Oglethorpe Square
Oglethorpe Square, one of Savannah's original 1742 squares, offers historic charm, beautiful oak trees, and the notable Owens-Thomas House.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Oglethorpe Square
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Oglethorpe Square, one of Savannah's original 1742 squares, offers historic charm, beautiful oak trees, and the notable Owens-Thomas House.
"A stunning, centrally located park with great tree canopy and beautiful landscaping."
🚶♀️ Walkable & Picturesque
Oglethorpe Square is perfect for leisurely strolls and photos. Explore the surrounding shops and historic homes.
🌳 Embrace the Shade
The large trees offer ample shade, making it a great spot to relax and escape the Savannah heat.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters
Northeast corner of Oglethorpe Square
Explore a magnificent English Regency mansion and its preserved slave quarters, offering a profound glimpse into Savannah's past.
Moravian Marker
Center of the square
Discover a marker dedicated to the Moravian settlers, a quiet testament to the diverse early inhabitants of Savannah.
Historic Tree Canopy
Throughout the square
Wander beneath the shade of majestic live oaks draped in Spanish moss, creating a picturesque and serene atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Savannah Pace
Comfortable Footwear is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walkable & Picturesque
Oglethorpe Square is perfect for leisurely strolls and photos. Explore the surrounding shops and historic homes.
🌳 Embrace the Shade
The large trees offer ample shade, making it a great spot to relax and escape the Savannah heat.
📜 Learn the History
Consider a guided tour to fully appreciate the square's historical significance and architectural details.
🛍️ Shopping Nearby
The square is surrounded by shops offering souvenirs, clothing, and more, making it a convenient stop.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walkable & Picturesque
Oglethorpe Square is perfect for leisurely strolls and photos. Explore the surrounding shops and historic homes.
🌳 Embrace the Shade
The large trees offer ample shade, making it a great spot to relax and escape the Savannah heat.
📜 Learn the History
Consider a guided tour to fully appreciate the square's historical significance and architectural details.
🛍️ Shopping Nearby
The square is surrounded by shops offering souvenirs, clothing, and more, making it a convenient stop.
👻 Haunted History
Some believe Savannah's squares, including Oglethorpe, hold a darker, haunted past. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Oglethorpe Square for its beauty, historical significance, and central location, making it a highly recommended spot for leisurely walks and photography. While some note the lack of prominent statues, the serene atmosphere and surrounding architecture are major draws. The proximity to shops and the Owens-Thomas House enhances the experience.
"Amazing place to walk and shop. it is very walkable and good place for pictures also. You will find all kind of souvenirs, clothes and more in here.
It is a most visit place of Savanna. Highly recommended."
Perla Galaz
"It was an amazing place with so much history
I now understand the meaning of "Don't let the bedbugs bite"
This tree is what they used to stuff and make mattresses with ( Spanish Moss) it hangs from the trees and carries bedbugs."
Ms. Burrus
"As others have said, this is a stunning, centrally located park with great tree canopy and beautiful landscaping."
Grace
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Oglethorpe Square is centrally located in Savannah's historic district, easily accessible by foot, car, or public transportation. Many visitors find it convenient to park in nearby garages and walk.
Yes, there are several parking garages and street parking options available near Oglethorpe Square. The Whitaker Street Garage and Bryan Street Garage are popular choices.
Savannah's public bus system (DOT) serves the historic district. Check their routes and schedules for stops near Oglethorpe Square.
Absolutely! Oglethorpe Square is part of Savannah's grid system and is easily walkable from many other historic squares, shops, and restaurants.
Walking is highly recommended to fully experience the charm of Oglethorpe Square and the historic district. Consider a guided walking tour for deeper insights.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Oglethorpe Square itself is a public park and is free to enter and explore. Tickets are only required for attractions within or adjacent to the square, like the Owens-Thomas House.
Oglethorpe Square is open to the public 24/7. However, individual attractions like the Owens-Thomas House have specific operating hours.
The square itself is free. Fees apply if you choose to enter the Owens-Thomas House or other ticketed attractions nearby.
Yes, many Savannah walking tours and historical tours include stops at Oglethorpe Square. Booking in advance is often recommended.
The square has paved walkways, making it generally accessible. However, some historic areas might have uneven surfaces.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire square offers beautiful photo opportunities, especially with the historic homes, mature trees, and Spanish moss. The center of the square and the pathways are popular.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a warm glow.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, check specific rules if you plan to photograph inside the Owens-Thomas House.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historic districts and public parks. It's best to check local ordinances before flying a drone.
