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Savannah First-Timer's Guide

Plan the Perfect Trip to Savannah

Old Savannah Trolley Tours 1-Day Itinerary

• ITINERARIES , PLANNING , THINGS TO DO
• by Erin Clarkson

If you have only one day in the city and want to hit as many of the high points as possible, my Old Savannah Trolley Tours itinerary is the way to go!

You won’t need a car at all — you’ll just use the Hop-On/Hop-Off trolley to get around.

I’ve included my favorite suggested stopping points along the route for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts (of course)! I’ve also noted a few tours you might want to try.

Finally, I’ve made note of any reservations you’ll need to make in advance.

Note: This guide contains affiliate links to my trusted travel partners.

If you’re new around here, first of all… welcome . Thanks for stopping by!

My name is Erin, and I authored the Savannah First-Timer’s Guide . It’s a helpful ebook that contains all of my top tips about Savannah.

Trip Planning: Before You Go

If it wasn’t obvious by the title, I’ve based this itinerary on the Old Savannah Tours Hop-On/Hop-Off trolley .

It’s the one I recommend most since I always try to promote locally-owned businesses. They’ve been voted Best Trolley Tour in Savannah every year since 2003!

Technically you can do this itinerary using Old Savannah Tours Hop-On/Hop-Off trolley or Old Town Trolley’s Hop-On/Hop-Off option.

The stop numbers vary between the two, but otherwise they’re very similar!

NOTE: If you’re trying to decide which trolley tour would work best for you, my Savannah trolley tours review post includes a map and in-depth comparison chart of all the options.

Step 01: Purchase Your Trolley Tickets

• Purchase Old Savannah Tours Hop-On/Hop-Off Tickets
• Purchase Old Town Trolley Hop On/Hop-Off Tickets

Step 02: Research Restaurant Menus

There are a few restaurants along the trolley route that I recommend. I’ve linked to each one so you can check out the menus in advance to see which look the most appealing.

• Breakfast: Collins Quarter Cafe at Forsyth Park , Clary’s Cafe , Mirabelle Cafe , or J. Christopher’s
• Lunch: Vinnie Van Go Go’s or The Pirates’ House
• Dinner: Vic’s on the River

My personal favorites are Clary’s Cafe (locally-owned) or The Collins Quarter for breakfast and Vinnie Van Go Go’s (locally-owned) for lunch.

Related Post: A Local’s Guide to the Best Breakfast in Savannah’s Historic District

Step 03: What to Pack

On the day of your trip, bring a refillable bottled water, a pen for note-taking, and your camera.

Our rainy season peaks June through September, so you might also want to bring a travel rain poncho those months. They’re lighter and easier to carry than an umbrella.

Trolley Tour Parking

If you’re driving into Savannah and need to park your car, you can park for free in one of the lots owned by the trolley tour company you selected.

Each company owns two lots, and all of the lots are within an approximate 5-minute walk to the trolley departing point.

Old Savannah Tours Parking – Their larger lot is at 215 W Boundary Street – Their smaller (but closer) lot is at 255 Montgomery Street

Old Town Trolley Parking – 234 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. (closest lot) – 214 W Boundary Street

If the trolley company lots are full or if you have mobility issues and want to park as close to the starting point as possible, then I suggest parking at the Savannah Visitor Center.

Parking at the Visitor Center is free the first hour and $1/hr thereafter.

Savannah Visitor Center – 301 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Related Reading: Everything You Need to Know About Parking in Savannah

Old Savannah Trolley Tours Itinerary

Let’s plan your day.

Stop #1 (Starting Point): Savannah Visitor Center

The trolleys depart from the Savannah Visitor Center. If your hotel isn’t close to the Visitor Center, Old Savannah Trolley Tour company will send a shuttle to pick you up at no additional cost.

There are restrooms inside the Visitor Center, so you might want to take advantage of them before you depart.

If you forgot to bring a water bottle, you can purchase one inside.

Don’t worry too much about breakfast, because you can stop to eat within the first 30 minutes or so of this tour.

NOTE: If you’re a big Forrest Gump fan, the Savannah History Museum is located inside the Visitor Center. It’s where the famous Forrest Gump bench is located.

Breakfast & Non-Stop Trolley Ride

First things first, you’re going to relax and ride the trolley all the way around so you’ll get a good overview of the city and its history. You’ll only hop off for breakfast.

Use your pen to make notations on the map of any landmarks that look interesting to you!

Depending on which menu you liked best, you’re going to hop off at Stop 4, 5 or 6 to get some food in your belly!

Here are your breakfast options:

• Stop # 4: Collins Café at Forsyth Park – The setting is beautiful — right in the center of Forsyth Park — and the food and coffee are delish. You can’t go wrong with the Raspberry French Toast and a hot latte or refreshing strawberry mimosa.
• Stop #5: Clary’s Café – This is such a classic Savannah spot! It was featured in the movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil , so there are photos of the cast and crew hanging along the back wall. It’s a no-frills kind of place, but the staff is friendly, and you’ll get a very hearty breakfast. FYI: This is my favorite option!
• Stop #6: Mirabelle Café – This adorable Parisian-style café has a perfect view of the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. You absolutely can’t go wrong with any of the waffle options!
• Stop #6: J. Christopher – This is a nice all-around spot if you’re traveling with picky eaters. There’s something for everyone here! Service is usually quick, so it’s also a good option if you’re traveling with a large group of people.

