If you are looking for ghosts, Savannah, Georgia is the place. And if you are looking for the best Savannah Ghost Tour, I have two recommendations.

My recommendation for the best walking ghost tour is the 90-minute Savannah History and Haunts Candlelit Ghost Tour.

And my recommendation for the best trolley ghost tour is the Savannah Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour.

Both tours are quaint and quirky AND super informative.

Savannah Ghost Stories

Why does Savannah attract so many ghosts and ghost hunters? Maybe because of all the buried bodies. Literal and figurative.

Savannah is an old city, the oldest in Georgia. Also, Savannah is a fairly small city. Especially for all the battles, betrayals, epidemics, and wars hosted here.

During the early years, little Savannah had no dedicated places to bury slaves, low-ranked soldiers, and the poor. And settlers had little regard for Native American burial grounds.

As Savannah grew, opulent homes and structures were constructed over these burial grounds and mass graves.

It is believed that the spirits of the many forgotten dead have a mystical allure drawing visitors to Savannah.

No wonder Savannah is known as “America’s Most Haunted City!”

90-minute Savannah History and Haunts Candlelit Walking Ghost Tour

Taking the History and Haunts Candlelit walking ghost tour was such a fun experience for me. I gained quirky and creepy insights into some of Savanah’s most famous haunted history, homes, and sites.

The truth is, I am not a fan of ghost tours or anything creepy. But I loved this tour. No one was jumping out to startle me. But I was startled by some of the history, folklore, and tales shared by the guide.

Walking Tour Overview

Sorrel-Weed House

One of my favorite stops on the ghost tour was the Sorrel-Weed House. This home is famous for its paranormal activity and has been featured by numerous well-known media outlets such as HGTV, Travel Channel, and History Channel.

Ghost hunters love this place!

The home was built in 1837 and faces the lovely manicured park known as Madison Square. I was taken aback when the tour guide shared that Madison Square was the site of a bloody battle, the 1779 Siege of Savannah. It was here Revolutionists dug a trench for use as a mass grave to bury the dead. Some thought to be dead were buried alive, making Madison Square one of the most haunted locations in Savannah.

To add to the intrigue and horror of the Sorrel-Weed House, 2 women, Matilda and Molly, committed suicide here. I was captivated listening to the details surrounding their deaths.

During behind-the-scenes tours of the home, visitors have reported witnessing dark silhouettes roaming the hallways. And the ghost of Molly has been seen moving around the slave quarters. 

Green-Meldrim House

Another home facing the haunted Madison Square is the Green-Meldrim House. Here, General Sherman set up his headquarters during the Civil War occupation of Savannah. And it was during this time that he sent the famous December 1864 telegram to President Lincoln offering him Savannah as a Christmas gift.

As we walked from one location to the next, our guide shared lots of cool tidbits. Add I loved that the walking tour took us past shops and restaurants that piqued my interest for future visits.

Colonial Park Cemetary

The sun had set by the time we reached Colonial Park Cemetery. Standing outside the entrance, I could not take in all the incredible information that was being shared by our guide.

I learned that the cemetery contains over 9,000 graves. And since its establishment in 1750, has served not only as a burial ground but as a location for voodoo ceremonies. Yes, voodoo is alive and well here in Savannah!

The cemetery also served as a common dueling ground. Just beyond the stone entrance markers are etched with the names of those who died as a result. I was so intrigued by the markers that I did a little research of my own.

I read that most duels did not end in death. Often an invitation to duel was used as an avenue to create drama in response to an insult. One such amusing insult printed in the local newspaper read:

“I do proclaim Richard Henry Leake, Attorney-at-Law, to be an infamous liar and vile defamer. Fathers of families, if you value the reputation of your daughters, suffer him not to enter your doors.” – John Miller

Duels resulting from such insults usually included two men standing back-to-back, making their paces, turning to face one another, and firing their pistols into the air. Then the men would proceed to the more civil and socially acceptable attempts to work out their differences. I loved learning that!

Our guide, Dan, was full of amusing stories such as these. Which helped to balance out the more gruesome history and paranormal happenings making the tour a little more family-friendly. Dan engaged and entertained all the guests, young and old, during the entire 90-minute tour.

I loved Dan’s dry sense of humor. This is one of the many reasons I recommend this Savannah Ghost Tour. 

Walking Tour Tickets

Go online to find tour times and purchase tickets for the 90-Minute Savannah History and Haunts Candlelit Walking Tour.

Walking Tour Meet-Up Location

The walking tour begins near Chippewa Square in historic downtown Savannah.

