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Wormsloe Historic Site, Savannah

Wormsloe Historic Site is a popular attraction near Savannah, located only a few minutes’ drive outside of the city.

Wormsloe is best known for its beautiful avenue of mature live oaks, stretching for more than a mile between its historic gates and the main site. The former plantation also offers some of the oldest European-built ruins in Georgia, miles of nature trails, a small museum and colonial village, and historical interpretation and tours.

Besides its regular daily programs, Wormsloe hosts a series of special events focused on aspects of colonial history, usually over holiday weekends or during the festive period.

A vist to Wormsloe can easily be combined with one of several other attractions nearby:

• Pin Point Heritage Museum
• The historic riverside suburb of Isle of Hope
• Skidaway Island State Park
• A kayak or boat tour of the Skidaway River and vicinity

See also: – Savannah’s must-see sights – More things to do in Savannah and nearby – Savannah National Wildlife Refuge – Savannah’s live oaks

History Of The Wormsloe Plantation

Wormsloe’s chief historic significance is as the first plantation established by the British in their new colony of Georgia. Its name – originally spelled Wormslow – is believed to have been derived from one of several places by that name in Britain.

Besides the creation of the town of Savannah on the banks of the Savannah River, the colonizers sought to establish outpost settlements for defensive and strategic reasons. Isle of Hope, situated near the Wilmington and Vernon Rivers, both of which allowed access to Savannah from its rear, was considered a crucial point from which to defend the city from attacks from the south.

In around 1737, four years after the founding of Savannah, the Isle of Hope peninsula was accordingly granted to three British settlers: Noble Jones, who took the southern 500 acres (now Wormsloe); Henry Parker, allocated the northern end of the peninsula; and John Fallowfield, who took its central portion.

Noble Jones was to convert his 500 acres (the Wormsloe tract now covers over 800 acres, following more recent additions of land) into a plantation. He was also instructed to erect a fortification to overlook and defend the adjacent river.

Jones planted crops (both experimental and practical) and raised cattle on his plantation, also growing mulberries for Georgia’s planned, but eventually unsuccessful, silk industry. He died in 1775, passing the plantation and the people he enslaved to his daughter, Mary Jones and through her, to the many descendant generations of the Jones family who have owned and often occupied the plantation ever since.

A new plantation house was built in 1828 and substantially expanded a few years later (this house, still occupied today by descendants of Noble Jones and his family, is not open to the public). By this time, Wormsloe grew a crop of primarily long staple Sea Island cotton, alongside corn and vegetables — all tended by a force of several dozen enslaved people.

By the 20th century, Wormsloe was no longer an active plantation. The Jones family made several attempts to diversify the former plantation’s income sources, establishing a dairy and a somewhat successful tourist attraction, Wormsloe Gardens, in the early decades of that century. The plantation’s fields, no longer tended for crops, reverted to their natural forested state.

In 1972, the family were obliged to donate most of the property to the Nature Conservancy, retaining the plantation house and an area of land for their own use. The following year, it was sold to the state of Georgia.

Wormsloe’s Historic Attractions

Probably Wormsloe’s most famous sights are its entrance gate and its mile-and-a-half-long avenue of mossy live oaks ( Quercus virginiana ) stretching between it and the ruins of the former house and fortification. If you have seen pictures of an avenue of live oaks in Savannah, this is probably it!

The trees, of which there are more than 400, were planted out in the 1890s on the occasion of the birth of Wymberley Jones De Renne’s son, Wymberley Wormsloe De Renne. The arch was erected in 1913, the year he came of age.

Tabby Ruins Of Fort Wymberly

A short walk from the museum parking lot are the ruins of an early colonial fortification, Fort Wymberly, with views out over the marshes of the Skidaway Narrows.

Jones began construction of the first house at Wormsloe – which doubled as a fortified defensive position able to repel any small-scale attacks from the Spanish – soon after the original colonization of Georgia. Interrupted by the War of Jenkins’ Ear, it took him several years to finish work on the structure, which was finally completed in 1745.

