Savannah, a charming city on the Georgia coast, is renowned for its old-world beauty, verdant squares, and captivating historic architecture. Yet, beneath this serene facade lies a dark secret: Savannah is also known as America’s most haunted city. If you’re captivated by chilling experiences and eager to explore the city’s mysterious dark side, a ghost tour is an unmissable adventure. This article guides you on how to book a ghost tour in Savannah, ensuring a haunting and unforgettable exploration.
Savannah – The Haunted City and the Allure of Ghost Tourism
Savannah captivates visitors not only with its stunning architecture, rich culture, and distinctive cuisine but also with its turbulent history and spine-tingling ghost stories. With nearly three centuries of history, the city has witnessed numerous tragic events, from wars and epidemics to unsolved murders. These events have shrouded Savannah in an aura of mystery, making it an ideal destination for those seeking thrills and exploring the spiritual realm.
Ghost tours in Savannah are more than just scare tactics; they offer a deeper understanding of the city’s history and culture. Through the narratives of knowledgeable guides, you’ll hear tales of restless spirits wandering through historic homes, shadowy figures lurking on cobblestone streets, and chilling legends passed down through generations. These tours typically take place in the evening, as darkness descends and the atmosphere grows still, creating an eerie ambiance that ignites the curiosity of visitors.
Historic buildings and squares in Savannah, Georgia, USA
Why are Ghost Tours so Popular in Savannah?
Several factors contribute to the popularity of ghost tours in Savannah:
- Rich and Haunting History: Savannah boasts a long and tumultuous history, witnessing significant historical events and tragic tales. This history provides a fertile ground for ghost stories and urban legends.
- Antique Architecture and Eerie Ambiance: Savannah features numerous historic houses, ancient cemeteries, and moss-draped cobblestone streets. The Gothic architecture and tranquil nighttime atmosphere create a spooky setting, perfect for ghost tours.
- Unique Local Culture: Savannah’s residents have a distinct fascination with ghost stories and legends. They proudly share these tales with visitors, creating a unique and engaging cultural experience.
- Thrill-Seeking Experience: Ghost tours offer visitors a chance to experience chills, thrills, and excitement. It’s a unique form of entertainment, distinct from typical sightseeing tours.
- Exploring Different Facets of Savannah: Ghost tours are not just about scares; they are a way for visitors to explore Savannah’s history, culture, and architecture from a fresh and captivating perspective.
Historic street view in Savannah, Georgia at night
Popular Types of Ghost Tours in Savannah
Savannah offers diverse ghost tour types, catering to different preferences and levels of “bravery”:
- Walking Ghost Tours: The most common type, allowing you to explore haunted streets, historic cemeteries, and famous landmarks on foot. Guides narrate chilling stories about spirits and urban legends associated with each location.
- Carriage Ghost Tours: Experiencing a ghost tour by horse-drawn carriage is a unique and romantic way to explore Savannah at night. You’ll ride in a vintage carriage, meandering through quiet streets, listening to ghost stories accompanied by the clip-clop of horses’ hooves.
- Bus Ghost Tours: If you want to cover more haunted locations in a shorter time, a bus tour is suitable. These tours often venture to sites outside the city center, providing a comprehensive overview of Savannah’s haunted history.
- Ghost Pub Crawls: Combining drinks with haunted pub explorations, ghost pub crawls offer a unique entertainment experience. You’ll visit Savannah’s oldest bars, hear spooky tales, and enjoy specialty cocktails.
- Ghost Hunting Tours: Designed for “brave” visitors keen to explore the spiritual realm themselves, ghost hunting tours provide specialized equipment for “ghost hunting” at notorious haunted locations.
Historic cobblestone street in Savannah's old district
Step-by-Step Guide to Booking a Ghost Tour in Savannah
To book a ghost tour in Savannah, follow these steps:
- Research and Choose a Tour Type: Determine the type of ghost tour that aligns with your interests and budget. Explore different tour types (walking, carriage, bus, pub crawl, ghost hunting) and select the one that excites you most.
