Savannah Squares: Best Historic Squares and Walking Route

Savannah squares are the heart of the Historic District: 22 shaded public squares laid out from James Oglethorpe's 1733 ward plan and expanded as the city grew. If you only have a few hours, start at Johnson Square, walk south along Bull Street through Chippewa, Madison, and Monterey Squares, then finish near Forsyth Park. That route gives you the strongest mix of history, live oaks, architecture, restaurants, and easy photo stops without trying to see every square in one sweaty afternoon.

TL;DR — Which Savannah Squares Should You Visit First?

• Best first stop: Johnson Square, Savannah's first and largest square.
• Best movie-famous stop: Chippewa Square, known for the Forrest Gump bus bench scene location.
• Best architecture walk: Madison Square to Monterey Square, especially if you love historic homes.
• Best quiet square: Pulaski Square, a calmer pocket with heavy shade and residential character.
• Best modern comeback: Ellis Square, restored in 2010 after decades as a parking garage site.
• Best plan: pair the squares with our Savannah Historic District guide, then book dinner from our best restaurants in Savannah.

What Are Savannah Squares?

Savannah squares: small public parks built into Savannah's historic ward plan, originally designed as neighborhood gathering places, civic anchors, and militia muster grounds. The city eventually had 24 squares; 22 remain today, giving Savannah one of the most recognizable urban layouts in America.

The reason they feel so different from ordinary city parks is the grid itself. Oglethorpe's plan placed a square at the center of each ward, with residential blocks and civic lots arranged around it. That is why you can walk a few blocks, step under live oaks, reset in the shade, and then keep moving through another layer of Savannah history.

Local planning tip: Do not try to “complete” all 22 squares on a first visit. Savannah rewards wandering, but the best square walk is selective: choose a spine, leave time to sit, and let the side streets surprise you.

What Is the Best Savannah Squares Walking Route?

For most visitors, the best Savannah squares walking route follows Bull Street from north to south. Start near the river at Johnson Square, continue to Wright Square, pass through Chippewa Square, then keep going toward Madison and Monterey before ending around Forsyth Park. This route is compact, easy to navigate, and packed with the squares people actually come to Savannah hoping to see.

Johnson Square to Wright Square

Johnson Square is the right place to begin because it is the oldest square and still feels like Savannah's civic front door. Nearby, Vic's on the River and The Chart House make useful riverfront meal anchors if you are starting or ending near Bay Street. A few blocks south, Wright Square adds one of the city's more layered stories, with monuments tied to both colonial Savannah and the Yamacraw leader Tomochichi.

Chippewa Square to Madison Square

Chippewa Square is the crowd-pleaser. The Forrest Gump bench was a movie prop, not a permanent park fixture, but the square still earns its reputation with the Oglethorpe statue, theater history, and an easy central location. From there, continue toward Madison Square, where churches, historic houses, and heavy tree canopy make the walk feel especially Savannah.

Monterey Square to Forsyth Park

Monterey Square is one of our favorite squares for first-time visitors because it delivers the classic postcard version of Savannah: moss, mansions, wrought iron, and the Pulaski Monument. It is also close to Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room, which makes a strong lunch plan if you are willing to build the route around timing.

Which Savannah Squares Are Most Worth Your Time?

If you have limited time, prioritize squares that give you distinct experiences instead of repeating the same scenery. Johnson Square gives you origin-story Savannah. Chippewa gives you pop culture and central access. Madison and Monterey give you architecture. Ellis Square gives you City Market energy. Pulaski gives you quiet shade.

• Johnson Square: best for understanding Savannah's original plan.
• Chippewa Square: best for first-timers, photos, and central location.
• Madison Square: best for layered history and nearby historic houses.
• Monterey Square: best for romantic atmosphere and classic Savannah scenery.
• Ellis Square: best if you are combining squares with City Market, shopping, or nightlife.
• Pulaski Square: best when you want fewer crowds and a slower pace.

Squares also pair naturally with tours. If you want stories while you walk, compare Genteel & Bard Tours, Ghost City Tours, and the full lineup of Savannah ghost tours. If you would rather make the walk edible, our Savannah food tours guide covers tasting routes that often move through the same Historic District grid.

How Long Does It Take to Walk Savannah Squares?

A focused Bull Street squares walk takes about 90 minutes if you keep moving, or two to three hours if you stop for photos, churches, house museums, coffee, and shade breaks. Seeing all 22 squares can take half a day or more, especially in warm weather. We recommend treating the squares as the framework for a day, not a checklist.

For breakfast before the walk, The Collins Quarter puts you near Bull Street with strong coffee. For a casual post-walk meal, The Public Kitchen & Bar works well near Liberty Street, while The Olde Pink House is the classic special-occasion choice closer to Reynolds Square.

Where Should You Park for a Savannah Squares Walk?

For a north-to-south walk, use a city garage near Bryan Street, State Street, Whitaker Street, or Liberty Street, then explore on foot. Street parking exists throughout the Historic District, but meters and time limits can make garages easier for visitors. If you are starting near Forsyth Park instead, look for legal residential street parking around the park and walk north.

Our rule is simple: park once, walk slowly, and avoid moving the car between squares. Savannah's Historic District is built for pedestrians, and the best moments happen between the destinations: an iron balcony, a quiet lane, a musician near a square, or a side street you would never notice from a windshield. For more logistics, use our Savannah Historic District parking guide.

Are Savannah Squares Safe and Family-Friendly?

Yes, Savannah squares are generally family-friendly during the day and early evening, especially along the main Historic District routes. Use ordinary city awareness: keep valuables secure, watch uneven brick and cobblestone edges, hydrate in summer, and stay in well-lit areas at night. Families should also pace the route around shade and bathrooms, because little travelers tire faster than the map suggests.

If you are planning a full day, combine the squares with Forsyth Park, a riverfront walk from our River Street guide, or a low-pressure meal from our Southern restaurants in Savannah picks. That turns the squares from a sightseeing task into what they were always meant to be: Savannah's outdoor living rooms.

Planning the rest of your trip? Browse our Savannah travel guides, compare Historic District hotels, and build your itinerary around the squares, restaurants, tours, and coastal day trips that make Savannah unforgettable.