by Brandon Robinson
Savannah is known for its beautiful squares and Southern charm. But behind that beauty is a long history filled with spooky tales and incidents. With stories of restless spirits tied to historic buildings and city streets, Savannah has earned a reputation as one of America’s most haunted cities. For visitors looking for more than sightseeing, its ghost tours offer a thrilling way to explore the city after dark.
Savannah was founded in 1733, making it one of the United States' oldest cities. Nearly 300 years of history give the city plenty of stories, but its haunted reputation comes from more than age. Savannah has faced deadly yellow fever outbreaks, wars, and other tragedies that left deep marks on the community.
The city’s war history also feeds many of its ghost stories. Savannah played important roles in the Revolutionary War and Civil War, and stories of soldiers still connect to historic squares and buildings. Some tales describe ghostly figures appearing in windows, on rooftops, or along streets where soldiers once walked. Whether these sightings are paranormal or simply part of local folklore, they make Savannah’s history even more fascinating.
Murder stories have also become part of Savannah’s haunted identity. One famous tale involves Alice Riley, an indentured servant who was executed in 1735 after being convicted in the death of her master, William Wise. Her story is often tied to Savannah’s early history and darker past. Other famous stories center on the Mercer House and the murder of Danny Hansford, a crime that later became closely associated with Savannah author John Berendt’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
Colonial Park Cemetery is one of the city’s best-known haunted locations. The cemetery dates to the 18th century and contains thousands of graves. Stories about strange sounds, apparitions, and unexplained activity have made it a favorite stop on nighttime tours.
Bonaventure Cemetery is another must-see for anyone interested in Savannah’s ghost stories. Its beautiful statues, winding paths, and old graves create an eerie setting, especially after sunset. The cemetery is also famous for the story of Little Gracie, a young girl whose grave has become one of Savannah’s most recognizable landmarks for ghost hunters and curious visitors.
Then there are Savannah’s historic homes and inns. The Sorrel-Weed House is linked to stories of the Lady in Black and other reported spirits. The 17Hundred90 Inn is also famous for its ghostly legends and is considered one of the city’s oldest haunted places to stay.
A ghost tour is one of the easiest ways to experience Savannah’s haunted side. Walking tours take visitors through the Historic District while guides share stories about murders, legends, and other reported paranormal encounters. Some tours focus on historical facts, while others lean more heavily into the supernatural.
Savannah Ghost Tours offers a nighttime walking experience through some of the city’s most famous haunted locations. The tour meets at Wright Square and shares stories of paranormal encounters and Savannah’s darker history.
For travelers who want history mixed with spooky storytelling, Cobblestone Tours’ Savannah Haunted History Ghost Tour is another option. This candlelight walking tour lasts about 90 minutes and covers local legends, famous ghosts, and strange events from Savannah’s past.
Ghosts & Gravestones offers a different experience by combining sightseeing with ghost stories. The trolley-style tour lets visitors explore Savannah at night while learning about some of its most mysterious locations.
Ghostly Gents Tour Company offers a 90-minute walking tour through Savannah’s Historic District. The Legends of the Squares Tour begins at Chippewa Square and visits locations while guides share stories of Savannah’s history, local legends, and reported paranormal activity. It’s a good choice for visitors who want a smaller, more personal tour that combines historical storytelling with a spooky atmosphere.
If you prefer to explore on your own, a self-guided ghost tour can be a great choice. The Ghosts of Savannah Audio Tour uses GPS to guide visitors between haunted locations while stories play automatically, letting travelers explore at their own pace.
Part of the fun of a Savannah ghost trip is choosing a great place to stay. After an evening of stories about haunted homes and mysterious encounters, returning to a beautiful Savannah property can make the experience even more memorable. For comfortable places to stay, explore Opulence’s Savannah properties.
Savannah’s haunted reputation comes from centuries of real history, tragic events, and stories passed down through generations. Its historic streets and buildings make the perfect setting for a night of ghost stories and local legends. Whether you believe in ghosts or just love a good story, Savannah is worth exploring after dark.
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Brandon Robinson is an enthusiastic blogger based in Statesboro, GA, juggling multiple roles with flair. By day, he serves as an Administrative Coordinator at Georgia Southern.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a minor in Philosophy from Emory University, Brandon is passionate about storytelling and connecting with people. When he’s not immersed in work or writing, he loves to explore new destinations and discover hidden gems in the vacation rental scene.
