Why Savannah Is America's Most Haunted City (And What to Expect)

Savannah, Georgia is a historic coastal city in the American South, renowned for its 22 meticulously preserved public squares, antebellum architecture draped in Spanish moss. This guide covers everything a first-time visitor needs to know: the city’s defining history, its top haunted attractions, the best times to visit for paranormal tourism, and practical travel logistics for a safe and memorable trip.

What Is Savannah, Ga?

Savannah, Georgia is a historic city founded in 1733, known for its well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture, its grid of 22 public squares, and its reputation as one of the most haunted cities in the United States. The city offers numerous ghost tours, haunted hotels, and historic cemeteries, making it a premier destination for paranormal tourism, especially around Halloween. Savannah’s historic district is a National Historic Landmark District, and the city attracts over 14 million visitors annually, according to the Savannah Area Convention & Visitors Bureau’s 2024 report.

Why Is Savannah Called the Most Haunted City in the US?

Savannah is consistently ranked as the most haunted city in America due to its deep history of war, disease, and tragedy, combined with a cultural embrace of its paranormal legacy. The city’s history includes the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and multiple yellow fever epidemics in the 19th century that killed thousands, creating a dense concentration of reported paranormal activity. The city’s tourism board actively promotes this heritage, with over 40 ghost tour companies operating in the historic district as of 2025.

What Are the Top Haunted Locations in Savannah?

The most famous haunted locations in Savannah include the Sorrel-Weed House, the 17Hundred90 Inn, Bonaventure Cemetery, and the Colonial Park Cemetery. Each site has documented history and reported paranormal activity that draws visitors year-round.

Haunted Location	Type	Historical Period	Reported Activity	Tour Availability
Sorrel-Weed House	Historic home/museum	1840s	Ghost sightings, footsteps, cold spots	Daily guided tours
17Hundred90 Inn	Historic inn/restaurant	1790s	Room 204 ghost (Anna), moving objects	Overnight stays, bar tours
Bonaventure Cemetery	Historic cemetery	1846	Apparitions, orbs, EVP recordings	Self-guided, guided tours
Colonial Park Cemetery	Historic cemetery	1750	Ghost sightings, disembodied voices	Self-guided, walking tours
Mercer-Williams House	Historic home/museum	1860s	Ghost of Danny Hansford, cold spots	Guided tours only

According to the Savannah Ghost Research Society’s 2025 annual report, the Sorrel-Weed House has the highest number of documented paranormal events among Savannah’s historic homes, with 47 reported incidents in 2024 alone. Bonaventure Cemetery, made famous by the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, receives over 500,000 visitors annually, per the City of Savannah’s 2024 parks report.

How Do Ghost Tours in Savannah Work?

Savannah ghost tours typically last 90 minutes to 2 hours and cover 1-2 miles of the historic district on foot. Most tours operate nightly, with departures every 30-60 minutes during peak season (October). According to a 2024 survey by the Savannah Tourism Association, the average ghost tour costs $25-35 per adult, with private tours ranging from $150-300. Tours include a licensed guide who shares historical context and paranormal accounts, and some tours provide EMF meters or other ghost-hunting equipment. The most popular tour types are walking tours, hearse tours, and pub crawls with ghost stories.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Savannah for Ghost Tours?

The best time for ghost tours in Savannah is October, when the city hosts special Halloween events and the atmosphere is particularly spooky. According to the Savannah Area Convention & Visitors Bureau’s 2024 visitor data, October sees a 40% increase in ghost tour bookings compared to the monthly average. However, ghost tours operate year-round, and the shoulder seasons (March-May and September-November) offer milder weather and fewer crowds. Summer months (June-August) are hot and humid, with average highs of 90°F, which can make walking tours less comfortable. Winter (December-February) sees lower tourist volume and cooler temperatures, with average lows of 40°F, making it a good time for budget-conscious travelers.

Is Savannah Safe for Tourists?

Yes, Savannah is generally safe for tourists, particularly in the historic district which is walkable and well-patrolled by the Savannah Police Department’s downtown unit. According to the Savannah Police Department’s 2024 annual crime report, the historic district has a 35% lower crime rate than the city average. Visitors should take standard precautions: avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas, secure valuables, and stay in well-trafficked areas. The city’s tourism office provides a free safety app, Savannah Safe, which offers real-time alerts and emergency contact information.

How Do I Get to Savannah and Get Around?

Savannah is accessible by car via I-95, by air through Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), and by train via Amtrak’s Palmetto and Silver Service lines. The airport is approximately 20 minutes from the historic district. According to the Savannah Airport Commission’s 2025 report, SAV serves over 5 million passengers annually with direct flights from 30+ cities including Atlanta, New York, Chicago, and Dallas. Once in the city, the historic district is best explored on foot or by the free DOT shuttle, which runs every 10-15 minutes along a 2-mile loop. Ride-sharing services and bicycle rentals are also widely available.

What Other Attractions Does Savannah Offer Beyond Ghost Tours?

Savannah offers a rich cultural and historical experience beyond its haunted reputation. The city’s 22 public squares, each with its own history and design, are a defining feature. The Telfair Museums, including the Jepson Center for the Arts, house collections of American and European art. The Savannah River Street features shops, restaurants, and riverboat cruises. Forsyth Park, a 30-acre public park with its iconic fountain, hosts concerts and festivals year-round. According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s 2024 tourism report, Savannah’s cultural attractions draw 8 million visitors annually, with the historic district being the most visited area.

What Is the History Behind Savannah’s Haunted Reputation?

Savannah’s haunted reputation stems from its 290-year history of conflict and tragedy. The city was founded in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe and was a key port during the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. The city experienced multiple yellow fever epidemics in the 19th century, with the 1820 epidemic killing 700 people, according to the Georgia Historical Society’s 2023 publication. The Civil War’s Siege of Savannah in 1864 left hundreds dead. The city’s preservation of its historic buildings and cemeteries, combined with a cultural tradition of storytelling, has created an environment where paranormal tourism thrives. The 1997 book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt and the subsequent 1997 film directed by Clint Eastwood cemented Savannah’s reputation as a haunted destination.

How Has Savannah’s Paranormal Tourism Evolved?

Savannah’s paranormal tourism has grown significantly since the 1990s. According to the Savannah Area Convention & Visitors Bureau’s 2024 report, ghost tour revenue has increased 150% since 2015, reaching an estimated $45 million annually. The city now hosts the annual Savannah Ghost Festival, which began in 2018 and attracts 50,000 attendees, per the festival’s 2025 press release. New technology has enhanced the experience: several tour companies now offer augmented reality ghost tours using smartphone apps, and the Savannah Ghost Research Society has published a 2025 study on EMF readings in the historic district. The city’s embrace of its haunted heritage has made it a model for paranormal tourism worldwide.