East River Street
Rating
Price
Free
Duration
1-3 hours
Best Ages
Best for ages 2-16
About
East River Street runs along the Savannah River on old cotton warehouse row, and it's one of those spots that works for pretty much any age. The cobblestone street sits below the bluff, so you walk down steep ramps to get there — fair warning, they're slippery. Once you're down, it's a straight shot of shops, restaurants, candy stores, and river views.
The real draw for kids is the ship traffic. Container ships and tankers pass through the channel maybe 50 yards from where you're standing, and they're absolutely massive. Toddlers lose their minds.
Older kids get into it too — there's something about a ship the length of three football fields gliding past at eye level that doesn't get old. The free Savannah Belles Ferry runs from the east end over to Hutchinson Island and back. It takes about 5 minutes each way, and kids treat it like a real boat ride.
No tickets, no lines most of the time.
The shops are a mixed bag. River Street Sweets and Savannah's Candy Kitchen hand out free praline samples, which is basically a guaranteed stop with kids. There are a few toy shops and souvenir places scattered along the strip. Prices are tourist-level — expect $8-12 for a small bag of candy.
For food, you've got options ranging from casual to decent. Huey's does cajun stuff with a kids menu. Vic's on the River is a nicer pick if you want to actually sit down. Most places are reasonably kid-tolerant during lunch hours.
Strollers technically work but it's not fun. The cobblestones are rough, the ramps are steep, and you'll be fighting it the whole time. A carrier is way easier for babies and young toddlers. Older kids handle the cobblestones fine but watch them near the river edge — there's no railing in a lot of spots.
Best strategy: go in the morning before the cruise passengers flood in, start at the east end where it's quieter, and work your way west. Budget about 90 minutes for a casual walk with stops, longer if you're eating. The whole thing is free unless you start buying pralines — and you will start buying pralines.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Limited
Nursing / Changing
Limited
Kid Meals
N/A
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings before 11am or late afternoon around 4-5pm — the cruise ship crowds thin out and it's way more manageable with kids
Wait Times
No wait to walk the street. Individual shops and restaurants can have 15-30 min waits on weekends.
Nearby Food
Huey's on the River does solid po'boys and has a kids menu around $7-8. Vic's on the River is a step up if you want a nicer sit-down — crab stew is worth it, and they don't mind kids. For quick bites, grab a slice from Vinnie Van Go-Go's just up the bluff on City Market.
Why Kids Love It
The massive cargo ships passing right overhead blow kids' minds — they're so close you can almost touch them. The cobblestones feel like an adventure, and there's usually a street musician or two playing. Waving at tugboat captains and watching the river traffic keeps little ones entertained longer than you'd expect.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Wear shoes with grip — the ballast stone ramps down to River Street are steep and genuinely slippery, especially after rain. Flip-flops are a bad call.
- Park at the City Market garage on Bryan Street ($2/hr) and walk down the ramps instead of fighting for spots on River Street itself.
- The east end of the street past the Hyatt is way less crowded and has better river views. Most tourists cluster around the middle.
- Hit River Street Sweets early if your kids want praline samples — they're generous in the morning but run out by afternoon.
What to Bring
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes for the uneven cobblestones
- Sunscreen and hats — almost no shade along the riverfront
- A carrier instead of a stroller if you have a baby (the ramps and cobblestones make strollers rough)
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$0-$80 (walking is free, candy shops ~$5-10/kid, river boat tours ~$15/adult $10/child, lunch at a riverfront spot ~$40-50 for four)
Tips to Save
- The street itself costs nothing — just walk it.
- Skip the tourist trap candy shops and grab ice cream from Leopold's on Broughton instead (about $5/scoop).
- The free Savannah Belles Ferry runs across the river to Hutchinson Island and back, and kids think it's a legit boat ride.
