The Best Self Guided Walking Tour of Savannah: 2-3 Day Itinerary

Location: Savannah, Georgia

If you’re planning a trip to Georgia’s most charming city, you’re in for a treat. This self guided walking tour of Savannah is the perfect way to explore the Hostess City of the South at your own pace. Whether you’re visiting with kids, friends, or solo, this 2-3 day itinerary blends history, architecture, family-friendly fun, and a dash of coastal flavor.

For the perfect home base, we recommend staying at The Brice Hotel. This stylish boutique hotel is located in the historic district and walkable to most attractions in this itinerary.

Table of Contents

Day One: A self guided Walking tour of savannah’s History and Southern Charm

🔹Life is Like a Box of Chocolates

Kick things off at Chippewa Square, famously known as the bench scene location from Forrest Gump. It’s surrounded by beautiful architecture and historic churches. Note that the bench has been moved to the Savannah History Museum.

🔹East Jones Street

Next, stroll down East Jones Street, often called the prettiest street in Savannah. The oak-shaded sidewalks and beautifully preserved 19th-century homes are what Southern dreams are made of.

🔹Mercer-Williams House

Make your way to the Mercer-Williams House, made famous by the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. You can admire the home from the outside or take a guided tour to learn more about its eerie history.

🔹Forsyth Park

No self guided walking tour of Savannah would be complete without a stop at Forsyth Park. The iconic fountain, shady walking paths, and open lawns make it a great spot for a picnic or quick rest.

🔹Savannah History Museum + Nearby Attractions

Just a quick stop at the Savannah History Museum offers a bite-sized overview of the city’s past. From there, choose between two excellent kid-friendly options:

Savannah Children’s Museum – Ideal for younger kids with outdoor play areas and hands-on exhibits.
Georgia State Railroad Museum – A favorite for train-loving kids (and adults), featuring real locomotives and interactive exhibits. This was the filming location of the movie Glory.

These museums are all clustered together, making it easy to choose based on your group’s interests and energy level.

🍴 Lunch at the Plant Riverside District

After your museum adventure, head toward the vibrant Plant Riverside District for lunch. You’ll find a wide variety of restaurants and riverfront views. Some of our favorites:

Savannah Tequila Company for tacos
Graffito for artisan pizza
Riverside Biergarten for burgers and casual bites

🦕 Electric Moon Skytop Lounge & JW Marriott Fossils

Before 6 PM, Electric Moon Skytop Lounge is kid-friendly and offers rooftop views and interactive features like slides and games. Don’t miss the dino-themed scavenger hunt at the JW Marriott and the jaw-dropping fossil displays—including a full Ice Age cave bear skeleton!

🛳️ Explore the Riverfront

Your self guided walking tour of Savannah continues along the waterfront where you can watch the massive freight liners cruise down the Savannah River. This is a great time to consider a Savannah Riverboat Tour for a unique view of the city (especially relaxing in the late afternoon).

🍬 Sweet Treats & Local Shops

Before heading back to your hotel, make a few delicious detours:

Grab a bag of cookies from Byrd’s Famous Cookies
Try a warm praline at the Savannah Candy Kitchen
Pop into the local boutiques for souvenirs

🌙 Dinner at The Pirate’s House

Wrap up the day with dinner at The Pirate’s House, just steps from The Brice Hotel. With roots going back to 1753, it’s a family-friendly spot filled with legends of swashbucklers and hidden tunnels.

Day Two: Savannah Favorites

🥞 Breakfast at Rhett

Start your morning with breakfast at Rhett, the stylish Southern-inspired restaurant inside The Alida Hotel. This spot is known for its refined take on brunch classics—think grits bowls, shrimp and grits, and decadent brioche French toast. It’s the perfect way to fuel up for your final adventures in Savannah. They have a great children’s menu.

🛍️ The Paris Market

Wander through The Paris Market, one of Savannah’s most beautifully curated shops filled with home goods, gifts, and French-inspired décor.

🍨 Leopold’s Ice Cream

No visit to Savannah is complete without a stop at Leopold’s Ice Cream. Expect a line—it’s worth it.

🌿 Wormsloe Historic Site

End your self guided walking tour of Savannah with a scenic 20-minute drive to Wormsloe Historic Site, where you’ll find one of the most photographed oak-lined drives in the South and ruins of a colonial estate dating back to 1736.

👻 Take an Evening Ghost Tour

Savannah is one of the most haunted cities in America, and these tours are the perfect blend of spooky and historical. The locals recommended Savannah Ghosts & Gravestones Trolley Tour and we had a great time.

Day 3: A Coastal Adventure

Get out of town (just a bit) and explore Savannah’s nearby beaches and natural treasures. You won’t be doing this part on foot. We had rented a car, but Uber is also a great option.

🦈 Morning Shark Tooth Excursion

Drive 20 minutes to Bull River Marina and join a shark tooth excursion—a thrilling hunt for fossilized teeth and marine treasures such as Megalodon teeth! It’s fun for kids and adults alike.

🐟 Lunch at a Local Seafood Shack

Refuel with fresh seafood at one of Tybee Island’s casual spots. You can’t go wrong with shrimp baskets or fish tacos by the sea. The locals recommended Bubba Gumbo’s, which doesn’t look like much, but it is on the shrimp boat dock and is known for their fresh seafood.

🏖️ Afternoon on Tybee Island

Relax on the sand and splash in the waves at Tybee Island Beach. North Beach is great for families, and South Beach is closer to the pier and shops.

☠️ Bonaventure Cemetery

On the way back to Savannah, stop by the hauntingly beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery to see Spanish moss-draped oaks and historic monuments.

Final Thoughts

Savannah is a city best explored on foot and at your own pace. This self guided walking tour of Savannah itinerary mixes the city’s historic heart with modern fun and natural beauty, giving you a well-rounded experience in just a few days. Whether you’re traveling with kids or just young at heart, Savannah’s magic will charm you every step of the way.