200-Year-Old Cobblestone Streets Wind Through This Lively Savannah Shopping and Dining Haven

River Street in Savannah, Georgia

River Street blends old and new Savannah into one perfect strip along the water.

From fresh candy shops to century-old bars, this spot checks all the boxes: food, fun, stories, and waterfront views with huge ships passing by.

Here are some nice ways to spend your day in Savannah’s most famous historic street.

Climb Down The 33 Historic Steps

Make your way down the steep 33-step stairway on the west end of River Street to reach a lovely cobblestone area right by the water.

These steps from the 1700s are made of ballast stone and show their age with middles worn down by countless feet over the years.

Locals call them ‘the factor’s steps’ from their trading past. Tiny lights mark the edges at night and the best photos come from halfway down.

Walk The 200-Year-Old Stone Street

The bumpy road under your feet was once the ballast from ships that came from England, Scotland, and Wales over 200 years ago.

They turn a pretty purple color when it rains due to iron in the rock. In some spots, you can still make out old trolley tracks from the 1800s.

Wear good shoes because these stones make for tricky walking. The west end of River Street has the best section of this historic road surface.

Explore History That Dates Back to Slavery

The African American Monument shows a family with broken chains at their feet, facing west toward Africa, with words by Maya Angelou added in 2002.

Nearby, the World War II Monument (known as ‘The Cracked Earth’) lists the names of all locals who served, both sites sit right on the water.

These key markers give you a deeper sense of the city’s rich and complex history.

Eat Fresh Seafood In 1823 Cotton Warehouse

The Shrimp Factory has been serving up tasty meals since 1977 in this cotton building that still preserves the original wooden beams.

Don’t miss trying the famous Chatham Artillery Punch, a strong drink from the 1850s, and Vic’s on the River, where Civil War maps were found.

Most places on the riverfront offer outdoor tables right next to the water, and your meal might include fish caught that very morning.

Sip Cocktails With Bird’s-Eye River Views

Head up to rooftop bars like Top Deck for drinks with a view that’s hard to beat. During winters, get cozy next to the fire pit at Rocks on the Roof.

Their happy hour deals run from 4 to 6 pm with half-price snacks and drink specials, plus you’ll catch the Talmadge Bridge all lit up if you stay after dark.

Try Free Praline Samples Since 1973

River Street Sweets, the oldest candy shop in town, hands out warm praline samples to everyone who walks through their door.

Watch candy makers stretch taffy and pour hot praline mix onto marble slabs, churning out 4,000 pounds daily in 50 delicious taffy flavors.

The recipe dates back to the 1970s, tried out from a Southern Living cookbook.

Shop Handmade Art At Open-Air Market

The open-air River Street Market Place feels like stepping back into the 1800s with its old-time market stall layout. The market stays open until 9 pm most nights.

You can watch local artists work on new pieces while you browse through goods from over 40 vendors. They sell everything from leather items to wooden toys.

Dance In Bars Housed In Old Warehouses

When the sun goes down, the old cotton warehouses light up and turn into lively spots.

You’ll find live bands most nights in at least five places along the street, with DJs spinning tunes in brick rooms topped with giant wooden beams.

Most drinks use honey and peaches grown right in Georgia. The best deals pop up during happy hour from 4-7pm, with $5 draft beers and cheap small plates to share.

Taste New Orleans Beignets All Day Long

Huey’s serves hot, puffy beignets covered in powdered sugar any time of day. You get three big square pastries, fresh when you order (about 10 minutes to prepare).

Pair them with the cafe’s rich coffee with chicory for the full New Orleans feel. Watch the whole process through the kitchen window as they’re being made.

Spot Giant Ships From the River Walk

You can get up close to huge cargo ships as they cruise into port from the brick walkway along the Savannah River.

Watch these vessels from around the world as they dock just feet away. Early morning or late afternoon is when the ships cast long shadows on the water.

You’ll often find free binoculars set up at key spots to zoom in on these metal giants.

Cruise The River On Historic Riverboats

Take to the water on a riverboat that leaves right from the River Street docks, offering lunch trips, sunset rides, dinner cruises, and even brunch outings.

The 90-minute history tour has guides pointing out where rice fields once grew long ago, while night cruises often come with live jazz music and fresh shrimp.

Find Unique Gifts In 19th-Century Buildings

The old brick buildings now house shops full of antiques, art, and one-of-a-kind gifts. Many still have the old pulleys that moved cotton bales hanging from their ceilings.

Shop owners love to share the history of their buildings while you browse. Look for items made by local crafters, including pieces made from old ship wood and metal.

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