Built on a site overlooking the Skidaway Narrows, the house was one-and-a-half stories high, situated inside of a fortified wall with a bastion on each corner. It was built out of tabby, a traditional concrete-like building material composed of lime and oyster shells.

Tabby is highly durable: most of the structures that survive from the earliest days of the Georgia colony are made of this material. The ruins at Wormsloe are believed to be the oldest extant structure on the upper Georgia coast.

The house was abandoned some time in the later 18th century. In 1828, after a several-decades-long period in which the plantation was rarely visited by its owners, a new two-story frame house (later substantially rebuilt and expanded) was constructed as the plantation’s main residence, around a half mile north of the original house. Descendants of the Jones family have lived in the property ever since, and continue to inhabit it today.

Battery Wymberly

During the Civil War, Wormsloe again became the site of military fortifications. The Confederates built an earthwork battery, known as Battery Wymberley, on the banks of the present-day Moon River (then known as the Back River) at the southern end of Isle of Hope, though it saw little use during the conflict.

The earthworks are accessible via a trail through the forest.

Museum & Theater

A brief historical film examines the founding of Georgia and the history of the site. The small museum has a selection of exhibits focused on the history of the family, with displays of artifacts discovered at Wormsloe.

Special Programs & Events

Guided tours of Wormsloe Historic Site’s trails and historic sites are available daily, with two morning and two afternoon tours. Call for information about topics covered on the day you plan to visit.

Special events, some coinciding with holiday weekends and others commemorating historic events, are occasionally offered at Wormsloe. During these events, Wormsloe’s Colonial Life Area hosts living history programs with costumed interpreters and demonstrations of colonial-era skills and traditions.

Annual events at Wormsloe include the Colonial Faire and Muster in February; programs exploring the War of Jenkins’ Ear and colonial-era tools and trades over the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, respectively; and the Colonial Christmas event in December. See the official website for details of upcoming events.

Visitor Information

The following is correct at the time of writing. For additional information, call 912-353-3023 or visit the official website.

Location 7601 Skidaway Road, Savannah, GA 31406 See map

Hours Open daily, 9pm-4:45pm. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Admission Adults $10, seniors (62+) $9, children (6-17) $4.50, young children (0-5) $2.

Pets Leashed pets welcome on trails, but they may not enter any buildings.

More Things To Do In Savannah & Nearby

– Bonaventure Cemetery – Black history sites and attractions – Fort Pulaski – Nature attractions near Savannah – Nearby beaches – Antiques stores

See also: – Things to do in Tybee Island – Events in Savannah – River Street restaurants – Food festivals in Georgia – How to get to Savannah

© Melanie K Jones 2024

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Wormsloe Historic Site

Imagine driving down a majestic rural avenue, lined on either side by over 400 stately live oak trees..

You emerge at the site of Georgia’s oldest plantation. The 1.5 miles entrance to Wormsloe Historic Site in Savannah evokes a different era. It sends you back the hand of time to 18th-century Georgia.

Wormsloe is the only standing architectural remnant in Savannah from the founding of Georgia. The Department of Natural Resources runs Wormsloe Historic Site.

The former home and plantation of Noble Jones, Wormsloe offers a glimpse into the lives of Georgia’s earliest European settlers. The Jones house was originally constructed of “tabby.” Tabby is a mixture of sand, water, lime and oyster shells. Much of the oyster shells used to build the house came from shell mounds left behind from ancient Indian settlements on the site thousands of years earlier.

The tabby ruins of the original Jones house lies nestled within 822 acres of Georgia forest, sheltered by peaceful marshes to the east and the south. The Jones family lived at Wormsloe in the mid-1700’s. Eight-foot-tall tabby walls around the house protected Jones and him family from Spanish or Indian attack.

An enormous stone monument and a wrought iron fence mark the first family burial site at the plantation.

Noble Jones’ grave lies there since 1775. Alongside him is that of his wife Sarah and, their youngest son Indigo. In 1875, George Wymberley Jones DeRenne, a descendent of Noble and Sarah Jones, had Nobel Jones’s remains moved to another cemetery and subsequently placed the monument “to save from oblivion the graves of his kindred.”