After breakfast, hop back on the trolley and listen as the guide provides an overview of Savannah’s history. If you opt for Old Savannah Tours, a few characters will hop on the trolley to help bring history to life!

Related Reading: The Best Restaurants in Savannah, According to a Local

Savannah Visitor Center Break

After you’ve done the entire loop once, hop off at the Visitor Center for a little break.

This is a good time to “check out the restrooms” as my mom likes to say or to pick up brochures for some of the attractions that looked interesting to you.

Afternoon Hop-Off Trolley Ride

The second time around, you’re going to exit at any of the stops that looked appealing to you.

You’ll essentially create your own itinerary from the notes you made on your map, but I’m going to provide some suggestions to help out!

Stop #2: Chippewa Square – Hop OFF & Back ON

I adore this square and think it’s a good place to hop off.

Chippewa Square is known as the “Forrest Gump square”, since it’s where his famous bench scenes were filmed.

The bench was just a movie prop, so you won’t actually see it in the square (although there are plenty of other benches scattered about), but the square is very beautiful and so are the surrounding buildings.

📸 Photo Opportunities: My top suggestions include The Historic Savannah Theatre, Independence Presbyterian Church (also of Forrest Gump fame — the feather blew past it in the opening scene of the movie), and the haunted Foley House Inn. There are two beautiful homes on the square that you might also want to photograph.

Stop #3: Madison Square – Hop OFF & Back ON

Architecture fanatics should hop off at this stop to see the stunning Scottish Rite Building.

It’s not open for touring, but the street level is currently home to SCAD’s Gryphon restaurant.

The restaurant is a cozy place to stop for tea or a light lunch on a rainy day.

Another compelling reason to hop off is to venture inside adorable E.Shaver, Booksellers.

It’s one of my favorite bookstores in Savannah! It’s a great place to pick up local souvenirs or to visit with the cats that freely roam about the store.

If you’re a history buff (Civil War-era), make note that the Green-Meldrim House is where General Sherman was headquartered when he stayed in Savannah.

🎁 Souvenir Opportunities: Consider purchasing something by a local author at E. Shaver, Bookseller. My current favorite book by a Savannahian is “Sketching Savannah” by Ivan Chow.

📸 Photo Opportunities : The top photo opportunities at this stop include the stunning Scottish Rite Building, the charming E. Shaver Booksellers, the haunted Sorrel Weed House, and the historic Green-Meldrim House.

Stop #4: Forsyth Park – Hop OFF and Walk

Hop off here to see the famous Forsyth Fountain — one of the most classic photo locations in Savannah.

If you want to take a stroll, the homes on the Whitaker and Gaston sides of the street are prettiest.

My advice is NOT to hop back on the trolley when you finish at Forsyth Park, but to instead walk directly north on Bull Street.

You’ll pass an impressive white house at the north end of the park — that’s the Armstrong-Kessler Mansion.

You’re probably going to want to snap a selfie in front of it since it was in the movie “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”

Keep walking straight for one block and you’ll run into Monterey Square, which is one of my all-time favorite squares in Savannah. So many incredible homes and landmarks surround this square!

From there, stroll down Taylor Street two blocks east to Calhoun Square, where you’ll hop back on the trolley.

You’ll pass some beautiful homes on the way.

🎁 Souvenir Opportunity: V&J Duncan Maps and Antiques is a true hidden gem and a great place to purchase locally-authored books and unique maps.

🏠 Tour Opportunity: The Mercer Williams House is available for touring.

📸 Photo Opportunities: The stunning Alex Raskin Antiques building, which is one of the oldest unrestored mansions remaining in Savannah; Congregation Mickve Israel, the third oldest Jewish synagogue in the country; and the Mercer Williams House, which was also made famous by Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil .

Stop #5: Calhoun Square – Hop Back ON

Massie Heritage Center is the main draw at this stop. Venture inside if you want…they have a cool 3D model of the Historic District.

There’s also a beautifully restored home located at 432 Abercorn Street that’s so pretty you might want a picture of it.

You’d probably never guess by looking at it, but some people think it’s one of the most haunted homes in Savannah !

Calhoun Square itself is also considered haunted, since it’s reportedly the site of a mass slave burial ground.

Historic Wesley Monumental Church, established in 1868, also sits on this square.

It’s a fairly boring stop, so I don’t recommend spending too much time here. Hop back on the trolley at this location to head to the next one!

📸 Photo Opportunities: Calhoun Square and Wesley Monumental Church, plus a few of the surrounding homes

Stop #6: The Cathedral of St. John – Hop OFF & Back ON

The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist is one of the most incredible sights in all of Savannah.

Definitely go inside, since the interior is breathtaking and very photo-worthy.

There’s no cost to enter, but you’re welcome to leave a few dollars at the donation station by the door.

Donations help with the maintenance of the building…and that lovely air conditioning you’ll enjoy while inside.

If you’re not running low on time, walk across Liberty Street to see historic (and haunted!) Colonial Park Cemetery .

It’s filled with historic gravesites from duels, wars, and the Great Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1820.

Head back to the Cathedral to hop back on the trolley after you’ve seen the cemetery.

📸 Photo Opportunities: The interior and exterior of Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, and the east wall of Colonial Park Cemetery

Stop #7: The Pirates House – Lunch Option

This is the first lunch option out of two spots, so if you’re getting hungry you might want to hop off and grab a bite to eat at their buffet.

The She Crab Soup and the Pecan Crusted Fried Chicken are two of their most popular dishes.

Both are on the buffet, but you’ll have to request the honey pecan sauce for the chicken from one of the servers. (Insider tip: This dish is better for when you order it as your entire meal [only available on the dinner menu] vs. ordering from the buffet!)

The Herb House portion of the Pirates’ House was constructed in 1734, so it’s one of the oldest still-standing structures in the state of Georgia.

And yes, the building is aptly named since actual pirates used to hang out there.

If you aren’t hungry, you can take photos of the building from the trolley and head on the next stop.

Stop #8: Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters

While I absolutely love the work that has gone into restoring this home and consider it one of the top tours in Savannah, they have a frustrating check-in process and it’s rather difficult to fit it in if you only have one day in Savannah.

For that reason, I suggest staying on board and photographing it from the trolley.

If you’re ever in town for a longer period of time, definitely include this as a “must-see” on your list!

It’s actually one of the top ten tours I recommend in Savannah in my Savannah First-Timer’s Guide .

Stop #9: Telfair Museum

Unless you’re an avid art lover, this is yet another stop where you can photograph the buildings and adjacent square from inside the trolley.

Stop #10: City Market – Lunch Option – Hop OFF

By now I imagine you’re probably getting pretty hungry.

I suggest hopping off at this stop to grab a slice of Vinnie Van Go Go’s pizza. The price is right at less than $5 for a giant slice.

Be sure to request extra crispy crust!

If Vinnie’s has too long of a wait (it’s very popular), you can opt for a fancier meal at Belford’s or walk over to Little Duck Diner — an adorable retro diner at the corner of Barnard and W. Saint Julian Street.

While you’re in City Market , stroll around and check out some of the talented artists in their studios.

Be sure to sample the sweets at Byrd Cookie Co. and Savannah Candy Kitchen!

You’ll be back in this area for Stop #16, so wait to make your purchases then. (That way you won’t have to lug items around with you.)

Tour Opportunities: One of my favorite tours in Savannah is the First African Baptist Church tour (also a “top ten” in my ebook). The church is located just west of City Market and Franklin Square. If you have the time, I highly suggest it! Tours are Wed-Sat at 3 pm only. Plan to spend an hour and a half inside. Another really fun tour to try in this area is American Prohibition Museum . I suggest purchasing tickets in advance.

Related Reading: City Market Savannah: What to See and What to Skip!

Stop #11: Reynolds Square

The Olde Pink House restaurant is the main attraction at this stop.

It’s an iconic restaurant in Savannah and so popular that you need to make reservations months in advance.

Take photos from the trolley or hop off to get better shots. There’s a tavern in the basement if you’re in the mood for drinks!

If you’re craving dessert and don’t mind standing in ridiculously long line to get it, stroll one block south to Broughton Street to enjoy some Leopold’s Ice Cream.

📸 Photo Opportunities: The Olde Pink House Restaurant, Lucas Theatre, and the Leopold’s Ice Cream sign with the SCAD sign in the background.

Stop #12: E Factors Walk

I’m a huge fan of Factors Walk, but in the interest of saving time I’m going to suggest you stay on the trolley here and hop off two stops later on West Factors Walk. There’s more to see on the west end.

Enjoy the scenery in this area as you make your way down towards River Street!

Stop #13: Market Landing – Hop OFF and Back ON (or walk!)

River Street is one of the most well-known streets in Savannah, so you’ll definitely want to hop off here!

The east end of River Street is the quieter and less crowded end of the street.

Head over to the Waving Girl Statue to take a photo of Florence Martus, who gained notoriety for waving at all the passing ships.

If you’re lucky, you might even spot a giant container ship coming into port while you’re there!

There’s an open-air marketplace where you can do more souvenir shopping, but nothing there particularly screams “Savannah” to me.

If you’re in the mood to stretch your feet, you can walk from this area along the riverfront to get to the next stop…or you can hop back on the trolley to ride to the next stop.

📸 Photo Opportunities: The Waving Girl Statue, River Street, and any giant container ships that happen to pass by

Stop #14: Cotton Exchange Building – Hop OFF

If you haven’t already read my post about Factors Walk , you should! There are so many unique things to see in this area.

The Old Cotton Exchange Building is the famous building that most people think of when they picture River Street, and the winged lion stands guard in front of it.

You can actually walk underneath the Cotton Exchange building to get to River Street, and I recommend doing so just to say you’ve done it!

