How To Explore the Haunted Streets of Savannah, Georgia at Night

Savannah, Georgia, sits among the most haunted cities in America, built on former battlegrounds, colonial cemeteries, and centuries of dark history.

When the sun sets, gas lamps flicker to life, casting shadows across cobblestone streets and moss-draped squares.

Exploring these haunted streets after dark offers an unforgettable experience that blends history, mystery, and spine-tingling tales that will leave you looking over your shoulder.

1. Join a Traditional Ghost Walking Tour

Most visitors start their haunted journey with a classic walking tour led by licensed guides who know every shadowy corner. Tours typically focus on specific historic districts like Colonial Park Cemetery or River Street, where documented history meets supernatural legend.

Guides share chilling stories about famous mansions, tragic deaths, and restless spirits that still wander the squares. You’ll hear about yellow fever victims, Civil War soldiers, and wealthy residents who never quite left their beloved homes.

Walking at a leisurely pace allows you to soak in the eerie atmosphere while learning fascinating historical facts. The combination of education and entertainment makes this the perfect introduction to Savannah’s ghostly side.

2. Take a Hearse Ghost Tour

Riding through haunted streets in a modified antique hearse adds an unforgettable layer of macabre fun to your ghost hunting adventure. These vehicles, once used to transport the deceased, now carry curious tourists eager for a unique experience.

The hearse slowly rolls through the historic district while your guide narrates spine-chilling tales from the passenger seat. Large windows provide excellent views of haunted mansions, shadowy squares, and historic landmarks associated with paranormal activity.

This tour option appeals to those who want something different from standard walking tours. The novelty factor combined with comfort makes it popular among families and groups seeking memorable photo opportunities.

3. Participate in an Adults-Only Pub Crawl

Combining Savannah’s vibrant bar scene with its haunted reputation creates an entertaining evening for adult visitors. These specialized crawls stop at historic pubs and taverns famous for both their spirits and their liquor.

Popular stops include The Olde Pink House, where the original owner James Habersham Jr. supposedly still lingers, and Moon River Brewing Company, ranked among America’s most haunted bars. Between drinks, guides share supernatural stories connected to each location.

This social approach to ghost hunting attracts those who prefer their paranormal experiences with a side of cocktails. The relaxed atmosphere encourages conversation and debate about whether those cold spots are ghosts or just air conditioning.

4. Book a Late-Night Private Investigation

Serious ghost hunters can join specialized small-group excursions equipped with actual paranormal investigation tools. Companies provide EVP recorders to capture electronic voice phenomena and EMF meters that detect electromagnetic field fluctuations potentially caused by spirits.

These investigations take place in notoriously haunted locations after regular tour hours, giving participants quiet time to actively search for evidence. Professional guides teach proper equipment use and investigation techniques used by real paranormal researchers.

Unlike entertainment-focused tours, these experiences appeal to those genuinely interested in the supernatural. Participants often report unexplained sounds, temperature drops, and mysterious equipment readings that defy logical explanation.

5. Stroll Through the Squares Self-Guided

Savannah’s twenty-two historic squares remain public spaces perfect for quiet, independent exploration after dark. Chippewa Square, Madison Square, and others offer atmospheric settings with moss-draped oaks and flickering gas lamps creating naturally eerie environments.

Walking alone or with friends allows you to move at your own pace without a large tour group. You can sit on benches, listen to night sounds, and imagine the centuries of history that unfolded on these very spots.

Bring a smartphone loaded with historical information or ghost stories about specific squares to enhance your self-guided adventure. This free option works wonderfully for budget-conscious travelers or those who prefer solitary experiences.

6. Visit Colonial Park Cemetery

While the cemetery gates close at dusk, many walking tours pause at the ornate wrought-iron fence to share haunting tales. Guides recount stories of the devastating 1799 yellow fever epidemic that claimed thousands of lives within these grounds.

Countless unmarked graves hold forgotten souls, and vandals during the Civil War reportedly changed dates on tombstones, adding to the confusion and unrest. Visitors standing at the fence often report strange feelings, unexplained cold spots, and mysterious orbs in photographs.

Even viewing from outside the gates provides a powerful connection to Savannah’s tragic past. The ancient trees and weathered monuments create an undeniably spooky atmosphere that needs no embellishment.

7. Explore the Underground Vaults of River Street

River Street’s lower levels once served as bustling centers of shipping activity, sailor gatherings, and unfortunately, disease outbreaks. Historic underground tunnels and vaults now attract ghost hunters seeking encounters with restless maritime spirits.

Some passages remain partially flooded, adding an authentic sense of danger and decay to the experience. Tour companies venture into these spaces, sharing stories of sailors who died from yellow fever, bar fights, and mysterious disappearances.

The damp, confined spaces feel worlds away from the lively restaurants and shops above. Many visitors report hearing unexplained footsteps, whispers, and feeling unseen hands brush against them in the darkness.

8. Take a Ghost Trolley or Bus Tour

Comfortable seating and broader coverage make trolley or bus tours ideal for those who want to see more haunted locations without extensive walking. These vehicles navigate wider routes, pointing out numerous haunted homes and historic spots across different neighborhoods.

Drivers double as entertaining narrators, sharing ghost stories while safely maneuvering through traffic and narrow streets. The elevated seating provides better views of second-story windows where apparitions have reportedly appeared.

This option suits families with young children, elderly visitors, or anyone with mobility concerns. Air conditioning or heating depending on season ensures comfort while you cover significantly more ground than walking tours.

9. Walk the Battlefield Sites at Night

Areas like Springfield Plantation and sections of the historic district witnessed bloody conflicts during both Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Walking these grounds after darkness falls creates an atmosphere heavy with what paranormal enthusiasts call residual energy.

Soldiers died violent deaths on these very spots, and some believe their final moments replay like recordings under certain conditions. Visitors frequently report hearing distant cannon fire, marching footsteps, and anguished cries despite complete silence.

Historical markers help identify specific battle locations and troop movements during various conflicts. Combining historical knowledge with paranormal possibilities makes these walks particularly meaningful for history enthusiasts.

10. Dine in a Haunted Restaurant

Booking a late dinner reservation at famously haunted restaurants combines delicious Southern cuisine with potential supernatural encounters. The Olde Pink House reportedly hosts the spirit of James Habersham Jr., its original owner who died in the building.

Staff members share stories of glasses moving by themselves, unexplained footsteps upstairs, and a persistent presence in certain dining rooms. Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room also claims resident ghosts who occasionally make their presence known to startled diners.

Enjoying shrimp and grits while watching for paranormal activity offers a uniquely Savannah experience. Even skeptics appreciate the historic ambiance and excellent food, making this a win regardless of ghostly appearances.