Behind the Plaques – 2 Hour Historical Walking Tour in Savannah

If you’re planning a trip to Savannah and want to get a genuine feel for its history without spending hours in museums, the Behind the Plaques walking tour could be just what you’re looking for. This two-hour guided stroll takes you through some of Savannah’s most iconic squares, revealing stories behind the city’s streets, buildings, and cemeteries. It’s the kind of experience that balances history, local lore, and a bit of fun, all delivered by knowledgeable guides who seem genuinely passionate about Savannah.

What really stands out about this tour is how it combines a manageable walk with a deep dive into the stories behind the city’s most famous landmarks. Plus, it’s small-group size ensures a more intimate experience, where your questions are welcomed. One thing to keep in mind is the walking involved—if you’re not comfortable walking for about two miles or dealing with hot or humid weather, you might want to prepare accordingly. But overall, it’s a great fit for history lovers, curious travelers, and anyone wanting a guided overview that’s both educational and engaging.

While the tour is highly praised, a possible consideration is the weather—since Savannah can get quite hot and muggy in summer, this might not be ideal in peak heat. However, the price of about $35 per person offers solid value given the depth of stories and sights covered. If you enjoy learning on foot and want a personal, insider perspective on Savannah’s historic district, this tour probably belongs on your list.

Key Points

• Concise and engaging 2-hour walk through Savannah’s most notable squares
• Learn stories of haunted sites, historic landmarks, and local legends
• Small group size makes for a personalized experience
• Great orientation for first-time visitors wanting to get their bearings
• Knowledgeable guides bring Savannah’s history alive
• Affordable price point with free parking fees but transportation not included

An Honest Look at the Behind the Plaques Tour

If you’ve ever wandered Savannah’s streets and wondered about the stories buried beneath its historic facades, this tour offers a nice way to uncover a few of those tales without feeling overwhelmed. It’s designed to be friendly for most people, especially those interested in history, architecture, or ghost stories. The tour’s focus on the city’s squares—each with its own personality and story—gives you a sense of what makes Savannah special.

The Tour Itinerary — A Walk Through Savannah’s Heart

The tour starts at Chippewa Square, famously known as the spot where the Forrest Gump bench was placed. As you stand there, you’ll get a quick overview of the square’s significance, including a monument to James Oglethorpe, the founder of Georgia. The guide will point out the historic buildings like the Eastman-Stoddard House and the Savannah Theater, making it easy to picture the city’s past and its lively culture. One reviewer noted, “Expect to walk and learn about the rich history,” which accurately describes what you’ll get—an informative, brisk walk with plenty of stories.

Next, you’ll visit Wright Square, home to the final resting place of Tomo-Chi-Chi, the Yamacraw chief who was a friend to Oglethorpe. The guide often shares tales of the original town hall and the cemetery that still exists inside the square. As one reviewer shared, “I was amazed at the number of buildings we were told are haunted,” highlighting the spooky stories woven into the history.

Moving on to Oglethorpe Square, you’ll learn about the founder of Savannah and Georgia, with some background on how the city was laid out. It’s a quick stop, but the guide’s insights help make the location memorable.

Columbia Square is next, featuring the first city gate, the Wormsloe Fountain, and historic homes like the Kehoe House and Davenport House. This stop offers a peek into Savannah’s early days and architecture, which many find fascinating. The group gets to see the original city gate and learn how the city expanded.

The Colonial Park Cemetery is a poignant part of the tour. Here, you’ll see graves of Revolutionary War heroes, Declaration signers, and yellow fever victims. It’s a quiet, respectful spot that reminds visitors of Savannah’s turbulent past.

Lafayette Square introduces you to the Marquis de Lafayette, who played a role in the American Revolution. The guide discusses the significance of the square’s monuments and the childhood home of Flannery O’Connor, adding a literary touch to the historical landscape.

