Chippewa Square to Forsyth Park: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Savannah

If you’re planning a visit to Savannah, you’ll find plenty of options to explore the city’s historic streets. One that caught our eye is the self-guided audio tour from Chippewa Square to Forsyth Park. It’s designed to give you a flexible way to soak in Savannah’s sights at your own pace, and with a price tag of just $7.99, it’s an accessible way to deepen your visit.

What really drew us in are the convenient offline access—meaning you can explore without worrying about internet connectivity—and the ability to stop, start, and revisit parts of the tour as you please. It’s perfect for those who enjoy wandering without feeling locked into a strict schedule. A slight caveat: the app has been noted to be a bit unstable at times, which might cause minor interruptions. Still, most users find it straightforward enough to get back on track.

This tour is ideal for travelers who prefer exploring on their own but want expert narration without the cost of a guided group. If you’re a history buff, a casual stroller, or someone who loves discovering hidden stories on familiar streets, you’ll probably find this a compelling option.

Key Points

• Flexible self-guided format allows you to explore at your own pace.
• Affordable price point makes it accessible for most travelers.
• Offline access ensures no worries about losing connectivity while wandering.
• Interesting stops, from historic squares to iconic buildings, provide a well-rounded experience.
• Audio narration enhances understanding of each site’s story and significance.
• User reviews highlight easy navigation and good value, making it a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.

Introduction to the Savannah Self-Guided Tour

We love the idea of exploring a city like Savannah with a bit of independence, and this self-guided audio tour promises just that. It’s a smart way to learn about the city’s landmarks without feeling rushed or tied to a group. Plus, at just under $8, it’s one of the more budget-friendly ways to deepen your experience.

What stands out about this tour are its thoughtful stops and smooth navigation. You get to walk through the historic districts, hearing stories about the places you pass—like the Savannah Theatre, which is noted as the oldest playhouse still in use, or Colonial Park Cemetery, where history whispers from the gravestones. Another highlight is the inclusion of iconic sites like Lafayette Square and Forsyth Park, both of which are must-visit spots during any Savannah trip.

On the downside, some users report that the app can be a bit unstable, which might mean restarting it during your walk. But most people find it easy enough to get back on track, especially with the turn-by-turn directions and maps included. It’s a small issue compared to the overall value and ease of use.

This tour suits travelers who want a personalized, flexible experience—perfect for those who love to craft their own adventure but with a little guide to keep them informed. If you’re curious about Savannah’s history and want to see its most famous sights without rushing through a crowded tour bus, this could be just what you’re looking for.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $7.99, you get lifetime access to the tour in English, along with the VoiceMap app compatible with Android and iOS. The best part? All the audio, maps, and geodata are available offline, making it easy to explore without Wi-Fi or data worries.

However, keep in mind that tickets to attractions, food, drinks, and transportation are not included. You’ll need your own smartphone and headphones, and you should be prepared to handle your own logistics if you’re hopping between sites. Still, considering the price, this is a great value for an immersive experience.

The tour begins outside The Independent Presbyterian Church of Savannah and wraps up in front of the Fountain at Forsyth Park, making it easy to start and end in accessible, well-known spots.

The Detailed Itinerary: What You’ll See and Hear

Starting outside the Independent Presbyterian Church, the narration kicks off with an overview of how to use the app. It’s straightforward—just download, follow the turn-by-turn directions, and enjoy. Once on your way, you’ll walk into Chippewa Square, famous for its iconic bench scene from Forrest Gump. Here, the narration explains the square’s history, giving you context as you stroll.

Next, the tour passes by the Savannah Theatre, which dates back to 1818 and holds the title of the oldest continuously operating playhouse. The storytelling about the theatre adds a layer of appreciation—imagine the countless performances that have taken place there.

A quick walk past Colonial Park Cemetery offers a peek into Savannah’s past, with stories about some notable burials. The narration helps you appreciate the history lying beneath your feet, even if you’re just passing through.

From there, the tour moves along to the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. While you can admire the building from the outside, the narration shares snippets about its construction and significance. It’s a chance to appreciate the artistry and history without the need for a guided tour.

Then, you’ll stroll through Lafayette Square, known for its beautiful oaks and historic homes. The narration offers snippets about the square’s past and its role in Savannah’s development.

