Savannah's Forsyth Park, a historical gem, stands as one of the city's most popular attractions and is a must-see spot on any visit to Savannah, Georgia.
This park, with its roots dating back to 1851, was created by John Forsyth, the Governor of Georgia. Originally spanning ten acres, it quickly expanded to the 30-acre park that visitors and locals alike cherish today. Forsyth Park is filled with Spanish moss draped over picturesque Live Oak trees, beautiful pink azaleas, plenty of green, open spaces for kids and dogs to run and play, and tons of monuments and memorials dedicated to heroic soldiers and other notable figures in the Civil War and Spanish-American War.
Forsyth Park is located in Savannah's Historic District between Drayton and Whitaker Streets on the west and east side and Gaston Street and Park Avenue on the north and south end.
Forsyth Park is within walking distance of all the most popular attractions in Savannah, like River Street, Broughton Street, and The Olde Pink House, but also borders the less-touristy Victorian District. This district is known as Savannah's first suburb and is filled with gorgeous architecture and popular places to eat and drink, like Brighter Day Natural Foods for a healthy lunch and Sentient Bean for breakfast and coffee (it’s one of the best coffee shops in Savannah!).
These vacation rentals are all a short walk from Forsyth Park, offering convenient access to its serene walking paths, picturesque fountains, and vibrant community events throughout the year:
Whether you want to sit down for brunch or challenge some friends to a game of tennis or basketball, there is plenty to see and do at Forsyth Park. Check out the following attractions during your visit:
Forsyth Park Fountain is the focal point of Savannah's Forsyth Park and one of the most photographed spots in Savannah's Historic District.
This fountain was installed in 1858, shortly after the park was established, and is a beautiful sight to behold in every season. While you're at Forsyth Park, grab your camera and snap a photo with the Forsyth Fountain in the background — for an extra gorgeous shot, frame the picture with the oak trees and Spanish moss lining the walkway leading up to the fountain.
The Garden of Fragrance, also known as the Garden for the Blind, is — you guessed it — a fragrant garden planted in Forsyth Park for people who are blind to enjoy with their sense of smell. However, this gorgeous, aromatic garden, filled with small, bubbling fountains and bright flowers, is a delightful place for all visitors to stroll around when visiting Forsyth Park.
This garden is enclosed with a wrought-iron fence and white walls and is only open from Monday through Friday from 9 AM – 2 PM. Be sure to include these beautiful gardens on your weekday visit to Forsyth Park.
The Collins Quarter is one of the best breakfast spots in Savannah. This trendy local restaurant chain, known for its unique food and drinks, has two locations in Savannah's Historic District — one on Bull Street and Oglethorpe Avenue and another in Forsyth Park.
Sit at a table inside Collins Quarter at Forsyth Park, or on a breezy spring or autumn day, grab a seat on the patio to enjoy stunning views of Forsyth Park while eating your meal. Some of the best things to try at Collins Quarter include the Bananas Foster French Toast, Avocado Toast, or Crab Cake Benedict.
Forsyth Park has two basketball courts and four tennis courts. While visiting Savannah, round up a group of friends and walk down to the courts with a basketball or some tennis rackets in hand for a fun afternoon game. There are also plenty of grassy, wide-open fields that are ideal for kicking around a soccer ball, playing frisbee, or, if you're not sporty, setting out a picnic.
If you're traveling to Savannah with kids, visiting the playgrounds in Forsyth Park is a great way to spend some time during a vacation to Savannah. There are two playgrounds in Forsyth Park — one for older kids and one for younger kids — located between the Garden for the Blind and Collins Quarter in Forsyth Park.
Forsyth Park is the home base for several popular events in Savannah, Georgia, that draw locals and tourists to the city. These are some of the most notable events to attend at Forsyth Park:
The Forsyth Park Farmers Market occurs almost every Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM in Forsyth Park.
Many local vendors sell everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to local honey and locally roasted coffee. Grab some goodies to bring back to your vacation rental, or enjoy a picnic in Forsyth Park with the groceries you pick up from the market.
The SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival, hosted by the Savannah College of Arts and Design, takes place on a Saturday in April at the south end of Forsyth Park.
During this anticipated annual event, students, alumni, and local artists create colorful chalk masterpieces on the sidewalk in Forsyth Park. This event is one of the best things to do during spring in Savannah and is a fun way to appreciate the local artists in the community. You can even claim your own "concrete canvas" if you want to participate in the festival!
The Savannah Jazz Festival is one of the best things to do in Savannah in September. This four-day event offers live (and usually free!) performances from notable jazz bands and artists nationwide. While the performances occur at several different restaurants, theaters, and museums around the city, many of the weekend performances occur at the Forsyth Park Band Shell.
Another popular event at the Forsyth Park Band Shell is the Picnic in the Park with the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra in October.
Related: Beyond these great things to do Forsyth Park, you should also check out the top historical sites in Savannah, GA, every tourist should visit.
Forsyth Park is one of the top places to visit in Savannah, Georgia, for all ages. Something is always happening at Forsyth Park, from farmers markets and art festivals to jazz concerts and pickup basketball games. You'll always find something to do — even if that is walking around and admiring the fountains, flowers, and mossy oaks that make the park so beautiful!
If you'd like to stay near Forsyth Park in the heart of Savannah's Historic District during a vacation to the Hostess City, explore our selection of cozy, chic, and comfortable vacation rentals from South Key Management. Many of our hotels are located right next to Forsyth Park, making joining in on all the fun happening at this popular Savannah attraction easy!
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