Wormsloe also features a Colonial Life Area, representing some of the typical outbuildings on the property and information about the gardens and crops grown at Wormsloe in the 18th century.

Group rates & tours are available with advance notice. For more information, go to gastateparks.org or call (912) 353-3023.

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Wormsloe Historic Site & Bonaventure Cemetery Tour From Savannah

Savannah’s historic Bonaventure Cemetery and the picturesque Wormsloe Plantation offer a captivating exploration for visitors. This tour guides participants through the live oak tree-lined Wormsloe Historic Site , where they can witness the 18th-century Plantation Tabby Ruins and learn about influential historical figures. Complemented by a complimentary lunch, shopping, and tastings at the renowned Savannah Byrd Cookie Company , the experience provides a delightful conclusion. With its blend of history, nature, and local cuisine, this tour promises to immerse guests in the rich cultural tapestry of Savannah. What secrets and stories await those who embark on this enchanting journey?

• This half-day tour offers an exploration of the historic Bonaventure Cemetery and the picturesque Wormsloe Plantation near Savannah, Georgia.
• Travelers will learn about influential historical figures and stroll through the live oak tree-lined Wormsloe Historic Site, including visits to the 18th-century Plantation Tabby Ruins.
• The tour includes a complimentary lunch, shopping, and tastings at the Savannah Byrd Cookie Company.
• The tour accommodates up to 25 travelers and provides complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off.
• Highlights include a guided tour of the Bonaventure Cemetery, known for its serene beauty and historical significance.

More tours and experiences nearby.

• Historic Savannah Guided Walking Tour
• Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Trolley Tour of Savannah
• Savannah First Squares Culinary & Cultural Walking Food Tour
• Savannah History and Haunts Candlelit Ghost Walking Tour

Tour Overview

This tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore both the historic Bonaventure Cemetery and the picturesque Wormsloe Plantation , providing a comprehensive glimpse into Savannah’s rich history and natural beauty.

Guests will learn about influential historical figures, stroll through the live oak tree-lined Wormsloe Historic Site , and visit the 18th-century Plantation Tabby Ruins.

The experience also includes a complimentary lunch at a local restaurant, as well as shopping and tastings at the Savannah Byrd Cookie Company .

With hotel pick-up and drop-off, this half-day tour is a convenient and engaging way to discover the best of Savannah’s landmarks and cultural heritage.

Tour Details

The tour runs for a half-day, with the meeting point and end point both located at 223 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd in Savannah, Georgia. It accommodates up to 25 travelers and includes admission tickets for the various stops along the way. Here’s a quick overview of the tour details:

The tour provides complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the historical insights and experiences.

What to Expect

Guests can expect a guided tour of the historic Bonaventure Cemetery, where they’ll learn about notable figures like songwriter Johnny Mercer and politician Edward Telfair.

The tour then takes visitors to a local restaurant for lunch before heading to the Wormsloe State Historic Site.

Here, they’ll drive through the iconic live oak tree-lined avenue and explore the 18th-century Plantation Tabby Ruins.

The experience wraps up with a stop at the Savannah Byrd Cookie Company, where guests can enjoy shopping and tastings.

The tour includes:

• Guided tour of Bonaventure Cemetery
• Lunch at a local restaurant
• Visit to Wormsloe State Historic Site
• Exploration of Plantation Tabby Ruins
• Shopping and tastings at Savannah Byrd Cookie Company

Additional Information

Travelers will receive confirmation upon booking this tour. The experience isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller friendly.

A full refund is available for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance. As this is a weather-dependent experience , activities may be modified or canceled due to inclement conditions.

Parking is available at the Savannah Visitors Center near the meeting point. Booking flexibility and a lowest price guarantee are also offered.

Customers can review detailed information on the cancellation policy, reservation options, and ratings based on feedback from Viator and Tripadvisor. With a mix of positive and constructive reviews , the tour give you historical insights and a memorable experience exploring Savannah’s iconic landmarks.

Customer Reviews

Reviewers have provided a mix of positive and constructive feedback on the Wormsloe Historic Site and Bonaventure Cemetery tour from Savannah.

Guests have praised the knowledgeable guides who share insightful historical information during the tour. Many appreciated the opportunity to explore the iconic Bonaventure Cemetery and Wormsloe’s live oak-lined drive.

However, some reviewers noted that the tour’s pacing could be improved , and suggested enhancements to the lunch options.

Bonaventure Cemetery

Bonaventure Cemetery, the iconic burial ground in Savannah, captivates visitors with its serene beauty and historical significance .

This 19th-century cemetery is renowned for its picturesque landscape, marked by sprawling live oak trees draped in Spanish moss.

Guests on the Wormsloe Historic Site & Bonaventure Cemetery Tour will discover the resting places of notable figures like poet and lyricist Johnny Mercer, as well as the ornate, Victorian-era tombstones and memorials that dot the grounds.

The guided tour provides insights into the cemetery’s rich history, allowing visitors to appreciate the artistry and symbolism embedded in its monuments.

With its tranquil atmosphere and captivating stories, Bonaventure Cemetery offers a truly memorable experience for those exploring Savannah’s past.

Wormsloe Historic Site

As visitors journey through the Wormsloe Historic Site, they’re captivated by the iconic avenue of over 400 live oak trees, their branches dripping with Spanish moss, lining the drive leading to the plantation’s tabby ruins.

This 18th-century estate offers a glimpse into Georgia’s colonial past, with the crumbling tabby walls standing as a testament to the labor and ingenuity of the era.

Visitors can:

• Explore the ruins and imagine life on the plantation
• Stroll along the scenic trails through the natural landscape
• Learn about the site’s history and its former inhabitants
• Marvel at the striking architectural details of the tabby construction

The Wormsloe Historic Site provides a captivating window into Savannah’s rich history and the enduring legacy of this unique coastal Georgia landmark.

Savannah Byrd Cookie Company

After exploring the historic Wormsloe Plantation , the tour makes a stop at the Savannah Byrd Cookie Company , where visitors can indulge in locally-made sweet treats and shop for specialty items.

The Savannah Byrd Cookie Company is a beloved local business known for its delectable cookies and other baked goods. Visitors can sample a variety of flavors, from classic chocolate chip to unique seasonal offerings.

The shop also sells an assortment of Savannah-themed merchandise , making it the perfect spot to pick up souvenirs and gifts.

With its charming atmosphere and tempting aromas , the Savannah Byrd Cookie Company provides a delightful conclusion to the Wormsloe and Bonaventure Cemetery tour.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

• Savannah Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour
• Narrated Historic Savannah Sightseeing Trolley Tour
• Southern Flavors Food, Pub Crawl, and History Walking Tour
• Genteel and Bards Savannah Dark History and Ghost Encounter Walking Tour
• Savannahs Port City Walking Food Tour
• Bonaventure Cemetery Walking Tour With Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of food are available for lunch.

The tour offers a lunch at a local restaurant, though the specific menu options are not provided. Travelers can likely choose from a variety of regional dishes and cuisines to suit their tastes and dietary needs.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

The tour does not allow pets. The tour focuses on historical sites and attractions, and bringing pets could disrupt the experience for other participants. Guests are advised to make alternative arrangements for their pets during the tour.

Is Photography Allowed at All the Tour Stops?

Yes, photography is generally allowed at all the tour stops. However, visitors should check with the tour guide or site staff for any restrictions or special guidelines before taking photos, as rules may vary at each location.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues, as it’s mentioned the tour is not wheelchair accessible. However, it is noted the experience is stroller accessible, suggesting some accommodations for those who need them.

Can I Extend the Tour to a Full-Day Experience?

Yes, the tour can be extended to a full-day experience. Guests can explore additional historic sites, enjoy more meals, and have more time to enjoy the rich history and culture of the Savannah area.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

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This captivating tour offers a chance to explore Savannah’s historic Bonaventure Cemetery and the picturesque Wormsloe Plantation .

