Forsyth Park in the South Historic District of Savannah, Georgia, is the city's most celebrated public green space, occupying 30 acres at the southern terminus of Bull Street, the principal north-south axis of Savannah's planned grid. The park was laid out in 1851 and takes its name from John Forsyth, a Georgia governor and US Secretary of State. Its central feature is a cast-iron fountain installed in 1858 — one of the most photographed objects in the American South. The ornate tiered structure with swans, tritons, and a central medallion was adapted from a Parisian design and is painted brilliant white.
The park divides at Gaston Street into two sections. The northern section holds the signature fountain, formal flower beds, and a wide promenade of Spanish moss-draped live oaks shading pedestrian paths that attract joggers, dog walkers, and picnicking residents throughout the week. The southern section contains a Confederate memorial, a fragrant garden designed for the visually impaired, tennis courts, a playground, and basketball courts used for informal sports and organized events.
On Saturday mornings from approximately 8 AM to 1 PM, the Forsyth Farmers' Market operates under and around the live oaks, drawing local produce vendors, artisan food producers, and craft sellers. The market is one of the most genuinely local experiences available in a city that can feel heavily oriented toward tourism. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has a significant presence in the surrounding streets, and the park's edge hosts gallery openings and community engagement events associated with the school.
The park is free and open from sunrise to 11 PM. Morning visits provide the clearest light for fountain photography from the Bull Street approach. Evening visits on weekends bring residents out for informal gatherings. The park's position at the southern end of the Historic District makes it a natural endpoint for a walk down Bull Street through the historic squares.
Good to know
- Hours
- Daily sunrise to 11:00 PM
- Best time
- Saturday mornings for the farmers market (8 AM – 1 PM, held in park); year-round for the iconic white fountain
Location
Forsyth Park, Savannah, GA 31401
32.0689, -81.0946 View on map
Highlights
- The 1858 cast-iron Forsyth Fountain: Savannah's most iconic image, painted white with ornate tiered figures
- 30 acres of Spanish moss-draped live oak promenades in the South Historic District
- Saturday Farmers' Market (8 AM–1 PM): local produce, artisan food, and craft vendors under the oaks
- Fragrant Garden for the visually impaired in the southern section of the park
- SCAD-adjacent neighborhood atmosphere with cafés, galleries, and student activity on surrounding streets
Tips for visiting
- Visit on a Saturday morning to combine the farmers' market with the best light for fountain photography
- Arrive before 9 AM for the clearest fountain shots before other visitors gather around the basin
- The park is free and open until 11 PM — weekend evenings have a relaxed neighborhood social atmosphere
- Walk north from the park along Bull Street through Monterey and Chippewa squares to reach the rest of the Historic District
- The southern section past Gaston St is less visited and worth exploring for the fragrant garden and open sports lawns
When to visit
Saturday mornings combine the farmers' market with ideal morning light on the fountain. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for an extended walk through the park's full 30 acres.
Accessibility
Forsyth Park's main promenades and the fountain plaza are paved and wheelchair accessible. Some paths in the southern section and areas around exposed tree roots can be uneven. The Saturday Farmers' Market stalls are set on grass, which may be uneven on wet days.
Frequently asked questions
Is Forsyth Park free to enter?
Yes — the park is free and open to the public at all times. There is no entry fee for any part of the park, including the fountain plaza and farmers' market area.
When is the best time to photograph the Forsyth Fountain?
Morning light from approximately 8 AM to 10 AM offers the clearest frontal lighting on the fountain from the Bull Street approach. Overcast days eliminate harsh shadows cast by the overhead tree canopy.
Does the Forsyth Farmers' Market run year-round?
The market operates on Saturdays from approximately 8 AM to 1 PM and runs through most of the year, with a reduced schedule or closures on major holidays. Verify locally before visiting.