Because 2 or the 4 streets around Chippewa Square are named Bull Street, it can be a bit hard to determine the meeting place. So, look for the two large columned buildings across the street from the western end of Chippewa Square. Here you will find your tour guide standing on the sidewalk outside the white stucco Greek Revival building.

Our guide, Dan, was dressed in a black long-tailed tux and wore a top hat. You can’t miss him and his lantern.

Guest check-in was completed here on the sidewalk 15 minutes before the tour began. And the tour always begins right on time. So I recommend arriving early to avoid being left behind.

The tour ends at Colonial Park Cemetery, about 3 blocks from where it began.

Walking Tour Parking

There are several small manicured squares in historic downtown Savannah. Each is surrounded by historic and grand architecture and activity. As a result, it is easy to feel a bit disoriented by the similarity of the squares and surrounding buildings.

So, if you have never been to Savannah, I recommend leaving plenty of time to find parking.

Parking in Savannah is mostly metered.

Parking is free on Sundays but plan to pay $2 per hour Monday-Saturday. If there are no available parking spaces near Chippewa Square, try the quieter streets to the west.

Also, there are 3 city-owned parking garages. Each is about 6 blocks from the tour meeting location.

• To the north is State Street Parking Garage.
• To the west is the Civic Center Parking Lot.
• To the Southwest is the Liberty Street Parking Deck.

Note: If you plan to rent a car, compare prices and book in advance to ensure availability.

Savannah Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour

Now for my favorite trolley ghost tour.

Though not many of Savannah’s ghost tours are all that scary, Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour gave me a few fun and frightful scares.

The tour guides are dressed in historic attire. And they artfully entertain the guests along the route as the trolley passes by several of the historic squares.

Pro Tip: Though the history of these manicured squares is not the focus of the trolley tour, they do play a significant part in Savannah’s unique layout, vibe, and style. I found the information shared along the tour super helpful during my later exploration of Savannah.

Note: Twenty-two of Savannah’s original 24 historic squares have remained in exist or have been restored. All are located in historic downtown Savannah. Each square has its own name and historic identity. Most include a notable statue, historic markers, and benches. And each is surrounded by distinct architecture and noteworthy events.

Trolley Tour Overview

Andrew Low House

For me, the highlight of the Savannah Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour happened at Lafayette Square. We were dropped off for a tour of the Andrew Low House. Then we were guided through the beautiful, historic home while learning the sad and haunted history of its owners and occupants.

One of the home’s most famous occupants was Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts. Guests get to see the room where she died and hear stories of encounters with Juliette’s ghost.

Note: Juliette Gordon Low was an incredible woman. To make the tour even more enjoyable, I recommend reading a little about her prior to touring the home.

Telfair Museum Statues

One of the most impressive sites along the tour is the statues at the Telfair Museum building.

As the trolley slows, the tour guide tells of amusing stipulations listed in the will of home-owner, Mary Telfair, as a requirement for the mansion’s bequeathal to the Georgia Historical Society. And those who have encountered the wrath of Mary’s ghost when her stipulations have not been honored.

Perkins & Sons Chandlery

Another highlight of the tour happens at Perkins & Sons Chandlery. Guests deboard the trolley a second time to enter into a darkly lit room filled with shipping supplies and crates. Here a great storyteller communicates historical facts mixed with tales of spooky happenings along the riverfront.

Many chose to end their tour here to enjoy the newly renovated and lively area along the riverfront, the Plant Riverside District.

I had explored this impressive new Plant Riverside District prior to my tour. So, I chose to take the short trolley ride up River Street to be dropped off where the tour began.

Trolley Tour Tickets and Meet-Up Location

Go online to find tour times and purchase tickets for the Savannah Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour. Or purchase tickets in person at the trolley meet-up location at 301 East River Street.

Trolley Tour Parking

Parking in Savannah is mostly metered. Parking is free on Sundays but plan to pay $2 per hour Monday-Saturday.

There are numerous options for parking along River Street. The areas closest to the trolley tour location may be full. So leave plenty of time to wait for an open space.

Or find a parking space on Bay Street.

Though often congested, I like to drive around Emmet Park Greenspace off Bay Street. I seem to always find an available parking space. From here, I walk in front of the historic Factor’s Walk building or the historic Cotton Exchange building and take any one of the historic stairways and cobblestone alleyways down to the trolley meet-up location at 301 East River Street.

Gratuities

The tour guides accept tips. My guides did such a great job, the guests were eager to show their gratitude.

Where to Eat and Drink

Good food and drink are easy to find in Savannah.

I have two recommendations near the 90-minute Savannah History and Haunts Candlelit Ghost Tour. Chive Sea Bar and Lounge on Broughton Street for dinner (and drinks). And Artillery Bar on Bull Street for drinks.

