Savannah, Georgia, may appear to be a lovely Southern town during the day, but it is said to be one of America’s most haunted cities. The city’s ghostly reputation could be attributed to the brutal Civil War, the yellow fever epidemics of 1820 and 1876, or the innumerable murders that have occurred throughout its history. These unsettling tales make Savannah the ideal setting for a ghost tour. The top U.S. News picks for the best tours in town are listed below, based on professional recommendations as well as traveler feedback. These haunting tours appeal to all ages, from families with children to individuals who require a little liquid courage before venturing into the eerie.
Savannah Ghost Walker – The Savannah Ghostwalker Tour and Ghost Hunt
During this trip, guides (or “ghostwalkers”) will accompany you down live oak-lined avenues past haunted antebellum homes to battlefields and hidden graves where paranormal activity is widespread. As you go, ghostwalkers tell you horrific stories about Savannah’s haunting past. You can even use your own “ghost-hunting” equipment to look for paranormal activity. Travelers appreciate guides’ abilities to emphasize the city’s historical facts through ghost stories. Visitors also note that the electromagnetic field meters provide a fun element to the trip.
Ghost City Tours – Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl
This adults-only (21 and up) nightly pub crawl visits some of the city’s most haunted pubs and taverns. During this Savannah ghost tour, guides tell frightening stories about each bar stop. Savannah’s lack of open container rules allows you to bring an alcoholic beverage with you and drink while walking. The majority of reviewers believe the tour is a great experience, with intriguing ghost stories. Others grumble about crowded bars and pricey beverages.
Tours usually begin at 8 p.m. on weekdays and at 8, 8:30, and 9 p.m. on weekends, but specific times may change by month. The company’s Grave Tales Tour offers a more family-friendly experience.
Genteel & Bard – Savannah Dark History & Ghost Encounter Tour
This spine-chilling tour takes you to some of Savannah’s most haunted locations. Over nearly a mile, a local tour guide will lead small groups through the city, telling stories about Colonial Park Cemetery and the Sorrel Weed House, among other historical sites. It is important to note that the entire trip takes place outside; you will not enter any structures. As an added bonus, the guide wears a microphone, and all tourgoers are given personal headphones with a wireless receiver to ensure that they do not miss a single horrific story. Reviewers describe guides as passionate, entertaining, and excellent storytellers. They also love the earbuds because they never have to worry about hearing.
Blue Orb Tours – Savannah Shadows Tour
Blue Orb’s Savannah Shadows tour is based on the same-titled novel by the company’s creator, Tobias McGriff. This tour is appropriate for all ages and visits areas notorious for paranormal activity, such as Hanging Square (also known as Wright Square). Many critics say that the tour has the proper balance of history and narration, as well as unsettling information. Others claim that, while the stories are eerie, they aren’t overly frightening for children.
Tours are normally available Wednesday through Sunday at 8 p.m. For a true thrill, the organization provides an adults-only Zombie Tour based on the Voodoo concept of the wandering undead.
Ghost & Gravestones of Savannah – Ghost & Gravestones Trolley Tour
On the Ghosts & Gravestones trolley tour, you’ll pass cemeteries, squares, and homes noted for their eerie inhabitants. Along the journey, you’ll see two of Savannah’s most haunted places: the Andrew Low House and Perkins & Sons Ship Chandlery. River Street, where the chandlery is located, is known for its ghostly activities. According to several critics, the tour guide’s antics are cheesy rather than frightening. Travelers advise that the chandlery is set up like a haunted house, so prepare young children for some unexpected surprises. The company rates the trip as PG-13, but numerous reviewers indicate it’s suitable for families. Children must be at least six years old, and no one under the age of eighteen may ride without the supervision of an adult.