When you get to River Street, you’ll see the Georgia Queen Riverboat (if it isn’t out on a cruise) and you’ll be near my favorite candy shop, River Street Sweets.

To get back to the trolley, walk up the ramp located next to Olympia Café (you’ll be walking towards the City Hall building with the gold dome at the top).

You might want a photo of the exterior of the cafe, since it was in the Joe Jonas movie, “Devotion.”

Once you round the corner of the ramp, you’ll see the unique Cluskey Vaults, which are worth exploring.

Be sure to look to your left and make note of Vic’s on the River, since it’s a potential dinner spot!

🎁 Souvenir Opportunity: River Street Sweets is the top seller of pralines in the world. I suggest sampling them while they’re warm, and then buy a half-dozen (or more!) to take home with you.

📸 Photo Opportunities: The Old Cotton Exchange Building, the Old City Exchange Bell, the winged lion statue, the Georgia Queen Steamboat, and the Cluskey Vaults

Stop #15: City Hall

There’s no need to hop off at this stop.

City Hall is a pretty building, but if you only have one day in the city you can certainly find better ways to spend your time.

Stop #16: Franklin Square

This is essentially the same stop as stop #10.

If you were smart and took my advice about not purchasing souvenirs to lug around earlier, now is the time to revisit City Market to purchase lots of sweet treats from Byrd Cookie Co. and Savannah Candy Kitchen.

After you’ve made your purchases, you can hop back on the trolley to head back to the Savannah Visitor Center and place your purchases in your car, OR you can walk a few blocks north to River Street to have dinner at Vic’s.

Just make note that if you plan to stay late, you’ll need to have your car out of the Visitor Center by 6 pm!

🎁 Souvenir Opportunity: Key Lime Coolers, Salted Caramel, and Georgia Peach cookies from Byrd Cookie Co. or pralines from Savannah Candy Kitchen

After the Trolley Tour: Dinner Options

I run a private Facebook group for people who are planning trips to Savannah, and Vic’s on the River is consistently one of the most popular restaurants mentioned in the group.

Sometimes it even gets higher marks than The Olde Pink House! Make note that it’s best to make reservations at least few days in advance.

If you still have energy to explore after dinner, you might want to stroll down to the Plant Riverside District . It’s the new development on the far west end of River Street.

Just look towards the Talmadge Bridge and you can’t miss it…you’ll see two giant smokestacks reaching towards the sky.

Whew, that was a pretty jam-packed itinerary, wasn’t it?

Hopefully you feel like you were able to fit a lot in and get a good overview of the city!

Savannah Travel Resources

If you had fun and want to plan a return trip, I’ve created some Savannah travel resources to help you out.

My Savannah First-Timer’s Guide is the easiest way to plan a future trip. You’ll get free updates for the life of the guide with your purchase!

These blog posts are also a great place to start…

• W hen is the Best Time to Visit Savannah ?
• Where to Stay in Savannah, GA

You can also sign up for my email list , and you’ll get a handy list of 50 things to do on-foot in the Historic District.

Don’t Forget: If you’re reading this post to get inspiration for your trip, don’t forget to book your Hop-On/Hop-Off trolley ticket !

Do you have any questions for me about this Old Savannah Trolley Tours itinerary? If so, let me know in the comments below!

9 Comments on Old Savannah Trolley Tours 1-Day Itinerary

I’ve never been to Savannah, but your beautiful photos make me want to plan a trip there ASAP!

Awww, thank you! I love photography, and it’s a very photogenic city.

I love Savannah, and I love your guides. I am actually considering going back soon, and your site is AMAZING, gives me ideas and inspirations on how to visit it even better and more efficiently. Thank you!

That’s awesome. Happy to help! Fall is a great time to visit. We’re just about to head into peak hurricane season at the moment (late Aug to the end of September/early October).

I didn’t know much about Savannah, but this post made me put it on my to-visit list. Really love how the buildings look!

I want to come to Savannah on December 22 and stay through December 29. Are the stores open for Christmas Eve shopping? And the restaurants open for dining? Also I would assume everyone closes on Christmas Day which is Saturday this year, but by Monday, will stores and restaurants be open back up? Are the trolly and carriages available during these days?

Hi Vickie. This year might be a little different than most, due to the pandemic. We’ll have to see how things play out. But in a normal year, shops would be open on Christmas eve, and many restaurants would be open for dining. A select few restaurants are also open on Christmas day, but those are usually the ones attached to hotels. Try places like the 17Hundred90 Inn & Restaurant or some of the restaurants at the JW Marriott Plant Riverside. By that Monday, many businesses will reopen…unless pandemic restrictions tighten. The trolleys and the DOT shuttles run the majority of the year, but they might close down on Christmas day. It’s probably best to call them to verify. Even if they aren’t running, if you’re able to walk without too much trouble (I realize not everyone has those capabilities), the Historic District is very walkable and beautiful during the holiday season. You could spend Christmas day exploring places like Jones Street, Taylor Street, Charlton Street and some of the more residential areas, which look beautiful. Here’s a post about Christmas in Savannah: https://savannahfirsttimer.com/christmas-in-savannah/

Thank you for writing this post. I used it on Thursday for my one day in Savannah and it was so helpful. So glad I found it!

