Savannah River Street
The Basics
The best way to experience River Street is by foot, letting you easily and leisurely stop into its many inviting shops, bars, and restaurants. Some guided walking tours of Savannah’s historic district include River Street on their route, providing insight into the street’s history as a cotton warehouse district and highlighting other historic landmarks, such as the Waving Girl statue. Additionally look for River Street on the itinerary of Savannah ghost tours, which reveal spookier aspects of the street’s history, or on hop-on hop-off trolley tours, which let you stay on the thoroughfare as long as you’d like before continuing through downtown Savannah. For the most spectacular views, book a helicopter tour that flies over the Savannah River, River Street, and more.
Things to Know Before You Go
Plan to spend up to a few hours on River Street.
Explore with a guide to learn about the street’s past as one of the oldest areas in Georgia.
Wear flat, comfortable shoes for walking on the cobblestones.
A wheelchair accessible entrance is available through an elevator at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
River Street offers great nightlife as well as kid-friendly attractions.
How to Get There
River Street is located below the level of the rest of Savannah’s downtown, and is accessible by a series of stairways and ramps from East Bay Street. Though you can drive to River Street, parking is very limited; it is recommended to park elsewhere, or take the city’s free downtown area shuttle, which drops off within two blocks of River Street. River Street runs for nine blocks, roughly the length of Savannah’s historic district.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
River Street is open year-round. Savannah’s summer months are notoriously hot and humid, so if you’re planning to spend much time walking around, aim for a spring or fall visit. If bars and clubs are on your radar, be sure to check out River Street at night—it’s a popular nightlife location.
River Street for History Buffs
River Street is one of the oldest continuously used areas in all of Georgia. In fact, it is the site where James Oglethorpe first landed and established the Savannah colony in 1733.
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