savannah old time trolley tours

Old Town Trolley Tours of Savannah

Experience true southern hospitality aboard Old Town Trolley Tours of Savannah and discover what makes this southern gem a favorite destination for travelers from across the country.

Welcome to Savannah

Magnolia trees draped in Spanish moss line the avenues, framing exquisite Southern homes and accentuating the warmth and beauty of Georgia’s very first city. In Savannah, no matter what the season, there’s an abundance of charm and welcoming hospitality.

A picturesque city, Savannah has much to offer people of every age. From a timeline that begins in America’s earliest days, to a lineup of influential, pioneering residents, Savannah is brimming with marvelous history, intriguing attractions, art, culture and nightlife. To see it all and gain a bit of knowledge about the city’s past, hop on board Old Town Trolley Tours of Savannah where you’ll experience a journey filled with humor and history, entertainment and the best of Savannah.

Get to know Savannah

Savannah’s original orange and green trolleys have been thrilling guests for more than a quarter of a century, transporting them to spots like the birthplace of Girl Scouts Founder Juliette Gordon Low, the city’s array of quaint squares and the famous Sorrel-Weed House. On the Old Town Trolley, visitors get an ideal mix of historical icons, local sights of interest and superb architectural landmarks.

Explore at your own pace

Along the way, our friendly conductors provide a fascinating and funny narrative filled with information about Savannah. When on the Old Town Trolley Tour, you can explore the sights at your own pace, linger as long as you wish at any of the stops and simply board the next trolley when you’re ready—our trolleys come along at regular intervals to make it easy and comfortable.

DID YOU KNOW?

Savannah was founded in 1733 by General James Edward Oglethorpe, who had sailed here from England.

Here are just a few reasons why Old Town Trolley is the best sightseeing tour in town:

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• FREE discount coupons to area attractions and restaurants
• Over 100 Points of Interest
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• We pick up and drop off approximately every 20 minutes at all of our convenient stops

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Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Located on the riverwalk at Plant Riverside District. Discover the Hostess City’s rich heritage with one of the best things to do in Savannah, GA—a history tour! Journey back in time and get the insider’s view aboard Old Town Trolley Savannah, the only Savannah tour company officially endorsed by the Historic Savannah Foundation. On board our famous orange and green trolleys, you’ll hear fascinating historical facts, trivia and tales from our hometown conductors. During Savannah Trolley Tours, we invite you to get off at every stop, stay as long as you wish and catch the next trolley when you’re ready. This is the ideal way to see the city and its sights at your own pace.

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See The Best First with the only sightseeing tour Officially Endorsed by The Historic Savannah Foundation. Enjoy 15 stops with unlimited hop on hop off privileges and the most frequent service. Each tour has live narration from our expert conductors and a 100% Money Back Guarantee.

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Savannah Trolley Tour Reviews: Which One is Best?

• PLANNING , THINGS TO DO
• 14 Comments
• by Erin Clarkson

Right off the bat I’m going to tell you there is no “best” trolley tour in Savannah…you just need to decide on the ideal option for your particular situation! Today I’m going to break down your choices and help you decide which is right for you. I’ve also included some Savannah trolley tour reviews and lots of helpful input from members of my private Facebook group.

Note: This guide contains affiliate links to my trusted travel partners.

If you’re new around here, allow me to extend a warm welcome ! I’m happy you stopped by.

My name is Erin, and I authored the Savannah First-Timer’s Guide . I love sharing my photos of Savannah, and I’m happy to help new visitors plan their trips.

Trolley Comparison Chart | Should You Do a Trolley Tour? | Hop-On/Hop-Off vs. Nonstop | Trolley Tour Reviews

Click on any section in the contents to skip to that section quickly.

Savannah Trolley Tour Options

I’m only going to focus on the three main tour companies, and I’ll review them in alphabetical order: Kelly Tours, Old Savannah Tours, and Old Town Trolley.

The last two offer Hop-On/Hop-Off options, while Kelly tours currently does not.

ALL of the tours are narrated.

Just FYI, I only compared history trolley tours on this post. I wrote a separate post comparing the ghost tour trolleys since those are so different from the history tours.

If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick comparison chart of the various options (you may need to scroll to the right to see all of the columns):

You might also be interested in: ➡️ A Local’s Take on the Best Things To Do in Savannah ⭐ Savannah, Georgia Must-See Spots for First-Time Visitors 🚎 Old Savannah Trolley Tours 1-Day Itinerary

Should You Do a Savannah Trolley Tour?

My personal opinion is that Savannah is best seen by foot .

The Historic District is small and very walkable, and you’ll notice so many more details when you’re strolling through the squares versus peering out the window of a trolley.

For that reason, I always suggest walking tours if you’re able.

However, I realize many people have mobility issues or prefer not to walk for hours on end — especially in Savannah’s soul-sucking heat and humidity — so I totally understand the lure of the trolleys!