Oglethorpe Square is ideal for architectural photography, landscape shots, and capturing the ambiance of historic Savannah.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a peaceful walk, admire the historic architecture, visit the Owens-Thomas House, and learn about Savannah's history.
Yes, with its benches and shaded areas, it's a perfect spot to relax, read a book, or simply enjoy the atmosphere.
Yes, there is a marker dedicated to the Moravian settlers in the center of the square.
It's one of Savannah's original squares, laid out by founder James Oglethorpe in 1742, and is rich in history and architectural significance.
Some local legends suggest Savannah's squares have a haunted past, adding an element of mystery to the visit. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Oglethorpe Square itself does not have restaurants, but it is surrounded by many dining options in the historic district.
You'll find a variety of cuisines, from Southern comfort food to international flavors, in the restaurants near the square. +1
Yes, several charming cafes and coffee shops are located within walking distance, perfect for a break. +1
While there are no specific picnic facilities, you can enjoy a casual snack or drink on one of the many benches.
Popular spots include ÉTANG Asian Bistro and Cafe Crepes Square, known for their delicious offerings. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting the Owens-Thomas House for a more structured historical experience, though younger children might find it less engaging than older ones. The guided tours can be informative, but keep their attention spans in mind. Pack snacks and water, as amenities within the square are limited.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
+1Don't miss the Moravian marker, and consider taking a specialized architectural walking tour that often includes this square to gain deeper insights into the city's planning and building styles. The surrounding streets also offer a wealth of historic homes to admire.
📸 Photographers
Aim for the 'golden hour' – early morning or late afternoon – for the most dramatic and flattering light. The square's layout allows for capturing both grand architectural shots and intimate details. Be mindful of other visitors and consider visiting during off-peak hours for unobstructed shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Oglethorpe Square
+1 It's one of the city's original six squares, designed to provide open green spaces and serve as central gathering points. The square was later renamed in honor of its founder, James Oglethorpe, the English soldier and philanthropist who established the Georgia colony. Its strategic location and historical significance make it a cornerstone of Savannah's storied past. The square is notable for its architectural surroundings and historical markers. It features a marker dedicated to the Moravian settlers, reflecting the diverse European groups that contributed to Savannah's early development. Adjacent to the square is the Owens-Thomas House, a significant historic house museum showcasing English Regency architecture and offering insights into the lives of both the wealthy owners and the enslaved people who lived and worked there.
This juxtaposition highlights the complex social fabric of the antebellum South.Beyond its historical structures, Oglethorpe Square is a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. Its mature live oaks draped in Spanish moss create a quintessential Southern atmosphere, perfect for leisurely strolls and quiet contemplation. The square has also been a focal point for community events, such as the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, transforming it into a vibrant hub of celebration.
+1 Its enduring appeal lies in its blend of historical gravitas and natural beauty.Exploring the Owens-Thomas House
It offers a rare opportunity to step back in time and experience the grandeur of Savannah's past. The house is meticulously preserved and furnished with period pieces, providing a vivid portrayal of the lives of the prominent families who resided there.A crucial and often overlooked aspect of the Owens-Thomas House is its intact urban slave quarters. This section of the property provides a powerful and essential counterpoint to the opulent main house, offering a stark and honest look at the lives of the enslaved people who were integral to the functioning of the estate.
Guided tours are highly recommended as they provide context and depth to the historical narratives presented, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the site's complex history.Managed by Telfair Museums, the Owens-Thomas House is more than just a beautiful building; it's a vital educational resource. Its designation as a National Historic Landmark underscores its importance in preserving American history. Visiting the house offers a profound and often moving experience, encouraging reflection on the social and economic structures that shaped Savannah and the nation.
Oglethorpe Square and Savannah's Haunted Legends
While the square itself may not have specific ghost stories tied directly to it in popular lore, the general atmosphere of Savannah's historic district, with its ancient oaks and centuries-old buildings, lends itself to such narratives. Visitors often report feeling a unique energy or presence when exploring these old spaces.
For those interested in the paranormal, exploring Oglethorpe Square can be an atmospheric experience, especially as dusk settles. It’s a reminder that Savannah’s beauty is intertwined with its past, both the celebrated and the shadowed. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the legends add a captivating dimension to the exploration of this historic landmark.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit