Park above the bluff, descend once, walk the waterfront in one direction, and use the other elevator for the return.
Written by Alex H., Travel editor and researcherUpdated September 2026
River Street follows the Savannah River below the bluff. Factors Walk and Bay Street are above it. Historic stairways and sloped ramps connect the levels, and public elevators are available at Bull and Bay streets and near the Alida Hotel at Plant Riverside. The elevator locations are the starting point for a lower-step route, although old paving and grades remain elsewhere along the waterfront.
| Section | What puts it on a route | Planning issue |
|---|---|---|
| West end / Plant Riverside | Shops, food, public spaces and the west elevator | Check event calendars and garage pricing |
| Central waterfront | City Hall landing, ferry access and the visitor center | Stairs and ramps link back to Bay Street |
| East waterfront | Riverboat boarding and a quieter continuation of the walk | Confirm the exact dock and check-in time on the ticket |
The Savannah Belles Ferry crosses the river between downtown and Hutchinson Island. It is useful for the view and river crossing, but it is public transportation rather than a narrated cruise. The free DOT shuttle circulates downtown. A paid trolley ticket adds narration and, for hop-on products, reboarding at an operator's stops. Check CAT's current schedules; the service windows differ and events can alter routes.
Sightseeing, sunset and meal cruises share a downtown boarding area but solve different plans. Confirm whether food is included, the boarding time, indoor seating and the vessel used. The riverboat operator states that cruises generally run in rain and are cancelled only when the captain considers conditions severe; its accessibility FAQ describes differences between vessels. A forecast alone is not a cancellation notice.
Choose a city garage near the upper-level point where you plan to finish, then descend once and return by an elevator if needed. Garage rates are location-specific and special-event prices can apply, so use the city garage pages on the day you compare options. Driving along River Street is not a substitute for parking because traffic is one way and the trip still ends at a parking space.
Descend at Bull and Bay streets, follow River Street west toward Plant Riverside, then use the Alida-area elevator to return above the bluff. Reverse it if a riverboat check-in at the east end is the fixed point.
Relevant bookable experiences
Choose narration for a daytime overview, sunset for an evening river block, or lunch when the cruise should also replace a meal. Check boarding time and vessel details in the listing.
Operator: Sail along Savannah's beautiful waterfront on a Savannah Riverboat. Discover Savannah's history via live commentary, and even experience the thrill of hearing the Old Fort Jackson cannons.
Check availability →Free cancellation listed
Current terms shown at checkout
Current terms shown at checkout
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Checked September 1, 2026. Schedules, fees and policies can change, so recheck a linked source when the detail will affect your visit.