Another decent reason to opt for a trolley tour is because I think it’s better to let someone else do the driving on your first day in the city versus driving around the city yourself.

Hear me out …

Savannah isn’t always the easiest place for newcomers to navigate; it’s filled with notoriously bad drivers, one-way streets, cyclists, and SCAD students rushing to class.

There are also 22 squares that you have to detour around when you’re driving, and sometimes newcomers have trouble navigating them. (FYI: Yield to the car already circling the square, not to those entering the square.)

The solution? Let a tour guide shuttle you around!

That way you can get familiar with the layout of the Historic District while enjoying a narrated overview of the city.

Hop-On/Hop-Off Tours vs. Nonstop Tours

One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make when selecting a tour is whether to do the Hop-On/Hop-Off option or the 1.5-hour non-stop tour instead.

If you’re not in any rush and are operating on Savannah time, aka: as slow as a Southern drawl, my suggestion is to purchase the Hop-On/Hop-Off ticket and then ride it all the way around once without hopping off.

That way you’ll get a good overview of the Historic District and can make note of the attractions you want to see most.

Then, on your second loop around, “hop off” to visit the attractions you noted.

Walk around to explore the nearby squares and anything else that catches your eye before “hopping” back on at one of the next stops.

I always suggest newbies take one of the trolleys and take the whole tour before doing the on and off. I suggest they bring a pen and circle on the map the things they want to see/stop at after the first go-round. Lori M.S. via my Savannah First-Timer’s Guide private Facebook group

If you’re super short on time, I vote for a non-stop tour instead (especially if you’re just doing a day trip).

The uninterrupted tours are faster, since you won’t waste precious time waiting for others to board.

Once you’ve done the uninterrupted tour and determined what interests you most, make a beeline to those spots on foot or take the free DOT shuttle to get there.

You can also download the Downtowner app to request a free ride within the Historic District.

Related Post: The Ultimate One-Day Trolley Tour of Savannah’s Historic District

Perks of Both Tours

Both the Hop-On/Hop-Off tours and the non-stop history tours offer…

• A narrated history of Savannah
• Restaurant and sightseeing suggestions from your guide
• Breaks from the heat to enjoy a nice breeze
• A respite from the rain or cold on bad weather days (the trolley windows can be closed)
• An easier way to cover a lot of ground for seniors, families lugging babies around, or anyone with mobility issues

We took the trolley tour this past weekend & LOVED it! We learned so much! Riding in the breeze felt much better than walking in the hot sun.   We did a good bit of walking too, but really enjoyed riding the trolley. – member of my Savannah First-Timer’s Guide private Facebook group

All three tours offer accessibility-friendly options, such as storage for wheelchairs, scooters, and foldable baby strollers.

If you have specific special needs you’re concerned about, be sure check each company’s individual website or call them directly.

Most of the trolleys run year-round — even on holidays!

The St. Patrick’s and Martin Luther King holidays are the two primary exceptions, since there are large parades downtown on those days.

Hop-On/Hop-Off Trolley Perks

• Pick and choose where you “hop off”
• Skip certain attractions if you aren’t interested
• Use the trolley to rest your feet for short periods of time while between landmarks
• You’ll have a variety of drivers, so you’ll get a different take on the history from each one

Non-Stop History Tour Perks

• Faster than the Hop-On/Hop-Off, since you won’t have to repeatedly wait for passengers to load and unload
• Better for enjoying an uninterrupted historical narration of Savannah

Hop-On/Hop-Off Trolley Tour Map

The routes that Old Savannah Tours and Old Town Trolley Tours take for their Hop-On/Hop-Off tours are very similar. To show you just how similar they are, I created a map of Hop-On/Hop-Off locations:

Old Savannah Tours icons are blue and Old Town Trolley icons are orange. You can click on each stop to read more about it.

They practically overlap in every instance! I even spaced them slightly apart when they did overlap, just so you could see each icon.

The main differences are that Old Savannah tours goes to the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters and to Telfair Academy, while Old Town Trolley goes to Davenport House instead.

Old Town Trolley also drops by their Welcome Center at the end of their tour.

Savannah Trolley Tour Reviews

Even though I try not to play favorites, I do make every effort to support local businesses on this site!

For that reason, I frequently recommend Old Savannah Tours to my readers. They were the original trolley tour company in Savannah and are still locally owned.

All three companies employ locals, though, so they’re all helping support the people who live here.

No matter which trolley company you opt for, I suggest also adding a Black history tour of Savannah to your itinerary.

The narrated trolley tours tend to omit many of the crucial details regarding how this city came to be.

Now…since each trolley company has its own individual strengths, let’s dive into what makes each one unique.

Kelly Tours (Grayline)

Even though Kelly Tours doesn’t offer a Hop-On/Hop-Off tour, they’re still a fantastic option.

If you purchase either of their uninterrupted tours, they offer unlimited pick-ups and drop-offs both on the day of your tour and the following day on their smaller free shuttle service. **That’s a huge bonus!**

The smaller shuttle bus is enclosed and air-conditioned, which is a huge perk during the heat and humidity of Savannah’s summer months. Trust me on that!