Visitors can learn about influential figures, stroll through the live oak-lined Wormsloe site, and witness the 18th-century Tabby Ruins.

The experience is complemented by a complimentary lunch, shopping, and tastings at the renowned Savannah Byrd Cookie Company , providing a delightful conclusion to the tour.

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Middle Journey

Solo travel, 6 reasons it’s worth it to visit wormsloe historic site in savannah.

May 27, 2022

It’s worth it to visit the Wormsloe Historic Site for a day trip from Savannah if you like beauty, walking, and history. The site boasts one of the best Live Oak allées in the region and the ruins of the oldest standing structure in Savannah. If that’s not enough to entice you, there are also seven miles of trails to walk, hike, bike or meander.

Also known as Wormsloe Plantation, it’s a state historic site about 15 minutes outside of downtown Savannah.

1 Oak Allée Drive

As soon as you pull in, there are 400 live oak trees draped in Spanish lining both sides of the 1.5-mile driveway. It is spectacular to behold. You’ll note it’s called an “allée,” a garden feature to draw your focus. It’s usually evenly spaced rows of trees or bushes along a long driveway or sidewalk. The row leads to a fountain, or, in this case, once, a stately home. Think alley for poor folk, allée for rich. That’s how I remember.

After you enter underneath the concrete arches, there are a few parking spaces and a visitor’s information building. Pay $10 and get a map and access to the 1,000+ acres of the historic site.

Tip : Many people get so excited about the trees they take pictures up front. You can take better, less crowded photos at the other end of the allée looking back. (Unless you’re there at sunrise, the light is in your favor, and nobody is around anyway).

You enter the grounds by driving under the trees and through the allée. It’s a breathtaking avenue sheltered by live oaks and Spanish moss. It’s worth the trip and the $10 by itself.

2 Noble Jones’ Wormsloe

The allée leads to the tabby ruins of Wormsloe, the colonial estate of Noble Jones (1702–1775). At the visitor’s center, you’ll learn that Jones was one of the first settlers to Georgia with James Oglethorpe in 1733. Jones was a humble carpenter who arrived in Georgia and the first group of settlers from England.

The British crown gave Jones a land grant for 500 acres on the Isle of Hope. It’s where he built his home and plantation. His descendants built a mansion used as a country residence. Georgia now owns most of the land, but his descendants still own the mansion and surrounding land. That’s a pretty amazing lineage.

3 Visitor’s Center & Museum

At the visitor’s center, you can watch a short movie about the founding of Georgia and Nobel Jones. If you’ve made it this far, it’s worth the 14 minutes to learn about Jones and how the land you’re standing on was settled. The video is also available online to watch in advance if you don’t want to do it there.

You’ll also find a store with books, crafts, and souvenirs in the center. There’s also a small museum with artifacts unearthed at Wormsloe. Plus, they sell cheese straws, making it worth a stop.

4 Tabby Ruins at Wormsloe

All that remains of Jone’s original home is the tabby ruins. It is considered the oldest standing structure in Savannah. Tabby combines burnt oyster shells to create lime, mixed with water, sand, ash and broken oyster shells. You see this concrete all over the coastal south and the sidewalks of Savannah. It’s heavily textured and, in my opinion, pretty with the shells mixed in peeking out. As a kid, my gram’s house sidewalks were made of tiny multicolor pebbles. They had more character than the perfectly smooth, but plain grey concrete you see in most places now.

There isn’t much left of the house, but you can still make out most of the floor plan and see what would have been his view overlooking the Skidaway Narrows. Signage and audio recordings give more information about the home and its location.

The family graveyard is not far from the house, but the family moved the graves. Now there’s just a big memorial stone encircled by a black fence.

5 Wormsloe Colonial Life

Following the interpretive trail, you’ll also find the colonial life section. They’ve reconstructed a small colonial life area where you can see an old blacksmith oven and shop and a re-creation house. On some weekends, they have demonstrators in period dress to exhibit the tools and skills of 18th-century colonial Georgia life. There are raised gardens and fences made of palm fronds and plenty of signage, so you know what you’re seeing.

