October is right around the corner — the season of festivals, family outings, and, of course, ghosts. There’s nothing better to do in October than a Savannah Ghost Tour, but while you’re in town, what other ghostly (and not-so-ghostly) things are there to do?
Savannah comes alive in the fall. The heat finally breaks, the historic district fills with events, and the whole city leans happily into its haunted reputation. Here’s a handful of ways to make the most of a Savannah October. (For the full calendar, our Savannah festivals & events guide has you covered.)
Dine in a Haunted Restaurant
In Savannah, even dinner can come with a side of the supernatural. Along River Street, The Shrimp Factory has been serving fresh coastal seafood since 1977 from an 1823 cotton warehouse — the kind of centuries-old building where history tends to linger. Order the shrimp, watch the ships go by, and keep an eye on the shadows.
For something even older and eerier, The Pirates’ House traces its roots to the 1730s and is one of the oldest buildings in Savannah. Long rumored to be haunted by old seafarers — and, legend says, the ghost of Treasure Island’s Captain Flint — it’s a meal and a ghost story rolled into one.
Stay in a Haunted Inn
Why not sleep where the spirits do? Savannah is famous for its haunted hotels and inns. The Marshall House on Broughton Street served as a hospital during the Civil War and Savannah’s yellow fever epidemics, and guests still report ghostly children and a phantom doctor. Over on Columbia Square, the Kehoe House is one of the city’s most storied haunted inns, with tales of a mother, her children, and the occasional gentle touch in the night. Book a room in October and you may get more than a good night’s sleep.
Wander the Historic Cemeteries
No haunted trip to Savannah is complete without a walk among the dead. Downtown, Colonial Park Cemetery holds an estimated 10,000 bodies beneath a mere fraction of surviving markers, including a mass grave of yellow fever victims — a sobering, atmospheric stop right in the heart of the historic district.
A short drive away, Bonaventure Cemetery is one of the most beautiful burial grounds in America, its oaks draped in Spanish moss above marble angels and the graves of Savannah legends. Both are free to visit by day, and both feel a little more alive once the light begins to fade.
Tybee Island Pirate Fest
A far cry from a ghost tour, but a whole lot of fun: the Tybee Island Pirate Fest brings a weekend of swashbuckling revelry to the coast each October. From the pirate parade to the Buccaneer Ball, there are costume contests, live entertainment, a market, and family-friendly activities all across Tybee Island. Dust off your bandana and eye patch, come dressed as a pirate or a wench, and join in the festivities just a short drive from downtown Savannah.
Savannah Oktoberfest
Savannah’s beloved Oktoberfest returns to the riverfront each fall for a weekend of German-style fun. Expect a beer garden pouring a wide variety of brews, food vendors, regional artists, and live entertainment — plus signature Savannah traditions like the famous Wiener Dog Races, a beer stein race, and a keg roll. Enjoy the festivities on the river, then walk it off on an evening ghost tour.
End the Night on a Ghost Tour
However you spend your day, October evenings belong to the ghosts. Join Destination Ghost Tours for a walk through the haunted heart of the historic district, and choose the experience that fits your group.
Our flagship Original Haunted Savannah Tour is family-friendly and perfect for all ages, blending true history with the city’s most famous hauntings. And for those who want to go deeper into Savannah’s darker side, the world-famous Spirits and Scoundrels tour is our adults-only (18 and up) walk that begins at 10 p.m. and reveals what other Savannah ghost tours never tell. We look forward to seeing you this October!
Make It a Haunted October in Savannah
Festivals by day, ghosts by night. Cap off your visit with a walk through haunted Savannah — choose your tour and book with Destination Ghost Tours.
Book a Savannah Ghost Tour
Chris Allen is the founder of Destination Ghost Tours, a historian and storyteller with a lifelong fascination for the darker corners of history. He spends his time uncovering the true stories behind haunted legends, guiding guests through historic cities, and chasing down details that refuse to stay buried. When he is not working, he can usually be found with his partner Arissa, their dog Bear, and their two cats, Trouble and Covu, photographing old places, digging through archives, or disappearing into historical rabbit holes. He believes the best history is honest, atmospheric, and just unsettling enough to linger.