How long does it take to walk River Street in Savannah?

A casual walk of the main River Street area takes about 45 minutes, but a comprehensive self-guided walk including Factors Walk and the Plant Riverside District typically takes 90 to 120 minutes.

Is River Street in Savannah wheelchair accessible?

It is challenging due to historic cobblestones, but accessible. Use the elevators located at the Hyatt Regency, the Whitaker Street parking deck, or the Plant Riverside District to avoid the steep 'Stone Stairs of Death'.

What are the stairs on River Street called?

They are colloquially known as the 'Stone Stairs of Death.' These steep, uneven historic steps connect Bay Street to River Street and require extreme caution.

Can I see big ships in Savannah?

Yes, the Savannah River is an active shipping channel. Massive container ships frequently pass by River Street on their way to the Port of Savannah, one of the busiest in the United States.

What is Factors Walk?

Factors Walk is a series of iron walkways and alleys located on the bluff above River Street. It was used by cotton factors (brokers) in the 1800s to access the upper floors of warehouses.

Is there a fee to see the Waving Girl Statue?

No, the statue is located in a public park area on the east end of River Street and is free to visit at any time.

What is the best time of day to walk the Savannah riverfront?

Late afternoon is ideal. You can enjoy the historic architecture in daylight and then experience the sunset over the Talmadge Memorial Bridge as the riverfront lights up for the evening.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

1 hr 45 min

Duration

6

Stops

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Tour

Step into the maritime soul of Georgia on this self-guided walk through Savannah’s iconic riverfront. This neighborhood stroll captures the transition of the Savannah River from a bustling 19th-century industrial powerhouse to a premier cultural destination. As you navigate the rugged cobblestones of River Street, you are walking on ballast stones from ships that arrived here from all over the globe centuries ago. The route explores the unique multi-level architecture of Factors Walk, where the 'factors' or cotton brokers once determined the world's market prices from their elevated offices. This walking route Savannah offers is more than just a scenic view; it is a journey through the grit and grandeur of the South's maritime history. You will encounter stories of legendary figures like the 'Waving Girl' who greeted every ship for nearly half a century and see how a massive early 20th-century power plant has been reimagined into a modern luxury district. Whether you are interested in industrial heritage, the legacy of the cotton trade, or simply want to feel the river breeze, this self-guided adventure provides a deep dive into the city's coastal identity. It is an essential way to explore Savannah independently, moving at your own pace through the layers of history that built this port city.

Highlights

Historic cobblestones of River Street
Factors Walk iron bridges
The 1887 Cotton Exchange building
Story of Florence Martus, the Waving Girl
The 1996 Olympic Cauldron
Adaptive reuse at Plant Riverside District

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

Rousakis Riverfront Plaza

Welcome to the heart of Savannah’s riverfront. This plaza is named after John Rousakis, the city's longest-serving mayor, who was instrumental in revitalizing this area in the 1970s. Before its transformation, this was a gritty industrial zone of decaying warehouses. Today, it serves as the city's front porch. As you look out over the Savannah River, consider that this waterway is the reason the city exists. Founded by James Oglethorpe in 1733, Savannah was the last of the thirteen original colonies, and the river served as its primary connection to the rest of the world. The stones beneath your feet are often ballast stones—discarded by incoming ships to make room for heavy cargo like cotton and timber.

2

Factor's Walk

Look up to see a unique architectural feature: Factors Walk. These iron bridges and narrow walkways connect the bluff of the city to the upper floors of the riverfront warehouses. In the 19th century, this was the domain of the 'Factors'—the commercial brokers who graded cotton and set the prices that influenced global markets. Because of the steep terrain, the buildings here are multi-leveled, with entrances on the river level and the street level above. The atmosphere here remains remarkably unchanged, with original brickwork and iron railings that evoke the era when Savannah was one of the busiest cotton ports in the world.

3

The Cotton Exchange Tavern

Standing before you is one of the most significant buildings in Savannah's economic history. Completed in 1887, the Savannah Cotton Exchange was the nerve center of the Southern economy. At its peak, Savannah was the leading cotton port on the Atlantic coast, and the prices set inside this building were telegraphed to markets as far away as Liverpool and New York. The red brick building is a stunning example of Romanesque Revival architecture, featuring intricate terracotta moldings. Notice the statue of the winged lion out front—a symbol of the city's strength and prosperity during the height of the maritime trade era.

4

Waving Girl Statue - Florence Martus

This statue honors Florence Martus, a woman who became a living legend of the Savannah River. From 1887 to 1931, Florence lived on nearby Elba Island with her brother, the lighthouse keeper. For 44 years, she greeted every ship that entered the port by waving a white cloth by day or a lantern by night. Sailors from around the world looked for her as a sign of a safe arrival. Despite her fame, she never missed a day. It is said she was waiting for a lost lover to return, but in her own words, she simply wanted to make every sailor feel welcome in Savannah. This monument captures her enduring spirit of hospitality.

5

Olympic Cauldron

While Savannah is known for its 18th and 19th-century history, this stop commemorates a much more recent milestone. In 1996, Atlanta hosted the Centennial Summer Olympic Games, but the yachting and sailing events took place right here in the waters of the Savannah River and the nearby Atlantic coast. This cauldron was lit during the opening ceremonies and stands as a reminder of the city's international appeal. The design is inspired by the five Olympic rings and the sails of a ship, blending the city's maritime identity with the spirit of global competition.

6

JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District

Our final stop represents the future of Savannah’s riverfront. This massive complex was originally the Riverside Station power plant, built in 1912 to provide electricity to the city. After sitting derelict for decades, it was transformed into a vibrant cultural district. As you walk through, look for the original twin smokestacks and the massive machinery preserved within the lobby of the hotel. It is one of the largest historic preservation projects in the Southeast. Today, it houses fossils, gems, and art, proving that Savannah’s industrial past can find a new, spectacular life in the modern era.

Frequently Asked Questions

The River Street and Factors Walk route is the premier choice. It covers the 19th-century cotton trade, the industrial architecture of the bluff, and the modern revitalization of the riverfront over a 1.5-mile stretch.