This section really brings to life the way that people of Jones’ time would have worked and lived and seeing it in contrast to the surroundings will give you pause. The fact that any of them survived is a miracle.

6 Hiking Trails

Over seven miles of trails intersect and cross with very few people. I walked for over two hours amid the trees and marsh. I had views of Skidaway and only saw three other people. The trails are well-tended and easy to follow and include signage of a few historic sites and war landmarks.

Overall, it’s worth the trip for just $10 and only a 15-minute drive from Savannah. You could spend as little as an hour getting there, seeing the allée and leaving, or half a day exploring the exhibits and hiking on the trails. Either way, it’s worth a visit.

Find Wormsloe at 2600 Highway 155 SW Stockbridge, GA 30281

Read more Savannah area stories here.

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More about Rene Cizio

Rene Cizio is a solo female traveler, writer, author and photographer. Find her on Instagram @renecizio

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Wormsloe Plantation

Situated on a forested peninsula surrounded by coastal marshes, Wormsloe Plantation was established in 1737 by Noble Jones one of the first British colonists in the area. The site includes a plantation house built by Jones’ grandson in 1828, a detached library, the ruins of a fortified house, a mile-long drive bordered by large oaks, and Confederate earthworks. Wormsloe was Noble Jones’ country estate where he experimented with his grand passion—horticulture. He protected the cypress and oak forests of his property and never cultivated the land. The surviving ruins of the original house are one of the only remaining examples of fortified houses once common throughout coastal Georgia. It was named Wormsloe, possibly after an English estate but more probably due to the mulberry trees that were grown there, the worms of which, it was hoped, would form the basis for a silk industry. A Colonial-era fortified home made of tabby was built at the Skidaway Narrows and today can be visited as part of Wormsloe Historic Site.

• United States

Wormsloe State Historic Site

Savannah, Georgia

Elevation Gain

Description

Added by Lucas Bremer

Explore one of the most iconic sites in the South.

Most visitors to the historic Wormsloe Plantation only explore the iconic tree-lined Oak Avenue and the historic areas – but they also miss out on a larger portion of the historic site. A 3.2-mile loop explores the park’s popular and historic areas before ending at a Civil War-era Confederate earthworks "fort" on the Battery Trail.

The tour begins at the park’s entrance, a stone arch raised in 1913. Through the arch, the route stops at a small historic cottage to purchase entry passes to the site before driving the iconic Oak Avenue toward the ruins.

Four hundred Southern Live Oak trees make up Oak Avenue, their Spanish Moss-covered branches are what most think of when they plan to see Savannah. The trees were planted in the late 19th century.

The drive through Oak Avenue ends at a white fence, and the hike begins after parking at the museum. Leaving the museum trailhead, the hike follows Oak Avenue’s southernmost stretch to the plantation’s historic ruins. The estate of Noble Jones, which was completed in 1745, was a fortified tabby house constructed here on the Isle of Hope near Skidaway Island, eight miles south of Savannah.

The original Jones home rose a story and a half and boasted five rooms – a Mansion at the time. Today, the home’s ruins are mainly foundation of the original home, now thought to be the oldest remains in the Savannah area.

Departing the ruins, the hike makes a short loop to visit the family’s former gravesite (they’ve been since moved to Savannah’s historic Bonaventure Cemetery) before continuing on to the marshes of Jones Narrows. The hike offers views of the marshy grassland framed by old,and storm wrapped trees and a basin of shells left by prehistoric Native Americans.

heading further west on the trail, the hike catches views of the marshland and passes reconstructed examples of colonial life in coastal Georgia. The hike then moves into a palm and oak forest on the orange-blazed Battery Trail at .6 mile.

The Battery Trail hikes southbound on level trail, with more occasional views of the nearby marshes. 

The trail finds  Fort Wymberly at 1.8 miles, the site of 20-foot-high Confederate earthworks built in 1861. The mounds were constructed to protect against an attack on Savannah in the Civil War.

The hike then continues on until reaching back to the parking lot where one started the trek.

