Is Jones Street Savannah worth visiting?

Yes, it is often cited as the most beautiful street in the United States due to its canopy of oak trees and historic brick paving. It offers a quieter, more authentic look at Savannah’s residential architecture compared to the busier tourist zones.

What is the best time for photography on this route?

Early morning or 'Golden Hour' before sunset provides the best lighting as sun filters through the Spanish moss. The shadows on the brick streets are particularly beautiful during these times.

Can I do this walking route in a wheelchair?

While the route is flat, many sidewalks are made of historic brick or are uneven due to tree roots. Jones Street specifically has many brick sections that may be challenging, though the squares generally have paved perimeter paths.

Where can I park for this Savannah walking tour?

Street parking is available throughout the Historic District, though it is metered. The Liberty Street Parking Garage is a convenient central option located a few blocks from Lafayette Square.

Are there public restrooms along the way?

Public restrooms are somewhat limited in the residential squares. The most reliable facilities are located at Forsyth Park, just a short walk from the end of the route, or in local cafes like Clary's.

Is this walk family-friendly?

Yes, the walk is very family-friendly as it passes through several squares with benches and open space. Troup Square even features a dog-friendly water fountain and a whimsical armillary sphere that children often enjoy.

Do I need to pay for any of the stops?

The squares and streets are completely free to explore. There are admission fees only if you choose to enter the interior of historic homes like the Andrew Low House.

The Romantic’s Promenade: Jones Street & Hidden Lanes | Self-Guided Walking Tour

About This Guided Walking Tour

Step into a living postcard where Spanish moss drapes over wrought-iron balconies and cobblestone streets whisper stories of the Old South. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the heart of Savannah's Historic District, focusing on the quiet elegance of its residential corridors and the lush greenery of its world-famous squares. Known for its symmetrical grid and romantic atmosphere, this neighborhood stroll offers a deep dive into the architecture and local legends that make Savannah a premier destination for those seeking beauty and history. This walking route highlights the most picturesque corners of the city, including what is frequently cited as the most beautiful street in America: Jones Street. As you explore independently, you will encounter grand mansions like the Andrew Low House and peaceful retreats like Lafayette Square. This is more than just a sightseeing path; it is an invitation to slow down and appreciate the intricate details of Savannah’s urban design. Along the way, you will discover the cinematic connections of Clary’s Cafe, a local landmark immortalized in literature and film, and the unique astronomical features of Troup Square. Whether you are a photography enthusiast looking for the perfect light filtering through the oaks or a history buff interested in the evolution of Southern urban planning, this audio walk provides a flexible and immersive experience. This walking tour Savannah offers allows you to bypass the crowds of the riverfront and find the true soul of the city within its shaded lanes and private gardens. By following this route, travelers can experience the authentic charm of the Historic District at their own pace, making it an ideal choice for a romantic afternoon or a peaceful morning exploration. Discover why this area remains the crown jewel of Georgia's coast while navigating the same paths that residents have cherished for centuries. This guided tour Savannah experience is designed for those who want the freedom to linger at a favorite fountain or stop for a coffee without following a rigid schedule.

Tour Highlights & Things to See

Wander down Jones Street, often called the most beautiful street in America
Admire the ornate Semiquincentennial Fountain in Lafayette Square
Explore the formal parterre gardens of the Andrew Low House
Visit the filming locations associated with 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil'
See the unique Armillary Sphere in the center of Troup Square
Discover the architectural grandeur surrounding Madison Square

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour.

Tour Stops & Points of Interest (6)

1

Lafayette Square

Named for the Marquis de Lafayette, the French hero of the American Revolution, this square is a masterpiece of Savannah’s urban plan. At its center stands the Semiquincentennial Fountain, a gift from the Colonial Dames of America. As you stand here, notice the towering spires of the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist nearby. The square is surrounded by stunning examples of Victorian and Greek Revival architecture. It serves as a perfect introduction to the city's 'Oglethorpe Plan,' which created these green 'living rooms' for the community. The atmosphere here is often quiet, providing a serene backdrop for the historic homes that have stood watch over the square for over a century.

2

Andrew Low House Garden

Just off Lafayette Square lies the Andrew Low House, but it is the garden that truly captures the romantic spirit of the city. This is one of the few remaining original formal parterre gardens in Savannah. Designed with intricate geometric paths and lush plantings, it reflects the high-society lifestyle of the mid-19th century. Andrew Low was a wealthy cotton merchant, and his home later became significant as the residence of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA. The garden remains a meticulously maintained example of period landscape design, offering a fragrant and visual escape from the modern world.

3

Madison Square

Madison Square is a hub of history and architectural diversity. Named after President James Madison, the square features the Sergeant William Jasper Monument at its center, honoring a hero of the Revolutionary War. Looking around, you will see the Gothic Revival style of St. John’s Episcopal Church and the imposing Sorrel-Weed House, known for its Greek Revival and Regency architecture. This square was also the site of significant Civil War history; it was here that General Sherman’s troops camped during their occupation of the city in 1864. Today, it is a favorite spot for students from the nearby Savannah College of Art and Design, blending historic gravity with youthful energy.

4

Clary's Cafe

For a change of pace, we pass by Clary's Cafe, a Savannah institution since 1935. Originally a drugstore, it evolved into a beloved neighborhood eatery. It gained international fame through the book and film 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,' where it served as a primary setting for the city’s eccentric characters to gather and gossip. While the interior has the classic feel of a vintage diner, the exterior remains a staple of the Jones Street neighborhood. It represents the 'lived-in' history of Savannah—where grand monuments meet the everyday rituals of coffee and conversation. It is a perfect spot to imagine the colorful personalities that have called this city home.

5

Troup Square

Troup Square is often described as one of the most whimsical squares in the city. Its centerpiece is a large Armillary Sphere, a bronze astronomical model supported by small lions. This square is unique because it remains primarily residential and is notably pet-friendly, featuring a special water fountain for dogs. Nearby, you might notice the Unitarian Universalist Church, where the classic holiday song 'Jingle Bells' was reportedly composed by James Pierpont. Troup Square feels like a hidden gem, tucked away from the main tourist thoroughfares, offering a glimpse into the quiet, everyday elegance of Savannah’s Historic District residents.

6

Jones Street

We conclude our walk on Jones Street, widely considered the most beautiful residential street in the United States. Walking beneath the cathedral-like canopy of live oaks, you are surrounded by high-stooped Greek Revival houses built in the mid-1800s. The street is still paved with original vitrified bricks, which give it a distinctively warm, red hue. Unlike the busy commercial streets nearby, Jones Street is a sanctuary of silence and architectural perfection. Take note of the 'mounting blocks' still visible at the curbs, once used to help ladies and gentlemen climb into horse-drawn carriages. It is the ultimate expression of Savannah's enduring romantic charm.

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Explore “The Romantic’s Promenade: Jones Street & Hidden Lanes” with your very own Private Tour Guide with Zigway. Start free on iPhone, skip the large group and the fixed routes, and hear the city come alive as you go.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Walking the main historic stretch of Jones Street takes about 20 to 30 minutes at a leisurely pace. The entire neighborhood stroll including the squares takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes.