The Ultimate Spring Garden Tour Guide: Savannah & Charleston 2027 – Azaleas, Historic Homes & Hidden Gardens
Five 2027 garden tours across Savannah and Charleston — plus a six-day azalea pilgrimage itinerary and curated historic stays to make the most of every moment.
Spring garden tours in the South are not to be missed. If you haven't planned one yet, make this your year. Right now. Drop everything. Book this. Trust me.
Take your mother, your daughter, your girlfriends, or your husband (if and only if he is not the complaining type on garden tours. Better yet, park him at a bar).
I'm Margee Moore, owner of BigOrange Marketing, a digital marketing agency, and hell-bent on becoming a 60-Something Influencer one of these days.
These two cities have a special place in my heart. I spent the early years of my marriage in Georgia, met my husband in Savannah (yes, on River Street, on St. Patrick's Day), and later had parents who lived in Charleston. I've had plenty of opportunities to fall under the spell of both.
Let me tell you, in spring, when the grass is fresh and bright green and the azaleas are in full bloom, it can bring actual tears to your eyes.
Let's get to the gardens.
1. April 16–17, 2027: NOGS Tour of Hidden Gardens, Savannah's Best-Kept Garden Secret
My favorite Savannah garden experience is the NOGS Tour. NOGS stands for North of Gaston Street, which seems to be code for the uber-cool, most historic part of Savannah.
I went last year with my daughter, and it was fantastic. My hubby joined us for the Savannah trip, but we parked him at the bar for the tour. Everyone was happier.
The NOGS Tour of Hidden Gardens is a chance to step behind the gates of private Savannah homes and discover gardens you would never see on an ordinary visit. These gardens are often walled, narrow and quite unique. A must-see.
But my favorite part wasn't just the gardens. It was the wonderful Garden Club members and Savannah ladies we met along the way, the lovely garden tea afterward at the Harper-Fowlkes House, and, of course, mimosas with my daughter in Forsyth Park. It was one of the best mother-daughter memories ever.
Here's what you need to know for 2027:
Dates: April 16–17, 2027 Hours: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Where: Private gardens throughout Savannah's Landmark Historic District. Format: Self-guided walking tour. Explore the gardens in whatever order you like. Stop for your own mimosas whenever you like, too. Ticket pickup: Harper-Fowlkes House, 230 Barnard Street. Ticket pickup is available April 15–17. Extras: Southern refreshments and afternoon tea sessions, plus optional premium trolley tours.
Mark Your Calendar: Tickets Go On Sale November 15, 2026.
A word about tickets: Don't wait. Last year, I waited too long and the first batch sold out. I managed to get tickets in the next release, but I wouldn't count on being that lucky again.
The 2027 tour celebrates the 50th anniversary of NOGS and the 100th anniversary of the Garden Club of Savannah. It's going to be a special year.
Put November 15 on your calendar and be ready to buy.
Official NOGS Tour information and ticket sales | Garden Club of Savannah: Plan Your Visit
Looking for a place to stay for the NOGS Tour? Our curated Savannah stays are all in the historic district, within easy walking distance of the gardens.
2. March 19–20, 2027: Charleston's 91st House & Garden Tours
I'm going to tell you something: You need to do this at least once in your life. Why not make 2027 the year?
Charleston's Garden Club House & Garden Tours are one of the best ways to experience the city. Not only do you get to see beautiful gardens, but you get to walk through the gates and doors of privately owned historic homes that most of us would otherwise only admire from the sidewalk. Now that's a garden tour.
The Garden Club of Charleston is celebrating its 91st annual tour on March 19–20, 2027. Garden Club members serve as docents, sharing the history and stories behind these gorgeous homes and gardens. You'll also enjoy floral displays, live music, local artists and Southern hospitality along the way.
Two days. Two fabulous neighborhoods.
Friday, March 19: South of Broad
This is the Charleston you've seen in the movies: grand historic homes, beautiful ironwork, brick garden walls, magnolias, camellias and charming private courtyards. You'll want to stop every few steps to take another picture.
