Is River Street worth visiting?

Absolutely. River Street combines Savannah’s history, waterfront views, shopping, dining, and entertainment into one of the city’s most enjoyable destinations.

How much time should I spend on River Street?

Most visitors spend between two and four hours exploring River Street, though it’s easy to stay longer if you plan to enjoy lunch, dinner, shopping, or a riverboat cruise.

Is River Street family friendly?

Yes. Families enjoy the open waterfront, candy stores, specialty shops, museums, and frequent street performers found throughout the district.

Can you walk to River Street from the Historic District?

Yes. River Street is located directly below Bay Street and is easily accessible on foot from many hotels and vacation rentals throughout Savannah’s Historic District.

Is River Street good at night?

Yes. River Street remains lively into the evening with waterfront restaurants, live music, bars, and beautiful nighttime views of the Savannah River.

What is the best way to experience River Street?

We recommend arriving in the late afternoon, exploring the shops, enjoying dinner overlooking the river, and staying through sunset. Pair your visit with Savannah Riverboat Cruises or nearby City Market for a full afternoon and evening in the Historic District.

Things to Do

River Street

Who It's For

Budget-Friendly

Children

Couples

Families

First-Time Visitors

Foodies

Groups

History Buffs

Outdoor

Photography

Romantic

Seniors

Shopping

Solo Travelers

Location

River Street

Savannah Historic District

Best Time To Visit

Afternoon

Evening

Night

Duration

2-4 Hours

Half Day

Best Seasons

Year Round

Environment

Outdoor

Type of Experience

Attraction

Shopping

River Street is one of Savannah’s most recognizable destinations and a place nearly every visitor experiences during their stay. Stretching along the Savannah River beneath historic Bay Street, this vibrant waterfront combines centuries-old cotton warehouses, locally owned shops, waterfront restaurants, galleries, museums, and entertainment into one unforgettable district.

Whether you’re enjoying fresh seafood overlooking the river, watching massive cargo ships pass through one of the nation’s busiest ports, shopping for local gifts, or simply strolling the cobblestone streets with an ice cream in hand, River Street offers something for every traveler. It’s equally enjoyable during the day or after sunset, making it one of the best places to experience Savannah’s history while enjoying its modern waterfront atmosphere.

Why We Recommend It

River Street is one of the places we recommend to every guest because it brings together so many of Savannah’s best experiences in one walkable location. Historic architecture, riverfront views, shopping, dining, museums, and entertainment all come together along a stretch that’s easy to explore at your own pace.

Many guests visit River Street more than once during their stay. It’s perfect for an afternoon of sightseeing, a sunset cocktail overlooking the river, dinner with family or friends, or simply relaxing while watching enormous container ships quietly glide past. There’s always something happening, and no two visits feel exactly the same.

If you’re only visiting Savannah for a weekend, River Street deserves a place near the top of your itinerary.

History

Long before River Street became one of Savannah’s premier visitor destinations, it served as the commercial heart of the city. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, ships loaded and unloaded cotton, tobacco, timber, and other goods along the busy waterfront. The massive brick warehouses lining today’s River Street stored those products before they continued to markets around the world.

As Savannah evolved, many of these historic buildings were preserved and thoughtfully restored rather than demolished. Today they house restaurants, boutiques, galleries, museums, hotels, and attractions while maintaining much of their original architectural character. Walking along River Street offers visitors the unique opportunity to experience Savannah’s commercial history while enjoying one of the city’s liveliest entertainment districts.

What We Like

River Street offers one of the best opportunities to experience Savannah at your own pace. There isn’t a strict itinerary to follow. Instead, it’s a place where wandering becomes part of the experience.

One visit may involve browsing local boutiques, watching artists at work, and enjoying lunch overlooking the river. Another might include dinner, live music, and a sunset walk beneath the historic riverfront buildings. We especially appreciate the contrast between Savannah’s centuries-old architecture and the modern cargo ships navigating the river—a reminder that Savannah remains an active international port.

It’s also one of our favorite places to recommend on a guest’s first evening in town. Walking River Street gives visitors an immediate sense of Savannah’s history, energy, and waterfront beauty.

Things To Know Before You Go

Wear Comfortable Shoes

River Street’s original cobblestone streets are beautiful but uneven in places. Comfortable walking shoes will make exploring much more enjoyable.

Use the Historic Staircases or Elevators

River Street sits below Bay Street, with several public staircases and elevators connecting the two levels throughout the Historic District.

Visit During Sunset

Late afternoon and early evening provide some of the best views along the river, especially as the historic buildings begin to glow in the evening light.

Explore Beyond the Main Walkway

Don’t stop at the riverfront promenade. Many shops, restaurants, museums, and hidden courtyards are tucked inside the restored warehouse buildings.

Watch the Ships

Savannah is home to one of the busiest ports in the United States. Watching enormous container ships quietly pass through the river is an experience many first-time visitors don’t expect.

Plan Time for Shopping and Dining

Most visitors spend longer on River Street than they originally planned thanks to the variety of local boutiques, candy shops, galleries, restaurants, and waterfront bars.

FAQs

One of the greatest advantages of staying in Savannah’s Historic District is having River Street just a short walk away. Rather than worrying about parking or transportation, you can spend the day exploring the waterfront, enjoy dinner overlooking the river, browse local shops, and return to your vacation rental whenever you’re ready. It’s one of the easiest—and most memorable—ways to experience Savannah.

Browse our collection of Savannah Historic District Vacation Rentals to stay within walking distance of River Street, City Market, Savannah Riverboat Cruises, Forsyth Park, and many of the city’s most celebrated restaurants and historic attractions.