Are you looking for a little weekend getaway or escape from good ole Savannah? Savannah is an amazing city but it is fun to get out and explore all that the lowcountry has to offer! Luckily Savannah is located close to a ton of hidden gems, perfect for a day trip or even a little weekend getaway. Need to occupy the kids over summer break?
Tybee Island, GA
Distance from Savannah: 17 miles ~ 30 minute drive
Tybee Island is a quick drive from Downtown Savannah, making it a great day trip. The island has lots to offer, including beaches, boat tours, restaurants and shopping! We highly recommend going on one of Captain Derek’s Dolphin Tours and then heading over to Chamacos for some delicious tacos! Other notable things to do are heading over to North Beach Lighthouse and venturing up the lighthouse to take in views of the entire island.
Jekyll Island, GA
Distance from Savannah: 92 miles ~ 1 hour 40 minute drive
There is so much to do! Enjoy beautiful white sand beaches, wildlife, scenic trails and stunning architecture. Make sure to visit Driftwood beach its one of the more notable beaches, covered in knotted ancient driftwood sculptures. After visiting the beach head on over to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center where you can observe where sick sea turtles are rehabilitated and then set free. Afterwards have a memorable lunch at Tortuga jacks. You’re guaranteed a good time and great food. We highly suggest biking around the island, it is one of the best ways to see everything, plus its great exercise! Other notable activities and places is The Wharf, doing a historic tour, exploring Beach Village and playing a round of mini golf! There really is so much to do on Jekyll Island, you are bound to have a blast.
St. Simons Island, GA
Distance from Savannah: 85 miles ~ 1 hour 50 minute drive
St. Simons is another great destination in the Golden Isles. We recommend heading on over to St. Simons Lighthouse Museum where you can climb the lighthouse and enjoy scenic views of the Island. If you are looking to rent a car or bike to get around we recommend renting a MOKE from Posh Car Rentals, they are super cool and you’ll drive around the Island in style. A fun activity to do is to search for the 11 carved tree spirits in the majestic oaks. They are spread out across the island and are truly a sight to see, try to see if you can find all 11! Another fun activity is to check out Wesley Memorial Garden in the spring time the azeulas are truly a sight to see. Another great way to see the Island and learn about its history is by taking a Trolley Tour. For the best sunset views on the Island head over to East Beach.
Cumberland Island, GA
Distance from Savannah: 2 hour drive + 45 min ferry ride
Cumberland Island is one of those places that you must go and experience. It is the perfect private getaway on a remote island. On the island is the Greyfield Inn, which was originally built by the Carnegie Family in the early 19th century. Spend the weekend there and explore the quaint white sand beaches, watch feral horses roam freely, biking, swimming, fishing, birding, kayaking and just being one with nature. There is nothing to do but explore the islands and will be a relaxing trip to remember.
Amelia Island, FL
Distance from Savannah: 126 miles ~ 2 hours 15 minute drive
A must do activity is to go horseback riding on the beach, it is a great experience! One of the most popular beaches is Fernandina Beach. There is tons of shopping, drinks and food to experience downtown and some of the more notable places is Salt Life – they have amazing sushi and The Principals Office Bar for delicious craft cocktails. If you are interested in learning more about the history of the Island Fort Clinch Historic State Park is a great place to check out.
St. Augustine, FL
Distance from Savannah: 176 miles ~ roughly a 3 hour drive
A little be farther of a drive is beautiful St. Augustine. Otherwise nicknamed the “Nation’s Oldest City”. It is the perfect distance from Savannah for a little weekend getaway. To get a lay of the land and to learn some history we suggest going on an Old Town Trolley Tour. Similarly to Savannah, St. Augustine is also a spooky city with over 500 years of history – and horror! Learn more about it by doing a Ghosts and Gravestones Tour. For more history head over to Castillo de San Marcos, which is a historic Spanish Stone Fortress. If you want to do a little shopping make sure to hit up St. George street. We highly recommend staying at the St. Francis Inn. St. Augustine is known for its bed in breakfasts and this one is as charming as ever. Lastly, St. Augustine is known for its Nights of Lights which is a fantastic Christmas attraction with millions of Christmas lights all over the city.
Old Town Bluffton, SC
Distance from Savannah: 24 miles ~ 35 minute drive
If you travel about 45 minutes north of Savannah, there lies a town called Bluffton. It is a fast growing town that has held on to its southern charm. We highly recommend venturing over to Old Town Bluffton. Filled with art galleries, farm to table restaurants and tons of shops its the perfect little place to get away! It is so close that it would even be a good place to go for a weekday date night. One of our go to restaurants is Nectar the food is absolutely delicious. Make sure to check out The Church of the Cross which sits on the May River and is absolutely stunning. The architecture and views are breathtaking. A yearly tradition is the Arts & Seafood Festival in the fall which is super big. Enjoy lots of art and delicious seafood!
Hilton Head Island, SC
Distance from Savannah: 38 miles ~ 1 hour drive
If you drive a little further you’ll reach Hilton Head Island. Hilton Island is globally known for its golfing, resorts and beaches. Go catch a round of golf and then enjoy dinner at Skulls creek while taking in waterfront views. There are lots of biking/walking trails on the island so make sure to rent a bike and wander around, there’s lots to see! There is also a lot of shopping, water excursions and activities to do, as well as spending time on the beach!
Beaufort, SC
Distance from Savannah: 42 miles ~ 1 hour drive
Beaufort is a beautiful town to check out. Filled with history and great food this makes for a great day trip. Stroll along the riverfront and shop while taking in the beautiful architecture. Noteworthy food stops are Blackstone’s Cafe and Lady’s Island Dockside. Make sure to check out Hunting Island State Park, specifically the Lighthouse. The annual Beaufort Air Show is a great event to go to.
Charleston, SC
Distance from Savannah: 107 miles ~ 2 hour drive
A great weekend getaway is to head on up to Charleston. A city filled with history, amazing cuisine and a great nightlife. Enjoy a walking tour, trolley tour, and even a ghost tour. Head down King’s Street to do some shopping. Honorable mention for food is Leons’s Oyster Shop and 167 Raw, truly the best restaurants in Charleston. Head over to Sullivan’s Island to enjoy beautiful beaches. If you want to learn a little bit more about the history of Charleston head over to Boone Hall Plantation. A nice addition to your weekend getaway in Charleston is to head on over to the famous spot where the Notebook was filmed – Cypress Gardens.
