If you were to ask visitors — or locals — to name the prettiest street in Savannah, they’d probably quickly respond with “Jones Street.”
It’s easily in my top five, and I’m about to show you a few of the reasons why it’s so special!
Note: This guide contains affiliate links to my trusted travel partners.
If you’re new around here, first of all… welcome!
My name is Erin, and I authored the Savannah First-Timer’s Guide.
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Where is Jones Street in Savannah?
Let’s get the logistics out of the way first.
Jones Street is located deep within the heart of Savannah’s Historic District and is just a few blocks north of Forsyth Park.
If you’re staying anywhere within the Historic District and don’t have any mobility issues, it’s easy enough to walk to Jones Street. (The Historic District is surprisingly small and walkable!)
For anyone with mobility issues, I suggest using the free DOT shuttles or taking a pedicab at a suggested cost of $1 per block.
If you’re driving, you can park for FREE on any of the blocks surrounding Forsyth Park south of Gaston Street, and then take a scenic 3-block stroll from the north end of the park.
Insider Tip: Metered parking directly on Jones Street is free after 5 pm. Here are more tips regarding parking in Savannah.
OK, so what makes Jones Street one of the most beautiful streets in America?
See for yourself…
Wide Brick-Paved Streets and Sidewalks
Did you know that many of the beautiful streets in Savannah are paved with vitrified brick?
And did you know that the majority of those beautiful brick-lined streets have been covered over with asphalt?
Such a travesty.
But not so on beautiful Jones Street!
The entire western half of Jones Street is still paved with its beautiful, original red vitrified bricks — from the Drayton Street block all the way to Tattnall Street.
It’s so pretty!
The majority of the eastern half is paved with asphalt blocks, which are gray and not quite as picturesque — but still pretty.
I can confirm that both make for some very bumpy bike rides.
The sidewalks are also really wide on Jones Street, and many sections are designed with historic bricks just like the street.
That’s one of many reasons it’s a great area for strolling!
Historic Houses on Jones Street
There are lots of beautiful historic homes on Jones Street. They practically line the entire street!
This part of the city hasn’t really changed much in appearance over the past 150 years.
The trees have grown bigger and there have been minor additions like parking meters, but otherwise… Jones Street still very much resembles photos from the old days.
The oldest homes are typically found closer to the center east/west dividing line of Bull Street, while newer homes are located towards the eastern end of the street.
The 100 and 200 blocks (east and west) are good places to look for older homes, while the 400 and 500 blocks of East Jones offer a mix of old along with newer properties.
I’ve written an entire post about some of the most historic homes on Jones Street, so be sure to check that out if you want to see more photos.
Patriotism on Display
Another reason to love Jones Street is because it gives off such an all-American vibe.
The homeowners are very patriotic and frequently have flags on display.
The 100 block of E Jones Street is where you’ll see the highest concentration of flags all lined up in a row.
Unique Street Signage
I always tell visitors that the best way to explore Jones Street is on foot, since that’s how you’ll notice all the small details that make it so unique.
Amongst those fun details are the street signs, like this one at the corner of Barnard and Jones…
There’s another unique sign at the intersection of Jones and Lincoln. I’m guessing the homeowners had it custom-made at some point in time, since it’s the only one like it I’ve ever noticed in Savannah.
You just don’t spot details like this when you’re driving!
This is also why it’s important to look up, down, and all around when you’re out strolling. You’ll find interesting details everywhere.
Secret (and not-so-secret) Gardens
The landscaping along Jones Street is absolutely gorgeous!
Jasmine, moss, and climbing vines cling to anything and everything, and all the greenery makes for some rather picturesque scenes.
While there’s not much room for gardening, many homeowners make the most of their tree lawns. (That’s the official name for the tiny green space between the sidewalk and the road.)
Container plants are another a popular way to add color to a front entry.
Since most homes are built all the way to the edge of the sidewalk, a container is often the only way to add greenery by the front door.
You might also occasionally spot a window box or two, but they aren’t nearly as widespread as what you’d find in places like Charleston.
