Things to Do in Forsyth Park: a Day Trip from Jesup

Forsyth Park gives a Savannah day trip a clear starting point: a large public green space with historic features and a market at its south end. The park began as a 10-acre plot in the 1840s and was named for Governor John Forsyth.

From the north-end fountain, you can take in the paths, monuments, sports courts and lawns before deciding whether to spend more time in the park or add a museum. Savannah’s tourism board suggests allowing 30–60 minutes for the park itself.

Use directions to Forsyth Park in Savannah to plan the drive from Jesup, and confirm the specific route before setting out. If your trip begins at the airport, this guide to getting from Savannah Hilton Head International Airport to Jesup covers that leg of the journey.

The City of Savannah’s Forsyth Park page does not give daily opening or closing hours, current parking rules, parking fees or transit options. Check the official site before you go for current park information.

Forsyth Park’s north end is marked by its 1858 fountain, while historic monuments, sports courts, walking paths and open green space fill out the park. A simple visit is to start at the fountain, then follow the paths through the grounds.

If you arrive on Saturday, the Forsyth Farmers’ Market takes place at the park’s south end near Bull Street and Park Avenue from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It runs year-round, rain or shine. Savannah’s tourism board describes the park and city squares as free to visit and open every day.

Set aside 30–60 minutes for Forsyth Park, then add time if you plan to walk beyond the fountain or browse the Saturday market. The park offers open lawns, paths and shaded trees, so you can keep the visit focused or use it as a first stop before a museum.

A longer walk can continue from City Hall to the fountain: the full route is about 0.6 miles and takes 20 minutes without stops. Forsyth Park and Monterey Square are outside Savannah’s to-go-cup zone, according to the city’s tourism board.

Choose a museum based on its hours and admission, and confirm details with the museum before you go. The Telfair Museums ticket covers three sites, while the SCAD Museum of Art and Savannah History Museum offer separate visits.

Telfair Museums

One ticket includes unlimited visits to the Telfair Academy, Jepson Center, and Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters for seven days from purchase.

Admission is $30 for adults, $27 for seniors aged 65 and older and active military with ID, $20 for students aged 13–25 with ID, $10 for children aged 6–12, and free for children aged 5 and under. The sites are open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., and closed Monday.

At the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, guided tours begin at 15-minute intervals; the last tour starts at 4:00 p.m., and a tour typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour. The historic house has original staircases and no elevator access.

SCAD Museum of Art

The SCAD Museum of Art is at 601 Turner Boulevard. Its regular hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Thursday, 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Sunday, noon–5:00 p.m.; and closed Tuesday.

Admission is $10 general, $8 for seniors and military, $20 for families of three or more, and $5 for college students with ID and SCAD alumni. Children under 14 and SCAD students, faculty and staff enter free.

Savannah History Museum

At 303 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, the Savannah History Museum is open seven days a week, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Admission is $12 per adult and $8 per child aged 3–12. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.