Free Things to Do in Savannah's Historic District (Walking Guide)

TL;DR: Savannah's Historic District offers incredible free experiences. Walk the 22 historic squares, explore Forsyth Park, stroll River Street and Broughton Street, visit Colonial Park Cemetery, and admire stunning architecture — all without spending a cent. Bring comfortable shoes and a camera.

What Are the Best Free Things to Do in Savannah's Historic District?

The good news: Savannah's best attractions are free. Unlike cities that hide their treasures behind admission fees, Savannah's Historic District is an open-air museum. The entire Historic District is a National Historic Landmark, and you can spend days exploring it on foot without opening your wallet.

Here's our curated list of the absolute best free experiences:

The 22 Historic Squares — Savannah's Crown Jewels

Savannah's defining feature is its 22 parklike squares, laid out in James Oglethorpe's original 1733 city plan. Each square is unique, featuring fountains, monuments, live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and benches perfect for people-watching.

Must-see squares (all free):

Chippewa Square — Where Forrest Gump sat on that famous bench. The square itself is beautiful, surrounded by historic homes and The Savannah Theatre.
Forsyth Park — Technically a 30-acre park rather than a square, but it's the green heart of Savannah. The iconic fountain is one of the most photographed spots in the South.
Madison Square — Home to the stunning Green-Meldrim House and a massive monument to Sergeant William Jasper from the Revolutionary War.
Monterey Square — The most elegant square, featured prominently in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Mercer Williams House sits on its south side.
Johnson Square — The oldest and largest of the original squares, with two fountains and monuments honoring Revolutionary War heroes.

You can walk all 22 squares in a single day if you're ambitious, or spread them across multiple visits. Each has its own character, and they're all free to explore. Bring a picnic, sit under the oaks, and soak in the atmosphere.

Pro tip: Download a self-guided walking tour map or use a walking app to navigate the squares systematically. Start at Johnson Square and work your way south toward Forsyth Park.

Forsyth Park — 30 Acres of Southern Beauty

If you visit only one spot in Savannah, make it Forsyth Park. This sprawling 30-acre park anchors the southern end of the Historic District and serves as the city's living room. It's where locals jog, walk dogs, practice yoga, and gather for weekend concerts and festivals.

The iconic Forsyth Park Fountain (built in 1858) is Savannah's postcard image — a towering cast-iron fountain that's been photographed millions of times and never gets old. The park also features:

Wide walking paths lined with massive live oaks
The Fragrant Garden for the Blind (free, sensory garden experience)
Tennis courts and playgrounds (free to use)
Open green spaces perfect for picnics
Weekend farmers markets (browsing is free, though you might be tempted to buy)

Best of all, Forsyth Park is where you'll see real Savannah — not just tourists. Locals treat it as an extension of their homes, and the people-watching is exceptional.

River Street — Cobblestones, Cargo Ships, and History

Walk down to the Savannah River and you'll find River Street — a cobblestone waterfront promenade built atop old cotton warehouses. The street itself is a historic artifact, paved with ballast stones from 18th and 19th-century ships that arrived empty and filled with cotton for the return voyage.

River Street is completely free to explore, and it offers:

Riverfront views — Watch massive cargo ships pass en route to the Port of Savannah (one of the busiest ports in the U.S.)
Street performers — Musicians, artists, and entertainers perform nightly, especially on weekends
Historic plaques — Learn about Savannah's role in cotton trade, the Civil War, and maritime history
Olympic Torch Monument — Commemorates the 1996 Olympic yachting events held here
Waving Girl Statue — One of Savannah's most beloved landmarks, honoring Florence Martus who greeted every ship for 44 years

River Street is also where you'll find some of Savannah's best restaurants and bars, though dining isn't free. But walking, watching ships, and soaking in the atmosphere? Absolutely free.

Colonial Park Cemetery — Savannah's Haunted History

One of Savannah's most atmospheric (and free) attractions is Colonial Park Cemetery, located on Abercorn Street near Madison Square. This 6-acre cemetery dates to 1750 and served as Savannah's primary burial ground for over a century.

Why visit a cemetery? Because it's a history lesson written in stone:

Over 10,000 people are buried here, including Revolutionary War soldiers and yellow fever victims
The 1820 yellow fever epidemic killed so many Savannahians that mass graves were dug here
Union soldiers camped here during the Civil War and allegedly changed dates on headstones as a prank
Button Gwinnett, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, is buried here (his exact grave location is unknown)

It's also one of Savannah's most haunted locations — every ghost tour stops here. But during the day, it's a peaceful place to reflect on Savannah's history while walking shaded paths beneath ancient oaks.

Can You Really Explore Savannah for Free?

Yes — and not just "kind of" free. Savannah's Historic District is genuinely designed for walking, and the best experiences cost nothing. Here's why:

Walkability is Built Into the City Plan

James Oglethorpe's 1733 city plan was designed for pedestrians. The grid of squares creates natural walking routes, and the entire Historic District is only 2.2 square miles — small enough to walk edge-to-edge in under an hour.

Most visitors stay within an even smaller core (Johnson Square to Forsyth Park), which you can walk in 20 minutes. This means you can see dozens of historic sites, beautiful architecture, and lush squares without ever paying for transportation.

Architecture as Free Entertainment

Savannah's architecture is the attraction. Walking through the Historic District means passing:

18th and 19th-century townhouses with iconic Savannah Grey Brick
Ironwork balconies and gates that rival New Orleans
Grand mansions like the Mercer Williams House and Green-Meldrim House (exteriors are free to admire)
Historic churches — Many are free to enter, including the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (donations appreciated)

Architecture tours charge to tell you about buildings you can see yourself for free. Bring a guidebook or use your phone to research as you walk.

