Savannah’s Garden District feels like stepping into a living postcard where Spanish moss drapes over centuries-old oaks like nature’s own curtains. This charming neighborhood stretches south of Forsyth Park, offering visitors a perfect blend of historic architecture, lush gardens, and Southern hospitality that makes Georgia’s first city so enchanting.
Unlike the bustling Historic District with its tour trolleys and crowded squares, the Garden District provides a more intimate glimpse into Savannah’s residential beauty and local culture. The area earned its name honestly — gardens bloom behind wrought-iron gates while massive trees create natural canopies over tree-lined streets.
Here’s a list of 16 must-do experiences that showcase the very best of Savannah’s Garden District.
Forsyth Park
Forsyth Park serves as the crown jewel of Savannah’s green spaces — spanning 30 acres right at the Garden District’s northern edge. The park’s iconic fountain, built in 1858, has become one of the most photographed landmarks in the entire city.
Visitors can stroll the tree-lined paths, play tennis on the courts, or simply relax under the shade of the magnificent live oaks. Yet what really brings the park to life is the popular Forsyth Park Farmers Market every Saturday, where locals gather to browse fresh produce and artisanal goods.
Victorian District Walking Tour
The Victorian District within the Garden District showcases some of America’s finest 19th-century architecture. These grand homes — built between 1870 and 1910 — display elaborate gingerbread trim, wraparound porches, and colorful paint schemes that transport visitors back in time.
Many of these residences were constructed by wealthy merchants and cotton factors who wanted to escape downtown Savannah’s congestion. While the architectural styles range from Queen Anne to Eastlake, each tells its own story of prosperity and craftsmanship from a bygone era.
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Ardsley Park Neighborhood
Ardsley Park represents one of America’s earliest planned suburban communities — developed in the 1910s by real estate mogul Hugh McIntosh. The neighborhood features wide, tree-canopied streets laid out in a grid pattern with beautiful parks and circles scattered throughout.
Residents take pride in maintaining their historic homes, many of which feature original hardwood floors, decorative molding, and period fixtures. Though the area’s design philosophy emphasized harmony between architecture and nature, it also created a template that influenced suburban development across the South.
Historic Mercer House
The Mercer House, completed in 1868, gained international fame through John Berendt’s bestselling book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” This stunning Italianate mansion was designed by New York architect John Norris for General Hugh Mercer — great-grandfather of songwriter Johnny Mercer.
The house features elaborate ironwork, soaring ceilings, and period furnishings that reflect the lifestyle of Savannah’s elite families. Today, visitors can admire the exterior architecture while learning about the building’s fascinating history, including its connection to the controversial events that made it a literary landmark.
Starland District Art Scene
The Starland District has evolved into Savannah’s creative hub, where local artists showcase their work in galleries, studios, and pop-up spaces. This formerly industrial area now buzzes with creativity, featuring everything from contemporary paintings to experimental sculptures.
The district’s transformation began in the early 2000s when artists started converting old warehouses and commercial buildings into studios and galleries. Visitors can participate in monthly art walks, browse unique pieces at local galleries, and often meet the artists themselves who are eager to discuss their creative process.
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Habersham Village Shopping
Habersham Village offers a European-style shopping experience with its pedestrian-friendly streets and mix of boutiques, restaurants, and services. This planned community — developed in the 1990s — incorporates New Urbanism principles with its walkable design and architectural harmony.
The shops range from upscale clothing boutiques to specialty food stores, all housed in buildings that complement the area’s residential character. Many visitors appreciate the village’s intimate scale, where they can easily walk from shop to shop without dealing with large parking lots or busy traffic.
Bonaventure Cemetery
Bonaventure Cemetery captivates visitors with its hauntingly beautiful landscape of weathered headstones, elaborate sculptures, and moss-draped trees. Originally a private plantation, the site became a cemetery in 1846 — now serving as the final resting place for many notable Savannah residents.
The cemetery’s winding paths lead past ornate Victorian monuments and family mausoleums that showcase the artistic craftsmanship of their era. Many visitors come seeking the grave of Little Gracie Watson, whose story touched hearts worldwide, though others simply experience the peaceful atmosphere that’s inspired countless writers and artists.
Thomas Square Streetcar Historic District
Thomas Square represents one of Savannah’s most intact residential neighborhoods from the early 20th century. The district developed around the streetcar line that connected downtown Savannah to the suburbs — creating a community of modest but well-designed homes.
