What Savannah ghost tours are and how they operate
Savannah ghost tours are walking or trolley-based tours led by a guide who tells stories about haunted locations, historical deaths, and reported paranormal activity throughout the city. Most tours last between 60 and 90 minutes and cover a set route through downtown Savannah, stopping at specific buildings, cemeteries, and squares with documented histories. The guide narrates stories at each stop — some based on historical records, some on local legend, some on reported ghost sightings by residents or visitors.
Tours operate year-round, though frequency and availability vary by season. Most companies run multiple departures daily during peak tourist months (March through October) and fewer during winter. Tours typically depart from a central meeting point — often a hotel, visitor center, or storefront in the historic district — and return to the same location. No special equipment or preparation is needed; you show up at the departure time and follow the guide on foot or board a trolley.
The guides themselves are usually local historians, actors, or people trained by the tour company in Savannah's history and ghost stories. Some guides focus heavily on documented historical events; others emphasize entertainment and theatrical storytelling. The tone and content vary significantly between companies and individual guides, so the experience you have depends partly on which tour operator you choose and which guide leads your group.
Key Takeaways
- Most Savannah ghost tours last 60 to 90 minutes, depart from downtown locations, and cover haunted sites on foot or by trolley.
- Tours run year-round but are most frequent from March through October; winter schedules are thinner and some tours may not run on certain days.
- The content mix — how much history versus entertainment — differs between tour companies and individual guides.
- Tickets are usually purchased online in advance or at the departure location on the day of the tour, with prices typically ranging based on tour length and format.
- Physical demands vary: walking tours require standing and walking for the full duration, while trolley tours involve less walking but more sitting.
Walking tours versus trolley tours
Walking tours move through Savannah's historic district on foot, stopping for 5 to 10 minutes at each location while the guide tells the story. You cover roughly 1 to 2 miles over the course of the tour, depending on the route. Walking tours let you see the buildings and streets up close and move at a slower pace, which some people prefer for absorbing the stories. They also tend to be less expensive than trolley tours.
Trolley tours use an open-air or enclosed vehicle that moves between stops, reducing the walking distance significantly. You board the trolley, ride to a location, disembark briefly while the guide narrates, then reboard and move to the next stop. Trolley tours cover more ground and are easier on the legs, but you see the city from a moving vehicle rather than from street level. They typically cost more than walking tours and may be noisier due to traffic and the trolley's engine.
Your choice depends on your physical comfort with walking, your budget, and whether you prefer an intimate street-level experience or a broader overview of the city. Some people do both — a walking tour of one neighborhood and a trolley tour of another — to get different perspectives.
What stories and locations are typically included
Most Savannah ghost tours cover a mix of documented historical deaths and local paranormal legends. Common stops include Bonaventure Cemetery, where tours discuss notable burials and reported apparitions; Forsyth Park, where various ghost stories are tied to the park's history; and specific buildings in the historic district associated with deaths, murders, or unexplained events. Tours often include stories about the Sorrel-Weed House, the Marshall House, and other structures with well-known histories.
The stories themselves vary in source. Some are based on newspaper records, court documents, or historical accounts of real events — deaths in fires, murders, accidents, or epidemics. Others are local legends passed down through generations, sometimes with unclear origins. A few are based on reported paranormal experiences by current residents or previous visitors. Most guides will tell you which category a story falls into, though the distinction is not always clear-cut.
The specific locations and stories change between tour companies. One company might focus on Civil War history and deaths related to the war; another might emphasize murders and crime; a third might focus on cemeteries and burial traditions. Reading reviews or checking a company's website before booking gives you a sense of what stories that particular tour emphasizes.
Booking, pricing, and what to bring
Most Savannah ghost tours can be booked online through the tour company's website or through third-party booking platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide. Some companies also accept walk-up bookings at their departure location, though online booking in advance is more reliable, especially during peak season. Prices typically range from $15 to $35 per person for a standard tour, with variations based on tour length, format (walking versus trolley), and whether the tour includes extras like a meal or a visit to a specific location.
Group discounts are sometimes available if you book for 10 or more people. Some tours offer combination packages — for example, a ghost tour plus a daytime historical tour or a ghost tour plus a meal at a local restaurant. Children are usually welcome, though some tours are marketed as more suitable for adults due to the nature of the stories told.
What to bring depends on the tour type and season. For walking tours, wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially in warm months. For trolley tours, bring a light jacket if the trolley is open-air, as wind can make it feel cooler. Sunscreen and a hat are useful during daytime or early evening tours. Most tours operate rain or shine, so check the company's weather policy before booking — some offer refunds or rescheduling if severe weather cancels the tour.
