Parks and playgrounds are the soul of a city.
Marty Rubin
One of the most lasting impressions you’ll have of Savannah, Georgia, is that of the parks and squares throughout this lovely Southern city. Thanks to James Oglethorpe who laid out Savannah in 1733, residents and visitors can enjoy the peacefulness that comes with strolling the squares and walking underneath live oak trees laden with Spanish moss.
The best source of information on Savannah’s squares comes from Jason Barnette, author of Road Trips and Coffee, a travel blog focused mainly on Southern places to see. Filled with locations and main attractions of each square, “Visiting the 22 Historic Squares of Savannah – Tips, History, and Beautiful Photos,” will make you want to book a trip just for the peaceful parks alone.
According to Barnette, James Oglethorpe originally laid out six squares in 1733, then added nine more in 1796. By 1985, a total of 22 squares — some with fountains, others with statuary and still others with gardens only — invited residents and visitors alike to delight in these unique respites in the heart of a vibrant city.
And now, at a time that we hope is the end to a pandemic, people have returned to the parks — doing what they love — from watching artists at work . . .
to walking with friends . . .
to sitting and enjoying the beauty of fountains like this one in Forsyth Park.
You should first take a trolley tour to get a sense of how Savannah unfolds, one square after another. The hop-on, hop-off trolley tours with Old Town Trolley allow you to take a break when you want to — to tour historic homes, get a bite to eat in a Southern restaurant, or admire art by students of The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Book a trip online or in City Market.
No matter how you choose to see Savannah’s parks, you can’t go wrong. After all, you’re bound to wind up under a live oak wishing you could spend a month or two in this exciting, yet quiet, Southern town.
If you have found a quiet bench in a quiet park and sat down, be sure you had a very profitable day.
Mehmet Murat ildan
Travel leisurely,
Rusha & Bert
To see all our posts on the beautiful places we love in Georgia, click here.
Coral Waight
It’s such a unique-looking place, and so beautiful.
Oh, the Places We See
It’s a very pretty place to visit — lots to do and see. And very restful. We could see ourselves returning year after year.
travelgarb
Lovely laid back charm. Parks so enhance a city.
Oh, the Places We See
We couldn’t agree more. These parks are treasures, thanks to the city planners and those who maintain the grounds. Thanks for taking a look with us!
P Squared
I have two designers in the family who have been eyeing SCAD with longing. Now I see that SCAD is only one attraction there – the parks look gorgeous! The last fountain you have given here looks similar to a fountain I saw in St. Louis.
Oh, the Places We See
There are many buildings labeled SCAD, so that art and design college has truly expanded. Savannah is the beneficiary. With the infusion of art and design student ideas, the city just keeps moving forward with an eye to the past. It’s a lovely place.
WanderingCanadians
It’s amazing how even back then there was an appreciation and need to have lots of parks. It really goes to show how much people value being close to nature.
Oh, the Places We See
You’re so right. The people visiting and living there seem to love the squares, fountains, trees — well, everything about these parks. It’s nice just to have park benches and great scenery!
kzmcb
With that many parks, there would be something for everyone. I don’t think we can underestimate the value of places designed for a bit of quiet and nature, especially in the middle of a large town.
Oh, the Places We See
I wish all towns had some semblance of these parks. You’re so right — they’re valuable to the people who live there and those who visit. It certainly helped lower my blood pressure!
thehungrytravellers.blog
Those giant Oaks are beautiful. C@n imagine sitting under them in the shade on a hot day.
Oh, the Places We See
Many people seemed to have your same good idea. There were people strolling and taking pictures, but many just sat on the benches and enjoyed the setting. Thanks for commenting!
Curt Mekemson
It’s interesting to think about the vision that Oglethorpe had in planning so many city parks. It is hard to imagine a more enduring and appreciated legacy, Rusha. –Curt
Oh, the Places We See
So true. I wish he had designed more cities. Savannah is beautifully laid out and maintained. A pleasure to visit there! Thanks for your comments.
Toonsarah
Those trees are so beautiful! And to have so many squares and gardens in one city is very special 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
It’s one right after another. Each as beautiful or more so than the last. I love the way they’ve laid out Savannah — so lovely.