Plizio Visual Lab
Port of Savannah
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Port
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Port of Savannah, operated by the Georgia Ports Authority, is one of the fastest-growing and busiest container ports in the United States. It is located on the Savannah River, approximately 18 miles (29 km) upstream from the Atlantic Ocean. Its strategic location provides direct access to major interstates like I-95 and I-16 and is served by two Class-I railroads, making it a critical logistics hub for the U.S. Southeast. The port is home to the Garden City Terminal, the largest single-terminal container facility in North America, spanning over 1,300 acres. Continuous expansions, including the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project which deepened the shipping channel to 47 feet, have enhanced the port's ability to accommodate larger Neo-Panamax vessels. The Port of Savannah plays a critical role in Georgia's economy, supporting industries from agriculture to advanced manufacturing by facilitating the efficient import and export of goods.
- Location: United States
- Top sights: Dorothy Barnes Pelote Bridge · Susie King Taylor Square · Old Fort Jackson
- Nearby: Tybee Island (28 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 10 | 12 | 15 | 20 | 24 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 26 | 21 | 15 | 12 |
| Rain mm | 62 | 75 | 83 | 76 | 89 | 149 | 131 | 160 | 103 | 89 | 53 | 82 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
This container port is a primary economic gateway for the southeastern United States, handling massive volumes of global trade. Its status as one of the fastest-growing ports in the USA underscores its vital role in regional logistics.
Visiting
The port itself is not open for public tours, but its colossal cranes and stacked containers are visible from nearby public spaces. Visitors can enjoy watching vessel movements along the Savannah River from designated observation points.
Where to view it
A prime public viewpoint is the Savannah Riverwalk, which provides a close-up look at the port's activity on the river. The Talmadge Memorial Bridge also provides a panoramic view of the container terminal and ships arriving from the Atlantic.
Local products
The port handles a diverse range of containerized goods, including electronics, machinery, and agricultural products like poultry and peanuts. Seasonal exports such as Georgia peaches are shipped in summer, while holiday merchandise arrives in fall.
Active season
The port operates at full capacity year-round, but activity peaks during the fall pre-holiday shipping boom. Weekdays see the highest truck and rail throughput, with weekend vessel calls being less frequent.
Nearby
Combine your visit with Savannah's historic waterfront district, featuring River Street's shops and restaurants. The Georgia State Railroad Museum and Forsyth Park are also excellent additions to a day exploring the city's maritime heritage.
Geography
Facts
- The Garden City Terminal features more than 10,000 feet (3,000 m) of contiguous berth space.
- The port contributed $51.5 billion to Georgia's GDP in fiscal year 2021.
- It moved nearly 5.8 million TEUs in fiscal year 2022.
- The Savannah Harbor Expansion Project was completed in 2022 at a cost of $973 million.
- The port supports 1 in 9 jobs in Georgia, equating to nearly 561,000 jobs.
- The Georgia Ports Authority was founded in 1945.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Port of Savannah (9)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Port of Savannah?
It is one of the largest and fastest-growing container ports in North America.
Can you visit the port?
The industrial area is closed to the public, but boat tours offer views.
Why is it important for Georgia?
It is a central engine for Georgia's economy, creating thousands of jobs.
When is the best time to visit the area?
Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather to explore the region.
What is nearby?
The historic downtown of Savannah with its scenic squares.
Port of Savannah: where is it located?
Port of Savannah is located in United States.
Port of Savannah: what is there to see?
Highlights include Dorothy Barnes Pelote Bridge, Susie King Taylor Square, Old Fort Jackson.
Port of Savannah: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Port of Savannah: why is it worth visiting?
The Port of Savannah, operated by the Georgia Ports Authority, is one of the fastest-growing and busiest container ports in the United States.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in North America
More places in United States →
Nearby cities
Atlanta
The capital of Georgia, a major commercial and transportation hub in the Southeast.
Savannah
A coastal Georgia city, known for its historic squares and Spanish moss-draped oak trees.
Hilton Head Island
A premier resort destination in South Carolina known for its pristine beaches and world-class golf courses.
Saint Marys
Saint Marys is the charming gateway to Cumberland Island National Seashore, known for its historic waterfront and maritime heritage.
St. Simons Island
A subtropical paradise in Georgia featuring moss-draped oaks and endless sandy beaches.
Tybee Island
Savannah's beach playground offers a relaxed vibe, a historic lighthouse, and wide, family-friendly stretches of coastline.
Sea Pines (Hilton Head)
The most exclusive resort community on Hilton Head Island, famous for the Harbour Town Lighthouse and legendary golf courses.
Columbia, SC
The capital of South Carolina, known for its hot summers and its university.
Jekyll Island
A state-protected Georgia island featuring the hauntingly beautiful Driftwood Beach and a historic district from the Gilded Age.
Palmetto Dunes
A premier resort destination on Hilton Head Island, famous for its lagoon system, golf courses, and wide sandy beaches.
Amelia Island
A charming barrier island in Florida featuring pristine beaches and Victorian architecture.
Port Royal
Historic coastal town in South Carolina, known for its scenic boardwalk and rich maritime heritage.
Palm Valley
An exclusive Florida community known for upscale living and proximity to world-renowned golf courses.
Beaufort
A historic Lowcountry town famed for its antebellum architecture and moss-draped live oaks.
Nassauville
Nassauville is a quiet community along the Nassau River, known for its pristine natural surroundings and proximity to Big Talbot Island.
History & landmarks
More places
Georgia Peach Orchards
Georgia, known as the 'Peach State', is famous for its sweet and juicy peaches.
Georgia Aerospace Industry
A significant hub for aerospace manufacturing.
St. Augustine
The oldest continuously-inhabited European-established city in the continental United States.
SeaWorld Orlando
A theme park and marine zoological park in Orlando, Florida.
Florida Citrus Groves
Florida is a leading producer of citrus fruits, especially oranges.