Finally, it’s a real treat when you catch a glimpse into someone’s secret garden along Jones Street.
They usually contain pretty fountains, sculptures, and water features.
Gorgeous Sunsets
Photography is a major hobby of mine, so you can often find me out “chasing light.”
If you enjoy doing the same, Jones Street is a good place to do it.
Jones Street is an east/west street, so the sun sets at the Tattnall end and casts long shadows down the street and sidewalks.
Related Reading: 11 Photos That Will Make You Fall in Love with River Street
Beautiful Southern Live Oaks
It seems I can’t write a post about the beauty of Savannah without mentioning the trees, but they’re my favorite thing about the city and the nearby SC Lowcountry.
Jones Street is lined with plenty of beautiful Southern live oaks — many of them dripping in those long strands of Spanish moss that grow so abundantly around here.
Shoutout to the City of Savannah’s Greenscapes Division for always keeping the trees trimmed so beautifully.
Trust me when I say the trees in Savannah are gorgeous!
Are you beginning to see why Jones Street is one of the prettiest streets in Savannah?
Wait ’til you see it when the azaleas are blooming…
Azaleas in the Springtime
It’s fairly common knowledge that springtime is one of the best times to visit Savannah, and that’s largely due to all the azaleas that bloom around the city.
You’ll find plenty of them in front of the historic homes along Jones Street!
One minor detail people often don’t notice about Jones Street is that none of the city’s famous squares are connected to it.
If you want to wander through the squares, you’ll have to head one block north to Charlton Street or one block south to Taylor Street.
I highly recommend doing just that when the azaleas are in bloom.
Be sure to stroll through Forsyth Park, too!
Restaurants on Jones Street
If you work up an appetite from strolling around, here are three Savannah restaurants located on or near Jones Street that I recommend…
Clary’s Cafe is a classic spot for a hearty breakfast in Savannah. The cast of “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” even dined there!
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is where you’ll find one of the heartiest lunches in the entire city. Their Southern-style dishes are served round-table style.
Crystal Beer Parlor is popular with tourists and locals. The walls are lined with local memorabilia, and the restaurant has a relaxed vibe. Try their Georgia Peach Cobbler or the Fried Pound Cake for dessert!
If you prefer to venture out on a walking food tour, here are two I recommend:
Food tours are a great way to enjoy an easy stroll through the beautiful Historic District, meet fellow foodies, and sample some of the best dishes from a variety of restaurants.
You can’t go wrong with either of the options listed above!
Where to Stay on Jones Street
If you want to truly experience Savannah the way it’s meant to be seen, I always recommend staying in a historic home.
They don’t come much more historic than the Eliza Thompson House. It was the first home built on Jones Street!
The rates at the Eliza Thompson House are reasonable, the home is beautiful, and their service is top-notch.
Savannah Travel Guide
If you’re ready to start planning a trip to Savannah, here are additional resources to help you out…
- Savannah Vacation Guide – If you don’t know anything about Savannah, I suggest beginning with this “quick start” overview of the city.
- Savannah First-Timer’s Guide – Be sure to purchase my ebook to get my best insider tips in one place. It’s the most helpful resource you’ll find when planning your trip to Savannah!
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It’s absolutely such a lovely street! And those blooms are giving me life!
What a gorgeous place!
Jones Street looks absolutely gorgeous. I’ve never been to Savannah and now after seeing this post, I’m very keen for a visit!
I love all the gardens, trees, and azaleas in this neighborhood! It’s so nice to be in a city but still have all that greenery around. I’m hoping to visit Savannah once COVID is over, so I’m saving this post for later :).
Oooh, this has me so eager to visit Savannah! Definitely on my bucket list.
My goodness! This street is so beautiful! It remains me a bit of Elfreth’s Alley in Philadelphia. I see some touches of Spanish colonial towns too.
Wow! Now I know where to go in Savannah! Only spent one day there, but will save this and your site for when I return. Thank you!
