Listen to the tour introductionA short audio preview of this tour
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Savannah: Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour of Historic Squares incl. Forsyth Park
Welcome, fellow adventurers, to Savannah, Georgia – a city where history whispers from every cobblestone and beauty blooms around every corner! This self-guided driving tour is your golden ticket to uncovering the very best of Savannah's main sites, perfectly curated for both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts. Buckle up for an engaging journey through our beloved Historic District, designed to minimize driving distance and maximize your sightseeing pleasure. You'll navigate seamlessly from the bustling River Street, with its vibrant energy and historic Factors Walk, to the lively City Market, a hub of arts and dining. Prepare to be charmed by our picturesque squares, including the iconic Wright Square and the 'Forrest Gump' famous Chippewa Square. Marvel at architectural masterpieces like the stunning Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist and delve into the past at the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters and the Mercer-Williams House Museum. Our route ensures a logical, continuous flow, guiding you efficiently without unnecessary detours. Each stop offers incredible photo opportunities, making this tour a treasure trove of Instagrammable selfie spots. Concluding at the magnificent Forsyth Park, with its grand fountain, you'll experience the quintessential Savannah charm. Get ready to discover the soul of the South at your own pace!
We are starting at Forsyth Park. Just follow your navigation!
Top landmarks and attractions included in this English self-guided 50m driving tour in Savannah
For the best experience, begin at the tour's recommended starting point and follow the stops in order.
Want to start somewhere else? Simply use Start At on the tour screen, before tapping Start Tour, to begin from any stop.
Need to detour or skip a stop along the way? Tap Tour Assistant () to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
Route Preview
Places (POIs) visited during this tour
Place 1
Forsyth Park Recommended starting point
Distance: 0.00 mi · Attraction: Park, Landmark (Recommended selfie spot).
1112 Drayton St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA
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Alright folks, prepare for a breath of fresh air and a feast for the eyes as we arrive up ahead at Forsyth Park, the crown jewel of Savannah's green spaces. This magnificent 30-acre park isn't just a pretty place; it's the city's living room, its playground, and its historical heart, all rolled into one sprawling expanse.
The park's history stretches back to the 1840s when it was first designated and then expanded in 1851 to its current size. It was named for Governor John Forsyth, who served Georgia in the 1830s. But let's be honest, when you think of Forsyth Park, one image immediately springs to mind: that stunning, iconic fountain. Installed in 1858, this cast-iron beauty, painted a striking green, is one of three identical fountains originally ordered from a New York catalog (the other two are in Peru and New York). Its design is said to be inspired by the fountains at the Place de la Concorde in Paris, bringing a touch of European grandeur to our Southern charm. It’s practically a rite of passage for every visitor and local alike to snap a photo in front of it.
Beyond the fountain, the park offers shaded walking paths, a Confederate Monument erected in 1879, a large children's play area, and even a fragrant garden designed for the visually impaired. On any given day, you might see folks picnicking, joggers getting their miles in, or artists capturing the scene. Weekends often bring farmers' markets, festivals, and concerts, truly cementing its role as the city's central gathering spot. It’s a testament to Savannah’s enduring appreciation for beauty and community, a place where history simply unwinds under a canopy of ancient oaks.
Turn left on Gaston Street when you get to the end of the park.
Distance: 0.47 mi · Attraction: Historic House
1 W Gaston St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA
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Be ready to turn right on Barnard Street but first, look just past the crosswalk on the right. The Armstrong Kessler Mansion is one of Savannah’s most striking historic homes, a grand Italian Renaissance Revival estate built between 1917 and 1919 for shipping magnate George Ferguson Armstrong. Designed by architect Henrik Wallin, the mansion spans nearly 26,000 square feet and features elegant granite terraces, ornate bronze and steel detailing, and beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking Forsyth Park. Its scale and craftsmanship make it a standout along this historic stretch of the city.
Over the decades, the mansion has lived many lives. It began as a private residence, later served as part of Armstrong Junior College, and eventually housed law offices before being carefully restored. Today, the property has been returned to its original elegance, preserving its architectural grandeur while adapting to modern use.
Though it isn’t open for daily tours, the Armstrong Kessler Mansion now functions as an exclusive event venue, offering a rare glimpse into Savannah’s Gilded Age luxury and the city’s rich architectural legacy.
Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms. Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
Walk at your own pace.
No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
Take the tour in your preferred language.
Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
Enjoy preferred prices.
What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay / Android / Android Auto].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (iOS users) and Android Auto connection (Android users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
Tickets to the attractions on your tour.
Food and drinks
Physical tour guide.
Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural
How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 0.5 to 1 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
What does this tour include?
This self-guided driving tour includes 25 stops, covering top attractions such as Forsyth Park, Armstrong Kessler Mansion, Chatham Square, Mercer-Williams House, Monterey Square.
Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Forsyth Park (Address: 1112 Drayton St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided driving tour designed to be completed by car, covering scenic routes, city highlights and optional key stops.
Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided driving tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you. The only vaiables that might affect your pace are speed limits and traffic congestion.
Do I need a car for this tour?
Yes, this is a driving tour, designed to be completed by car, with stops spread across different locations connected by a driving route.
Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There are two things that you need - 1. A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour). 2. A car. Here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a charging cable for your car. 2. Connect your phone to the car speaker system via bluetooth or use our CarPlay/Android Auto option for the best experience.
How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. This works great either directly from your phone, or while connected to your car's multimedia system and using our CarPlay or Android Auto options. Just follow the route and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
What known landmarks and main sites does this tour have?
The top landmarks and main sites on this tour include Forsyth Park, Mercer-Williams House, Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, Chippewa Square, Colonial Park Cemetery and River Street. In total, the tour has 25 points of interest along the route.
Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are multilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!
Driving tour
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