One of the tour’s highlights is passing the Andrew Low House, where you’ll learn about the Low family and the story of the Girl Scouts. This segues into a visit to the Girl Scout First Headquarters, giving you insight into the origins of the organization.

The walk continues through Madison Square, another charming section filled with historic architecture, and then onto Jones Street, often called one of the most beautiful and prestigious streets in Savannah.

Next up is Monterey Square, known for its lovely parks and stately buildings, before passing by Alex Raskin Antiques, where the narration shares details about the shop’s history.

The last two stops are the Armstrong House, linked to the Armstrong family, and finally, your ending point at Forsyth Park, with its iconic fountain. Here, the narration wraps up, giving you time to soak in the atmosphere before heading off.

What Visitors Say

Most reviewers are highly satisfied, with praise for the ease of navigation and interesting commentary. One user mentioned, “The app worked seamlessly on both Android and Apple devices,” highlighting its reliability. Another appreciated the balance of history and fun, noting the narration included stories that even locals might not know.

Some found the app slightly unstable at times, but overall, users agree that the cost-to-value ratio is excellent. The ability to stop and explore on your own, combined with the shared stories, makes it feel like a personalized experience.

Others enjoyed discovering additional spots not included in the official stops, such as visiting St. John’s Church interior or grabbing drinks at nearby cafes, which shows the flexibility of the tour.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This self-guided audio tour is perfect for independent explorers who like to take their time. If you enjoy strolling through historic districts, learning stories about buildings and squares, and want a cost-effective way to explore Savannah’s highlights, this fits the bill.

It’s also suited for those who appreciate audio-guided narration but don’t want to be tied to a traditional tour. Since it’s available offline, you don’t need to worry about connectivity issues, making it ideal for wandering around the city’s charming streets.

While it’s not a guided group experience, it offers enough information to feel like a knowledgeable companion on your walk. If you’re someone who appreciates a personalized pace and values local stories, this tour is worth considering.

The Sum Up

All in all, the Chippewa Square to Forsyth Park self-guided audio tour offers a wonderful way to explore Savannah at your convenience. Its combination of affordability, flexibility, and engaging narration makes it a popular choice among those who want to learn about Savannah’s history without the constraints of a traditional tour.

The convenience of offline access and clear directions ensures you won’t miss a beat while wandering through historic squares, picturesque streets, and iconic landmarks. While the app’s occasional instability is worth noting, most users find it a minor issue compared to the quality of the content and the value it provides.

This tour is especially suited for curious travelers who love a bit of storytelling and want to craft their own experience. Whether you’re a seasoned history lover or someone new to Savannah, you’ll appreciate the personalized, self-paced approach—plus, it’s a great way to see some of the city’s most famous sights without breaking the bank.

If you’re comfortable navigating on your own and want to hear the stories that bring Savannah’s streets alive, this tour will serve you well. Just remember to have your smartphone charged and your headphones ready, and you’ll be set for a memorable walk through one of America’s most beautiful historic districts.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, it’s designed for anyone interested in exploring Savannah’s sights and stories. It’s a self-guided experience, so children and adults alike can enjoy it.

Do I need internet to use the tour?
No, the app provides offline access to all audio, maps, and geodata, so you can explore without needing Wi-Fi or cellular data.

How long does the tour take?
The estimated duration is about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on how much you stop and explore along the way.

What do I need to bring?
You’ll need your smartphone, headphones, and perhaps a water bottle. No tickets or additional fees are necessary for the tour itself.

Can I start and end the tour at different locations?
The official start point is outside The Independent Presbyterian Church, and the tour ends at Forsyth Park’s fountain. Since it’s self-guided, you can choose to begin or finish elsewhere nearby if you prefer.

Is the app easy to use?
Most reviews say yes. It includes turn-by-turn directions and maps, making navigation straightforward. Some users noted minor app stability issues, but these rarely detract from the overall experience.

Are there any hidden costs?
No, the price covers lifetime access to the tour in English. However, additional expenses like entrance fees to attractions or food are not included.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not specifically geared toward children, the content is suitable for most ages. Hearing stories about historic landmarks can be engaging for older kids and teens.

Can I revisit parts of the tour later?
Absolutely. You get lifetime access, so you can go back and re-listen or explore the sights later on your trip.

Exploring Savannah through this self-guided tour offers a mix of flexibility, storytelling, and historical insight—all at a reasonable price. It’s a fantastic way to craft your own adventure and get a deeper understanding of this charming southern city.