- Find Reputable Tour Companies: Search for tour companies specializing in ghost tours in Savannah. Read online reviews, compare prices and services to choose a reputable and quality company. Some popular ghost tour companies in Savannah include:
- Savannah Ghostwalker Tour: Known for engaging walking ghost tours and professional guides.
- Blue Orb Savannah Ghost Tours: Offers various ghost tour types, from walking and carriage tours to ghost hunting tours.
- Ghost City Tours of Savannah: One of Savannah’s largest ghost tour companies, with numerous tour options and flexible departure times.
- Haunted Savannah Ghost Tours: Specializes in historical ghost tours, focusing on true stories and famous haunted locations.
- Check Schedules and Departure Times: Review the tour’s detailed itinerary, including visited locations and tour duration. Choose a departure time that fits your schedule. Most ghost tours occur in the evening, but some daytime tours are available.
- Book Online or by Phone: Visit the tour company’s website or call to book. Provide necessary personal information and the number of participants.
- Payment and Booking Confirmation: Pay the tour fee as instructed by the company. After successful payment, you’ll receive a booking confirmation email or message.
- Prepare for the Tour: Arrive at the meeting point on time and prepare for an exciting night of ghostly exploration. Wear comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket if it’s cold, and a camera to capture memorable (or perhaps… “ghostly”) moments.
Azaleas blooming in Savannah's historic district
Tips for a Memorable Ghost Tour Experience
To make your ghost tour in Savannah complete and memorable, consider these tips:
- Choose a Tour that Suits Your Interests: If you enjoy walking and detailed exploration, a walking tour is ideal. For a romantic and unique experience, choose a carriage tour. If you crave thrills and self-investigation, a ghost hunting tour is suitable.
- Arrive Early at the Meeting Point: To avoid missing the tour and have time to meet the group, arrive at the meeting point about 15-20 minutes before departure.
- Interact with the Guide: The guide is your storyteller for captivating ghost tales. Ask questions, listen attentively, and interact with them for the best experience.
- Be Open-minded and Believe the Stories: To fully enjoy the ghost tour, be open-minded and believe the stories told. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, “immersing yourself” in the narrative will enhance your experience.
- Prepare to be “Scared”: Ghost tours can bring chilling and surprising moments. Prepare to be “brave” and ready to face the unknown.
- Respect Sacred Sites: During the tour, respect sacred sites like cemeteries, churches, and historical monuments. Maintain silence and avoid disturbing the solemn atmosphere.
- Go with Friends or Family: Taking a ghost tour with friends or family will make you feel safer and more joyful. Sharing thrilling emotions and exploring mysteries together will be a memorable experience.
Christmas decorations in Savannah's historic district
Reviews of Reputable Ghost Tour Companies in Savannah
Here’s a brief review of some reputable ghost tour companies in Savannah to help you choose:
- Savannah Ghostwalker Tour: Highly rated for guide quality, engaging stories, and authentic experiences. Their walking tours are favored and 5-star rated by many visitors.
- Blue Orb Savannah Ghost Tours: Diverse tour types, from walking and carriage to ghost hunting tours. This company offers various departure times and affordable prices. Blue Orb’s ghost hunting tour is praised as unique and exciting.
- Ghost City Tours of Savannah: A large company with numerous tours, suitable for various visitor types. Ghost City Tours is famous for its Ghost Pub Crawl, offering a blend of ghostly exploration and nightlife entertainment.
- Haunted Savannah Ghost Tours: Specializes in historical ghost tours, focusing on true stories and famous haunted locations. If you love history and want to delve deeper into Savannah’s haunted past, Haunted Savannah Ghost Tours is a good choice.
River Street in Savannah, Georgia with boats and historic buildings
Conclusion
Savannah is not only a beautiful and historic city but also a captivating ghost tourism destination. Ghost tours in Savannah offer you the chance to uncover historical mysteries, experience chills, and explore a different side of this city. With the detailed guide in this article, hopefully, you’ll easily book a suitable ghost tour and have a haunting and memorable adventure in Savannah, America’s most haunted city. Be brave, step into Savannah’s dark world, and discover the secrets that await you!