10 Best Parks and Squares in Savannah

Forsyth Park lies in central Savannah, with over 30 acres of lush green space to enjoy. Located 1 mile north of the waterfront, this vast park is one of the most popular downtown gathering spots.

There’s plenty to do in Forsyth Park, whether you’re looking for a place to bike around, wanting to visit a farmer’s market on the weekend, or scouting out a grassy area for an afternoon picnic. Make sure to stop by the iconic cast-iron Forsyth Fountain, which sits at the northern end of the park. It makes for a beautiful photoshoot location in Savannah.

Skidaway Island State Park spans over 580 acres of marshy lands and maritime forests nestled along the intra-coastal waterways. It's within a 25-minute drive southeast of downtown Savannah, great for escaping the city crowds. 

Hike through the trails of Skidaway, which offer scenic views and plenty of opportunities to catch wildlife in action. Keep an eye out for egrets and fiddler crabs in their natural habitats on your walk. Make sure to check out the boardwalk and observation tower, too. If you’re heading to the park around lunchtime, pack some food and check out one of its open-air picnic shelters for a scenic outdoor meal.

Lafayette Square is a beautiful square surrounded by elaborate buildings. Located just a few blocks north of Forsyth Park, this quaint space is a favourite for anyone looking to explore Savannah's rich history and unique architecture.

One of the most impressive buildings lining the square is the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Sitting on the northeast corner of the square, this gorgeous church has the highest steeples in Savannah, a brilliant white exterior and equally impressive interior. Just 2 blocks down on the square, you’ll find the Hamilton-Turner Inn, a beautifully preserved hotel.

Monterey Square is one of the most beautiful squares in all of Savannah, thanks to an abundance of flowers and towering trees. Located just 1 block north of Forsyth Park, on Bull Street, many come to this historic square to check out a lavish monument that pays homage to General Casimir Pulaski. 

If you want to take a closer look at buildings from the past, it's a good idea to join a tour of the Mercer-Williams House. This historic structure has been restored to its original glory, displaying portraits from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as a collection of Chinese porcelain.

The Wormsloe State Historic Site is a lavish estate that's within a 20-minute drive from downtown Savannah. You’ll be greeted by an impressive entrance to this old colonial structure. Travel along the mile-long road, with views of giant oak trees covered in Spanish moss, until you reach its visitor centre and gift shop.

While you’re there, make sure to stop by Wormsloe village where you can check out old tabby ruins from the oldest remaining structure in all of Savannah. Bring comfy walking shoes to tackle 5 miles of nature trails meandering through the scenic marshland that surrounds the estate.

Chatham Square is just a few blocks west of Monterey Square, on Barnard Street. As it’s only a few minutes’ walk from the busy downtown, it's great for escaping the crowds and enjoy a few moments of peace. 

If you’re looking to explore Savannah’s squares like a true Georgian, this is a great one to add to your list. Chatham Square is a hidden gem, where you can enjoy a picnic or relax with a book on park benches, all under the shade of massive oak trees.

Ellis Square is a gathering space just a few blocks from the river along Congress Street. More modern than the other traditional city squares, it offers many activities for the whole family, including the City Market, an outdoor splash park and a life-sized chess set.

The city of Savannah turned Ellis Square into a modern playground in 2005. It's a good idea to get there by 10 pm to catch a fountain show, which showcases exciting patterned sequences.

Madison Square is only a few blocks north of Forsyth Park, on Bull Street. Architects love visiting this spot because it’s home to some impressive examples of Gothic, Greek Revival and Romanesque architecture.

Head to the middle of the square for a closer look at the bronze monument honouring Sergeant William Jasper, an American hero who fought in the Revolutionary War. Another must-visit is the Green-Meldrim House Museum, a Gothic Revival-style historic home boasting ornate ironwork, a large covered porch, and a cast-iron portico.

Johnson Square is a historic square just a few blocks south of the Savannah River, along Bull Street. It was first laid out by General Oglethorpe, the founder of Savannah, back in 1733. No walk through the square is complete without a visit to some of its most iconic buildings like City Hall and the Christ Episcopal Church. 

As with many squares in the city, Johnson Square features a monument honouring a war hero and 2 ornate fountains. If you’re a history buff, make sure to seek out the Nathanael Greene monument/obelisk and the William Bull sundial, both honouring significant historical figures from Savannah’s history.