We did Kelly Tours; booked through our concierge. Picked us up in a shuttle, took us to the start of the 90-minute tour, dropped us off where we wanted to revisit, and shuttled us to wherever we wanted that day and the next. Highly recommend. Karen H. via my Savannah First-Timer’s Guide private Facebook group

Their uninterrupted tours aren’t scripted.

The guides visit the Historic District, the Victorian District, and the Starland District, so you’ll get a better overview of an extended area if you choose Kelly Tours.

A few highlights of their uninterrupted tours include drives past River Street , City Market , Forsyth Park , the Starland District, and the beautiful Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist.

If you’re trying to decide between the regular Non-Stop Narrated Trolley Tour or their 360° Panoramic Tour , note that the 360° tour is smaller and more personalized.

It’s in a Mercedes Sprinter with a convertible top, so they’ll remove the top on nice weather days and you’ll get a fantastic view of the city.

📸 Photo Tip: If you’re a photographer or Instagrammer, the 360° Panoramic Tour would be the ideal option for you. The convertible roof is ideal for photographing churches and the architectural features of the city.

FAQs About Kelly Tours

Do they have a free shuttle? Yes. As mentioned, their free shuttles will not only pick you up and drop you off at your hotel within the Historic District on the day of your tour, but the driver will also deliver you to various points of interest the following day.

Do they have free parking? Some. They offer a very limited number of free spots behind their Welcome Center on a first come/first serve basis. You’ll probably end up parking at the Savannah Visitor Center, which is just steps away. Are the trolleys air-conditioned? Sort-of. Technically they are, but since the trolleys are open-air, you won’t be able to feel the A/C much. The free shuttles have A/C, though!

Can you board anywhere? No. The trolley departs from the Savannah Visitor Center, so you’ll need to meet there. If you opt for their 360° Panoramic Tour, it’s a smaller and more personalized tour, and they’ll pick you up at your hotel.

What time does the last tour of the day depart? The last tour departs between 3 and 3:30 in order to return to the Savannah Visitor Center by 5 pm.

Purchase Kelly Tours Trolley Tickets

PRO TIP: Don’t forget to pack a hat and wear sunscreen if you choose the 360° Panoramic Tour!

Old Savannah Trolley Tours

Aside from being locally owned, what sets Old Savannah Tours apart are the costumed character actors who board the trolleys.

The most popular person to board is usually Forrest Gump, but there are quite a few other characters, too.

The characters board the both the Non-Stop Narrated History Trolley and the Hop-On/Hop-Off option.

Old Savannah tours are my very favorite. I love the characters at certain stops that give a narrations about that stop. It is also pet friendly. The Old Savannah Tours trolley and Old Town Trolley seem to stop at the same stops. It really depends on who your tour guide is. We’ve had great tour guides on both trolleys, but we just love the period dressed actors on the Old Savannah Tours trolley.  Lori M.S. via my Savannah First-Timer’s Guide private Facebook group

Regarding Lori’s point above, the tour stops are very similar.

The main difference is that Old Savannah Tours stops at the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters, while Old Town Trolley goes to Davenport House instead.

Old Savannah Tours also goes to Telfair Square and near the Waving Girl Statue on River Street.

We used Old Savannah Tours. It’s a good way to see a large portion of the main areas. And the costumed actors were an unexpected bonus! All in all, we heard 4 different drivers and their personal take on the narration, which was fun. – Savannah First-Timer’s Guide private Facebook group member

The guides on Old Savannah Tours don’t follow a written script, so you’ll get fresh information each time you hop on a trolley.

They hire personable guides who do their best to make the tours entertaining.

Another perk is that they usually have a separate driver and guide (vs. one driver who does double-duty driving and narrating).

We just did the Old Savannah Tours (white trolley) and I would highly recommend it. Our guide was amazing – very interesting and entertaining. I noticed walking around today and yesterday that it seems like the other tours (the green) just have a driver that is the guide. We had a separate driver and guide, and I think I prefer that. We noticed that our driver was very skilled, and it seems like it can be frustrating driving through the Historic District. I’m glad the driver could focus on driving and the guide could focus on the tour. MaryJo D.H. via my Savannah First-Timer’s Guide private Facebook group

FAQs About Old Savannah Tours

Do they have a free shuttle? Yes. Old Savannah Tours offers a free shuttle that will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel within the Historic District. You can call to arrange for the shuttle after you’ve purchased your ticket.

Do they have free parking? Yes, they have two lots, and both are very close to the Savannah Visitor Center. The larger lot is located at their Welcome Center, which is at 215 W Boundary Street. The second lot is at a former bank building located at 255 Montgomery Street (directly across the street from the Savannah Visitor Center). Parking at both free lots is limited and on a first come/first serve basis. If they run out, park at the Savannah Visitor Center.

