Savannah is a city that invites us to slow down, linger under live oaks, and follow the curve of the river. The good news? We can savor it all without getting behind the wheel. From cobblestone streets and historic squares to breezy river views and hidden courtyards, getting around on foot, by bike, or by boat lets us experience the city’s charm up close.
In this guide, we’ll share the best car-free ways to explore Savannah, how to plan a smooth day out, and our favorite routes, stops, and local tips. By the end, we’ll know exactly how to build an easy, memorable itinerary—no parking meters required.
What we’ll cover:
- How to see more of the Historic District on foot (with smart routes and must-see spots)
- Why time on the water belongs in every itinerary
- The best ways to ride: trolley tours, public transit, bikes, and pedicabs
- Technology tools and accessibility features to enhance your experience
Drift on the Water: River Views, Breezes & Iconic Skylines
The Savannah River sets the city’s rhythm. Spending time on the water adds a layer of perspective we can’t get on land. We watch massive container ships glide past like floating cities, trace the lines of century-old warehouses, and feel the soft river breeze on our skin.
Choose Savannah’s Premier Riverboat Experience
Savannah Riverboat Cruises offers the city’s only authentic riverboat tours and dining experiences aboard two magnificent vessels. The 1,000-passenger Georgia Queen and the 600-passenger Savannah River Queen are traditional red, white, and blue riverboats that continue the elegant tradition of Southern river travel.
Both riverboats feature climate-controlled dining and observation decks with panoramic views, open-air upper decks for sunshine and city views, and onboard dining with authentic Southern cuisine. Whether you prefer a daytime sightseeing cruise with narration covering fascinating port history, a sunset sail with rosy light on the steeples, or an evening dinner cruise with live entertainment, time on the water brings Savannah into sharper focus.
Cruise Options Include:
- 90-minute narrated sightseeing cruises with the captain’s commentary
- Sunday brunch cruises with buffet dining
- Dinner cruises featuring Southern-inspired cuisine and entertainment
- Private charters for special occasions and group events
- Seasonal specialty cruises including holiday celebrations
For a curated, car-free itinerary, we like to plan our day around a cruise:
- Morning: Stroll the squares and grab coffee near Lafayette Square.
- Midday: Head to the riverfront for lunch and a light shopping break along Factors Walk.
- Afternoon or sunset: Step aboard for the highlight of the day, then return to River Street for a nightcap.
Accessibility & Comfort Features
Both riverboats offer wheelchair accessibility on the main decks. The Georgia Queen features an accessible elevator and restrooms, ensuring all guests can enjoy the full riverboat experience. No dress code is required—dress casually or formally based on your comfort and celebration style.
Make the Most of River Street
Check the tide of people, not just the tide itself. River Street can buzz midday, then relax as evening nears. If you’re sensitive to heat, plan water time for late afternoon into sunset. That’s when the light turns golden, the breezes pick up, and the city’s brick and copper suddenly glow.
Add a Ferry for Fun & Function
The Savannah Belles Ferry connects the downtown riverfront to Hutchinson Island for free, offering quick rides and postcard views. Even a short ferry hop gives us a new angle on the skyline. For photographers, this is a simple way to capture wide shots without a long walk.
Explore on Foot: Squares, Stories & the Slow Savannah Pace
Walking is the heart of Savannah. The Historic District is compact—roughly one square mile—stitched together by 22 leafy squares, each with its own personality. When we wander on foot, we notice the details that define the city: wrought-iron balconies, hand-laid cobblestones, and the fragrance of gardenias drifting from courtyard walls.
Map a Simple Walking Loop
Start at Forsyth Park’s famous fountain. It’s a natural meeting point and a perfect photo stop.
Head north along Bull Street. This spine of the city passes through a string of iconic squares: Monterey, Madison, Chippewa, and Johnson.
Pause at Chippewa Square (you may recognize the bench from a certain story-loving film). Look up: the oaks frame every view like a painting.
Continue to City Hall and River Street for your first glimpse of the water and the towering cargo ships.
This loop takes 60–90 minutes at an easy pace, leaving time to slip into a bookstore, check out a gallery, or grab pralines still warm from the pan.
Make Each Square Count
Monterey Square: Elegant, quiet, and close to the Mercer-Williams House. Madison Square: Great people-watching and a gateway to cafés and boutique shops. Johnson Square: The city’s oldest square, lively during the day and close to Bay Street’s stately architecture.
Tip: Bring water and wear soft-soled shoes. Savannah’s bricks and cobblestones are beautiful underfoot, but they’re happiest with comfy footwear.
Self-Guided History, Your Way
If you enjoy stories and context, download a self-guided audio tour before you set out. It’s a simple way to learn while we wander, and it frees us up to linger wherever the mood strikes—whether that’s beneath an oak canopy or outside a buttery-yellow townhouse with shutters.
Seasonal Walking Considerations
Spring and Fall (March–May, October–November): Ideal temperatures, blooming flowers in Forsyth Park, and comfortable all-day walking weather.
Summer (June–September): Plan early morning (before 10 am) or evening walks (after 5 pm) to avoid peak heat. Afternoon walks work best with frequent shady stops in squares.
Winter (December–February): Mild temperatures are perfect for extended walking, fewer crowds, and excellent photography light.
Savannah shines when we mix in a ride or two. Each option brings its own rhythm—coasting on a bike, gliding through neighborhoods on a trolley, or hopping a free shuttle to cover a few blocks faster.
Hop-On, Hop-Off Trolley Tours
A trolley is one of the easiest ways to get our bearings. We can sit back while a local guide shares history and fun quirks, then hop off when a spot calls our name. Trolleys circle through major sights—Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, the Historic District squares, River Street, and more—so we can combine storytelling with flexibility. Plan for half a day if we want to hop on and off several times.
What we love:
- No parking, no guesswork
- Live narration with local legends and facts
- Frequent stops near top attractions
Free Downtown Shuttles (DOT)
Savannah’s free DOT (Downtown Transportation) shuttles are a practical way to bridge distances when our feet need a break. The system operates:
Schedule:
- Monday–Friday: 7 am–7 pm
- Saturday: 10 am–7 pm
- Sunday: 10 am–6 pm
Routes: Two main routes with 18–20 stops connecting the Historic District, Victorian District, and riverfront areas. Shuttles run every 10 minutes, and stops are clearly marked.
Pro move: Pair a morning walking loop with a shuttle ride back toward your hotel or dinner reservation.
CAT Public Transit
For longer distances, Chatham Area Transit (CAT) offers 16 bus routes throughout Savannah and Chatham County:
Fares:
- One-way: $1.50
- Day pass: $3
- Discounted fares: $0.75 for seniors (65+), youth (6–18), veterans, and passengers with disabilities
Technology: Use the Transit Mobile Ticketing App (available on the Apple App Store and Google Play) for convenient mobile payments and route planning.
Airport Connection: The 100x Airport Express provides daily service from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport to downtown hotels with stops at the Joe Murray Rivers, Jr. Intermodal Transit Center.
Biking the Flat, Friendly Streets
Savannah’s flat terrain makes it bike-friendly, especially in the Historic and Victorian Districts. The city earned Bronze-Level Bicycle-Friendly Community status from the League of American Bicyclists. You can rent bikes by the hour or day from several local companies.
Traditional Bike Rentals:
- Savannah on Wheels: Locally owned, offers road bikes, tandem bikes, mountain bikes, and cruisers with guided tours and bike deliveries
- Savannah Bike Tours: Specializes in guided historical tours and dark history evening tours
Pricing: Typically $5–15 per day for basic rentals, with guided tours ranging $30–50 per person.
Electric Bike Revolution
E-bikes are transforming Savannah sightseeing, offering an effortless way to cover more ground while maintaining the intimate bike experience:
E-Bike Advantages:
- Keep up with the traffic flow safely
- Minimal pedaling effort on hot days
- Cover larger distances comfortably
- Perfect for riders of varying fitness levels
Pricing: Around $60 per day for e-bike rentals, including helmet, lock, and suggested route maps.
Popular E-Bike Routes:
- Ride through Forsyth Park, drift down Gaston Street past stately homes, or follow the lanes along Jones Street, often called one of the prettiest streets in the South.
