If you’re looking for a historic and charming street to explore in Savannah, look no further than River Street in Savannah, GA where you will have the best Savannah River Walk Experience! This street runs along the Savannah River and is lined with old warehouses that have been converted into quaint shops and restaurants. If you are a fan of history, then you’ll be in for a real treat.
I had the chance to visit Savannah River Street on my recent trip to Georgia, and I was absolutely charmed by the whole river walk Savannah experience. Even if you’re not a history buff, you can’t help but appreciate the beauty of these old buildings. Plus, the river itself is absolutely beautiful, and it was so peaceful just watching the boats drift by.
I would highly recommend spending a few days exploring River Street if you find yourself in Savannah – it’s definitely worth a visit!
Savannah River Walk: 9 Things To Do On Your First Visit: Tasty Food, Unique Shopping, and Top Attractions
Whether you’re looking for a little history, some shopping, or a great place to eat, the Savannah River Walk has it all. Here are a few of the things you can do on a trip to the Savannah River Walk.
#1 Watch The Boats Go By At Boardwalk Savannah GA
This is probably the most visited part of Savannah River Street Walk. It is so therapeutic just being there and watching the boats in the river. After taking a leisurely stroll on the boardwalk, you can find plenty of shops and restaurants along the area. For the best dining experience, I suggest getting a patio table so you can have a beautiful view of the sunset.
Several of the restaurants and bars there have a long history in Savannah – enjoy the Southern Cuisine while spending some self-care time by the boardwalk.
#2 Book a Hop-On-Hop Off Trolley Tour
Hop-on-Hop-off trolley excursions are one of my favorite methods to see a new city since they not only offer you a bird’s-eye perspective of the region, but also highlight the best attractions.
Plus, if you’re not so fond of too much walking, you can still explore Savannah’s most beautiful attractions by hopping on a River Street Trolley Tour – this is especially helpful in the heat!
The trolley stops at various locations along the place, so guests can alight to take pictures and roam around at their own pace. This narrated tour is definitely a fun way to learn more about the history of Savannah.
Savannah offers two trolley tours, one the Old Town Trolley Tours of Savannah and the Old Savannah Tours. Both will give you an overview 
and let you explore also on your own. The best part about these two is that they’re done by locals who have lived in Savannah often for many generations and have direct connection to the past of it. What better way to learn about history than from locals whose roots are part of it?
Get your tickets here on TripAdvisor!
#3 Go On A Savannah Riverboat Cruise
One of the best ways to see Savannah River Street is from the water. And what better way to do that than on a riverboat cruise?
I was lucky enough to be invited to board a historic riverboat sightseeing cruise. This is a must for the ultimate Savannah River Walk experience! The tour was very relaxing and the narrator made sure to present the history of Savannah in an entertaining way. There was lots of trivia and it was never boring!
Envision yourself on a trip where the exquisite interior design makes you feel like royalty in addition to learning about fascinating historical events. All the decorations inside make it seem upskale and luxurious.
When we reached the eastern part of the river, they pointed us to the Waving Girl Statue. It is a monument dedicated to Florence Martus. She was known for consistently waiving a handkerchief for four decades just to greet and welcome the ships entering Savannah.
Some people say that the real reason Florence waived day and night was because she fell in love with a sailor and waited patiently for him to return. Whether this story is true or not, the Waving Girl Statue has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in the area.
The first type of tour is a historical one that takes you around Savannah’s historic waterways. They also provide you with snacks, food, and beverages at the bar onsite, while you learn about the city’s founding and the discovery of its location. The brunch tour is similar, but with a buffet of delicious Southern food to eat while you learn about Savannah’s rich history – what better way to explore Savannah’s river walk than with food and a cruise?
#3 Visit The Infamous Historic Steps in Savannah, GA: The Stone Stairs of Death
Take a walk back in time with a visit to these historic steps during your Savannah River Walk experience. The stone stairs, or “steps of death” as they’re sometimes called, are one of the most popular attractions on Savannah River Street.
Locals coined the name “steps of death” because if you’re not careful, the very steep stairs can lead to serious accidents – me being 5’2 you can see how hard of a time I had getting up the stairs, ha.
Interestingly, people flock to these steps every St Patrick’s Day to have fun and celebrate. So maybe next St Patrick’s Day, you can go here instead of drinking at river street bars in Savannah GA. Just make sure to not fall accidentally as you’re enjoying the rich celebrations of the South.
#4 Enjoy A Short Stroll At Factor’s Walk Savannah GA
Factors’ Walk in Savannah, GA used to be the stomping ground of “factors,” or agents, that were involved in the cotton trade. The area is now pedestrian friendly with some cute shops and nice restaurants. It is located just a few minutes from Boardwalk Savannah GA but still quite hidden, so make sure not to miss this gem!