Awesome! I’m glad it was helpful 🙂

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Characters You May Encounter

History Is Alive

Forrest gump.

The fictional character of Forrest Gump, portrayed by Tom Hanks, has become an icon in the city of Savannah – beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Forrest has been entertaining guests of Old Savannah Tours for years – see if you can spot him running around town!

Dessa the Gullah Woman

Representatives of the local Gullah Geechee Culture tell how ex-slaves came to inhabit the local islands off the Georgia coast, and discuss their contributions to the development of Southern cuisine.

They share fascinating customs and traditions, and may even teach guests a few words or songs from the Gullah culture.

General James Oglethorpe

Considered our founding father, Oglethorpe’s keen sense of social injustice led him to establish the Colony of Georgia, and, along with it, Savannah – America’s first planned city.

Oglethorpe was a skilled negotiator and diplomat, as well as a renowned military strategist and urban planner.

Reverend George Leile

George Leile was born a slave in Virginia. Alongside his devoutly religious master, he traveled up and down the East Coast, helping to preach the word of God to other slaves. After being freed, George sought refuge in Savannah’s British-occupied sector, where he continued preaching.

His local congregation of slaves eventually grew into the First African Baptist Church, which would become an important stop on the Underground Railroad.

Grave Encounters

Alice riley.

Alice Riley was an indentured servant who came to Savannah in 1733. Apprenticed to a notoriously cruel master, she eventually snapped one day and killed him.

Alice pleaded pregnancy and was given leniency – for nine months – before her baby was born and she was hanged for her crime.

This mystical figure played a prominent role in the book and the film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil , helping Jim Williams through his many criminal trials.

Minerva the Voodoo Queen immortalized in “Midnight” was actually a real person – a grandmotherly woman named Valerie Bowles. Ms. Valerie wielded true power and influence with “the unseen”, power not quite as innocuous as her everyday persona led one to believe.

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The 16 best savannah tours: pub crawls, trolley rides & more.

Experience real southern hospitality when visiting Savannah with these top tours.

The Best Savannah Tours

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Whether you want to see Savannah's historic architecture, beautiful cemeteries or taste its food scene, you'll find a tour to suit your desires.

A great way to get to know Savannah, Georgia , is with the aid of someone who lives there and knows the city's history. With the help of traveler reviews and editor analysis, U.S. News selected Savannah's best guided tours, some of which focus on the city's architecture, others on its food and some on its ghostly residents . Whether you're walking through the Historic District or riding a Segway through a storied cemetery, you'll gain an insider's perspective on Savannah's culture and folklore on these tours.

Old Town Trolley – Savannah Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Price: Adults from $28; kids from $20 Duration: 1.5 hours

Old Town Trolley's hop-on, hop-off tours allow visitors to explore Savannah's most popular attractions at their own pace. Trollies make 15 stops in total, including Forsyth Park , City Market , River Street , Madison Square, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and Colonial Park Cemetery. If you choose to stay on for the entire ride, the tour takes about 90 minutes. Drivers provide commentary on the city and its sights – a point of praise for most tourgoers. Reviewers suggested riding the entire route at least once before hopping on and off so you can get a sense for the city's history and attractions.

Tours begin at 9 a.m. and depart every 20 minutes until 5 p.m. depending on the season. If purchased online, one-day passes with unlimited hop-on, hop-off privileges start at about $28 for adults and $20 for kids ages 4 to 12; kids 3 and younger ride for free. The tour company also runs a popular nighttime Ghost & Gravestones trolley tour.

View & Book Tickets: Option 1 | Option 2

Genteel & Bard – History Walking Tour

Price: Adults from $30; kids from $15 Duration: 2 hours

Genteel & Bard's History Walking Tour takes visitors to many of the city's most popular downtown attractions , including the Colonial Park Cemetery, the Green-Meldrim House, Jones Street and Lafayette Square. A local historian and storyteller leads the two-hour excursion. Many reviewers enthusiastically praise the guide's in-depth knowledge and passion. Others appreciate the microphone/earbud system that makes it easy to hear the stories even from 100 feet away.

Tickets start at $30 for adults and $15 for kids ages 7 to 12; reservations are required. Tours are generally available Monday through Saturday at 10 a.m.; an additional afternoon tour may be offered on the weekend, depending on the month. For those interested in the supernatural, the family-owned company also leads a Savannah Ghost Encounter Tour.

Ghost City Tours – Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl

Price: From $30 Duration: 2 hours

The Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl takes visitors to three bars and pubs deemed the city's "most haunted." Over the course of the two-hour walking tour through Savannah's Historic District, guides tell stories about the city's famously spooky history, as well as its distinct architecture and landmarks. It also includes a stop at the Colonial Park Cemetery. According to travelers, the guides are experienced and entertaining, though some wished the stories were scarier. Plus, thanks to the city's open container policy, visitors can carry their drinks in to-go cups from bar to bar.