I’ve heard that the saying “keeping up with the Jones” comes from this street. Is that true?
Hi, Page. I’ve heard that before, too! When I was doing research for the post, I came across a few articles that said it was true and a few that disputed it. So…the jury’s still out on that one!
What a beautiful street! I didn’t even know that Savannah had streets like this & have never visited (I’m from the UK…that’s my excuse!;). It’s definitely going on my list now though. Great guide!
Erin: I was born 91 years ago and raised, in Savannah; Graduated from The Pape School; married a local boy; our 6 sons were also born there and we still have family there!
How I loved these pictures and your comments, and to see the beautiful changes and care taken of Jones
Street! Mama, daddy and I lived in the 3rd floor apartment of the “1930” picture which appears in the double photo!. I remember that Dr. Dancy had his office on the ground floor, the white door! Thanks for bringing back happy memories I’m growing up you’re very beautiful city filled with loving people! I am so glad to be a southerner. Being from Savannah I tell everyone I’m not the Georgia Peach – they are from North Georgia – I am from south Georgia, Seaport town of Savannah which makes me A Georgia Cracker!
Barbara Sue McDuffee Ward
Hi Ms. Ward! I’m so happy you found my little blog and shared your story with me. I love it when I’m able to meet people (even virtually) who have lived in the homes I stroll past everyday. You’re the same age as my neighbor, Ms. Edna, who tells me fascinating stories about Savannah when we sit out on her porch to chat. And yes…C-Port proud! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
My wife and have visited Savannah over a dozen times, we are never disappointed. We stayed at many locations. We recently stayed just above the Ms. Wilkes restaurant, they own a couple of rooms in that building. When you rent from them you get a complementary lunch for two. Always a great perk. Love Savannah
Such a beautiful street. Takes you back into historic times.
Jones Street does look like a really beautiful street. I especially like all the gardens and azaleas. I’m bummed I missed it when I visited Savannah. One of the many reasons I have to go back!
Erin, I just came across this blog post. What A GEM! Thank you for featuring our beautiful city. Full disclosure: I live on one of the properties you included in your beautiful photographs and was thrilled to see it.
Hi Sabrina! I’m glad you liked the post and I’m even happier to hear that you live at one of the properties mentioned in the post. (So many of the homes on Jones are vacation rental properties that I love it when I run across an actual resident! lol)
Is there a source I can see Jones street pictures, old and new, and buy copies?
There’s a book called Savannah Then and Now that might have some. Actually, there are a few books that have old and new photos of Savannah. You could call E. Shaver Bookseller or V&J Duncan Antiques and Maps to see if they have any in stock. I personally find old photos (like the historic ones used in this post) on the Library of Congress site, and then I take new ones myself.
I lived on Jones Street in the 1950s with my two brothers and parents. Barnard Street School was right behind our house, where we attended school. I also went to Massie School.
My oldest brother and I loved to walk to Broughton Street on Saturdays and go to the movie theaters and the five and dime stores.
Our Street and sidewalks were brick and was definitely a bumpy ride when learning to skate. 😉
Have a lot of fond memories of Savannah!
I love when residents share memories from back in the day. I can’t imagine learning to skate on Jones Street. Riding a bike on it is hard enough! lol
Hi Erin, I was perusing the internet about Jones St in Savannah and found your page. One of the pictures you displayed, the one about sun shining through the trees, shows a picture of my mom and dad’s house in West Jones St. Your post brought back a lot of memories. They lived there for 13 years and loved West Jones and Savannah immensely. Thank you for your beautiful tribute.
Hi Marika, I’m glad the post brought back some good memories. I really love that block of W Jones. It’s one of the sections that hasn’t sold out to the STVR industry, so it still has many full-time residents. It’s the happiest section of the street, by far! The neighbors get together one night of the week and have a porch party where they all gather. I’ve actually met the man who owns the brick home in the foreground of that photo (not sure if that one was your mom’s home?), and he’s very nice! He even invited me to join in on one of their porch parties 🙂