Why Everyone’s Obsessed with Savannah’s Most Beautiful Street

Let’s be honest—if you’ve spent any time browsing social media while planning a trip to Savannah, you’ve definitely come across photos of one specific street. You know the one: lined with towering oaks, historic charm oozing from every brick, and homes so elegant they seem pulled from a period drama. That’s right—we’re talking about Jones Street.

This street has become synonymous with Savannah’s classic Southern allure. Tourists flock here with cameras in hand, eager to soak in its timeless beauty, while locals fantasize about claiming a piece of its enviable real estate. But what exactly gives this street its legendary status?

Fair warning—exploring Jones Street might answer your initial questions but leave you with even more. That’s just the effect it has.

1. A Revolutionary Beginning

Jones Street isn’t just easy on the eyes—it’s steeped in American history. Named after Major John Jones, who served as an Aide-de-Camp to General Lachlan McIntosh during the 1779 Siege of Savannah in the Revolutionary War, the street carries deep historical roots. The area was originally designed to represent affluence and refinement, sitting right at the heart of Savannah’s Historic District.

Today, the street is lined with impeccably preserved Colonial and Georgian-style homes, each one more photogenic than the last. Walking along this stretch, it’s easy to see how the phrase “keeping up with the Joneses” found its footing in popular culture—Jones Street has long symbolized the gold standard in Southern living.

2. The Eliza Thompson House – A Piece of History You Can Sleep In

Sitting proudly on Jones Street is the Eliza Thompson House, a historic inn that captures the romantic essence of the antebellum South. Built in 1847, it was the first residential home constructed on Jones Street and has since been transformed into a boutique inn with 25 elegant guest rooms.

Adults-only and beautifully intimate, this inn offers more than just a place to sleep. Guests are treated to gourmet breakfasts, wine and hors d’oeuvre receptions in the evenings, and a peaceful courtyard ideal for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. It’s no surprise that many visitors fall so hard for the atmosphere, they momentarily forget they’re only staying temporarily.

3. Southern Eats with a Side of Literary Fame

Jones Street isn’t just a visual treat—it’s also a haven for food lovers, especially those with a taste for Southern comfort food.

Clary’s Café, a local institution for over a century, is beloved for its hearty breakfast menu and endless coffee refills. But it’s more than just a good meal—this humble diner gained cinematic fame in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. One unforgettable scene features a quirky character dining at the counter, flies on his lapel and all, adding another layer of local lore to the experience.

Then there’s Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room, a Southern food icon. What began in 1943 as a boarding house run by Sema Wilkes evolved into one of Savannah’s most cherished dining experiences. Guests still line up daily for a chance to enjoy fried chicken, cornbread, and all the fixings, served family-style at communal tables. Even the original boarding house has been transformed—today, it serves as a renovated pied-à-terre and apartment, available for rent to travelers looking for a home-like stay with serious character.

4. It’s Simply Stunning

Let’s not dance around it—Jones Street is a knockout. But it’s more than just a pretty face. There’s a certain energy here that pulls people in. Maybe it’s the red brick streets underfoot, the sprawling oak trees forming a shaded canopy overhead, or the grand historic homes with their cast-iron balconies and window boxes in bloom. There’s a serenity here that invites you to linger—and once you’re there, it’s hard to leave.

It’s not just beautiful. It feels like stepping into another era, one where life moves slower, and neighbors greet each other with a wave from the front porch.

5. The Street That Tour Guides Can’t Get Enough Of

Ask any seasoned tour guide in Savannah and they’ll likely confess—they, too, have a soft spot for Jones Street. It’s a staple stop on several top-rated Savannah walking tours that offer deeper insight into the city’s history and architecture.

Whether you opt for the storytelling charm of Genteel & Bard’s Savannah History Walking Tour, the more intimate vibe of Savannah Sidewalk Tours, or Explore Savannah’s customizable private experiences, you’re guaranteed a closer look at what makes this street so special. Plus, these guides bring Jones Street to life with rich historical anecdotes and behind-the-scenes tidbits you won’t find on a plaque.

6. Take Home a Piece of Jones Street

Can’t move in? That’s okay—Jones & Bull, a local home décor shop on the street, offers the next best thing. This boutique is packed with vintage and antique treasures that look like they came straight from the porches and parlors of the very homes you’ve been admiring.

Every item here feels curated with care and a sense of timeless elegance. If you’re the kind of person who decorates with stories, you’ll feel right at home among the shelves of this one-of-a-kind shop.

7. Eat and Sip Through History

Just a few blocks from Jones Street is one of Savannah’s most enduring restaurants: Crystal Beer Parlor. Originally a family grocery store in the early 1900s, this establishment managed to weather the Great Depression and emerged as one of the first American restaurants to serve alcohol post-Prohibition.

Today, it’s Savannah’s second-oldest restaurant, serving up classic burgers, fries, and an impressive beer selection in a cozy, retro setting. Dining here isn’t just a meal—it’s a bite of local history, and thankfully, it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

8. Don’t Worry—There’s More Just Around the Corner

Even if you wander just off Jones Street, you’re still in the heart of something special. A short stroll takes you to an exciting lineup of shops, eateries, and art spots that keep the good vibes going.

Antique lovers will want to browse Arthur Smith Antiques and Taylor House Antiques for rare finds. For those into modern home design, Asher + Rye delivers Scandinavian-influenced interiors with Southern charm. Fashionistas can snag bold, colorful pieces at The Printed Peach, while art lovers should make a point to explore shopSCAD, the retail gallery for the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Feeling hungry again? Grab a creative bite from the iconic red double-decker food bus at The Arts or indulge in an elegant tea experience at Gryphon Tea Room, where the seasonal menu always brings something new to the table. And for something totally immersive, SCADstory offers a tech-powered journey through the world of art and design unlike anything else in the city.

You’ll Come Back—Trust Us

Once you’ve wandered beneath the sweeping oaks and snapped photos of the ivy-draped iron gates, it’s hard not to fall completely under Jones Street’s spell. Whether you’re here for the history, the food, the architecture, or just the dreamy atmosphere, you’re in for something memorable.

So go ahead—take a stroll down Jones Street. You might not live here (yet), but for a few enchanted hours, it’ll feel like home.

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