Tickets, which must be purchased in advance, cost about $30. Tour-takers must be at least 21 years old. Tours are offered nightly at 8 and 9 p.m.; additional tours may be offered on Friday and Saturday evenings, depending on the month. Ghost City Tours also offers ghost tours suited for families and cemetery tours.

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Pablo and Britt Photography | Courtesy of Savannah Taste Experience

Savannah Taste Experience – Port City Food Tour

Price: From $65 Duration: 3 hours

Savannah Taste Experience's Port City Food Tour takes visitors to a half-dozen eateries to sample everything from South African-inspired cuisine to ice cream. The Savannah food tours, which are offered up to four times a day Wednesday through Sunday, are limited to 12 people. Reviewers – including those familiar with Savannah – validate the accuracy of the "secret" part of the tour's name, acknowledging that they would not have found some of the restaurants on their own. What's more, guides win high marks for their good humor and knowledge of local lore.

Tickets cost about $65 per person. Tickets include food, but not adult beverages, which can be purchased separately. For families with young children, the company recommends signing up for its First Squares Food Tour.

Savannah Ghostwalker Tour

Price: From $25 Duration: 2.5 hours

Savannah Ghostwalker Tours stop at multiple cemeteries, battlefields and other purportedly haunted sites, including Colonial Park Cemetery. Guides, also known as "ghostwalkers," share their experiences of ghost research and related local history and folklore, which many reviewers find informative, entertaining and even a bit scary. As an added bonus, Ghostwalker Tours provides "ghost-hunting" equipment intended to detect paranormal activity. The 2 1/2-hour walking tours are limited to 15 people – a major pro for many travelers.

Tickets start at $25 and must be purchased in advance. Tours are generally available nightly at 9 p.m.

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Adventure Tours in Motion – Bonaventure Segway Tour

Price: From $75 Duration: 1.5 hours

According to reviewers, the best way to traverse Bonaventure Cemetery 's 100-plus acres is via a Segway with Adventure Tours in Motion. On this 90-minute tour, you'll glide past Spanish moss-draped oaks and the tombstones of famous residents like Conrad Aiken and Johnny Mercer while your guide shares historical and architectural facts. Along with the ease of using the Segways, travelers express praise for the guides, who they describe as insightful and funny.

Cemetery tours are generally offered daily at 9:30 a.m. Tickets, which include round-trip transportation from the Historic District to the cemetery, cost approximately $75 per adult. The company also offers 60- and 90-minute Segway tours of the city's Historic District, as well as a Movie Tour that visits some of the city's top filming locations.

Old Savannah Tours – Historic Hop-on, Hop-Off Tour

Price: Adults from $38; kids from $16 Duration: 1.5 hours

On this trolley tour, visitors can take a roughly 90-minute ride around the Historic District or hop off to explore at any of the 14 must-see stops along the way, including Savannah City Hall, River Street and Forsyth Park. Trolleys run every 15 to 20 minutes daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 or 5 p.m., depending on the season. Drivers provide running commentary and actors portraying historical figures appear at some stops – a highlight for many reviewers.

Tickets start at $38 for participants ages 12 and older and $16 for children ages 5 to 11; kids 4 and younger ride for free. If the hop-on, hop-off element of the tour doesn't appeal to you, the company also offers a continuous version of this tour that doesn't make any stops, allowing riders to stay on the trolley for the full roughly 90-minute experience. Several ghost-themed tours are also available.

Courtesy of Blue Orb Tours

Blue Orb Savannah – The Zombie Tour

Price: From $35 Duration: 2 hours

Blue Orb Savannah's Zombie Tour is a two-hour, adults-only walking tour that offers an in-depth, "uncensored" look at the ghosts that haunt the city. Along the way, guides share stories of paranormal activity recorded throughout Savannah. Reviewers regularly praise the guides' historical expertise and humor and say the two hours fly by.

Tours generally depart at 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets start at $35 per person. The Savannah Shadows Tour is a shorter (90-minute), all-ages version of the tour with tickets starting at $25 for kids and $30 for adults.

Southern Flavors Savannah – Taste Tour & Pub Crawl

Price: From $55 Duration: 3 hours

Southern Flavors Savannah's Taste Tour takes small groups (of no more than 12 people) on a walk through downtown Savannah and along its riverfront with stops at six restaurants. In between samples of Lowcountry fare like shrimp and grits and pimento cheese bites, travelers pass by several of the city's top attractions, including its famous squares. The food, and the respectable quantities of it, receive fulsome praise from reviewers, as do the tour guides, who travelers describe as personable and insightful.

The excursion starts daily at noon and lasts about three hours. Tickets start at around $55 and are available for culinary enthusiasts ages 16 or older; alcoholic beverages are not included. Southern Flavors Savannah also conducts a tour focused exclusively on desserts as well as a haunted pub crawl.

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Savannah Dan Walking Tours

Savannah Dan's public walking tours take visitors through about half a dozen squares in roughly two hours. Throughout the tour, the colorful, eponymous guide – self-described as a "stand-up historian" – will offer his thoughts and opinions on the history, legends and myths of his city. Many reviewers find the self-billed Southern gentleman who leads the outings engaging and knowledgeable. Savannah Dan is also known for offering helpful tips on where to dine in the city. Reviewers also appreciate the tour's laid-back pace.