Chive Sea Bar and Lounge

The atmosphere at Chive Sea Bar and Lounge was great and the food was even better. Chive serves seafood with Asian and Southern flare. The Ahi Tuna with red curry and lemon caper sauce is pricey but fabulous.

I left my car parked near Chive Sea Bar and walked about 6 blocks to meet up for the walking ghost tour.

Artillery Bar

After the tour, I walked a few blocks to Artillery Bar on Bull Street. This bar feels a lot like a speakeasy, priding itself on an extensive list of bourbons and exquisite cocktails as well as great wines. I was hungry again after the walking tour so the complimentary large portion of assorted nuts was perfect.

As the name suggests, the Artillery Bar is located inside an old armory. The interior has been beautifully restored to reveal some of the buildings’ original architecture and history.

I struggle to decide which restaurants to recommend along River Street and Bay Street near the trolley ghost and gravestones tour meet-up location. But, here are my current favorites:

Vic’s On The River and River House Seafood. I love them both.

Vic’s On The River

Vic’s On The River is located on Bay Street in the building next to The Cotton Exchange Building.

Vic’s On the River is always busy. Not only because of its reputation for great seafood but because of the piano music and the building’s historic vibe.

I sat next to an 1865 battle map that had been hand-drawn on a plaster wall of the building by General Sherman’s officers. It had been discovered during a renovation of the building.

How incredible is that?!?

River House Seafood

River House Seafood is located on River Street in a renovated 18th-century cotton warehouse. Being the scallop and pasta lover that I am, I could not resist the shrimp and scallop pasta. The scallops were humongous!

Savannah Tequila Company

Also, try the Savannah Tequila Company. It is located on River Street as well and offers not only amazing authentic Mexican fare, but has a walk-up window for ordering to-go food and drinks. The margaritas are really good!

Note: Savannah allows open containers of alcohol, with restriction, on the streets in the historic downtown areas between River Street to the north and Jones Street to the south.

If you would like to combine ghost tours with food or drink tours, try the Savannah Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour and the Savannah First Squares Food Tour.

A Bit of Movie Trivia

Chippewa Square (near the 90-minute Savannah History and Haunts Candlelit Ghost Tour ) is the film sight where Tom Hanks is seated on a bench in the movie, Forrest Gump. Unfortunately, the bench was a film prop and no longer exists on site. A replica can be seen at the Savannah History Museum.

Also, the opening scene of Forrest Gump is filmed from the roof of the Sorrel Weed House, one of the stops along the walking ghost tour route.

Preservation of Savannah’s Historic (and Haunted) Downtown

I found it interesting to know that many of Savannah’s distinguished buildings were demolished in the 1930s and 1940s. Fortunately, seven Georgia women led the way to establish the Savannah Historic Foundation. And by the 1950s and early 1960s, the foundation was able to preserve many original structures.

Then in 1978 the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) was founded and began the process of renovating historic buildings rather than building a single new centralized campus.

Today SCAD’s positive influence in the areas of fashion, art, and film are apparent throughout the historic downtown area.  

The 1994 non-fiction novel, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, is credited for solidifying Savannah as the historic, haunted, and quirky tourist destination it is today.

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil centers on the real-life trial for the 1981 murder of a male prostitute by a wealthy antique dealer.

The author details accounts of the eccentric personalities of many who lived in and around Savannah at the time of the murder. And the book became a New York Times Best-Seller.

The book is great! It is somewhat irreverent but very entertaining. And informative. I love walking around Savanah finding homes and happenings described in the book. 

If you love the book too, I recommend taking the Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil Tour.  

Things to Remember before Traveling to Savannah

During the Summer months, the days are sunny, hot, and humid with highs in the 90s. Expect rain showers and periodic thunderstorms and even some tropical storms and flooding between September and November.

A few favorites that help me get around Savannah include my On Cloud Sneakers, my Hydro Flask Water Bottle, and my Baggallini Crossbody Bag. And to be ready for those Savannah rain showers, I tuck my Patagonia Nano Puff Hooded Jacket into my Baggallini bag.

Also, I like to carry bug spray to keep the mosquitos away.

If you are road tripping to Savannah, take a look at my Detailed Packing List.

Or, if you plan to rent a car, compare prices and book in advance to ensure availability.

Travel insurance covers unexpected events such as re-booking flights due to airline cancellations, replacement of belongings when luggage is lost, replacement of stolen items, or emergency travel home due to accident or illness. I recommend World Nomads, an insurance provider trusted by seasoned travelers worldwide.

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