Fun Trivia: Factor’s Walk is also sometimes spelled as Factors Walk Savannah GA, so don’t get confused with the spelling.
#6 Have Fun Shopping At The Main Street Marketplace
Located at the far eastern end of River Street, this replica of a mid-nineteenth-century open-air market is a prime example of Savannah’s dedication to history and preservation. The Savannah Main Street Marketplace is the perfect place to find unique gifts and souvenirs. This open-air market features a variety of vendors. They sell everything from handcrafted arts and crafts to local honey and other local cuisines. The place is not that big, so you can easily explore all the shops inside during your savannah river walk experience.
Looking for the real deal when it comes to history? Experience true Southern hospitality and the unique atmosphere of an open-air riverside market by paying this unique marketplace a visit – a one of a kind experience!
#7 Fill Your Stomach With Delicious Food From Restaurants On River Street Savannah
The Savannah River Walk is home to a number of great cafes and restaurants. Some have a long history, where you not only enjoy delicious food, but also get to know the origins of the entire place. Some may even be haunted – are you ready for some to die for deliciousness?
Here are some of my favorites:
- The Pirates’ House Restaurant: Located in the city’s oldest building, this restaurant on River Street Savannah has quite a scary history. Pirates and sailors used to frequent and rule over the place. In fact, the owners discovered a tunnel connecting the house cellar to the river. The common belief is that pirates used this tunnel when they abducted drunk patrons.
- River Street Sweets: This shop offers a variety of southern-style candies and desserts, including ice cream fudge and pralines. This shop allows visitors to watch the candy being made in real-time. Important to note that this does not happen very often in other candy stores. What a treat!
- Tubby’s Seafood River Street: The restaurant has a casual, friendly atmosphere, and the menu features a variety of seafood items. It also offers balcony seating for a great river view experience.
#8 River Street Bars: Savannah, GA Nightlife Experience
Craving good beer and live music? Savannah River Street has exciting and vibrant nightlife!
Some of the places you can check out are the following:
- Wet Willie’s
- The Warehouse Bar & Grille
- The Cotton Exchange Tavern
- Club 309 West
- Chuck’s Bar
#9 Is The River Street Inn Savannah Haunted Or Not? It’s Your Chance To Find Out!
The River Street Inn has a rich history. Dating back to 1817 when it was originally built as a cotton warehouse it was then converted into a hotel. Since then it has housed many guests from all over.
Up until now, you can still hear many stories from people who claim that River Street Inn Savannah is haunted. And while I can’t tell for sure if it is truly haunted or not, it’s definitely an interesting place worth checking out!
Want to Stay At A Haunted Hotel In Savannah?
Can I Get Around Savannah Without A Car? A Common Question!
Yes absolutely! Savannah is amazing as everything is within one hour walking distance, especially in the historic district.
Here’s what you can use to get around:
- Walk – amazing health benefits, you get to explore more, and you get to maybe even find some hidden gems.
- Uber/Lyft – if it gets too late or you get too hot/tired to walk, use Uber/Lyft and it will often cost you less than $10 to get to places
- Bicycle – Rent a bicycle for the day or bring your own
- Their FREE public transit system (yes you heard right!) – Savannah Belles Passenger Ferry, River Street Streetcar (also called Dottie is currently out of service), and Dot Shuttle (also out of service)
Too many places to keep track of in Savannah, GA? Well, you are in luck. Here is a map of all the best places in Savannah, GA to visit. Enjoy!
When Are You Planning To Visit Savannah?
So, have I convinced you yet?
I had a blast on my first visit and I really think it is the perfect weekend destination. There are so many restaurants on River Street Savannah that I feel like going back just to try some of them. I personally loved shopping at Main Street Marketplace and watching the sunset at Boardwalk Savannah, GA.
I hope this first-timer’s guide to Savannah’s River Street walk will help make your experience even better. With its charming architecture, delicious food, and rich history, I have a feeling that you won’t be disappointed.
And before you go, make sure to check out my other guide on how to explore Savannah’s Historic District!
XO,
Anna
P.S. Are you struggling with Travel exhaustion? You know, that moment when you feel like you need a vacation for the vacation or trip you have right now? Check out my Self-care Travel Guide!
Anna is a traveler, blogger, and entrepreneur who can’t keep herself still. She’s always on the move, whether working hard on a new passion project or exploring a new city as a part-time digital nomad. Dare to keep up? Check out The Tatted Nomad for everything digital nomad, social media marketing, mental health, and travel (and to see her latest addition, Novah, her service dog and travel companion). As a psychotherapist (to be) she also offers insights about your mental health related questions – anything you see that isn’t covered but you have questions about? Let her know!