Tours start at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday. Tickets cost approximately $35 per person. Savannah Dan also conducts private walking tours.

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Savannah Bike Tours – Pedal Through History Bike Tour

Price: Adults from $39; kids from $19 Duration: 2 hours

Savannah Bike Tours offers two-hour cycling trips that take visitors to some of the city's most popular attractions. During the 3-mile ride, travelers pass by several of Savannah's famous squares, Forsyth Park, the Savannah River waterfront, historic mansions open to the public and sites that have been featured in well-known movies. According to visitors, the bike tour allows you to cover more ground than a walking tour and includes insider tips from the local guides.

Tours are offered daily at 9 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.; an additional 6 p.m. tour is offered on Friday and Saturday in summer. Tickets start at $39 for participants 12 and older and $19 for kids 11 and younger. The price includes use of bikes with baskets and bottled water. Helmets, which are optional for adults, but mandatory for children, are also available. Electric bike tours and ghost-themed bike tours are also available.

Gray Line Savannah – Savannah Land & Sea Tour

Price: Adults from $69; kids from $36 Duration: 3 hours

Enjoy two quintessential Savannah experiences on this tour, which includes a scenic river cruise and a trolley ride. You'll start your excursion with a 90-minute narrated trolley tour through the city's historic district. Then, you'll hop on a classic riverboat for a 90-minute cruise that features commentary from the captain about Savannah's historic port. Travelers applaud the humorous, engaging trolley tour guides, but are less impressed with the boat ride, saying there's not much to see.

Tours are generally available daily starting at 10 a.m.; the last afternoon tour begins at 1 p.m. Tickets start at approximately $69 for adults and $36 for children ages 3 to 12. Gray Line operates a variety of tours in Savannah, including one that explores the Wormsloe State Historic Site .

Noble Jones – Savannah Saunter

Price: Adults from $25; kids from $18 Duration: 2 hours

For a crash course in Savannah history, consider this two-hour walking tour led by Noble Jones. As you stroll past top sights like Forsyth Park and River Street, you'll learn about the city's Colonial and Civil War history, as well as its modern-day renaissance. Tourgoers rave about the guides, who they describe as personable and well-versed in Savannah history.

Savannah Saunter tours are available daily in the morning and afternoon (generally 9:30 or 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.). Tickets start at $25 for adults and $18 for youths ages 8 to 14. History buffs may also be interested in the company's Civil War walking tour, which offers a more in-depth look at Savannah's role before, during and after the war.

Explore Savannah – Heart of Savannah - 2hr Walking Tour

Hear stories about Savannah's founding, its reputation as one of the most haunted cities in America and its connection to the Girl Scouts on this approximately two-hour tour. Tours begin at Wright Square and end at Forsyth Park. Travelers are impressed with the tour's pace and the guides, who they say personalize the experience for each group and encourage questions. Some reviewers say this walking tour offers a better history lesson than the city's popular trolley tours.

Tours are offered twice a day at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Reservations are required. Tickets prices start at $30 for adults and $15 for kids ages 6 to 12. Explore Savannah also operates a ghost tour, as well as private walking tours.

Captain Derek's Dolphin Adventure

Price: Adults from $25; kids from $15 Duration: 1.5 hours

When you need a break from Savannah's historic squares and ghost stories, consider heading to Tybee Island for a cruise with Captain Derek's Dolphin Adventure. On this 60- to 90-minute ride, you'll cruise around the coastal waters of the barrier island passing historic lighthouses and Fort Pulaski National Monument while dolphins play in the boat's wake. Reviewers praise the adept captain and crew, and report seeing an abundance of dolphins. Many travelers say this is a great, family-friendly activity.

Tickets start at $25 for passengers ages 13 and older and $15 for children 12 and younger. Infants 2 and younger can ride for $5. Tour times vary by month; there is usually at least one morning departure and one afternoon departure. Boats depart from Tybee Island, about 15 miles east of River Street. Captain Derek's Dolphin Adventure also offers a sunset tour, in addition to private tours.

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Hearse Ghost Tours – Public Hearse Ghost Tour

Price: From $35 Duration: 75 minutes

Ride around Savannah's Historic District in a convertible hearse on this 75-minute ghost tour. Each hearse, which was used by real funeral parlors for more than 15 years, can hold a maximum of eight passengers. As you ride around town, your guide will regale you with tales about Savannah's paranormal activity and the stories behind the famous ghosts that supposedly haunt its streets. Reviewers applaud the entertaining guides and call the experience unique. Though it is a ghost tour, travelers say the guides manage to incorporate a fair amount of levity in their storytelling.

Tour times vary by month; the company usually runs at least two tours a night. Tickets start at about $35 per person. Private tours are also available.

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You may also be interested in:

• The Best Savannah Ghost Tours
• The Best Things to Do in Savannah
• The Best Hotels in Savannah
• The Best Charleston Tours
• The Best Charleston Ghost Tours
• The Top Things to Do in Georgia
• The Top Romantic Getaways in Georgia

Tags: Tours , Travel , Vacations , food and drink , Georgia , Georgia Vacations , US Vacations , Southeast Vacations

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Our Trolley Guests Have Spoken!

