Forsyth Park Savannah, GA — Your Go-To Guide
Forsyth Park is the heart of Savannah’s Historic District — a place where locals and visitors gather under moss-draped oaks, wander scenic paths, and soak in the city’s charm. If you’re downloading our itinerary for Savannah, this is one spot you won’t want to skip. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.
📜 A Little History of Forsyth Park
Forsyth Park dates back to the 1840s. It was named after John Forsyth, a former Georgia governor and U.S. Secretary of State. What started as a 10-acre green space expanded to 30 acres by 1851, designed in the style of Parisian parks. The idea? Give Savannah a beautiful public space for gatherings, military drills, and everyday relaxation.
The fountain at the north end — the one that pops up in every photo — was added in 1858. Believe it or not, it was ordered from a catalog and modeled after fountains in Paris. Over the years, the park gained monuments (like the Confederate Memorial and Spanish-American War statue) and features like the Fragrant Garden for the Blind.
Today, Forsyth Park is where Savannah’s history, culture, and daily life come together.
🌟Top Things To Do in Forsyth Park
Snap a Pic at the Fountain
The Paris-inspired fountain is the centerpiece of Forsyth Park. It’s beautiful at any time of day, but especially magical at dusk. If you’re lucky, you might catch it dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day! And if you’re unlucky, you are reading this during its expected 9-month restoration (beginning late June 2025), at which time it will be removed from the park for refurbishment!
Stroll or Jog the Trails
The paths are lined with massive live oaks dripping with Spanish moss — perfect for a morning walk or jog. One loop around is equivalent to one mile, and lots of “downtowners” use it in the morning for exercise. If you go early — just after sunrise — the light shining through the trees is spectacular and makes for terrific photos!
Enjoy the Farmers Market
Every Saturday morning from 9-1, the park hosts a lively farmers market with local produce, baked goods, and crafts. It’s a great way to start your day and sample local flavors. I personally choose to call it the “Farmers and Makers Market” because it has grown into so much more than just produce and baked goods. There are tons of vendors — even SCAD students — out there every Saturday morning selling things they’ve made. It’s a very, very cool way to spend your Saturday morning.
Check Out the Gardens & Monuments
Don’t miss the Fragrant Garden for the Blind, the Confederate Memorial, or The Hiker statue for Spanish-American War vets. The park is full of little details that tell Savannah’s story. By the way, one of my favorite tips for people is to head to the Fragrant Garden to make a phone call. It’s the quietest place in the park because you are isolated from the playground, street noise, etc.
Join or Watch Community Events
From yoga classes to frisbee games to big festivals and picnics, there’s always something happening here. Bring a blanket and soak up the vibe!
Throughout the year, Forsyth Park hosts some standout events too. My personal favorite is the Sidewalk Chalk Festival, held every spring. SCAD students, alumni, and local high schoolers can reserve a section of sidewalk and turn blank concrete into incredible works of art. Starting early in the morning, they create pieces that transform the park into an open-air gallery. It’s one of the most amazing displays of chalk art you’ll ever see — here are a few photos I’ve taken over the years.
🕗 Visitor Tips
Visit in the Morning AND the Evening
One park, two completely different moods! I took the daytime photo early one morning to capture the sun’s rays streaming through the Spanish moss on the oak trees. The morning dew added to the serene, almost magical feel. The evening shot was from a December night, with the lampposts casting a warm glow that lit up the moss and created a whole new atmosphere. If you can, visit the park both in the morning and at night — it’s worth experiencing both.
Hours: Open daily, 7 AM – 11 PM (No one follows these rules!)
Parking: Free street parking around the park, especially if you walk one block over either east or west (will fill up fast during weekends and events)
Best times to visit: Weekday mornings or evenings for a quieter vibe; weekends for energy and events
Safety: Well-lit and generally safe, especially near the fountain and main paths
🍽️ Nearby Eats
Within the park, you’ll find the popular Collins Quarter Forsyth — a go-to spot for brunch. It’s the only restaurant actually located inside Forsyth Park, and note: they don’t serve dinner.
If you’re just after a coffee, there’s a side window where you can place an order from their extensive coffee menu. Bonus: if you bring your dog, they’re known for handing out treats to furry friends.
Looking for dinner nearby? Check out Veratina or Local 11ten — both are close and absolutely delicious. Alternatively, check out restaurant guide for other dinner ideas.
Final Thoughts
Forsyth Park isn’t just a stop on your Savannah trip — it’s where the city’s history, nature, and community come together. Whether you’re snapping photos at the fountain, wandering through the gardens, or soaking up the energy of a Saturday market, this park offers something special at any time of day. Try to visit both in the morning and evening to see its full personality — from quiet sunrise walks to the magical glow of the lamplight at night. Forsyth Park is the heart of Savannah, and we know you’ll leave with memories (and probably photos!) that stay with you long after your trip.