Georgia Historical Society

Traveling to Savannah 

The Georgia Historical Society is located in the heart of Savannah’s Historic Landmark District. Reaching the city is easy, the airport is located nearby as is I-95 and I-16 two majors highways. 

By Plane

Downtown Savannah is located 15 minutes from Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport, and cabs are available at a rate of about $25.

By Car 

Savannah is located four hours southeast of Atlanta, two hours south of Charleston, South Carolina, and two hours north of Jacksonville, Florida. Using www.mapquest.com you can map your trip to Pulaski House at 328 Barnard St., Savannah 31401 or to the hotel of your choice.

It's worth noting that Savannah is a planned city on a grid system and many streets are one way. Savannah squares can also be confusing to visitors: bear in mind that drivers on the square have the right of way, while drivers trying to enter or come onto the square must yield. And Savannah is a "walking city" full of local and visiting pedestrians who always have the right of way.  

Other Attractions 

The history, charm, and beauty of Savannah lure over 6.35 million visitors throughout each year. Below are some links and information to local attractions you may want to visit while in Savannah. 

Broughton Street - Interested in doing some shopping while in Savannah? Broughton Street is a prime destination with chains such as Marc Jacobs, Gap and Banana Republic and local shops like Paris Market and Brocante and Blue Belle Boutique.

City Market -  The site of the city's market during the last from the mid 1700s on,  City Market has been transformed into a vibrant area of artists and galleries, restaurants, and shopping. The four block area is located at Jefferson and St. Julian Street.  

Forsyth Park - The first public park built for Savannah, Forsyth is more than 20 acres and is a destination for locals and visitors  alike. The centerpiece of the park is the two-tiered fountain found near the north entrance surrounded by broad walkways where you can enjoy the landscaping and the historic buildings edging the park.

Mercer-Williams House - Featured in the book, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, the Mercer-Williams House was built for General Hugh Mercer, great-grandfather of singer Johnny Mercer. Neither General Mercer nor his family ever lived in the house because of the onset of the Civil War, and it eventually was rescued from neglect by Jim Williams, one of Savannah's earliest restorationists. The lower floor of the home is open for tours, and showcases Mr. Williams' art and furniture collection. 

River Street - Probably the city's best known attraction, River Street is home to restaurants, shopping and open air markets of local artisans and artists all overlooking the Savannah River. Ferry rides are also available at two locations on River Street over to Hutchinson Island and back again, giving you a whole new perspective of Savannah. 

Savannah Squares -  The squares of Savannah were the main attraction of General Oglethorpe's planned city, large green spaces around which homes and businesses were built. There are 24 squares regularly spaced throughout historic downtown, each with historic markers, memorials and monuments that tell the story of Georgia's first city. 

Telfair Museum of Art - The oldest museum in the south, the Telfair consists of three diverse sites: the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences, a National Historic Landmark building; the Owens-Thomas house, a period house museum of the 1830s; and the recently completed Jepson Center for the Arts that houses 20th and 21st century art. 

Tybee Island - Savannah's closest beach,Tybee Island is a 20 minutes drive from downtown Savannah. Parking from North Beach down to South Beach is easily accessible, but it's important to keep  the meter fed to avoid an expensive ticket.  

In addition, walking, trolley, ghost and carriage tours are available at many spots around the city. Any one of these can be an excellent way to see historic downtown Savannah.