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Wormsloe State Historic Site Reviews

Scott Schomber

Oaks are not the only thing,..

While the oak tree lined road is amazing there are plenty of other things to do here. Lots of trails to explore and exhibit well worth it. 

Jon Mattrisch

Photograph the Live Oaks of Wormsloe Historic Site

Located just outside Savannah, GA, the Wormsloe Historic Site is one of the most iconic sites in the state, if not the entire south. The long avenue of live oaks create a stunning canopy where light leaks through amongst the ancient trees. For $10/person, you can drive the avenue and take pics of the trees before heading to the museum and the various other historic sites around the grounds. Get here early in the morning for that soft morning light or later in the afternoon/early evening for golden hour. To get the best shots, use a long lens and bracket your shots and compile into an HDR image in post. That way you'll get all the highlights and shadows to create a crisp, clean image. The long lens helps to compress the avenue and make the trees seem even more imposing and impressive.

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Wormsloe Historic Site

Review Highlights

“ The Spanish Moss is abundant, and the property adjoins tidal creeks surrounded by swathes of spartina grass. ” in 28 reviews

“ At the heart of Wormsloe are the stately tabby ruins of the colonial estate of Noble Jones, one of Georgia's first settlers. ” in 4 reviews

“ Went back and discovered the tabby (building material made of oyster shells) ruins of the original house just . ” in 14 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

7601 Skidaway Rd

Savannah, GA 31406

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Absolutely breathtaking. Wormsloe Historic Site is a must visit for anyone who loves history and/or nature. I was so glad to have learned more about Savannah after having visited this state park, for there is much to discover here. Wormsloe Historic Site is operated by the state of Georgia as it's a state park. There is an admission fee and for veterans, there is a discount. If you're following Google Maps to get to this site, it will take you to the old entrance, which is not open. However, just down the road from it, you'll see the main entrance where the visitor's center is. Here is where you can find plenty of parking, buy your admission fee, use the restrooms and shop in the gift shop. There's also a free shuttle here that takes you to the park if you don't want to walk the mile to it. There's a lot of history here as is seen from when you walk around the park, especially when you get to Noble Jones' tabby ruins, which is the oldest structure in Georgia. Pretty amazing. This historic site was Noble Jones' plantation and is located along the Savannah River on a marsh, which you can walk out to on an observation deck. It's absolutely stunning. It really reminded me of being in this part of the country. There are many walking trails here, which are all dog-friendly, and what may be my favorite part is how many live oaks and Spanish moss you can see here! Loved it so much! You can even walk along the grand avenue of the live oaks instead of taking the shuttle, which I highly recommend doing. The live oaks are absolutely beautiful and really make an entrance. Coincidentally, we visited during the colonial faire event, which occurs in February and is where you can see people dress up and demonstrate 18th century life as it was. It was a great way to bask in even more history. I cannot recommend visiting Wormsloe Historic Site enough.

Wormsloe Marsh

History whispers as you walk in the footsteps of the past. I felt it. It has been a dream come true to step inside Wormsloe Historic Site. It has been one item on my bucket list to travel to Savannah and step onto the soil where the painful history of slavery actually happened, but still echoes despite the century that has gone by. History has always interested me. I have been told that I am an old soul. Every time I travel to new places, I make sure there is a historical site that I will be visiting. I love the stories behind them. The moment I walked into the arched entrance, it seemed like I was transported to a different era. I was enthralled by the rich history of the state. I was awed by the moss-draped avenue of live oak trees that stand as prime witnesses to what really took place and who walked through there. At the heart of Wormsloe are the stately tabby ruins of the colonial estate of Noble Jones, one of Georgia's first settlers. The grand structures allow visitors to journey back in time to experience life in the 18th century. We enjoyed walking, getting near to the marshes, and exploring the maritime forest aside from the ruins. I believe that visiting Savannah, Georgia will never be complete without a visit to Wormsloe.