These houses, built primarily between 1900 and 1930, feature elements of the Craftsman and Colonial Revival styles adapted to the Southern climate. The neighborhood’s tree-lined streets and front porches create a strong sense of community that’s persisted for over a century.
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Savannah College of Art and Design Campus
SCAD’s presence throughout the Garden District has revitalized many historic buildings while adding contemporary energy to the neighborhood. The college has carefully restored numerous 19th and early 20th-century structures — converting them into classrooms, studios, and galleries.
Students from around the world bring creativity and innovation to the area, often displaying their work in campus galleries that’re open to the public. The college’s commitment to historic preservation has helped maintain the district’s architectural integrity while ensuring these buildings continue to serve the community.
Daffin Park
Daffin Park provides 77 acres of recreational space where families can enjoy playgrounds, sports fields, and walking trails. The park’s centerpiece is a beautiful lake where visitors can spot various waterfowl — enjoying peaceful moments surrounded by nature.
Originally developed in the 1920s as part of a comprehensive parks plan, Daffin Park has been continuously improved and expanded over the decades. The park also features tennis courts, a disc golf course, and plenty of open space for picnics and outdoor activities.
Lafayette Square
Lafayette Square, one of Savannah’s 24 historic squares, anchors the northern edge of the Garden District with its elegant fountain and surrounding historic homes. The square honors the Marquis de Lafayette, the French volunteer who aided American forces during the Revolutionary War.
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist dominates the square’s eastern side, its twin spires visible from blocks away. The square’s residential buildings showcase various architectural styles from the 19th century, creating a harmonious blend of sacred and secular architecture that defines much of Savannah’s character.
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Chatham Square
Chatham Square provides a quieter alternative to some of Savannah’s busier public spaces, offering visitors a peaceful spot to rest and reflect. Named after William Pitt, Earl of Chatham, the square features mature trees and well-maintained gardens that create a serene atmosphere.
The surrounding buildings include both historic residences and modern structures that demonstrate how the city has evolved while maintaining its essential character. Local residents often use the square for morning walks or evening relaxation, making it an excellent place to observe daily life in the Garden District.
Pulaski Square
Pulaski Square honors Casimir Pulaski, the Polish nobleman who died fighting for American independence during the Revolutionary War. The square’s central monument and surrounding ironwork create an elegant focal point for the neighborhood.
Historic homes line the square’s perimeter, many featuring the characteristic Savannah architecture of raised foundations, wide porches, and decorative ironwork. The square’s intimate scale makes it perfect for a leisurely stroll while admiring the craftsmanship of both the landscaping and the surrounding buildings.
Monterey Square
Monterey Square commemorates the American victory at the Battle of Monterey during the Mexican-American War. The square’s monument and fountain create a dramatic centerpiece surrounded by some of Savannah’s most impressive historic homes.
Temple Mickve Israel, one of the oldest Jewish congregations in America, occupies a prominent position on the square. The combination of residential architecture, religious buildings, and public space demonstrates the careful urban planning that has made Savannah’s squares so successful and enduring.
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Whitefield Square
Whitefield Square takes its name from George Whitefield, the famous Methodist preacher who established an orphanage in colonial Georgia. The square features a distinctive gazebo that serves as a focal point for the surrounding neighborhood.
First African Baptist Church, with its rich history in the African American community, stands prominently on the square. The area represents the diverse cultural heritage that has shaped Savannah’s development over more than two centuries.
Calhoun Square
Calhoun Square, named after politician John C. Calhoun, showcases the Garden District’s residential character with its collection of historic homes and mature landscaping. The square’s trees provide excellent shade during Savannah’s warm months, making it a popular spot for residents and visitors alike.
Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church, with its distinctive architecture, adds to the square’s visual appeal. The surrounding homes demonstrate various architectural styles from the 19th century, creating a neighborhood that feels both unified and diverse.
Where History Meets Modern Life
The Garden District continues to evolve as new residents discover its charm while longtime families maintain traditions that stretch back generations. Young professionals and artists have joined retirees and established families, creating a diverse community that values both preservation and progress.
The district’s success in balancing historic character with contemporary needs offers a model for other cities seeking to revitalize historic neighborhoods. Today’s visitors can experience not just Savannah’s past, but also witness how a historic community adapts and thrives in the modern world, ensuring that future generations will continue to enjoy these tree-lined streets and elegant squares.
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