Saturday, March 20: Harleston Village
Tree-lined streets, historic homes, shaded piazzas, tucked-away gardens and lovely Colonial Lake. It's a little different from South of Broad, but every bit as charming.
Get Your Tickets
These tours sell out, so don't wait until the last minute. I'd do both days.
Friday, March 19: Buy South of Broad tickets | Saturday, March 20: Buy Harleston Village tickets
Check the official ticket listings for current pricing and availability. Tours are scheduled from 1–4 p.m. each afternoon.
A Few Things Before You Go
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Expect at least a mile of walking, with some routes estimated at 2–3 miles.
Pick up your tour lanyard and map before you start. Early pickup is Thursday, March 18, from noon–4 p.m. at the Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting Street.
No photography inside the private homes and gardens.
Tours happen rain or shine, so bring an umbrella if the forecast calls for it.
Get all the details at The Garden Club of Charleston's official tour page.
Here's my suggestion: Make a long weekend of it. Find a beautiful place to stay, tour both neighborhoods, enjoy a wonderful Charleston dinner and give yourself another day to explore. This is one of those experiences you really should put on your life list. And spring in Charleston? Well, that's just showing off.
Our Charleston stays are curated for exactly this kind of weekend — beautiful historic homes, private gardens and walkable neighborhoods.
3. April 1–24, 2027: The Charleston Festival, A Whole Month of Gardens, History & Beautiful Homes
If you love peeking behind Charleston's famous iron gates, this is an event worth planning around. The Charleston Festival, formerly the Festival of Houses & Gardens, is a month-long celebration presented by the Historic Charleston Foundation. And 2027 marks its 80th anniversary.
Unlike the two-day Garden Club tour, this festival offers a whole calendar of individual experiences throughout Charleston. You can choose from:
House & Garden Tours: Self-guided tours of privately owned historic homes and gardens, with different streets and neighborhoods featured on different afternoons.
Garden Tours: Special experiences exploring private gardens and beautiful landscapes.
Morning History Walks: Guided walks through Charleston's historic neighborhoods.
Music, Lectures & Cultural Events: Concerts, architecture and design talks, workshops and special dining experiences.
How it works: The festival runs April 1–24, but not every event happens every day. You choose the tours and experiences you want, then purchase tickets for those individual dates. The complete 2027 schedule, including specific tour dates, properties and prices, has not yet been released.
Mark Your Calendar: December 1, 2026
That's when tickets go on sale. I'd put a reminder on your calendar and check the schedule as soon as it's published. Some of these special experiences have limited availability.
Explore the Charleston Festival and buy tickets | Get festival information from the Historic Charleston Foundation
My suggestion: If you're already planning a March trip for the Garden Club's House & Garden Tours, consider coming back in April or staying longer. With nearly a month of events, you can build a Charleston getaway around the homes, gardens and experiences that interest you most.
4. April 23–25, 2027: Georgia Trust Spring Ramble, Historic Homes & Gardens
April 23–25, 2027 | Savannah, Georgia
Discover Savannah's architectural treasures. Hosted by The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation in partnership with Historic Savannah Foundation, this special event offers visitors rare access to private historic homes, gardens and landmarks throughout Savannah.
What to Expect
Private historic homes and gardens, normally closed to the public.
Tours throughout the Historic District, Ardsley Park and Isle of Hope.
Special dining experiences in historic settings.
A closer look at Savannah's architecture, history and preservation.
Highlights include dinner at Old Fort Jackson overlooking the Savannah River and brunch at Cohen's Retreat, a restored 1934 Spanish Colonial Revival landmark.
Make It a Secret Garden Stay
Turn the Ramble into a long spring weekend. Stay in a restored historic home, a charming carriage house or a rental with a beautiful private courtyard. Enjoy morning coffee in the garden before spending the day exploring Savannah's architectural and garden treasures.
Secret Garden Stays Tip: Arrive Thursday, April 22, and make a weekend of it. Book accommodations early for this special spring event.
Event Details: Georgia Trust Spring Ramble
5. Build Your Own 2027 Azalea Pilgrimage: Three Days in Savannah, Three Days in Charleston
Let me just say it: A spring garden tour in Savannah and Charleston belongs on your bucket list. Not someday. Not when you get around to it. 2027 is the year.
My recommendation is three days in Savannah, followed by three days in Charleston. Now, here's the tricky part: azaleas do not consult our calendars. Their bloom depends on winter temperatures and spring weather, so predicting the exact peak is a bit of a guessing game.
My Scientific Wild-Azalea Guess (SWAG) for 2027?
March 17.
And what scientific research supports that date? Absolutely none. It's an Irish guess, hoping for the luck of the Irish.
Here's what we do know: Savannah is introducing Savannah Azalea Days, a new spring celebration running February through April 2027. The idea is to celebrate the city's spring flowers, gardens and outdoor experiences, with special offers and activities still being announced.
Charleston's azaleas generally begin opening in mid-March, with a typical peak from late March into early April. Middleton Place lists azaleas among its March and April blooms, and Magnolia Plantation is famous for its spectacular spring azalea display.
So think of March 17 as my fun starting point, not a promise of peak bloom. If seeing Charleston's azaleas at their best is your priority, consider a later March or early April visit.
Stop One: Savannah, March 15–18
Three days in Savannah gives you time for the parade, a little garden wandering and a proper Southern lunch. Here are the places I'd put on your list:
Bonaventure Cemetery: Don't let the word cemetery scare you off. Bonaventure is breathtaking, with live oaks, Spanish moss, historic monuments and spring azaleas. Give yourself a couple of hours to wander. It's hauntingly beautiful in the very best way.
Forsyth Park & Garden of Fragrance: Start at the famous fountain, then find the tucked-away Garden of Fragrance. It's a little garden gem you don't want to miss.
Lunch at Forsyth Park: Find a lovely spot overlooking the park, order lunch and enjoy a mimosa. Actually, make that mimosas. They're practically required on this pilgrimage.
Pulaski & Lafayette Squares: Stroll these gorgeous historic squares, where spring azaleas show off against Savannah's grand old homes. Bring your camera and don't rush.
The Historic District: Wander. Peek through iron gates, admire the courtyards and let yourself get a little lost. Some of Savannah's prettiest gardens aren't on any tour. They're simply waiting to be discovered.
Don't Miss Savannah Azalea Days — February–April 2027
This is a new reason to plan a spring trip to Savannah. Visit Savannah is introducing Savannah Azalea Days as a citywide celebration of the season, when pink, purple, red and white azaleas brighten the squares, parks, streets and gardens.
The program is still growing, with special offers, experiences and additional activities expected to be announced. Bonaventure Cemetery, Forsyth Park and Savannah's historic squares are all wonderful places to start your own azalea hunt.
Keep an eye on the official page as plans develop. This could become a wonderful annual spring tradition.
And then there's St. Patrick's Day. On Wednesday, March 17, make the parade your main event. Savannah's celebration is one of the country's great St. Patrick's Day traditions, with marching bands, Irish societies, dancers and a sea of green. I may be a little partial, after all.
The city's public St. Patrick's Day celebration dates back to 1824. It's an experience you really should see at least once.
Margee's Booking Advice: Savannah will be busy, and vacation rental prices will reflect the occasion. Book your historic district stay early, preferably within walking distance of the festivities. This is not the weekend to wait until the last minute and hope a charming courtyard cottage magically appears.
Stop Two: Charleston, March 18–21
After Savannah, head to Charleston for three more days of gardens, historic architecture and Lowcountry charm. Charleston is never exactly inexpensive, especially in spring, but this is one of those destinations where the experience is worth the splurge.
Here are the gardens I'd put at the top of your list:
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens: My number-one Charleston-area pick for azaleas. Winding garden paths, ancient oaks, water views and spectacular pink, white and red blooms. If you visit only one major garden, make it Magnolia. Azaleas are a spring highlight, but the exact peak depends on the weather. Check Magnolia's What's in Bloom information.
