Savannah, Georgia, has a haunted past and plenty of scary experiences waiting for you.
If you want to make some spooky memories, it’s a great place to visit this time of year. But don’t blame us if you find yourself having nightmares afterward.
Today, we’re sharing seven scary adventures to terrify you in Savannah.
Let’s get haunted!
Explore Scary Savannah, Georgia
The city’s history dates back to 1733 when General James Oglethorpe and 120 settlers landed along the Savannah River. He named the land “Georgia” after King George II. With the construction of cobblestone streets and buildings, it became the first town in the last of the 13 colonies.
Because of its age, the area has been the site of a tremendous amount of seedy happenings. They’ve earned it a rather spooky reputation. Some classify it as the most haunted city in America, particularly River Street and the Bonaventure Cemetery.
Despite its eerie past, it drips with Southern hospitality. You can relax and feel at home amongst the mossy oak trees and beautiful antebellum architecture. It combines history and supernatural activity, making it an appealing spot.
Check Out These Scary Savannah Experiences
Making some chilling memories while visiting Savannah is easy. You don’t have to look around for long to see that the city is home to many paranormal experiences.
#1 The Hamilton-Turner Inn
The Hamilton-Turner Inn is a scary place to visit in Savannah. It was first built in 1873 by Samuel Pugh Hamilton. The structure saw a massive fire in 1898, but its limestone construction protected it.
Hamilton passed away, and the property ended up in the hands of Dr. Francis Turner. He put the home through a series of renovations. Turner used it as a boarding house and eventually sold it.
Over the past 150 years, it has earned a chilling reputation. Many claim to have seen and heard unexplainable things in and around the property. Lights turning on and off, sounds of billiard balls, and the shadow of a man are all common occurrences.
Today, the Hamilton-Turner Inn has 17 guest rooms. Are you brave enough to sleep in this scary Savannah inn?
#2 The Marshall House
Some places try to downplay any paranormal rumors. However, that’s not the case for The Marshall House. This hotel fully embraces the unexplainable happenings and its colorful past.
Today, the Marshall House offers 65 guest rooms and three suites. No matter your choice, you’re in for a frightening time. Visitors often report hearing noises from children throughout the night, including crying babies. Some even claim to have seen them skipping and running down the hallways.
During one renovation project, the construction crews unearthed bones from Civil War soldiers. While officials relocated the remains, they didn’t take their spirits. Many guests have reported seeing amputee soldiers walking the halls and property of the hotel.
Need a place to park your RV? Here are 7 Charming Savannah GA Campgrounds.
#3 Colonial Park Cemetery
Colonial Park Cemetery served as the primary public graveyard in 1750. For nearly 100 years, almost everyone who died in Savannah ended up here. During the Great Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1820, 700 individuals made it their final resting place.
Unfortunately, Union soldiers set up camp in Colonial Park Cemetery during the 1860s. They relocated graves and intentionally damaged gravestones without regard for the souls buried below. It sounds like it has all the makings of a Stephen King novel.
Because of its reputation, you’ll find that many local tours start or end at the site. Stories of Voodoo ceremonies and duels to the death create a creepy scene.
If you’re lucky, you may spot Rene Rondolier, a tall ghost who allegedly murdered two young girls in 1820. After his execution, however, the murders continued. Did this innocent man come back to seek revenge?
Deep Dive: Historic Haunts of Savannah.
#4 Moon River Brewing Company
Like many establishments in Savannah, Georgia, Moon River Brewing Company is in a building that’s over 200 years old. Previously, it served as the City Hotel, where prominent and wealthy individuals stayed until it shut down in 1864.
During the Great Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1820, the building housed sick children on the upper floors. Unfortunately, many of these kids lost their battle with the disease and died in the makeshift hospital.
It went through a series of ownership changes and uses. After that, it sat empty for nearly 20 years before The Moon River Brewing Company took over. Shortly after the brewery began operations, reports of a haunting presence started circulating.
Whether you’re looking for the alcoholic or paranormal, you can enjoy your spirits here.
#5 Savannah Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour
The Savannah Ghost and Gravestones Trolley Tour is one of the best ways to see numerous scary spots in Savannah. Climb aboard and hear tales from the darker side of this famous city. Your guide will share stories that no one else is brave enough to tell.
Aboard the trolley, you’ll have exclusive access to two of the most haunted venues in town. To make matters worse, it’s at night.
Over 80 minutes, you’ll visit the Andrew Low House, Perkins & Sons Ship Chandlery, and several cemeteries, mansions, and squares. In addition, you’ll witness some of the sites where the bloodiest Civil War battles occurred in the area.
This is a mature tour, which doesn’t allow children under six. While you’ll ride for most of it, portions do involve walking. Plan accordingly by wearing proper footwear and confirming everyone is of the appropriate age.
#6 The Pirates’ House
Savannah has many scary and ancient buildings, but few are older than The Pirates’ House. It was built in 1794, which makes it nearly 230 years old. Due to its proximity to the river, it became a favorite spot for buccaneers and sailors to meet and share a drink.
As you can imagine, ne’er do wells and alcohol were a recipe for disaster. Murders, fights, and salacious acts of immorality took place at The Pirates’ House. Not surprisingly, patrons claim to see shadowy figures and other unexplainable things.
Employees often complain about feeling watched and hearing the sound of boots on its plank floors. It may be far less dangerous today than over 200 years ago, but it’s still a scary place in Savannah.
#7 Savannah Ghostwalker Tour and Ghost Hunt
As we mentioned, Savannah has no shortage of terrifying tours and scary experiences. However, the Savannah Ghostwalkers Tour and Ghost Hunt is among the best.
Operators limit these tours to 15 to keep groups nice and small. The guides bring their K2 EMF meters and other equipment to help pinpoint paranormal activity. While searching, they’ll share some of the scariest stories and history you’ve heard.
This tour takes two hours and brings you to some of the most haunted spots in town. You’ll visit Colonial Park Cemetery, The Hanging Tree, and several other possessed houses and businesses. Tours don’t begin until 9:00 PM, so it’ll be nice and dark as you navigate the streets and alleyways looking for ghosts.
Venture outside of town: 5 Best Day Trips Around Savannah, Georgia.
Come to Savannah, Georgia, For A Scary Good Time!
If you’re heading to Savannah and looking for a scary time, these experiences will do the trick. Over the last two centuries, the town has earned a reputation for being spooky. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, you can have an incredible time exploring.
Just watch out for any hitchhiking ghosts that may try to follow you home.
Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA
To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).
You should give it a try!
As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.
Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers who love to score the best site!
We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Access the list by submitting your email below: