Savannah, Georgia, a city renowned for its historic squares, Spanish moss-draped oaks, and antebellum architecture, holds many picturesque streets. Yet, when you ask locals and visitors alike to name the prettiest, “Jones Street” often echoes back as the resounding answer. It consistently ranks high on lists of America’s most beautiful streets, and for good reason. Let’s delve into what makes Jones Street in Savannah, GA, so exceptionally special and a must-visit destination.
Moss-covered stairs on Jones Street Savannah, with an American flag draped above the doorway, showcasing the blend of nature and patriotism.
Location and Accessibility of Jones Street
Before we immerse ourselves in its beauty, let’s pinpoint Jones Street. Nestled deep within Savannah’s Historic District, it sits conveniently just north of the expansive Forsyth Park. This prime location makes Jones Street easily accessible.
For those staying within the Historic District and comfortable with walking, Jones Street is readily reachable on foot. Savannah’s Historic District is wonderfully compact and pedestrian-friendly. If mobility is a concern, Savannah offers free DOT shuttles, and pedicabs are also available, typically charging around $1 per block.
Driving to Jones Street? Free parking can be found around Forsyth Park, south of Gaston Street. From there, a pleasant three-block walk through the park’s north end will lead you to Jones Street. Metered parking directly on Jones Street becomes free after 5 pm, offering another convenient option.
Brick Paved Streets and Sidewalks: A Step Back in Time
One of the first elements that captivates visitors on Jones Street is its exquisite brick paving. Savannah is known for its brick streets, a charming feature often obscured by modern asphalt overlays elsewhere in the city. However, Jones Street proudly retains much of its original vitrified brickwork.
Wide brick street on Jones Street Savannah, lined with historic homes and mature trees, illustrating the street's timeless appeal.
The western stretch of Jones Street, from Drayton Street to Tattnall Street, showcases these beautiful red vitrified bricks in their full glory. While the eastern part transitions to asphalt blocks, even these maintain a certain historic charm. Both surfaces, however, promise a slightly bumpy but visually rewarding bike ride.
Historic brick sidewalk on Jones Street Savannah GA, adjacent to homes with gas lanterns, highlighting the street's rich architectural details.
Adding to the pedestrian experience, Jones Street boasts wide sidewalks, many sections also crafted from historic bricks, inviting leisurely strolls and a closer appreciation of the surroundings.
Architectural Grandeur: Historic Houses of Jones Street
Jones Street is an open-air museum of historic Savannah architecture. The street is almost entirely lined with beautifully preserved historic homes, creating a cohesive and breathtaking streetscape. Stepping onto Jones Street feels like traveling back 150 years in time. While trees have matured and modern necessities like parking meters have been added, the fundamental character of Jones Street remains remarkably consistent with historical photographs.
Many of these residences, like the John Scudder House, date back to the mid-1850s, with construction often carried out by enslaved individuals, a stark reminder of the complex history interwoven into Savannah’s beauty.
Stately mansion with wrought iron balconies on Jones Street Savannah, displaying elegant architectural details and grandeur.
The age of the homes varies slightly along the street. The oldest are generally closer to Bull Street, the east-west dividing line, while homes towards the eastern end are somewhat newer. For those particularly interested in older architecture, the 100 and 200 blocks (both east and west) are excellent starting points. The 400 and 500 blocks of East Jones present a mix of older and more recent historic properties.
Comparison of historic row homes on Jones Street Savannah, from 1933 to 2021, demonstrating the timeless preservation of the street's architecture.
Modest green home with lush greenery on Jones Street Savannah, showcasing the variety of architectural styles and landscaping.
Homes with garden-level porches on Jones Street Savannah GA, illustrating the diverse residential architecture.
Patriotism on Display: American Flags on Jones Street
Adding to the charm of Jones Street is the palpable sense of patriotism. Residents frequently display American flags, enhancing the street’s all-American atmosphere.
Picturesque sidewalk scene on Jones Street Savannah, with flags, brick sidewalks, and historic homes, embodying Southern charm and patriotism.
Sidewalk view on Jones Street Savannah, with American flags backlit by sunlight, lush greenery, and stately oak trees.
The 100 block of East Jones is particularly notable for its impressive display of flags, creating a striking visual alignment of stars and stripes.
Unique Street Signage: Discovering the Details
Exploring Jones Street on foot allows you to appreciate the finer details, including its distinctive street signage. Unlike standard modern signs, Jones Street features unique markers that contribute to its historic ambiance.
Concrete street sign on Jones Street Savannah, with 'Jones Street' stamped into it, showcasing the vintage signage style.
In the southern part of the Historic District, you’ll find concrete signs with the street names directly embedded in them. At the corner of Jones and Lincoln, an even more unique sign stands out, possibly custom-made, featuring ornate gas lanterns integrated into the street sign itself.
Night scene of a unique street sign with gas lanterns on Jones Street Savannah, illuminating the historic corner of Jones and Lincoln streets.
Metal street sign with gas lamps on Jones Street Savannah, mounted on a corner house, blending functionality with historic aesthetics.
Elaborate metal street sign with lamps wrapping a corner house on Jones Street Savannah, demonstrating the unique and decorative signage.