Are pets allowed? Yes. Small dogs under 25 pounds are welcome on the Old Savannah Tours trolleys.

Are the trolleys air-conditioned? They’re open-air, so you’ll feel a breeze, but no icy cold A/C.

Can you board anywhere? You can, but it’s best to board at Stop #1 (the Savannah Visitor Center). They’ll provide a sticker there that allows you to hop on and off at each of the stops.

NOTE: If you board elsewhere first, you won’t have a sticker and you’ll have to stay on the trolley until you reach the Savannah Visitor Center to obtain one. You can hop on and off anytime after that, but not before.

What time does the last tour of the day depart? The final tour of the day departs the Visitor Center at 4:30 pm, so you need to arrive at no later than 4:15 pm. If you’re out in the Historic District and want to “hop on” to ride back to the Visitor Center, you need to do so by 4:30 pm. After 5 pm, Old Savannah Tours uses their white trolleys for ghost tours.

Purchase Old Savannah Tours Tickets

By the way, I’ve created a super helpful one-day Savannah itinerary based around the Old Savannah Tours Hop-On/Hop-Off trolley tour!

Old Town Trolley Tours

Old Town Trolley Tours trolleys are tracked by GPS, so you can check their app to see when the next one is arriving.

To do this, download the “Old Town Trolley mAPP” on your device.

They’re the only trolley company that offers this feature, and it’s very handy!

You’ll know when to position yourself at the stop so you won’t miss a trolley and have to wait for the next one.

They also operate the largest number of trolleys in Savannah, so they usually have the shortest wait times.

If a particular stop is overly crowded, they can send a backup trolley out to lessen the wait time.

We walked everywhere on Day 1 and purchased a 2-day trolley pass for the next two days. It is nice to be able to rest and ride and just listen and then walk. We did the Hop-On/Hop-Off Old Town Trolley . Very enjoyable. Just remember that they go in numerical order for the stops. Plan accordingly. Sometimes the buses are full, and you may have to wait for the next bus for about 8 minutes.   – Savannah First-Timer’s Guide private Facebook group member

FAQs About Old Town Trolley Tours

Do they have a free shuttle? Yes. You can arrange for complimentary pick-up and drop-off at your hotel within the Historic District.

Do they have free parking? Yes. Guests can park for free in the Old Town Trolley lot , which is across the street from the Visitor Center (Stop #1). The address is 234 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. They offer additional parking a few blocks away at their Welcome Center, which is located at 214 W Boundary Street (Stop #15).

Are pets allowed? No — unless they’re service animals.

Do the 2-day passes have to be used two days in a row? No. If you purchase a 2-day pass, you do not need to use them on consecutive days.

When is the last tour of the day? During April, May, and June, the final tour of the day departs at 5 pm, which means the last drop-off at the Visitor Center is at 6:30 pm. The final drop-off is closer to 5 pm during the remaining portion of the year (August through March).

Purchase Old Town Trolley Tickets

A note on parking…..

The tour companies all offer free parking, but each lot only has a limited number of spaces. They’re usually on a first come/first serve basis.

All of the companies are located in the vicinity of the Savannah Visitor Center, which makes a great place for overflow parking.

The first hour of parking at the Visitor Center is free. It costs $1 per hour thereafter. Make note that you’ll need to have your car out by 8 p.m.

The Visitor Center has bathrooms, free WiFi, a snack center, and gift shop.

The Savannah History Museum is also located in the same building.

Related Reading: Everything You Need to Know About Parking in Savannah

A Note on Tipping….

Tipping isn’t included in any of the tour prices, so it’s always nice to tip your driver at the end if they do a good job.

I’m impressed with how well they navigate the narrow streets of Savannah while dodging pedestrians AND keeping up with the historical narration. Kudos to them!

I would definitely include a tip if they make the extra effort of picking you up and dropping you off at your hotel.

We did Old Savannah Trolley Tours. Great tour, we just stayed on the trolley. We also got to bring our furbaby with us on the tour, which was a plus! They also provided transportation to and from our door without additional cost. We tipped the driver, of course. Sherri H. via my Savannah First-Timer’s Guide private Facebook group

Savannah Travel Guide Info

My Savannah First-Timer’s Guide combines my top Savannah travel tips from this website into one helpful ebook. If you find it helpful to have all of the research done for you, it’s available for purchase here .

Not Ready to Go Just Yet?

Awesome! It makes me happy when visitors want to stick around. Here are some more helpful posts you might be interested in reading…

• Bonaventure Cemetery Tour: Top Tips & Must-See Spots
• Black History Tours Savannah: Which Ones Are Best?
• 9 Unique and Fun Things To Do in Savannah Georgia
• The Most Haunted Places in Savannah GA (Map Included!)

If you have any questions about these Savannah trolley tour reviews , feel free to drop them in the comments below!

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14 Comments on Savannah Trolley Tour Reviews: Which One is Best?