Middleton Place: A garden lover's dream, with formal terraces, reflecting pools and more than 100,000 azaleas. The garden's own bloom calendar lists several azalea varieties in March and April. Check Middleton Place's garden calendar.
White Point Garden: Right at the tip of the Charleston peninsula, this lovely waterfront park is framed by grand historic homes, live oaks and Spanish moss. A perfect place for a leisurely stroll and a few photographs.
South of Broad & Harleston Village: Wander these beautiful historic neighborhoods. Peek through wrought-iron gates, admire the architecture and watch for private courtyards bursting with spring flowers. Some of Charleston's best garden moments are the ones you stumble upon.
Or, if you don't want to make your own itinerary, join the Charleston Garden Club House & Garden Tours on March 19–20, 2027. See section 2 above for details.
One Important Timing Note: My March 17 Irish prediction may put us a little ahead of peak azalea season at Magnolia and Middleton Place. I told you my guess wasn't scientific. Late March into early April is generally a better window for Charleston's azaleas, but Mother Nature gets the final say.
Book Your Southern Spring Getaway Now
Here's my advice: don't wait for the azaleas to bloom before booking your trip. By then, the best vacation rentals may be gone. Savannah is especially busy around St. Patrick's Day, and Charleston is a popular spring destination in its own right.
Look for a beautiful historic home, a private courtyard, a garden cottage or a charming apartment in a walkable neighborhood. Yes, I'm talking about my curated Secret Garden Stays. We'll do the searching for you.
Plan Your 2027 Southern Garden Getaway — Curated Vacation Rentals in Savannah & Charleston
Why stay in a hotel when you can enjoy a beautiful historic home, private garden or charming courtyard?
At Secret Garden Stays, we take the work out of finding the perfect vacation rental. We handpick a select collection of properties in Savannah and Charleston, each evaluated for four things:
Garden Experience: Beautiful gardens, courtyards and outdoor spaces.
Historic Character: Distinctive architecture and neighborhood charm.
Interior Charm: Beautiful, comfortable and thoughtfully appointed interiors.
Walkability: Close to restaurants, shops, gardens and local attractions.
We don't list hundreds of vacation rentals. We curate just a few exceptional stays that meet our standards, saving you hours of searching.
Whether you're planning a girlfriend getaway, a trip with friends or a mother-daughter escape, enjoy the space, comfort and character of a home rather than another hotel room.
Less searching. Better stays. More time enjoying Savannah and Charleston.
Explore our curated vacation rentals.
TL;DR — Verified 2027 Event Details
1. NOGS Tour of Hidden Gardens, Savannah — Confirmed April 16–17, 2027 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of NOGS and the 100th anniversary of the Garden Club of Savannah. Self-guided tour of private gardens in Savannah's historic district. Harper-Fowlkes House is the ticket pickup and hospitality location. Tickets go on sale November 15, 2026. Official NOGS information
2. Charleston Garden Club House & Garden Tours — Confirmed March 19–20, 2027 | 1–4 p.m. Friday, March 19: South of Broad. Saturday, March 20: Harleston Village. Tickets listed at $100 per day, plus fees. Early map and lanyard pickup: March 18, noon–4 p.m. Comfortable walking shoes recommended. No photography inside private homes. Official Garden Club information
3. The Charleston Festival — Confirmed April 1–24, 2027 80th anniversary of the festival, formerly the Festival of Houses & Gardens. Programming includes house and garden tours, history walks, music and lectures. Individual 2027 event schedule has not yet been announced. Tickets go on sale December 1, 2026. Official Charleston Festival
4. Georgia Trust Spring Ramble, Savannah — Confirmed April 23–25, 2027 Features historic homes, gardens and landmarks in the Historic District, Ardsley Park and Isle of Hope. Dinner at Old Fort Jackson overlooking the Savannah River. Brunch at Cohen's Retreat. Self-guided and self-paced, with visitors using their own transportation. Official Georgia Trust details
Margee Moore is the CEO of BigOrange Marketing and the creator of Secret Garden Stays. She writes about historic Southern travel, beautiful places to stay, and the gardens, architecture and neighborhoods that make Savannah and Charleston worth coming back to.
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