Forsyth Park – Savannah’s Green Heart
Words: Bryan Donbavand
Images: Kelly Calvillo

Forsyth Park is more than a green space
At 30 acres, Forsyth Park is more than a green space—it’s part of the rhythm of Savannah. Locals jog its paths in the morning, children play under the trees in the afternoon, and visitors wander through with cameras and sketchbooks in hand. It’s a place that was designed to be the heart of savannah, inspired by the French ideal of having a central public garden, which is why it remains one of the city’s most loved landmarks.
A Historic Centerpiece
Created in the 1840s and expanded later in the 19th century, Forsyth Park has been part of Savannah’s daily life for generations. Its layout combines shaded walkways, open lawns, gardens, and gathering spaces. The park’s fountain, added in 1858, and curiously, ordered from a catalogue, has become one of the city’s most recognizable icons. Modelled loosely on a design from Paris, it has stood as a backdrop for photographs, celebrations, and simple pauses for more than 150 years.

What You’ll Find
Forsyth Park is as versatile as the city itself. On one end, the fragrant Garden of Fragrance (yes, that’s the name) is planted with blooms designed to appeal to all senses. The central lawn is a wide open expanse used for everything from casual soccer games to weekend festivals. On Saturdays, the park hosts a farmers’ market, where local growers and makers bring in fresh produce, flowers, and baked goods.
Benches line the shaded walkways, perfect for sitting under the canopy of Spanish moss. The Confederate Monument, standing at the northern end of the park, reflects another layer of Savannah’s history and has been the subject of ongoing conversations about how the city remembers its past.
Part Of Your Day
Part of the appeal of Forsyth Park is how naturally it fits into a visit. You don’t need to plan your day around it; you simply walk in and let it set the pace. A stroll from end to end can be a gentle reset, breaking up time spent in museums, shops, or along the river. Many visitors find themselves returning more than once during a stay.
Staying Nearby
For guests who want to experience the park fully, proximity matters. The Municipal Grand sits within the Historic District, a short walk from Forsyth Park. Being able to start or end your day there makes the hotel a natural fit among hotels near Forsyth Park.
The park is not an isolated destination; it’s part of the city’s fabric. Staying nearby means you can enjoy it early in the morning before the crowds arrive, or wander through at dusk when the light filters through the oaks. That closeness is part of what makes The Municipal Grand a practical and atmospheric base for exploring Savannah.

Why Forsyth Park Endures
Savannah is known for its squares—22 of them remain from Oglethorpe’s original plan—but Forsyth Park expands that idea into something larger. It’s both civic and personal: a place for concerts and rallies, but also for quiet walks and morning runs. It embodies the city’s character by being both public and intimate at once.
Forsyth Park is just one of the places that make Savannah memorable, and staying nearby means you can experience it at your own pace. Explore availability at The Municipal Grand and make this historic park part of your stay.