I always enjoy going on hop-on hop-off tours when they are available. You get to see all the best places and then you can go back and spend longer in the places you liked the most. I never knew there were so many in Savannah.

Believe it or not, this is only a fraction of the trolley tours! There are others that go further out to attractions like Wormsloe and Bonaventure, and then there are quite a few haunted trolley tours, too. Trolleys are a big business in Savannah. lol

This was the one thing I didn’t do in Savannah! I love the comparison of all the different companies too!

Great tips and info on whether to choose a trolley tour and if so which one! I prefer walking as much as possible but sometimes it’s so nice to take a break and enjoy the sights by vehicle especially if short on time.

I’m a fan of walking, too — especially here in Savannah. It’s so much easier to notice all of the details when you’re on foot. During the heat of the summertime, though, the trolleys are a godsend.

I so much love the concept of hop on hop off buses. They actually let you see the whole city at your convenience and time.

Love that you put all this information together. I’m always someone that has to research all the options and the pros/cons of each one. I didn’t do a trolley tour in Savannah when I visited so I would like to next time. This will be really useful in helping me decide!

These trolleys are adorable! We would love to ride one and hop around the city. Would make for excellent photography as well!!!

They do make for some cute photos!

This is perfect for those hot and humid Southern days when you just need a break from walking.

I love taking hop on hop off buses whenever I am in a new city. It is such a great way of being able to go everywhere and see whatever interests you.

Your whole site is amazing. I have been to Savannah twice now and there’s so much more I want to see. Wonderfully detailed posts and photos. Thank you for helping me plan my next trip!

Do i need to go to a specific place to buy on off tickets or can i purchase them at any stop?

Hi Joyce! I suggest buying them online in advance. If you want to purchase them in person, I only know how it works with Old Savannah Tours. With them, you need to purchase at one of their two ticketing locations (the 215 W Boundary Street location or the 255 Montgomery Street location). Hope that helps!

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From Bird Girl to Ghosts: 19 Top Things to Do in Savannah

In 1733, General Oglethorpe and his passengers landed at a high point along the river. Named after King George II of England, Georgia was the thirteenth colony, and Savannah was its first city and capital. Steeped in history with both battles from the Revolutionary War and the U.S. Civil War, visitors can tour historic homes. With history comes causalities, and Savannah is considered one of the most haunted cities in the U.S. While in town, take in the culinary delights, from Southern cuisine to seafood of the Gulf to Low Country favorites. Concentrated in the historic district of Savannah and easily walkable, here are the top things to do in Savannah.

Table of Contents

19 Top Things to Do in Savannah in 2 Days 

Walk by the 1st African Church

Wander through Franklin Square

Explore the city market, tour the american prohibition museum, meander through ellis square, shop along broughton street, take a savannah riverboat cruise, eat at vic’s on the river, get the chills on the ghosts and gravestone tour.

Have Brunch at Rhett

Visit the Telfair Academy

Explore the Jepson Center and the Children’s Art Museum

Take the Owens Thomas House and Slave Quarters Tour

Walk through the colonial park cemetery.

Eat at PInk 

See the Waving Girl Statue

Walk along the Riverfront

Day1: Walk by the 1st African Church

This is the first black Baptist congregation in North America and was organized in 1773. The church was built in 1859.

Located at 23 Montgomery St, Savannah.

Time to Spend: less than 1 hour

Closeby: Franklin Square

Savannah features 22 squares, or city parks, one is Franklin Square. Named after Benjamin Franklin who was an agent for Georgia in London.

It includes the Haitian Monument, dedicated to Haitian soldiers who fought in the American Revolution. Most squares offer towering trees and park benches.

Located on W. Bryan St., Montgomery St. and W. Congress St. Free to enter.

Closeby: The City Market

Top Things to Do in Macon Georgia

Flanked by Franklin and Ellis Squares, this pedestrian area is home to boutiques, dining and even a museum. While strolling through, pop into any of its signature stops in the City Market, including the Byrd Cookie Company, Savannah’s Candy Kitchen and the Savannah Shoe Company.

This area also frequently offers live music, and there are numerous galleries. While at The City Market, tour the American Prohibition Museum. This area is the meeting spot for several tour companies.

Located at 219 W Bryan St, Savannah. Free to visit.

Time to Spend: 1 hour to 2 hours

Closeby: Ellis Square

Top Things to Do in Gulf Shores 

To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect in this museum. Upon entering, the exhibits were engaging, and they led me through the history of prohibition.

I learned about the groups that supported it, the groups that dodged it and the economic reasons it was repealed. For adults, it was an engaging history lesson. For kids, it will fall flat.

Located at 209 W. St. Julian St, Savannah Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m . Adult admission starts at $17.23 with demand pricing. Kids (4 to 12) start at $10.17.

Time to Spend: 2 hours

Ellis Square was one of the first squares laid out in Savannah, one of 22. Named after Sir Henry Ellis, he was an early governor of the colony of Georgia.