Free Walking Tours (Tip-Based)

If you want guided context without paying upfront, Free Savannah Tours offers tip-based walking tours led by knowledgeable local guides. You pay what you think it's worth at the end — most people tip $10-20, but there's no required fee.

These tours cover Savannah's history, architecture, and famous squares while keeping the experience accessible. It's not technically free, but you control the cost based on your budget and the experience you received.

What Free Things Should First-Time Visitors Prioritize?

If you're visiting Savannah for the first time and want to maximize free experiences, here's our recommended itinerary:

Morning: Start at Forsyth Park

Arrive early (before 9am) to see the fountain without crowds. Walk the park's perimeter, visit the Fragrant Garden, and grab coffee from one of the nearby cafes (okay, not free — but worth it). The morning light on the fountain is spectacular for photos.

From Forsyth Park, walk north through the squares. You'll pass beautiful homes, tree-lined streets, and increasingly busy squares as you move toward the commercial core.

Midday: Explore the Squares and Broughton Street

Walk through Chippewa, Madison, Monterey, and Johnson Squares — the most iconic. Stop for photos, read the historical markers, and sit on benches to people-watch.

Then hit Broughton Street, Savannah's main shopping corridor. Window shopping is free, and the street itself is beautiful — restored 19th-century storefronts line both sides. Duck into The Coffee Fox or The Collins Quarter for a treat if your budget allows.

Afternoon: River Street and Colonial Park Cemetery

Walk down to River Street via the stone stairways or cobblestone ramps. Explore the waterfront, watch ships pass, and enjoy street performers. The breeze off the river is refreshing on hot days.

Then walk back up to Colonial Park Cemetery for a quieter, reflective experience. It's a 10-minute walk from River Street and offers a stark contrast to the bustling waterfront.

Evening: Sunset at River Street or Forsyth Park

Finish your day with a sunset — either back at River Street (watching the sun set over the Savannah River) or at Forsyth Park (where the fountain glows golden in late light).

If you're still energized, consider booking one of Savannah's ghost tours for the evening — they're not free, but they're worth the cost and offer a totally different perspective on the city you walked all day.

Free Savannah on a Budget: Practical Tips

Here's how to maximize your free Savannah experience:

Bring Comfortable Shoes

You'll walk miles on cobblestones and uneven sidewalks. Wear broken-in walking shoes or sneakers — not sandals or new shoes. Blisters will end your free tour early.

Pack Water and Snacks

Savannah summers are hot and humid (often 95°F with 80% humidity). Bring a reusable water bottle and refill at fountains or ask restaurants for tap water. Pack snacks to avoid overpriced tourist zone food.

Visit Off-Season for Fewer Crowds

The best free experiences are even better when they're not crowded. Visit Savannah in January-February or September-October for pleasant weather and smaller crowds. You'll have the squares and parks mostly to yourself.

Use Free Public Restrooms

Public restrooms are available in Forsyth Park and at the Savannah Visitors Center (301 MLK Jr. Blvd). Many restaurants require purchase for restroom access, so plan accordingly.

Combine Free Sights with Budget-Friendly Meals

If you're staying budget-conscious, pair free walking with affordable meals. Zunzi's offers incredible sandwiches for under $10, and Leopold's Ice Cream is a Savannah institution worth the splurge (under $5 for a scoop).

Budget Tip: Bring a picnic lunch and eat in one of the squares or at Forsyth Park. Savannah's squares are perfect for outdoor dining, and grocery stores near the Historic District sell sandwich supplies.

Why Free Savannah is Better Than Paid Attractions

Here's the truth: Savannah's paid attractions rarely match the magic of its free ones. Historic house museums are fine, but they're static displays behind velvet ropes. The real Savannah is outside — in the squares, under the oaks, along the riverfront.

The city's beauty is democratic. You don't need money to experience it. A billionaire and a backpacker see the same Forsyth Park fountain, walk the same cobblestones on River Street, and sit under the same moss-draped oaks in Madison Square.

This is what makes Savannah special. The best of the city isn't locked behind tickets or tours — it's waiting for you to walk through it, camera in hand, taking your time.

Beyond the Historic District: More Free Options Nearby

If you've exhausted the Historic District and want more free experiences, consider these nearby options:

Tybee Island Beach (20 Minutes Away)

Drive or take the ferry to Tybee Island for free beach access. While parking isn't free, the beach itself is public and offers 3 miles of Atlantic coastline. Pair it with a walk to the Tybee Island Lighthouse (exterior viewing is free, climbing costs money).

Bonaventure Cemetery (15 Minutes Away)

If you enjoyed Colonial Park Cemetery, visit Bonaventure Cemetery — an even larger, more dramatic Victorian cemetery overlooking the Wilmington River. It's free, hauntingly beautiful, and famously featured in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge (20 Minutes Away)

Nature lovers can visit the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge for free wildlife viewing, bird watching, and walking trails through tidal marshes. It's a completely different side of Savannah — wild, undeveloped, and full of alligators and wading birds.

After exploring the Historic District on foot, these nearby free attractions offer variety without breaking your budget.

Final Thoughts: Savannah Rewards Walkers

Savannah is one of the few American cities where walking is the superior way to experience it. The squares are spaced perfectly for pedestrian exploration, the architecture demands close-up viewing, and the atmosphere is lost when you're in a car or trolley.

And the best part? It's free. You don't need a tour guide to tell you Forsyth Park is beautiful — you can see it yourself. You don't need admission tickets to appreciate 18th-century townhouses — they're lining the streets you're already walking.

Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and an open schedule. Savannah's Historic District will fill your day without emptying your wallet.

Planning your Savannah adventure? Explore our guides to ghost tours, food tours, best restaurants, and dolphin tours for when you're ready to splurge on experiences beyond the free attractions.