River Street

River Street is Savannah's signature waterfront destination — a nine-block stretch of restored cotton warehouses converted into shops, restaurants, galleries, and candy stores, running along the south bank of the Savannah River. The cobblestone promenade, once the working heart of Savannah's cotton trade, is now one of the city's most popular family destinations.

The appeal for families is the combination of sensory stimulation and waterfront energy. Kids can duck into candy shops to watch pralines being handmade, browse souvenir stores for Savannah memorabilia, and watch street performers — musicians, artists, and living statues — who set up along the promenade. The atmosphere is festive and walkable, with enough to see and do to fill 1-3 hours.

The Savannah River itself provides unexpected entertainment. The Port of Savannah is one of the busiest in the United States, and enormous container ships pass directly in front of River Street throughout the day. These vessels are so massive — often 1,000 feet long and stacked with colorful shipping containers — that watching them glide past feels cinematic.

Kids (and adults) are genuinely awed by their scale and proximity.

Practically, families should know that River Street is paved with uneven cobblestones that make strollers challenging to push. Baby carriers or wagons with large wheels work better for families with very young children. Access from the bluff above (Bay Street) requires navigating steep stairways or ramps — the elevators near City Hall are the most accessible option.

The Savannah Belles Ferry, a free water taxi, crosses the river to Hutchinson Island and provides a brief, fun boat ride for kids.

For dining, River Street offers everything from casual seafood shacks to upscale Southern restaurants. Families with young children tend to prefer the more casual options, where sandy feet and sticky hands from praline samples are perfectly acceptable. The east end of River Street is generally less crowded and more family-oriented than the central blocks, which can take on a bar-and-nightlife character after dark.