This original square was destroyed in the 1950s and turned into a parking garage. That came down and located underground and a new square opened in 2010.

Closeby: Broughton Street

Top Things to Do on Cumberland Island

Running parallel to the Savannah River, Broughton Street is lined with boutiques. I recommend walking up some side of the side and down the other.

The Paris Market

This two-level shop is a treasure trove of unique finds from around the world. The Paris Market sells accessories like berets and ribbons. Also, find housewares, dinnerware and glassware, especially European brands and styles.

Located at 36 W Broughton St, Savannah. Open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Coffee Fox

It’s a cute coffee shop for a pick-me-up. It serves pour-over, iced and barista-made coffee drinks plus pastries.

102 W. Broughton St, Savannah. Open Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Savannah Bee Company

Stop in and support the bees. Savannah Bee Company offers lots of varieties, like individual flower honey, along with flavored honey.

Located at 104 W Broughton St. Open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Savannah Seafood Shack

This quick-service restaurant is a must for a simple seafood lunch. During my visit, I ordered a seafood cone. Its low country boil, with shrimp, sausage, and corn on the cob, is another popular menu item.

Located at 116 E. Broughton St.   Open Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.

Leopold’s Ice Cream

Under its neon sign, there will probably be a line for this Savannah treat. Leopold’s Ice Cream. It offers gluten-free, vegan and ice cream treats made from a host of popular ice cream flavors.

Located at 212 E. Broughton St. Open Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Gutstein Gallery and SCAD Exhibitions

The Savannah College of Art and Design was founded in 1978 and offers college degrees in the arts and design. Along Broughton Street, visitors will find its exhibition space and art sales gallery.

Located at 201 E. Broughton St.

Top Things to Do in Nashville

Float along the Savannah River on one of the two riverboats on a 1 1/2 narrated cruise. The 3:30 p.m. sightseeing cruise departs from the original location of the first landing of General Olglethrope on the riverfront.

Then the cruise heads up river under Eugene Talmadge Memorial Bridge to the Port of Savannah. On our trip we saw a large container ship heading out to sea.

The Savannah Riverboat Cruise heads further downriver past the Waving Girl statue, Florence Martus. The cruise continues to the tip of Hutchinson Island and Old Fort Jackson before circling around.

Departs from 9 East River Street. Several cruise options are available, like brunch, lunch, dinner and more. There is a paid bar on board with both air-conditioned and open-air seating. Prices start $36.95 for adults and kids (5 to 12) are $23.95.

Located in a 19th-century cotton warehouse, Vic’s on the River offers a blend of Southern favorites, Low Country classics and Gulf of Mexico seafood. Its expansive menu offers a wide selection of wines by the glass, beer and signature cocktails.

Guests will find Southern staples like Fried Green Tomatoes, Crawfish Beignets and Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes. Entrees include Shrimp and Grits, Pecan-Fried Flounder and Vic’s fried Chicken.

Located at 26 E Bay St., Savannah. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Reservations are recommended.

Best Things to Do in Branson 

Take a ghost tour while in Savannah. This town is one of the most haunted in the U.S.

The Ghosts and Gravestone Tour is an 80-minute guided tour on a trolley. During the ghostly introduction, we learned the different factors that lead to Savannah’s haunting, like servant abuse and nearby Civil War battlefields.

we headed to the Andrew Low House. For former Girl Scouts, this was the house of the Girl Scout Founder Juliet Gordon Low. The house has long been rumored to be haunted and we got to tour the house after dark.

After cruising by graveyards and haunted squares, we ended the tour at Perkins and Sons Ship Chandlery. It is here that shiphands were abused.

It departs from 301 East River St. General admission starts at $37.56, and children under 6 aren’t allowed on evening departures. There are several tour options, and departures start at 6:40 p.m. and run until 9:40 p.m.

Day 2: Brunch at Rhett

Getaways are better when started with brunch. Rhett serves traditional brunch, like Eggs Benedict favorites. However, find entrees with a Southern twist, like Chicken and Waffles. And there’s a Bloody Mary bar.

Located in The Alida, 412 Williamson St., Savannah. Open daily for brunch from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.   Reservations are recommended for weekend brunch.

Time to Spend: 1 to 2 hours

What’s Closeby: JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District

Inside the 1819 two-story, pale ochre Neo-Classical Regency-style mansion is a collection of 19th and 20th-century art. The museum features the Rotunda Gallery and a sculpture gallery.

On my visit, I saw Bird Girl by Sylvia Shaw Judson, made famous for its cover feature on the book,  Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil .

Telfair Academy features three separate locations: Telfair Academy, Jepson Center and Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters.

Located at 121 Barnard St., Savannah. Open Wednesday to Monday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Adult admission for all three is $30, students are $20 and kids (to 12) are $10.

What’s Closeby: Jepson Center

Explore the  Jepson Center and the Children’s Art Museum

The Jepson Center is located in a modern building that opened in 2006. During my visit, it hosted a fascinating traveling exhibition. It offers exhibits focused on contemporary art and photography.