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

3250 reviews

Old Town Trolley Tours of Savannah 4.6

Savannah Tours

• 1 day of free unlimited re-boarding
• Hop on and off ALL DAY at 15 Stops
• You may start your tour at any of our convenient stops
• Live narrated, 90-minute tour
• Open-air sightseeing perfect for taking pictures
• Voted as top tour in ‘Best of Savannah’
• More than 100 points of interest
• 100% satisfaction guarantee
• Colorful anecdotes and well-research historical facts
• Free Parking with On/Off Tour*
• Most Frequent Service - Less Waiting
• Winner of 2020 International Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 'Best of the Best' Award

• 2 consecutive days of free unlimited re-boarding
• Colorful anecdotes and well researched historical facts
• Free Parking with On/Off Tour**

398 reviews

Savannah for Morons: Comedy Trolley Tour 4.9

Savannah for Morons Trolley Tour is a comedy show on wheels that roasts nearly 300 years of Savannah lore in just 90 minutes.

• Reservations required*
• A comedy trolley tour - 90 minutes in length - with the added cool breeze of air conditioning!
• One rest stop and beverage break**
• Tour is rated PG-13; guests must be 13 and up

• Hear all about Savannah’s darker side!
• Hear Tales No Other Tours Tell as Shadows Play Tricks on Your Mind
• EXCLUSIVE night-time entry into 2 of Savannah’s Most Haunted Venues
• FIRST is a stop at the Andrew Low House
• THEN on to the Perkin’s & Son’s Ship Chandlery
• Travel Past Ancient Cemeteries, Antebellum Mansions & Squares
• Drive by the Sites of Some of the Bloodiest Battlegrounds in History
• 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

• Learn the untold spectral history of Savannah aboard the Ghost Town Trolley
• Visit Colonial Park Cemetery
• Walk through two of Savannah's most haunted squares

Join our team of professionals on the Ghost Hunters of Savannah Paranormal Investigation. Use cutting-edge paranormal investigation equipment as seen on TV, participate in an actual paranormal investigation with our expert guides, and learn of the myriad of paranormal experiences that have been witnessed such as the dark heavy cloud seen hovering above the bar, whispers heard coming from the restrooms, and the spirit on the third floor hiding behind a pillar.

• Participate in an actual paranormal investigation with our expert guides.
• Get hands-on with the latest ghost hunting equipment.
• Learn the darker side of Savannah and the spirits that refused to move on.
• As seen on WTOC Savannah Network's Affiliate in 2018.
• Listen to tales of the siege of Savannah in 1779 that claimed hundreds on the ground beneath the building.
• Hear about the building's involvement in the grisly triple axe murder at the nearby Gribble House.

• Not Your Average "Dry" Museum - step back in time to a wild era of flappers, bootlegging, and gangsters.
• Learn the history behind the iconic V8 and how it led to the birth of NASCAR.
• Explore the stories of Al Capone, Scarface, and the other historical gangsters of Prohibition.
• View confiscated items from mobsters and 200+ Prohibition-Era artifacts.
• Discover why Savannah was referred to as the “Bootleg Spigot of the South.”
• Slip into our Speakeasy to enjoy authentic craft cocktails.
• Zagat rated Congress Street Up Speakeasy "One Of The Hottest Bars In Savannah."

• 45-minute fully guided tour
• A historically-costumed guide, bursting with Prohibition stories
• Around 1,000 artifacts throughout the 12 galleries you will tour
• Video displays and interactive experiences along the tour
• Over 35 wax figures representing people of the time
• A period-accurate cocktail or non-alcoholic “mocktail” included with your ticket

Enjoy this 80-minute, fully guided tour of the American Prohibition Museum that culminates with a hands-on cocktail experience! Your tour starts with a historically costumed guide bursting with Prohibition stories. Once you enter the Speakeasy, you’ll get the opportunity to spend time with one of our expert bartenders, tasting a delicious Old Fashioned, the original cocktail, and then MAKE a Bee’s Knees cocktail using all the tools yourself!

• 45-minute fully guided tour of the American Prohibition Museum
• A historically costumed guide, bursting with Prohibition stories
• 35-minute Cocktail Experience with our trained and expert bartenders
• You will tour around 1,000 artifacts throughout the galleries

• 2-hour experience in an authentic speakeasy atmosphere
• Make two full-sized cocktails
• Enjoy three sample cocktails
• Snack on small bites
• Learn the history behind the cocktails you create
• Limited space available

• 1 day of free unlimited re-boarding and fully narrated, live narrated 90+ minute tour of Savannah
• "On and Off" privileges at 15 conveniently located stops throughout the city
• You may start your tour at any of our stops
• Sightseeing at over 100 points of interest
• American Prohibition Museum:

• 1 day of free unlimited re-boarding and fully narrated, 90+ minute tour of Savannah
• Ghosts & Gravestones: Hear all about Savannah’s darker side!