Safety & Comfort Tips
Stick to shared lanes and quieter streets where possible. Dismount on rough cobblestone stretches to keep the ride smooth. Hydrate, especially in warmer months, and take shady pauses under the oaks. Helmets required for riders 15 and younger, recommended for all ages.
Pedicabs & Rideshare for Quick Hops
Pedicabs are delightful for short rides, especially at night when the squares twinkle and the air cools. They’re also handy if we’re dressed up for dinner and want to avoid a long walk in heels. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft fill any remaining gaps—think of it as a last-mile backup rather than a daily habit.
Putting It Together: A Car-Free Day Sample Itinerary
We don’t need a rigid schedule—Savannah rewards a relaxed pace—but a light framework helps.
Morning (9:00–12:00)
- Coffee and pastries near Forsyth Park; snap a photo at the fountain.
- Walk north along Bull Street, pausing in Monterey, Madison, and Chippewa Squares.
- Step into a museum or historic home tour if you’re in the mood.
Afternoon (12:00–4:00)
- Lunch by the river; sample local shrimp and grits or a crisp salad.
- Hop on a trolley for narration and time-efficient sightseeing, or grab an e-bike and explore Jones Street and the Victorian District.
- Use the free DOT shuttle to angle back toward Bay Street or the riverfront.
Late Afternoon to Evening (4:00–8:00+)
- Board a Savannah Riverboat Cruise for skyline views, Southern cuisine, and soft breezes.
- Return to River Street after sunset for dessert, live music, or a quiet walk among the lights.
Slow Down & Savor the River City
Savannah rewards curiosity and an easy stride. When we forgo the car, the city opens up—quietly at first with the rustle of Spanish moss, then fully as we stroll through squares, glide by trolley, and drift along the river. With a few smart choices and a flexible plan, we can see more, stress less, and carry home the kind of moments that linger: sunlight on brick, laughter on the breeze, and a skyline etched in gold at dusk.
The combination of free transportation options, accessible attractions, and the crown jewel experience of a Savannah Riverboat Cruise creates the perfect car-free adventure. Whether you’re here for a romantic getaway, family vacation, or solo exploration, Savannah’s walkable charm and diverse transportation options ensure every visitor can experience the magic of Georgia’s First City.
Frequently Asked Questions About Savannah Car-Free Sightseeing
What’s the best time of day for a river cruise?
Late afternoon into sunset is hard to beat. The temperatures ease, and the skyline looks especially photogenic. Daytime cruises offer clear views and narrated history if you prefer a brighter, breezier outing.
Are food and drinks available on Savannah Riverboat cruises?
Absolutely! On certain dining cruises, we offer delicious buffet-style meals, all freshly prepared onboard. There are also fully stocked bars serving non-alcoholic beverages, as well as cocktails, wine, and beer. It’s a wonderful way to savor local flavors while enjoying scenic river views.
How accessible are Savannah’s car-free transportation options?
Very accessible! DOT shuttles and CAT buses are all ADA-compliant. Both Savannah riverboats offer wheelchair accessibility on main decks, with the Georgia Queen featuring an accessible elevator and restrooms. Many bike rental companies also offer tricycles for those who cannot ride traditional bikes.
What’s the most cost-effective way to get around Savannah car-free?
Combine free options (walking, DOT shuttles, and Savannah Belles Ferry) with one or two paid experiences. A day pass for CAT buses ($3) covers longer distances, while investing in a riverboat cruise and either a trolley tour or bike rental gives you comprehensive coverage of the city.
Can I use mobile apps to navigate Savannah’s transportation?
Yes! Download the CAT Transit Mobile Ticketing App for bus payments and schedules. Google Maps works well for public transit directions, and many trolley and cruise companies offer online booking and mobile tickets.
Savannah Riverboat Cruises offers unforgettable adventures along the scenic Savannah River. With our fleet of charming, classic riverboats—the Georgia Queen and Savannah River Queen—we provide a variety of cruises, including narrated sightseeing tours, dinner cruises, Sunday brunch, and private charters. Whether you’re soaking in stunning river views or savoring delicious Southern cuisine, Savannah Riverboat Cruises delivers a unique and memorable experience that perfectly complements your car-free Savannah adventure. Questions or group planning needs? Please contact us to discover why we’re Savannah’s premier riverboat experience.