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Savannah

Roll, Don't Stroll: Why a Bike Tour is the BEST Way to Experience Savannah

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Roll, Don't Stroll: Why a Bike Tour is the BEST Way to Experience Savannah

​The Spanish moss is swaying, the azaleas are blooming, and Savannah is calling your name!

​As you plan your trip to Georgia’s First City, you'll see a lot of options for exploring our beautiful Historic District—from trolleys to ghost tours. But when it comes to truly experiencing Savannah, many visitors default to a walking tour.

​We're here to tell you that while a leisurely stroll is nice, a guided bike tour is the superior way to unlock the true magic of Savannah.

​Here at Savannah Bike Tours, we've put together the top four reasons why you should ditch the sore feet and hop on one of our comfortable bikes for an adventure you’ll never forget.

1. Cover More Ground, See More City (Without the Fatigue!)

​Savannah's Historic District is large, encompassing 22 historic squares and countless architectural gems. On a walking tour, you're limited to a few blocks, often missing out on stunning side streets and the full scope of our city's design.

​The Bike Tour Advantage…

​Maximum Efficiency: In a two-hour bike tour, you can glide past more stunning mansions, explore more historic squares, and cover more miles than you could in an entire morning of walking. You’ll see the famous Forsyth Park fountain and the quieter, charming residential areas beyond.

​Less Effort, More Fun: Savannah is beautifully flat, making for an easy, leisurely ride. You’ll enjoy the cooling breeze and the light activity, leaving you refreshed and ready for your evening, not exhausted and aching from a long march.

​2. Go Beyond the Beaten Path: Uncover the Hidden Corners

​Walking tours, by necessity, stick to the most congested, well-trodden sidewalks. While you’ll see the main landmarks, you’re missing the soul of Savannah that lies just around the corner.

​The Bike Tour Advantage…

​Immersive Exploration: Our bike routes are specifically designed to leave the noisy, public roads behind. We weave through the quiet, fume-free, lesser-known streets that connect the famous squares, offering a glimpse into authentic local life that most tourists never see.

​Up-Close & Personal: On a bike, you’re not viewing the city from behind a window or just passing by. We stop inside the squares, allowing you to dismount, feel the cool air beneath the moss-draped oaks, and appreciate the intricate details of the centuries-old architecture. You become part of the scenery, not just an observer.

3. Breathe Deep and Connect to the Environment

​There's a fundamental difference between moving through a city and moving with it. A bike tour immerses you directly into Savannah’s environment in a healthy, refreshing way.

​The Bike Tour Advantage…

​Active and Green: Savannah’s beauty is best appreciated with the fresh air on your face. You get to breathe in the sweet scent of magnolias and jasmine, feel the gentle temperature changes beneath the canopy of live oaks, and enjoy a quiet, eco-friendly experience.

​An Unfiltered Experience: You hear the gentle sound of the Spanish moss rustling, the distant church bells, and the stories from your guide—not the loud, scripted narration of a bus tour or the constant noise of traffic. It is an active, quiet, and refreshing connection to the city.

​4. Your Guide is Your Rolling Concierge (Not a Robot)

​Walking tours often cater to large groups, which can make a personal connection with your guide difficult. A bike tour fosters a more intimate and customizable experience.

​The Bike Tour Advantage…

​Personal Recommendations: Our small-group bike tours allow for genuine interaction. You can ask more questions and chat about local life. Your knowledgeable, local guide is not just delivering a history lesson—they are your Rolling Concierge! By the time the tour is over, you'll have all the insider recommendations on the best places to eat, drink, shop, and continue your Savannah adventure.

​A Full Day of Freedom: Many of our tours include the best perk of all: you get to keep your high-quality cruiser or hybrid bike for the entire day after the tour! Revisit a favorite square, explore a new neighborhood at your own pace, or cruise to lunch—all for one price.

​Ready to Ditch the Cramped Sidewalks?

​Don't spend your precious vacation time shuffling along a crowded sidewalk. Get on two wheels and see Savannah the way it was meant to be seen!

​Book your Savannah Bike Tour today and get ready to Pedal Through History!

