivered via your smartphone, which you download and access at your convenience. This plug-and-play approach is excellent for those who prefer self-paced discovery. However, some reviews point out that navigation and narration quality vary. For example, users mention that directions can sometimes be unclear or that the narration might need editing — “sometimes the directions are not easy to follow, especially when she says facing,” one reviewer noted.

You’ll need to enable location permissions for the tour to work optimally, especially for the GPS-based storytelling. If permission isn’t granted, you might find some segments less fluid, or the experience could feel disjointed, as one reviewer experienced. The good news is, the tour doesn’t expire, so you can take it at your convenience, even if you encounter technical hiccups initially.

Price and Overall Value

At just $9.75, this tour offers good value, especially considering the ability to explore Savannah’s squares without a guide. It’s perfect for budget-conscious travelers, solo explorers, or those who like the independence of self-guided adventures. While it doesn’t include museum entries or food, the detailed stories and scenic stops make this a worthwhile introduction to Savannah’s historic heart.

What the Reviews Say

Many reviewers appreciate the insightful stories and the scenic beauty of the squares. James S. highlights how the stories shed light on Savannah’s growth, and Lucille R. mentions that the experience is “very informative” and “worthwhile.” On the downside, others feel the narration could be more polished or that the interface isn’t entirely user-friendly — “the interface not user-friendly and abandoned it at the second square,” a reviewer noted.

Despite these mixed comments, the majority seem satisfied, especially with the authentic sights and the chance to see where films like Forest Gump were shot.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This self-guided tour is ideal for travelers who value flexibility and independent exploration. It’s perfect if you enjoy learning about local history while strolling through scenic parks and squares without feeling rushed or tied to a schedule. The price point makes it attractive for those who want a cost-effective way to get an overview of Savannah’s most famous sites.

It’s also suitable for those comfortable with using smartphone apps, as the narration and navigation depend heavily on your device. If you’re looking for a completely guided experience, with a live guide or group, you might prefer a traditional or group tour.

Finally, this tour offers enough insight and visual appeal to make it worthwhile for first-time visitors eager to get a sense of Savannah’s unique character through its historic squares and iconic landmarks.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
Yes, it’s a self-guided walk, so you can tailor it to suit children’s attention spans. Just be mindful that some stories are historical and may require explaining in simpler terms.

How long does the tour take?
It typically lasts around 55 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes, but you can take longer if you wish to linger at certain sites.

Do I need to print anything?
No, it’s a mobile ticket and app-based, so everything is on your smartphone.

Are museum visits included?
No, the tour covers exterior stories and sights. Entrance tickets to museums like Owens-Thomas House or Telfair Museum are not included.

What if I don’t have good cell service?
The tour relies on your smartphone’s GPS and data. Download the tour beforehand if you’re concerned about connectivity.

Can I do this tour at night?
Yes, the tour is available 24/7, but keep in mind that some sites are more atmospheric during the day, and lighting might affect your experience.

Final Thoughts

This Self-Guided ‘Old Squares of Savannah’ Tour offers a solid introduction to the city’s most picturesque spots at an unbeatable price. It’s a practical choice for independent travelers who appreciate history, scenery, and flexibility. While a few hiccups with narration and navigation are noted, the overall experience promises a memorable and authentic taste of Savannah’s charm.

Whether you want to snap photos of the famous squares, learn about the city’s founders, or just enjoy a leisurely walk, this tour makes it easy to do so on your own terms. It’s best suited for those comfortable with smartphone-based exploration and seeking a budget-friendly, insightful way to experience Savannah’s storied streets.

Happy walking, and enjoy discovering Savannah’s timeless beauty!