The newly opened Children’s Art Museum is an interactive space on three levels. It features art on the walls and engaging activities that encourage exploration.

Located at 207 W. York St., Savannah, Open Wednesday to Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is included in Telfair Academy.

What’s Closeby: Telfair Square

In a similar style to the Telfair Mansion, the Owens Thomas House offers a look into the lifestyle of the affluent in Savannah in the 19th century. Visitors will see the original furnishings and art as they learn about how the enslaved worked behind the scenes.

After touring the main house, the tour continues to the slave quarters behind the garden. The juxtaposition of the conditions helps to tell the story.

124 Abercorn St., Savannah. Open Wednesday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is included in Telfair Academy. The 45-minute tours are first-come, first-served and every 15 minutes.

What’s Closeby: Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum , founder of Girl Scouts

Established in 1750 when Savannah was the capital of British Georgia, this downtown cemetery stopped accepting burials in 1853. It became a city park about 40 years later.

As the oldest cemetery still instanct in Savannah, visitors can stroll through to see the old gravestones. Ghost tours frequent the Colonial Park Cemetery and it is rumored to be haunted.

Located at 200 Abercorn St., Savannah. Free to enter and open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Time to Spend: 1 hour

Dinner at Olde Pink House

This fabled restaurant is located in a mansion built in 1771. Rumored to be haunted, tour buses frequently circle the eatery.

Inside, diners can peruse a Southern menu with appetizers like Crab Cakes and Fried Green Tomatoes. Entrees include seafood options like Flounder and Fried Shimp along with Fried Chicken.

Located at 23 Abercorn St., Savannah. Open for lunch on Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Open daily for dinner from 5 to 10:30 p.m. (11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday).

Florence Martus would wave at ships approaching Savannah from 1887 to 1931, after looking for her long-lost love. Today a statue stands in her place.

Located at 508 E River St, Savannah.Free to Enjoy.

Walk along the Waterfront

Once home to longshoremen and warehouses, this area now offers a cobblestone street with lots of space for strolling. There are several parks with shopping, restaurants and pubs.

Located along W. River St. Free to Enjoy.

Take in the Night Lights from Myrtle and Rose Rooftop Bar

Savannah’s rooftop bars offer one of the best views in the city. See passing boats, and the night lights twinkle on. Each rooftop bar offers its own vibe; the Myttle and Rose Rooftop Bar offers lots of tables and furniture for conservation.

Located at 500 W River St., Savannah. Open Wednesday and Thursday from 3 to 10 p.m., Friday from noon to midnight, Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight, Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Where to Stay in Savannah

In a repurposed 1912 power plant, the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District is perched along the Savannah River. Located within three buildings, guests will enjoy upmarket lodging and dining.

If not staying in the property, walk through its lobby. JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District’s lobby mimics a natural history museum with dinosaurs and mineral displays.

Located at 400 W. River St., Savannah.

Catherine Parker has a passion for travel and seen all 50 U.S. States. As a former flight attendant with one of the largest airlines, there isn't a North American airport that she hasn't landed in at least once. Since clipping her professional wings after 9/11, she combines her love of the open road with visiting architectural and cultural icons. She is based out of Central Texas dividing her time between writing and restoring a pair of 100-year-old houses. She shares her life with her three kids and her husband.

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Our Trolley Guests Have Spoken!

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3378 reviews

Old Town Trolley Tours of Savannah 4.6

1-Day Old Town Trolley Tour

For over 30 years, Old Town Trolley Tours has provided sightseeing tours highlighting the best attractions in Savannah.

Hop aboard one of our trolleys and you’ll experience Transportainment ® , a delightful combination of transportation and entertainment.

Our Savannah tours are the best way to see the city. Because we cover the entire city, you can avoid costly parking and city driving.

• 1 day of free unlimited re-boarding
• Hop on and off ALL DAY at 15 Stops
• You may start your tour at any of our convenient stops
• Live narrated, 90-minute tour
• Open-air sightseeing perfect for taking pictures
• Voted as top tour in ‘Best of Savannah’
• More than 100 points of interest
• 100% satisfaction guarantee
• Colorful anecdotes and well-research historical facts
• Free Parking with On/Off Tour*
• Most Frequent Service - Less Waiting
• Winner of 2020 International Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 'Best of the Best' Award

Savannah Old Town Trolley Tours

The extraordinary architecture, lush botanicals, and captivating stories of this historic, coastal city make for an unforgettable vacation experience. For over 30 years, Old Town Trolley Tours has provided sightseeing tours highlighting the best attractions in Savannah. Hop aboard one of our trolleys and you’ll experience Transportainment ® , a delightful combination of transportation and entertainment. Our friendly conductors narrate the tour with a fascinating and fun mix of trivia and humorous stories. It will be our pleasure to guide you through “Georgia’s First City” on one of our orange and green trolleys.

