Strolling Savannah Squares: A Journey Through History and Charm
Chrissy Clary
A Slow Stroll Through the Heart of Historic Savannah Squares
Savannah, Georgia, is a city where history mingles with Southern charm, offering visitors an experience that feels like stepping into a living postcard. The heart of this enchanting city? It's historic Savannah squares—twenty-four of them, to be precise—each one brimming with stories, shady oaks, and the occasional tourist posing awkwardly next to a fountain.
Designed in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe, the historic Savannah squares weren’t just decorative; they were part of a thoughtful city plan to encourage community and culture. Of the original 24 squares, 22 remain—beautiful, serene, and scattered like storybook chapters across downtown Savannah.
Check out our visit to the Savannah Squares below:
Each square has its tale to tell, but here are a few you simply shouldn’t miss:
Chippewa Square
Made famous by that now-iconic "Forrest Gump" bench, Chippewa offers more than just movie nostalgia. Lush landscaping, a prominent statue of Oglethorpe, and a central location make it a favorite rest stop on any walking tour of the historic Savannah squares.
Madison Square
History buffs, rejoice. Civil War monuments and historic homes flank this square, and it often features costumed guides sharing tales from centuries past. It’s as close as you’ll get to time travel without leaving your bench.
Orleans Square
Tucked just behind the bustle of City Market, Orleans Square offers a quiet escape with shady benches and a bubbling fountain gifted by Savannah’s German Society. It’s a nod to the Battle of New Orleans—and the immigrant roots that helped shape the city.
Crawford Square:
Small but mighty, Crawford Square holds a unique claim: it once housed a community cistern and remains the only square still fully fenced. It’s a rare glimpse into Savannah’s utility history—plus, there’s a basketball court if you're feeling competitive.
Pulaski Square
With its towering oaks and brick paths, Pulaski Square oozes Southern charm. Named for Revolutionary War hero Count Pulaski, it’s one of the few squares without a central monument—letting the lush landscaping and historic homes do the storytelling.
If you want to enjoy the historic Savannah squares at their best, aim for spring blooms or quieter weekday mornings. Bring a coffee, a book, or a sketchpad—whatever helps you linger. These aren’t places to rush through; they’re meant for meandering.
Pro tip: The interplay of light and moss in these squares is a photographer’s dream. Look up, look around, and you’ll find angles even your phone camera can’t mess up.
Before you wander off, swing by nearby cafés like Gryphon Tea Room or Clary’s Cafe—both local icons that know exactly how to refuel a square-weary traveler.
So here’s our advice: ditch the itinerary. Let the historic Savannah squares lead the way. Wander slowly. Sit often. Talk to strangers. And when the day winds down, let the stories you've gathered—whether historical, ghostly, or entirely your own—become part of your travel lore.
Picnic Picks for Exploring Savannah Squares
Nothing pairs with the historic Savannah squares quite like a good old-fashioned picnic. Whether you're spreading a blanket beneath the mossy oaks of Monterey Square or enjoying people-watching in Forsyth Park, these handpicked essentials from our Wander 'Bout Shop will elevate your alfresco game:
Picnic Must-Haves
Hand-Woven Wicker Picnic Basket Set for 4: Old-world charm meets practical design. Comes with utensils, plates, an insulated cooler compartment, and enough style to make even a squirrel jealous.
Retro-Style Picnic Cooler: Keep your lemonade crisp and your cheese chilled with this vintage-inspired cooler that turns heads as easily as it stores snacks.
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Plan Your Visit
Skip the stress of last-minute planning—Viator makes finding quality activities simple.
Let the historic Savannah squares be your introduction to a slower, richer kind of travel. Savannah doesn’t just welcome visitors—it invites you to stay awhile.