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A Cyclist's Guide to Savannah's Most Photogenic Spots (and the History Behind Them)

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A Cyclist's Guide to Savannah's Most Photogenic Spots (and the History Behind Them)

Savannah is a city that begs to be photographed. Every cobblestone, every wrought-iron balcony, and every draping strand of Spanish moss seems perfectly placed for a postcard-worthy shot. While you could walk yourself ragged trying to capture it all, there’s a better, breezier way to frame your memories: by bike!

​A bike tour not only allows you to cover more ground efficiently but also lets you pause, explore, and truly soak in the beauty that often hides just around the corner. So, grab your your camera, because here are some of Savannah’s most stunning photo opportunities, complete with a dash of history to enrich your view.

​1. The Iconic Forsyth Park Fountain: A Parisian Dream in the Heart of Savannah

Your bike tour will undoubtedly include Forsyth Park, and for good reason! Its northern end is dominated by the magnificent cast-iron fountain, often compared to the fountains found in Paris's Place de la Concorde. Installed in 1858, it wasn't just for beauty; it was originally connected to the city's waterworks, providing fresh water to the burgeoning city.

​Photo Tip: Early morning light (or golden hour before sunset) makes the water sparkle and casts long, dramatic shadows from the surrounding live oaks. Try capturing the fountain framed by the grand trees, or get creative with reflections in its basin.

​2. Spanish Moss Tunnels: Nature's Own Gothic Archways

Is there anything more quintessentially Savannah than streets canopied by ancient live oaks dripping with Spanish moss? These aren't just picturesque; they tell a story of time. The moss itself isn't a parasite but an epiphyte, drawing nutrients from the air. The trees, some hundreds of years old, bore witness to everything from colonial beginnings to the Civil War's "March to the Sea."

​Photo Tip: Look for streets where the tree canopies meet overhead, creating a natural tunnel. Jones Street and parts of Bull Street are famous for this. A wide-angle shot looking down the street, especially with a cyclist pedaling through, truly captures the magic.

​3. River Street & the Historic Waterfront: Cobblestones and Cotton Kings

Pedaling while overlooking River Street is like cycling back in time. The famous uneven cobblestones were ballast stones from ships arriving from Europe, unloaded to make room for lucrative cotton exports. The multi-story brick buildings, once cotton warehouses, now house shops and restaurants, but their historic facades retain the gritty charm of Savannah's mercantile past.

​Photo Tip: Capture the juxtaposition of old and new: the historic buildings against modern cargo ships passing on the Savannah River. A low-angle shot emphasizing the unique cobblestones adds texture and depth. Don't miss the Waving Girl statue, a tribute to Florence Martus, who reputedly waved at every ship entering Savannah's port for 44 years.

​4. The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist: Grandeur and Grace

No bike tour of Savannah would be complete without marveling at the towering spires of the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. Consecrated in 1876, rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1898, it stands as a testament to faith and architectural resilience. Its French Gothic architecture, stunning stained-glass windows, and soaring ceilings are simply breathtaking.

​Photo Tip: From Lafayette Square, you can get a fantastic full view of the exterior, especially striking at dusk when the church is illuminated. If your tour allows for a quick peek inside (check hours!), the interior is equally magnificent for detail shots of the altar and windows.

​5. Architectural Gems: Discovering Savannah's Unique Homes

Savannah’s Historic District boasts an incredible array of 18th and 19th-century architecture, from grand mansions to charming townhouses. As you cycle, you'll encounter examples of Regency, Gothic Revival, Italianate, and Greek Revival styles. Each building has a story, often connected to the city's wealthy cotton factors, merchants, and planters.

​Photo Tip: Don't just look at the grandest homes. Notice the intricate details: the ironwork on the balconies, the brightly painted doors, the gas lamps, and the small, hidden gardens. A bike allows you to quickly and quietly find these hidden treasures off the main tourist paths.

​Ready to Roll and Capture Savannah's Charm?

​A Savannah bike tour offers not just a journey through history, but a mobile canvas for your photography. It connects you intimately with the city's beauty, allowing you to breathe in the atmosphere and frame your perfect shot at every turn.

​So, pump up your tires, charge your camera, and get ready to create some unforgettable Savannah memories!

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