Our Savannah tours are the best way to see the city. Because we cover the entire city, you can avoid costly parking and city driving. We also encourage you to tour at your own pace. Our tour offers on and off privileges, which allows you to hop off the trolley and explore on your own at any time. With frequent pickups at all our stops, this helps you avoid walking long distances.

*Free parking is available for our ticket holders. Space is limited.

Old Town Trolley Stops in Savannah

Hop on and off at any of our 15 convenient stops.

• 1 stop Visitors Center
• 2 stop Old Town Trolley Welcome Center
• 3 stop Franklin Square
• 4 stop Madison Square
• 5 stop Forsyth Park
• 6 stop Taylor Square
• 7 stop Cathedral of St. John The Baptist
• 8 stop Old Town Trolley Barn
• 9 stop City Market
• 10 stop Lucas Theatre
• 11 stop River Street
• 12 stop The Waving Girl
• 13 stop Davenport House
• 14 stop Colonial Park Cemetery
• 15 stop Bull Street Corridor

Booth Locations

Stop 1 – Visitors Center 301 MLK Blvd. See in Google Maps

Stop 2 – Savannah Welcome Center 214 West Boundary See in Google Maps

Stop 9 – City Market 217 West Julian Street See in Google Maps

Stop 11 – River Street 301 East River Street See in Google Maps

Old Town Trolley Tours

Tour length: 90 minutes.

9am to 5pm.

Tours depart approx. every 20 minutes.

Closed Saint Patrick’s Day, March 17.

Reservations are NOT needed or accepted.

Showing you the Hostess City!

Bringing savannah’s history to life.

Bringing Savannah’s History to Life is more than a slogan…it’s our promise. Along with uniquely personal descriptions of Savannah’s rich and spellbinding history, actual historical re-enactors appear from time-to-time, walking the aisles of your trolley.

Longest Running

Showing guests around Savannah since 1979.

History is Alive

Historic figures from Savannah's past appear along the way.

Voted #1 By You

We've been voted Best Trolley Tour every year since 2003.

Pet Friendly

Service animals and pets are welcome on our trolleys.

Get To Know Us

We’re savannah owned.

Since 1979 we’ve been providing visitors to Savannah the best choice of trolley tours…twice as long as our nearest competitor. Our guides are long-time employees and most grew up here. Our tour has been created by Savannahians and refined over time by personal research and local experience which makes each tour as different and descriptive as the guide’s love for our city. Hometown expertise with no compromise is why we confidently claim Old Savannah Tours is your best choice. It’s no accident that “Savannah” is our middle name.

Characters You May Encounter

History Is Alive

Forrest gump.

The fictional character of Forrest Gump, portrayed by Tom Hanks, has become an icon in the city of Savannah – beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Forrest has been entertaining guests of Old Savannah Tours for years – see if you can spot him running around town!

Dessa the Gullah Woman

Representatives of the local Gullah Geechee Culture tell how ex-slaves came to inhabit the local islands off the Georgia coast, and discuss their contributions to the development of Southern cuisine.

They share fascinating customs and traditions, and may even teach guests a few words or songs from the Gullah culture.

General James Oglethorpe

Considered our founding father, Oglethorpe’s keen sense of social injustice led him to establish the Colony of Georgia, and, along with it, Savannah – America’s first planned city.

Oglethorpe was a skilled negotiator and diplomat, as well as a renowned military strategist and urban planner.

Reverend George Leile

George Leile was born a slave in Virginia. Alongside his devoutly religious master, he traveled up and down the East Coast, helping to preach the word of God to other slaves. After being freed, George sought refuge in Savannah’s British-occupied sector, where he continued preaching.

His local congregation of slaves eventually grew into the First African Baptist Church, which would become an important stop on the Underground Railroad.

Grave Encounters

Alice riley.

Alice Riley was an indentured servant who came to Savannah in 1733. Apprenticed to a notoriously cruel master, she eventually snapped one day and killed him.

Alice pleaded pregnancy and was given leniency – for nine months – before her baby was born and she was hanged for her crime.

This mystical figure played a prominent role in the book and the film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil , helping Jim Williams through his many criminal trials.

Minerva the Voodoo Queen immortalized in “Midnight” was actually a real person – a grandmotherly woman named Valerie Bowles. Ms. Valerie wielded true power and influence with “the unseen”, power not quite as innocuous as her everyday persona led one to believe.

Things To Do in Savannah

Discover Savannah’s best spots for sightseeing, eating, exploring, and entertainment. Our blog is full of thoughtfully curated recommendations to make your trip to the Hostess City one you won’t forget.

Special Offer!

Get a locals pass.

Local residents get a free tour for every paying guest you bring (maximum 3 free passes). It’s our way of saying “thank you” for choosing us to show your visitors around our beautiful & historic city.

This offer is exclusively available to Georgia and South Carolina residents living within 50 miles of Savannah.

Valid Identification is all that’s required to redeem your free ride.