The Old Fort Jackson is a restored 19th-century fortification situated along the Savannah River in Savannah, Georgia. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
This guide was updated in March 2026 to reflect the latest operations, noting that standard adult admission is $15 and the entrance gates to the car park are locked strictly at 4:00 pm every day.
Quick facts about Old Fort Jackson
| Quick facts | Details |
| Opening hours | Monday to Sunday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm |
| Ticket prices | Adults $15, Children (3–12) $10 |
| Address | 1 Fort Jackson Road, Savannah, GA 31404 |
| Nearest public transport or parking | Free on-site car park |
| Typical time needed to visit | 1.5 to 2 hours |
Old Fort Jackson opening hours
The Old Fort Jackson is open seven days a week from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. These core hours are consistent year-round, with no major seasonal variations.
The facility only closes entirely on three public holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
5 great Savannah experiences to book
- 🚋 Take a trolley tour with a twist – the Savannah for Morons comedy tour.
- 🕯️ On a candlelit ghost tour, discover Savannah’s haunted history.
- 🌳 See the famous trees of Bonaventure Cemetery on a golf cart tour.
- 🐬 Head to Tybee Island on a day tour – with a dolphin cruise thrown in.
- 🍽️ Taste the flavours of the South on a food tour and historic pub crawl.
Old Fort Jackson ticket prices
Adult tickets cost $15, while children aged 3 to 12 pay $10. Admission for infants under three years of age is free. Families receiving SNAP or EBT benefits receive free admission under the CHS All In programme.
The Old Fort Jackson is part of the Coastal Heritage Society and is included in the “See 3 Pass.” This multi-attraction ticket allows visitors to access any three of the society’s regional sites over three days. The other participating sites include the Georgia State Railroad Museum, the Savannah Children’s Museum, the Savannah History Museum, the Pin Point Heritage Museum, and the Harper Fowlkes House.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in March 2026.
Why book the Savannah TourPass?
- 🚋 Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley: Includes a comprehensive sightseeing trolley tour, making it easy to navigate the city’s iconic historic squares and moss-draped streets at your own pace.
- 🏛️ 30+ Top Attractions: Gain access to Savannah’s premier sites, including historic house museums like the Andrew Low House and world-class art at the Telfair Academy.
- ⛴️ Savannah Riverboat Cruise: Enjoy a relaxing sightseeing cruise along the Savannah River to see the city’s historic waterfront and busy port from a unique perspective.
- 👻 Guided History & Ghost Tours: Choose from a variety of walking tours that explore the city’s deep history, beautiful architecture, and famous haunted legends.
- 💰 Exceptional Value: Save up to 40% or more on combined admission fees compared to purchasing individual tickets at the gate for each attraction.
How to get to Old Fort Jackson
The attraction is located approximately three miles east of the historic downtown Savannah district. Because the site sits on a relatively isolated stretch of the Savannah River, driving or using a ride-share service is the most practical way to reach the entrance.
There are no direct public bus routes operated by Chatham Area Transit (CAT) that drop passengers immediately outside the fort, making a private vehicle the recommended transport option.
Why book the Savannah Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour?
- 🚋 15 Strategic Stops: Explore Savannah’s Historic District at your own pace with a route that hits all the major landmarks, including Forsyth Park, City Market, and River Street.
- 🎤 Live Narrated History: Enjoy entertaining and educational stories from expert guides who bring the “Hostess City of the South” to life with tales of its architecture, history, and famous residents.
- 🕰️ Full Day of Exploration: With a single ticket, you can hop on and off as many times as you like, allowing you to spend more time at the shops, museums, and squares that interest you most.
- 🌳 Iconic Garden Squares: Get convenient access to many of Savannah’s 22 historic squares, known for their lush greenery, statues, and moss-draped live oaks.
- 🚌 Frequent Trolley Service: Relax knowing that trolleys run regularly throughout the day, so you’ll never have to wait long to continue your journey through one of America’s most beautiful cities.
Parking at Old Fort Jackson
Free visitor parking is available in the dedicated surface lot located immediately outside the main entrance. Visitors should be aware that the car park gates are locked strictly at 4:00 pm daily; vehicles left in the lot after closing will be inaccessible until the following morning.
How long to spend at Old Fort Jackson
Most visitors require between one and a half and two hours to explore the site. This provides ample time to walk around the historic brick fortifications, take in the river views, and watch one of the scheduled cannon firing demonstrations.
Accessibility at Old Fort Jackson
The site is largely wheelchair accessible, with ramped access points and accessible restrooms available on-site. However, because it is a preserved historic fort, the terrain includes grassy areas and uneven gravel paths, and there is a short distance between the gift shop and the main fort structure.
Inside / what to see at Old Fort Jackson
Old Fort Jackson is the oldest standing brick fortification in the state of Georgia. Originally constructed in 1808 and expanded during the War of 1812, the site played a prominent role in the coastal defence of Savannah.
Visitors can explore the surviving brick casemates, the powder magazine, and the central parade ground. The fort’s strategic position on the Savannah River provides excellent vantage points for watching modern cargo ships navigating the narrow shipping channel.
A major highlight of the visit is the daily programming. Costumed historical interpreters fire the site’s antique cannons twice a day, typically at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, weather permitting.
These live demonstrations are accompanied by educational talks detailing the daily lives of the soldiers stationed at the fort during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip category | Advice |
| Timing | Plan to arrive 30 minutes before the 11:00 am or 2:00 pm cannon firings to find a good viewing spot. |
| Crowds | The fort rarely feels overcrowded, though school field trips frequently visit on weekday mornings during term time. |
| Layout | Much of the fort is entirely outdoors with limited shade; prepare accordingly during the hot and humid summer months. |
| Entry process | Advance booking is not required, and admission tickets can be purchased at the gift shop upon arrival. |
| On-site logistics | The site has picnic tables located near the Sugar Beet Pavilion just outside the gates, ideal for visitors bringing packed lunches. |
Frequently asked questions about Old Fort Jackson
| Question | Answer |
| Is Old Fort Jackson suitable for children? | Yes, the interactive cannon demonstrations and open spaces make it a highly popular family attraction. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Old Fort Jackson? | No, general admission can be purchased on arrival at the front desk. |
| Is Old Fort Jackson open on Sundays? | Yes, the standard Sunday opening hours are from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. |
| Are bags allowed at Old Fort Jackson? | Yes, standard day bags and backpacks are permitted throughout the site. |
Things to do near Old Fort Jackson
- Bonaventure Cemetery: A historic, atmospheric cemetery known for its Spanish moss-draped oaks and Victorian monuments, located a short drive away.
- Oatland Island Wildlife Center: A nature reserve featuring a native animal trail that winds through maritime forest and salt marshes.
- Tybee Island: A popular barrier island featuring sandy beaches, a historic lighthouse, and an ocean pier, situated further east.
- River Street: A bustling historic waterfront promenade in downtown Savannah lined with shops, restaurants, and converted cotton warehouses.
- Forsyth Park: A large 30-acre city park in the historic district famous for its large 19th-century cast-iron fountain.