See all photos from Dane B. for Wormsloe Historic Site

Loved the Spanish miss drenched live oak lined path, beautiful. We rented bikes and was very hot and humid but shaded by the trees and movement of wind as you rode made it bearable and glad we did it. Walking would have been brutal this hot day, shuttle wouldn't have been as fun although probably would have a learned a bit more history from the guide/driver. Got some great pics!

This was one of my fav stops in Savannah. We came in early on a Saturday afternoon and walked out to the trees. Definitely need to have walking shoes and bug spray on for the walk and some water in hand. Learning the history of the property through the different generations along with the raw beauty of the area was memorable. Parking is free and easy in a large lot in front. Plus, the gift shop had great trinkets to bring home and you can become a Junior Ranger if your kids are interested.

Where am I?

This park is absolutely BEAUTIFUL. The draw to this place is the gorgeous path you are able to walk and bike on that is covered by live oaks and sprawling Spanish moss. When I was here, there were many people taking photos. We saw girls in their prom dresses and also a couple taking maternity photos. There is a cost to get in, but it is well worth it. If you ever find yourself taking a trip to Savannah, definitely add this to your list of things to do as it is only a few minutes drive out.

This historic site charges a fairly large admission fee per person for a state park. It is quite a nice area, though. The entrance is one of those canopied rows of trees that was made to impress visitors to the plantation that used to be here. This was hundreds of years before Instagram, but the aesthetic is still impressive in the modern age and everyone was stopping for pictures. The plantation itself, however, is mostly gone, leaving a set of historical exhibits and some trails that give the visitor an opportunity to imagine what settling this sort of terrain might have been like. The ruins of an old mansion are made with a mix of shells, creating a distinctive aesthetic. The Spanish Moss is abundant, and the property adjoins tidal creeks surrounded by swathes of spartina grass. I've been to quite a few such sites, but if this was my first one, it would have convinced me to come back for more. I didn't even fully peruse the history museum or catch any events, but for a day hike on the edge of Savannah, it was a quality site.

See all photos from John B. for Wormsloe Historic Site

My wife and I went to visit historic Wormsloe and did the self-guided tour of the grounds. It was a fascinating window into colonial Georgia and the early settlement of the Savannah area. I do HIGHLY recommend taking and using bug spray on this visit. Since this is near salt marshes and the river, there are lots of various bugs. On this particular visit, I was feasted upon by "no see-ums" and biting flies. However, that was towards the end of our visit around 4pm. Plan to spend 2-3 hours visiting and touring the grounds. It was quite serene, peaceful and beautiful there - there was a good energy in this area. We enjoyed listening to what wind talking through the cabbage palms and Spanish moss. Also, if you're quiet near the salt marshes, you can hear the mud pop.

See all photos from Jim M. for Wormsloe Historic Site

A must see in Savannah GA put to the top of the list. I visit every time while in town

See all photos from JM T. for Wormsloe Historic Site

Easily one of my favorite stops while visiting Savannah! If you are an out of towner, I would 100% add this spot to the itinerary. We were staying in downtown without a car, so it was an Uber away for us, but still very worth it. If you have your own car, maybe plan it for a day you are driving in or out of the city already. Our driver was born and raised in Savannah and actually had never visited herself! So natives, if this is your equivalent to a New Yorker visiting the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty, plan a day to go! You'll love it here if you love: -walking (you've got to really love it though) -ogling at nature's beauty -history -being outside Our Uber dropped us off right at the entrance and top of an incredibly beautiful long road lined by oak trees. We paid our entrance fees and started our walk. It's long, but not hilly or difficult. After the long road, you can wander different paths, walk through the small museum/history center to learn about the family that has owned and lived on the property since the 1730s. Some tips to make the day even better: -wear comfortable and close toed shoes! I wore birks and my toes were basically black from dust and dirt. -bring water! They have vending machines, but were out of water the day we went. -don't go hungry. The walk was long and beautiful and I would have hate to cut it short because we needed to get food. Enjoy!

Picturesque Oak Avenue alone was worth seeing. We took the free tour which was about 45 minutes or so. The guide was a wealth of information on everything about the property including the vegetation, the tabby (not the cat) and just anything related to Wormsloe.

Not oak avenue :-)

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