River Street is Savannah's historic riverfront promenade — a brick-and-cobblestone strip of 19th-century cotton warehouses reborn as shops, galleries, restaurants and candy kitchens, running along the Savannah River at the edge of the Historic District. It's free to visit, best explored on foot, and worth half a day of any Savannah trip: watch massive container ships glide past, browse the riverfront shops, catch live music, and eat a praline still warm off the marble.
Our family opened Savannah's original candy store here in 1973, back when the riverfront was just beginning its revival — so consider this a guide from the folks who've watched River Street from behind a candy counter for 50 years.
A little history under your feet
Those uneven cobblestones? Many arrived as ship ballast centuries ago. In Savannah's cotton era, this waterfront was the working heart of one of the busiest ports in the South. The multi-story brick warehouses stored cotton bound for the world, and the elevated walkways and iron bridges behind them — Factor's Walk — let cotton brokers ("factors") grade bales from above.
When the cotton economy faded, the waterfront slumbered for decades until a 1970s urban renewal effort transformed the warehouses into the shops, pubs, galleries and restaurants you see today. That's the era our story starts: 1973, one family, copper kettles, and a little candy store on a street betting on its second act.
Top things to do on River Street
Watch the ships
Savannah is one of the busiest container ports in the country, and the shipping channel runs right past River Street. Watching a skyscraper-sized cargo ship slide by close enough to read the hull markings never gets old. Sunset over the river is the locals' favorite show.
Meet the Waving Girl
At the east end in Morrell Park stands the statue of Florence Martus, the "Waving Girl," who greeted ships entering the port for decades — a symbol of Savannah hospitality ever since.
Pause at the African-American Monument
Near the west end, this bronze monument depicting a family with broken chains at their feet, dedicated in 2002, honors the enslaved Africans whose forced labor built much of Savannah's wealth — including the very warehouses lining the street. Its inscription features words by Maya Angelou. It's a powerful, necessary stop.
Explore Factor's Walk and the stairways
The steep historic stone stairs between Bay Street and River Street are an attraction in themselves (take the ramps or elevators if mobility is a concern — those steps are serious). The catacomb-like vaults and iron crosswalks of Factor's Walk are some of the most atmospheric corners of the city.
Ride the free ferry
The Savannah Belles ferry crosses from River Street to Hutchinson Island — free of charge — and the skyline view of the riverfront from the water is the best photo op in town.
Browse, snack, repeat
Dozens of shops, boutiques and galleries fill the old warehouses, plus restaurants and pubs for every appetite. And because this is Savannah, you're allowed to walk with your drink — or, in our professional opinion, with a warm praline.
Watch candy being made (and taste it)
Full disclosure: this is our favorite stop, because it's ours. At River Street Sweets — Savannah's original candy store — you can watch pralines cooked in copper kettles and hand-scooped onto a marble slab, see salt water taffy pulled and wrapped on our taffy machines, and try a free sample of whatever's fresh. The smell alone has been stopping foot traffic since 1973. Here's where to find us, and if you can't visit, watch how it's made.
River Street at a glance: a two-minute timeline
- 1733 — General James Oglethorpe founds Savannah on the bluff above this riverbank; the waterfront becomes the colony's front door.
- 1800s — King Cotton: the warehouses rise, Factor's Walk hums, and Savannah becomes one of the great cotton ports of the world.
- Early 1900s — The cotton economy collapses and the waterfront goes quiet for half a century.
- 1977 — The riverfront revitalization transforms the derelict warehouses into today's promenade of shops and restaurants. (We beat it here by four years — 1973 — and like to think we were a good omen.)
- Today — A working port's front porch: freighters, ferries, festivals and pralines, all on the same quarter mile.
The best photo spots
- The east-end view from Morrell Park — Waving Girl in the foreground, Talmadge Bridge arcing behind. Golden hour makes it a postcard.
- Mid-river from the ferry deck — the whole warehouse row in one frame; the free ride is Savannah's cheapest skyline tour.
- The stone stairways — moody, historic and satisfyingly steep-looking from the bottom. Watch your footing while composing the shot.
- Inside a candy store window — a copper kettle mid-boil and a marble slab of fresh pralines photograph better than any of us. The candy makers are used to it; wave.
When to visit River Street
- Mornings are quiet and cool — best for photos and cobblestones without crowds.
- Late afternoon into evening brings live music, busy patios and sunset over the river.
- Spring and fall offer Savannah's best weather. Summer is hot and humid — plan shade, water and ice cream breaks (we can help with that last one).
- Big events — above all St. Patrick's Day, one of the largest celebrations in the country — turn River Street into one giant party. Fantastic fun; not the day for a quiet stroll.
Practical tips from the locals
- Wear real shoes. The cobblestones are historic, charming and ruthless to flip-flops and heels.
- Getting down to the street: the stone steps from Bay Street are steep; ramps and elevators exist at several points along the way.
- Parking: garages and lots sit up on Bay Street and nearby — expect a short walk down. Better yet, stay in the Historic District and walk everywhere.
- Kids: ship-watching, the ferry ride, taffy machines and free candy samples make River Street one of the easiest kid stops in Savannah.
- Time needed: two to four unhurried hours covers the street, a meal and a ferry loop.
Beyond River Street: rounding out your Savannah day
River Street pairs perfectly with the rest of the Historic District, all walkable: the moss-draped squares (all 22 of them), Forsyth Park and its famous fountain, and Broughton Street for shopping — where you'll also find our second Savannah store. For a full plan, follow our one perfect day in Savannah itinerary.
Take River Street home with you
The classic Savannah souvenir isn't a t-shirt — it's a box of pralines. We'll pack it fresh, or better: skip the suitcase risk entirely and ship World Famous Pralines® and gift boxes straight to your door (or to whoever's watching your dog). It's how a few million people have kept a little of this street in their kitchens since 1973.
River Street FAQs
Is River Street free to visit?
Yes. The street, riverfront walk, monuments and people-watching are all free. Bring money only for what you eat, drink and take home.
How long should I spend on River Street?
Two to four hours is the sweet spot — enough for the monuments, shops, a ferry ride and a meal. Add more if you plan to settle into a patio for sunset.
Is River Street kid-friendly?
Very. Container ships, a free ferry, candy stores with taffy machines and free samples — it's basically engineered for kids. Just watch little feet on the cobblestones and along the river's edge.
What's the best time of day to visit?
Morning for calm and photos; late afternoon to evening for music, sunset and atmosphere. Weekdays are noticeably quieter than weekends.
Where should I park for River Street?
Use the garages and lots around Bay Street and the City Market area, then walk down. The riverfront level itself has very limited parking.
What food is River Street known for?
Pralines, above all — warm off the marble slab — plus salt water taffy, seafood and Southern classics at the street's restaurants. The free candy samples are a River Street tradition of their own.