How to choose between tour companies
Savannah has dozens of ghost tour operators, and quality and style vary. Start by reading recent reviews on Google, TripAdvisor, or the company's own website. Look for comments about the guide's knowledge, the pacing of the tour, whether stories were interesting, and whether the tour felt rushed or well-organized. Pay attention to reviews that mention specific guides by name, since the same company can have very different experiences depending on who leads your tour.
Check the company's website to see what stories and locations they cover. If you have specific interests — Civil War history, cemetery tours, specific buildings — look for a company that emphasizes those topics. Some companies describe their guides as historians; others market themselves as entertainment-focused. Neither is better or worse, but they offer different experiences.
Consider the tour format and length. If you have limited time or mobility concerns, a shorter trolley tour might suit you better than a 90-minute walking tour. If you want a more intimate experience and don't mind walking, a smaller walking tour group might be preferable to a large trolley tour. Some companies limit group size; others pack as many people as possible onto a trolley.
Price alone is not a reliable indicator of quality. Some of the most expensive tours are not significantly better than moderately priced ones; the difference often comes down to marketing and location rather than guide quality or content. A mid-range tour with strong reviews is usually a safer bet than the cheapest or most expensive option.
Timing, seasons, and how weather affects tours
Savannah ghost tours run year-round, but availability and frequency shift with the season. From March through October, most companies run multiple tours daily, sometimes starting in late afternoon and running into the evening. November through February sees fewer departures, and some smaller tour companies may not operate at all during the slowest winter months. If you are visiting in winter, check availability at least a few days in advance.
Evening tours (starting around 6 p.m. or later) are more common than daytime tours and are often marketed as more atmospheric. However, daytime tours do run and may be better if you want to see the buildings and streets clearly or if you prefer not to be out late. The stories are the same regardless of time of day.
Weather affects tour operations. Most tours run in light rain, but heavy rain, lightning, or extreme heat may cause cancellations. Check the company's weather policy when you book — some offer full refunds, others offer rescheduling to another date, and some offer credit toward a future tour. Tours are generally not canceled for cold weather unless it is severe.
Physical demands and accessibility
Walking tours require you to stand and walk for 60 to 90 minutes, covering 1 to 2 miles depending on the route. The terrain in Savannah's historic district is mostly flat, but sidewalks can be uneven in places. If you have mobility issues, knee or back problems, or difficulty standing for extended periods, a trolley tour is a better option. Some walking tour companies offer modified routes or shorter tours if you contact them in advance.
Trolley tours involve less walking — usually just boarding and disembarking — but require you to climb steps to get on and off the vehicle. If you use a wheelchair or have difficulty with stairs, call the tour company ahead of time to ask about accessibility. Some trolleys have wheelchair lifts or ramps; others do not. Trolley tours also involve sitting in an open or semi-open vehicle, which may be uncomfortable in very hot or very cold weather.
If you are pregnant, have a heart condition, or have other health concerns that might be affected by walking or standing for extended periods, contact the tour company before booking to discuss options. Most are willing to work with you to find a tour format that works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Savannah ghost tours actually scary, or are they more educational?
It depends on the tour company and guide. Some tours are primarily educational, focusing on documented history and historical events. Others are more theatrical and designed to be entertaining and mildly spooky. Most fall somewhere in between. If you want to know what to expect, read reviews that mention the tone, or call the company and ask how they describe their approach.
Can children go on ghost tours?
Yes, children are usually welcome, though some tours are marketed as better for adults due to the nature of the stories (murders, deaths, etc.). If you have young children, ask the tour company whether the content is age-appropriate. Some companies offer family-friendly daytime tours in addition to evening tours aimed at adults.
How far in advance do I need to book?
During peak season (March through October), booking a few days in advance is recommended, especially for popular time slots like early evening. During slower months, you can often book the day of the tour. Online booking is faster and more reliable than showing up and hoping space is available.
What if the tour is canceled due to weather?
Most companies offer a refund or the option to reschedule for another date. Check the specific company's policy when you book. If a tour is canceled and you need to know when ready, call the company the morning of the tour rather than waiting for an email notification.
Do I need to be interested in ghosts or paranormal activity to enjoy a ghost tour?
No. Many people take ghost tours primarily for the history and stories, not because they believe in ghosts. The tours are marketed as ghost tours, but the content is mostly historical narrative with some local legend mixed in. If you are interested in Savannah's history, architecture, or local stories, you will likely find value in the tour regardless of your views on the paranormal.