Moving to Madison Square, you’ll find the monument to Sergeant William Jasper, a Revolutionary War hero. The square hosts impressive homes, including the Green-Meldrim House and the Sorrel-Weed House, giving a glimpse into Savannah’s antebellum grandeur.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The real charm here is the guide’s knowledge and storytelling ability. Multiple reviews praise the guides—one reviewer said, “House of Clayton was polite and knowledgeable and we really enjoyed walking the squares and learning about them,” highlighting the personal touch. Another mentioned that Bob was particularly personable, making the experience enjoyable even for a solo traveler.

The stories of haunted cemeteries and houses add an intriguing layer, perfect if you’re into ghost stories or looking for a slightly spooky edge to your historical tour. Many feel this approach makes Savannah’s history come alive, especially as the guide shares inside stories not found in guidebooks.

The Practical Side — What to Expect

The tour is about two hours long, covering roughly two miles of walking. It’s set up as a mobile ticket, which makes logistics simple. The maximum group size is limited to ten, ensuring you’re not lost in a crowd and have ample opportunity to ask questions or get personalized insights.

Pricing at $35 per person is quite reasonable, especially considering the depth of storytelling and the intimate experience you get. Please note, parking fees aren’t included, so you’ll need to consider that if you’re driving.

The tour begins at Chippewa Square and ends at Madison Square, roughly four blocks away, so planning your route around the starting point makes sense. They recommend moderate physical fitness, which is fair—be prepared to walk at least two miles, possibly more if you linger at sites. In summer, the heat and humidity can be intense, so for those sensitive to that, a morning tour or cooler weather might be better.

What Do Visitors Say?

The reviews are glowing—11 in total, averaging near 4.8 stars. Visitors consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the engaging stories. One said, “We signed up for a group tour and it turned out to be just two of us,” emphasizing how personalized the experience can be. Others loved how the stories about haunted sites kept them entertained, and many appreciated how the guides answered all their questions, making history feel accessible and fun.

Is It Worth It?

Absolutely, if you’re into history, architecture, or ghost stories, this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of Savannah’s soul. The small group size, friendly guides, and fascinating stories make it a great way to orient yourself in the city, especially if you’re short on time or prefer an active exploration over a formal museum visit.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits those who enjoy walking and want a personal connection with their guide. History buffs will appreciate the detailed stories, while casual visitors can get a solid sense of Savannah’s layout and key sites without feeling overwhelmed. It’s not ideal for people with mobility issues or those expecting a leisurely, extended sit-down tour—this is a brisk walk with plenty of moving parts.

Anyone interested in ghost stories or haunted locations will find the added stories make the experience even more memorable. Overall, it’s a smart choice for first-time visitors wanting an engaging overview or locals curious about their city’s stories.

FAQs

Is parking included in the tour price?
No, parking fees are not included, so you’ll need to find parking nearby.

How long is the walking involved?
The tour involves walking for about two miles over two hours, so comfortable shoes and moderate fitness are recommended.

Can I ask questions during the tour?
Yes, guides are happy to answer questions and share inside stories, making the experience interactive.

Is the tour suitable in summer?
It can be hot and humid, so dressing appropriately and considering cooler morning hours might make it more comfortable.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted.

What landmarks will I see?
Expect to see Savannah’s famous squares, city gates, cemeteries, historic houses, and monuments like the Forrest Gump bench.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 10 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, older children interested in history and walking may enjoy it. Keep in mind the walking distance.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

What if the weather is bad?
Tour dates are weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after an informative, engaging, and personable introduction to Savannah, the Behind the Plaques tour offers a fantastic way to connect with the city’s past without feeling like you’re in a stuffy museum. The focus on storytelling, combined with a small group setting and knowledgeable guides, makes it an experience worth considering—especially if you love uncovering local secrets and history.

While it’s not a leisurely sit-down experience, the brisk pace keeps things lively, and the stories about haunted cemeteries and historic landmarks add a layer of intrigue. It’s particularly suited for curious travelers wanting a meaningful, guided overview of Savannah’s iconic squares and stories—perfect for history buffs, first-timers, or anyone who enjoys a good story told well.

For a well-priced, personal, and insightful walk through Savannah’s historic district, this tour delivers a genuine taste of what makes this city so captivating. Just remember to plan for the weather and wear comfortable shoes, and you’ll likely walk away with a new appreciation for Savannah’s stories and landmarks.