These signs, particularly when silhouetted at dusk, add a layer of historical charm and encourage a slower pace to truly notice these details.
Lush Gardens and Greenery: Savannah’s Secret Gardens
The landscaping along Jones Street is simply stunning. Abundant greenery, from jasmine and moss to climbing vines, adorns homes and sidewalks, creating picturesque vignettes at every turn.
Courtyard garden on Jones Street Savannah, bursting with azaleas and climbing roses, showcasing the vibrant spring blooms.
Climbing roses over a wrought iron fence on Jones Street Savannah, spilling onto the sidewalk, adding romantic floral touches.
Vine-covered lamp post on Jones Street Savannah, with climbing greenery enhancing the street's natural beauty.
Mossy stairs on Jones Street Savannah, covered in bright green moss, illustrating the lush and verdant environment.
Green vine creeping on a peachy-pink wall on Jones Street Savannah, highlighting the subtle color palettes and natural textures.
While space for traditional gardens might be limited, homeowners ingeniously utilize “tree lawns”—the narrow strips between sidewalks and streets—and container plants to introduce vibrant colors and textures.
Container plants and jasmine at a Jones Street Savannah entryway, creating a fragrant and welcoming entrance.
Container gardens are a popular choice, especially near front doors, offering a touch of nature where space is at a premium. Window boxes, though less common than in cities like Charleston, occasionally appear, adding another layer of floral decoration.
Container gardens at second-level entrances on Jones Street Savannah, showcasing creative use of space for greenery.
Peeking through gates sometimes reveals hidden private gardens, often featuring fountains, sculptures, and serene water features, adding an element of surprise and exclusivity.
Statue of UGA bulldog in a Jones Street Savannah garden, adding a touch of local University of Georgia pride to the landscaping.
Golden Hour Glow: Gorgeous Sunsets on Jones Street
For photography enthusiasts and sunset lovers, Jones Street offers a perfect east-west orientation to capture stunning sunsets. As the sun dips towards the Tattnall Street end, it casts long, dramatic shadows, bathing the street in a warm, golden light.
Sunset view down Jones Street Savannah, with warm light streaming through trees and illuminating historic homes, perfect for photography.
This “golden hour” creates magical scenes, enhancing the beauty of the architecture and greenery, making it an ideal time for a stroll or photography session.
Majestic Live Oaks: Guardians of Jones Street
No discussion of Savannah’s beauty is complete without mentioning its iconic Southern live oaks. Jones Street is generously lined with these magnificent trees, many adorned with Spanish moss, which adds an ethereal, timeless quality to the street.
Historic homes and live oak trees on Jones Street Savannah, with Spanish moss and Victorian porch details, capturing the essence of Southern charm.
These towering trees not only provide shade and coolness but also contribute significantly to the street’s historic and romantic atmosphere. The city’s Greenscapes Division ensures these trees are well-maintained, preserving their beauty for generations.
Springtime Azaleas: A Riot of Color on Jones Street
Springtime in Savannah is synonymous with azaleas, and Jones Street is a prime location to witness their spectacular bloom. During spring, vibrant azaleas erupt in front of the historic homes, painting the street in hues of pink, fuchsia, white, and coral.
Azaleas blooming in front of a historic brick home on Jones Street Savannah, showcasing the vibrant spring colors.
Azaleas and historic homes on Jones Street Savannah, with a variety of pink and white blooms enhancing the street's beauty.
Interestingly, Jones Street is unique in that no city squares intersect it directly. To experience Savannah’s famous squares, a short walk to Charlton or Taylor Street is necessary, especially enchanting when azaleas are in full bloom, extending the floral beauty beyond Jones Street and into the nearby Forsyth Park.
Dining Near Jones Street: Culinary Delights
Exploring Jones Street might whet your appetite. Fortunately, several highly-recommended Savannah restaurants are located right on or near Jones Street:
- Clary’s Cafe: A Savannah institution, perfect for a hearty breakfast, famously visited by the cast of “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”
- Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room: Experience Southern comfort food at its best with communal, family-style lunches.
- Crystal Beer Parlor: A casual spot popular with both tourists and locals, known for its relaxed atmosphere and delicious desserts like Georgia Peach Cobbler and Fried Pound Cake.
For a more immersive culinary experience, consider a walking food tour, a fantastic way to explore the Historic District while sampling a variety of local dishes.
Staying on Jones Street: Immerse Yourself in History
To truly absorb the essence of Savannah, consider staying in a historic home. The Eliza Thompson House, Savannah’s first house on Jones Street, offers an unparalleled historic lodging experience. With reasonable rates and exceptional service, it provides a perfect base to explore Jones Street and Savannah.
Statue of a firefighter on a porch on Jones Street Savannah, guarding a yellow door, a charming detail enhancing the street's character.
Plan Your Visit to Savannah
Ready to explore Jones Street and the beauty of Savannah? With its brick streets, historic homes, lush gardens, and Southern charm, Jones Street undoubtedly earns its reputation as one of America’s most beautiful streets. Make sure to include it in your Savannah itinerary for an unforgettable experience.
