Savannah by Old Town Trolley: must see wonders - stately buildings, lovely parks, lively River Street, theater, boats and cafes all invite the curious to come enjoy classic southern town

Savannah is famous for its inviting squares, beautiful oak trees and peaceful parks.

Editor's Note

Originally published: June 2022

Last updated: July 4, 2026

This article has been reviewed and updated to reflect current travel information, attractions and visitor recommendations.

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

"The Carpe Diem Kids"

The Capitol Building of Savannah is one of many stately buildings.  Besides government buildings, many historic homes can be visited.

Savannah City Hall a Hop On Hop Off stop

GLORIES AWAIT IN A TOWN FILLED WITH HISTORY, ART,  SQUARES AND  LIVELY TROLLEY TOURS TO BRING IT ALL TO LIFE

Savannah Old Town Trolley has several stops directly serving or immediately adjacent to SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) buildings, making it a very convenient way to visit the campus and its attractions. The SCAD beach is a retreat and attraction for students and tourists.

Savannah must see wonders by Savannah by Old Town Trolley:

If you’re searching for a destination that feels both timeless and effortlessly beautiful, Savannah, Georgia should be at the top of your list. With its cobblestone streets, moss-draped oak trees, and centuries-old architecture, Savannah invites you to slow down and savor every moment. Whether you’re wandering through its iconic historic squares, indulging in classic Southern cuisine, or taking in the sunset along the riverfront, this coastal city delivers an unforgettable travel experience filled with charm, history, and warmth.

Savannah's Old Town Trolley is another Savannah must see and delightful way to explore the city, with lively informative guides and many stops.

GEORGIA'S OLDEST city, Savannah, is a  gracious, welcoming town which honors its past while embracing the new. Historians claim that Savannah was spared during Sherman's march in December of 1864.  Some say he spared the beautiful city because his mistress lived there.  Others claim he was simply taken with Savannah's beauty.  In any case, Savannah surrendered without a siege.

Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers pause at a Patrick Dougherty installation at SCAD -- the famed Savannah College of Art and Design.

We know today's Savannah as both old fashioned and contemporary, a city of many faces.  It's famous worldwide for its stately, well preserved homes and inviting squares, hundreds of oaks with that artful Spanish moss,  gorgeous coastal landscapes, lively shops and restaurant, and a range of art galleries.

Another two Savannah must see wonders are the marvelous contemporary art museum and lively shows at the historic Savannah Theatre.

Savannah is considered America's first planned city because of British born James Oglethorpe's orderly squares marking the city. It was established in 1733.

THE PLENTIFUL squares 22 in total make it a beautiful and inviting walking town.  You can enjoy a beverage at dozens of restaurants and bars within easy reach of the squares, while admiring stylish architecture in Savannah's Historic District.

Salute native son, composer Johnny Mercer at the Mercer-Williams House Museum. His great-grandfather built it and while he didn't actually live there,  he is honored in tour narration.  Readers of contemporary novels will remember the house and Monterey Square, made famous by the novel, “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” The home and its palm trees have an air of eeriness that makes for an intriguing visit.

Talmadge Memorial Bridge is another one of the sights you'll see when you take a riverboat.

Cemeteries, ghost stories, shadowy entry ways and creaking steps are part of Savannah's Old Town Trolley's Ghost Tour which we enjoyed.

More must see stops in Savannah

Savannah Theatre is one of the country's oldest, with lively productions.

The much used trolley also offers a daytime hop on/off historic district city tour -- our favorite -- with entertaining guides.  They offer interesting narrative as the trolley wends its way through the oak-lined streets and past the beautiful squares and buildings that distinguish this stately city.

We loved this relaxing, informative tour, which covers famous landmarks including the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the Andrew Low House, where we learned of the patriarch's rise from rags to incredible riches.

Mercer Williams House Museum is an elegant reminder of Savannah's grace that rocketed to fame with the best-selling Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."

OUR GUIDE pointed out lovely Forsyth Park, a pinnacle of Savannah's beauty. We hopped off to stroll through 30 acres of live oak trees, and lush azaleas while admiring ornate Victorian mansions.

We spent the better part of two days on River Street, the city's oldest street, unique in many ways. This colorful but uneven walkway is picturesque, but a bit hard on the feet -- paved with 200 year old ballast-stones, artfully recycled from stones used to weigh down cotton ships. We dined often on this aptly named street with fun restaurants, boutiques and historical monuments. Our favorite is the Weeping Girl, who waved in vain at ships entering the harbor, hoping for a return of her sailor lover.

More information on seeing Savannah by Old Town Trolley:

Trolleytours.com 912-226-6805

Other Savannah must see attractions and recommendations:

• Savannahriverboat.com 912 232-6404

• Savannahtheatre.com 912 233-7764

• Scad.edu

The Waving Girl statue is of Florence Martus. Sadly, her sailor didn't return from the sea. 

Kualoa Ranch on the island of Oahu is an historic, family run enterprise dedicated to preserving Hawaii's history and culture while offering fun activities for all ages.

NEXT UP: Kualoa Ranch awaits.  A unique, environmentally  sensitive enterprise has preserved respect for the land on the island of Oahu for generations, since 1850. The family-run working ranch offers an array of activities, from horseback riding to biking, zip lines, a farm tour and a tour of locations for movies made on the island.

Great fun for couples, families or adventure loving friends. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each week for a fresh spin on travel, family, the arts, nature and more. 

If this destination sparked your wanderlust, there’s plenty more waiting for you - explore more travel stories and inspiration over at WhereIsCookie.com