When it comes to exploring Savannah, most visitors flock to its charming squares, historic architecture, and leafy streets. But for those intrigued by the city’s more sinister stories, the True Crime of Savannah Tour offers a compelling alternative. It’s a focused, 90-minute journey through the city’s darker moments—serial killers, tragic deaths, and unresolved mysteries—that supplements the usual sightseeing with a dose of gritty history.
What makes this tour particularly appealing is its emphasis on meticulous research—each stop is backed by insights from the Georgia Historical Society, making it more than just ghost stories or urban legends. And the reviews speak for themselves: travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the authenticity of the tales. On the downside, it’s a walking tour limited to downtown Savannah, so those who prefer to cover larger areas or need more interactive experiences might find it a bit narrow in scope.
This experience is ideally suited for history buffs, true crime enthusiasts, or anyone curious about Savannah’s less-polished side. If you enjoy stories that are fascinating and a little unsettling, this tour provides a taste of Savannah’s most haunting and brutal tales.
Key Points
- Authentic stories backed by research from the Georgia Historical Society.
- Compact and engaging, lasting about 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Well-regarded guides who bring stories vividly to life.
- Focus on historical sites like the old execution square and murder scenes.
- Cost-effective at $33 per person with high value for true crime history lovers.
- Ideal for those interested in local lore and darker tales rather than ghostly phenomena.
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Contents
- Key Points
- A Closer Look at the Savannah True Crime Tour
- The Itinerary and What You’ll See
- The Tour Experience
- The Value for the Price
- What Reviewers Say
- Practical Tips for Visitors
- Who Should Consider This Tour?
- The Sum Up: Is the True Crime of Savannah Tour Worth It?
- Our Top Picks in Savannah
- More Tours in Savannah
- More Tour Reviews in Savannah
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Savannah we have recnetly reviewed
A Closer Look at the Savannah True Crime Tour
This tour offers a different perspective on Savannah, steering clear of the usual haunted house narratives and instead focusing on the real, often brutal stories behind some of the city’s most notorious crimes. It’s a walk, not a long trek, making it accessible and easy to fit into an evening after dinner or earlier in your sightseeing day.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Savannah.
The Itinerary and What You’ll See
Start at Wright Square, where the tour begins with a discussion of its role as an execution site. Here, you’ll learn about the first woman executed in Georgia—an introduction that sets the tone for the darker stories ahead. The small stop allows for a quick introduction but is packed with historical context, making it a great way to start.
Next, the tour moves to Bradley Lock and Key Shop, where the story of Gary Ray Bowles, the serial killer dubbed the I-95 Killer, unfolds. This stop is especially compelling for true crime fans, as it connects Savannah to a broader crime saga that spanned several states.
The third stop is at the Foley House Inn, an historic building linked to an unsolved murder. The guide shares details about the case, raising questions about justice and mystery that remain unsolved even today. This moment adds a layer of suspense and curiosity.
The group’s attention then falls upon Chippewa Square, famous for its movie scenes but also home to the 1909 triple axe murders at the Gribble House. Here, the stories of violence and the aftermath of such brutal acts are vividly described, giving visitors a deeper appreciation for Savannah’s violent past.
Colonial Park Cemetery is another highlight, blending the city’s mournful burial traditions with tales of early 20th-century murders, showing how death and tragedy are woven into the fabric of Savannah.
Finally, the tour concludes at 228 E Oglethorpe Ave, where the tragic murder-suicide of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Conrad Aiken’s parents is discussed. It’s a poignant reminder of how personal tragedy can echo through history.
The Tour Experience
What we loved about this tour is the balance of storytelling and historical facts. The guides are clearly well-versed, and reviews emphasize their friendly demeanor and extensive knowledge. One reviewer praised a guide for showing “extra things not on the official tour,” indicating that guides often go beyond the script to deliver personalized insights.
The small group size (up to 30 travelers) allows for a more intimate experience, perfect for asking questions and engaging with the stories. The mobile ticket system makes it easy to join, but you’ll want to arrive early enough to find parking downtown—an important consideration since parking fees are not included.
The Value for the Price
At $33, this tour is quite affordable, especially considering the depth of stories and the expert narration you receive. For true crime enthusiasts or history lovers, this is a value-packed experience that complements a standard Savannah visit. Unlike many walking tours that can last longer or cost more, this one’s compact format keeps it focused and engaging.
What Reviewers Say
Multiple reviews highlight how interesting and different this experience is from typical ghost tours. As one traveler noted, “The tour was interesting and different from a ghost tour,” emphasizing its unique focus on real crimes rather than supernatural tales. Another mentioned the friendly, knowledgeable guide, which elevates the experience from mere storytelling to a memorable learning session.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Arrive early to secure parking; downtown Savannah’s parking fees are not included.
- Wear comfortable shoes—although short, it’s a walking tour through historic streets.
- The tour starts at Telfair Square at 9:00 pm, so plan accordingly for evening participation.
- It’s suitable for most travelers, including service animals and those with limited mobility—just inform the guide in advance.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers who want to see Savannah from a different angle. If you appreciate history with a darker twist or enjoy hearing about notorious criminals and mysterious deaths, this will be right up your alley. It’s also a good fit for those traveling with history buffs or true crime fans who prefer storytelling rooted in real events rather than fictional ghost stories.
True Crime of Savannah Tour
“There was so much good information and the stories were very interesting. I wished the tour guide talked while we walked. We walked to each place b…”
The Sum Up: Is the True Crime of Savannah Tour Worth It?
For anyone looking to deepen their appreciation of Savannah’s historic streets, this tour offers a fascinating glimpse into its darker side. The stories are well-researched, the guides are friendly and knowledgeable, and the experience doesn’t overstay its welcome. It’s a great value at $33, providing enough intrigue and history to satisfy true crime lovers.
While it’s a shorter, more focused tour—best suited for those with a curiosity about Savannah’s murderous past—it’s also an excellent way to learn about the city’s less-polished stories that often go unnoticed in traditional tours.
If you’re interested in authentic, spine-tingling tales and want to see Savannah’s streets from a different perspective, this tour delivers on both entertainment and education. It’s a memorable addition to your Savannah itinerary—one that might just leave you looking at the city’s charming squares through a slightly darker lens.
How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a manageable and engaging experience without taking up your entire evening.
Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Telfair Square, 121 Barnard Street, and ends at 228 E Oglethorpe Ave, the birthplace of poet Conrad Aiken.
Is parking included?
No, parking fees are not included. Travelers should plan to arrive early to find parking downtown.
Are tickets easy to get?
Yes, tickets are mobile, and the tour is available for booking online. It’s popular, so booking in advance is recommended.
What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 30 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience and easier interaction with guides.
Can I bring a service animal?
Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.
Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but the dark subject matter might be less appropriate for very young children.
What makes this tour different from ghost tours?
Unlike ghost-themed tours, this one focuses on actual historical crimes and real stories, providing a factual and often chilling look into Savannah’s past.
In essence, the True Crime of Savannah Tour offers a well-balanced, engaging exploration for those interested in the city’s fascinatingly grim side. With knowledgeable guides, authentic stories, and a prime downtown location, it’s a memorable way to experience Savannah beyond its pretty squares.
