10 Best Sights in Savannah, Georgia

Converted from a public square to a parking garage in the 1970s, Ellis Square has been restored in recent years and is once again one of Savannah's most popular spots. Near the western end stands a statue of legendary songwriter Johnny Mercer, a Savannah native. Nearby is a visitor center with a touch-screen city guide, maps and brochures, and public restrooms. To the east is a life-size chess board; the pieces can be requested at the visitor center. A treat for youngsters (and the young at heart) is the square's interactive fountain, which is entertaining and refreshing in the warmer months.

Anchoring this square is Daniel Chester French's imposing bronze statue of General James Edward Oglethorpe, founder of both the city of Savannah and the state of Georgia. The bus-stop scenes of Forrest Gump were filmed on the northern end of the square. The historic Savannah Theatre, on the corner of Bull and McDonough Streets, claims to be the oldest continuously operated theater site in North America and offers a variety of family-friendly shows.

A network of iron crosswalks and steep stone stairways connects Bay Street to Factors Walk below. The congested area of multistory buildings was originally the center of commerce for cotton brokers (also called factors), who walked between and above the lower cotton warehouses. Ramps lead down to River Street.

This area is paved in cobblestones and features steep, historic stone staircases, so wear comfortable shoes.

The oldest of James Oglethorpe's original squares was laid out in 1733 and named for South Carolina governor Robert Johnson. A monument marks the grave of Nathanael Greene, a hero of the Revolutionary War and close friend of George Washington. The square has always been a popular gathering place: Savannahians came here to welcome President Monroe in 1819, to greet the Marquis de Lafayette in 1825, and to cheer for Georgia's secession in 1861.

Locals call this Bank Square because of the plethora of nearby banks—perfect if you need an ATM.

Named for the Marquis de Lafayette, who aided the Americans during the Revolutionary War, the square contains a graceful three-tier fountain donated by the Georgia chapter of the Colonial Dames of America. The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist is located on this square, as are the Andrew Low House and the impressive and elegant Hamilton-Turner Inn. The childhood home of celebrated Southern author Flannery O'Connor also sits on this square.

Laid out in 1839 and named for President James Madison, this square is home to a statue depicting Sergeant William Jasper hoisting a flag, a tribute to his bravery during the Siege of Savannah. Though mortally wounded, Jasper rescued the colors of his regiment in the assault on the British lines, and his valor is celebrated each year with an annual memorial ceremony. A granite marker denotes the southern line of the British defense during the 1779 battle. The Green-Meldrim House, General Sherman's headquarters after capturing the city in 1864, is here.

Commemorating the victory of General Zachary Taylor's forces in Monterrey, Mexico, in 1846, this is the southernmost of Bull Street's squares. A monument honors General Casimir Pulaski, the Polish nobleman who lost his life in the Siege of Savannah during the Revolutionary War. On the square sits Temple Mickve Israel (one of the country's oldest Jewish congregations) and some of the city's most beautiful mansions, including the infamous Mercer Williams House.

Anglican cleric and theologian John Wesley is remembered here. He arrived in Savannah in 1736 at the behest of General James Oglethorpe to minister to the newly established colony. During his short stay, the future founder of the Methodist Church preached and wrote the first English hymnal in the city. His monument in Reynolds Square is shaded by greenery and surrounded by park benches. The landmark Planters Inn, formerly the John Wesley Hotel, is also located on the square. Ironically, though it was named after a man of the cloth, it was considered the best brothel in town at the turn of the 20th century.

From River Street's main pavilion you can watch a parade of freighters and pug-nosed tugs glide by along the river. River Street is the main venue for several of the city's grandest celebrations, including the First Friday Fireworks. The plaza is named for former Savannah mayor John Rousakis and fills with locals for Savannah's signature St. Patrick's Day festivities and Fourth of July celebration. Rousakis, like greater River Street, is flanked by an abundance of shops and restaurants and draws colorful street entertainers.

Named for James Wright, Georgia's last colonial governor, this square has an elaborate monument in its center that honors William Washington Gordon, founder of the Central of Georgia Railroad. A granite boulder from Stone Mountain adorns the grave of Tomochichi, the Yamacraw chief who befriended General Oglethorpe and the colonists, giving his permission for the English settlers to establish their colony on Yamacraw Bluff.