Located directly on Savannah's historic waterfront, 252 W River St Parking (officially known as River Street Parking Lot 1) is a highly convenient, public, open-air surface lot managed by the City of Savannah. Providing direct access to the scenic Savannah River and the bustling River Street corridor, this lot is perfect for visitors looking to dine, shop, or explore the historic district.
Overview & Suitability
River Street Parking Lot 1 is a small, unmanned surface lot featuring 29 parking spaces. It is highly suitable for standard passenger vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and standard trucks. Because of its exceptionally small capacity and premium location, the lot fills up very rapidly, particularly on weekends and during pleasant weather. While it is an outdoor, unobstructed lot, it is not recommended for oversized RVs, motorhomes, or trailers due to the limited turn-around space and the narrow historic access ramps surrounding it.
Access, Dimensions & Clearance
As an open-air surface parking facility, there are no height restrictions or clearance limits, offering completely unobstructed overhead space. However, accessing the lot requires navigating Savannah’s historic, cobblestone-paved ramps (such as the Barnard Street Ramp) descending from Bay Street. Drivers should expect a bumpy ride and exercise extra caution regarding pedestrian traffic, steep grades, and tight historic turns. Navigation within the 29-space lot is relatively straightforward but can become congested during peak hours.
Parking Rates, Tariffs & Booking
This public lot offers highly competitive rates compared to nearby private options:
- Hourly Rate: $2.00 per hour, enforced Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- Free Parking: Parking is free of charge overnight from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM (Monday–Saturday) and all day on Sundays.
- Payment Methods: The lot uses a multi-space pay station that accepts coins, paper bills, and major credit/debit cards, including Visa and MasterCard.
- Reservations: Parking is strictly first-come, first-served; pre-booking or online reservations are not supported.
- Special Note: The lot is subject to temporary closures without prior notice during major public events and festivals, such as Savannah's St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
Security & Amenities
This is a self-park, unmanned city lot. While there are no active security guards, gates, or perimeter fencing, the lot is well-lit at night and regularly patrolled by city law enforcement. Its prime waterfront positioning places it just steps away from major local dining spots like the Dockside Restaurant and a wide array of historic shops, making it exceptionally convenient for short-term stays.
Strategic Alternative
River Street Parking Lot 1 serves as an ideal launchpad for the historic waterfront. It is a fantastic parking option if you are planning to take the Savannah Belles Ferry, a free ferry service providing transit across the river to the Savannah Convention Center on Hutchinson Island. It also places you within a short walk of Ellis Square, City Market, and the northern edge of the Historic District. If this lot is fully occupied, excellent nearby alternatives include the multi-level Whitaker Street Parking Garage (7 Whitaker St) or the JW Marriott Savannah Garage (500 W River St).
