Top 6 Day Trips from Savannah

Savannah, Georgia, is known for its amazing culinary scene and rich history. However, this coastal gem also serves as a perfect launchpad for exploring nearby attractions on a day trip.

Discover the vibrant culture of the Sea Islands, enjoy a relaxing day at the beach, or venture across state lines to South Carolina or Florida—our guide to day trips from Savannah has you covered.

1. Enjoy a Relaxing Day at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Travel Duration: 45 minutes

Visitors flock to Hilton Head Island seeking tranquility, and even a day visit offers ample opportunities for relaxation. The island features numerous golf courses designed by notable architects like Robert Trent Jones and Pete Dye. For families, there are also many mini-golf options and extensive bike paths, making it an ideal day trip for all ages.

If you plan ahead, consider taking the ferry to Daufuskie Island, home to the Gullah community. Join a tour to explore the island's highlights, including historic churches and the school where author Pat Conroy taught, which inspired his novel The Water is Wide.

Getting to Hilton Head Island from Savannah: Driving is the main option, though you might find a taxi willing to take you across the state line for a fee. Otherwise, simply enjoy the scenic drive over the Talmadge Memorial Bridge and onto SC-46 East into South Carolina.

2. Enjoy the Sunshine on Tybee Island, Georgia

Travel Duration: 20 minutes

If you’re in Savannah for several days, be sure to spend at least one soaking up the sun on the beach. Tybee Island is the closest beach destination, situated on one of the local barrier islands.

In addition to beach fun, visitors can explore the Tybee Island Light Station Museum, established in 1773. Be sure to sample the local cuisine as well – don’t miss the oysters at Sea Wolf, the generous crab leg platters at the Crab Shack, and the artisanal coffee at Tybean Art & Coffee Bar.

Getting to Tybee Island from Savannah: Driving is the most convenient option if you have a car. Alternatively, taxis and rideshare services are available. The CAT bus Route 10 will take you close, stopping at Wilmington Island, but you'll need another ride from there.

3. Explore the other side of the Lowcountry in Charleston, South Carolina

Travel Duration: 2 hours

While Charleston and Savannah are often viewed as competitors, they share a sisterly bond, boasting parallel histories and culinary legacies from Europe and West Africa. Now is an ideal time to visit the Holy City, particularly with the recent opening of the International African American Museum, which highlights the city's historical role in the enslavement trade and the Gullah Geechee culture of the Lowcountry.

Exploring plantations is a favored pastime, but it's essential to understand the context in which these sites are presented. The McLeod Plantation Historic Site is an outstanding option, as it's managed by the county parks system and has gained recognition for its significance to Gullah Geechee heritage.

Traveling from Savannah to Charleston: The most common way to make the journey is by driving, choosing between the quicker I-95 or the scenic Highway 17 along the coast. Amtrak offers two daily routes via the Palmetto and Silver Meteor lines, taking about 1.5 hours. Once you reach North Charleston station, a taxi or other transport is needed to get downtown. Additionally, tour companies run shuttle services between the two cities.

4. Discover Black history in Beaufort, South Carolina

Travel Duration: 1 hour

Beaufort may be small, but it offers a wealth of experiences, especially for history enthusiasts. It hosts the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park, which informs visitors about the post-Civil War period when formerly enslaved individuals worked to rebuild their lives.

A significant site within the park located on nearby St. Helena Island is the Penn Center. Established by northern missionaries, this school was created for formerly enslaved individuals. It also served as a planning ground for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his associates, who organized many key events of the Civil Rights Movement here.

Getting to Beaufort from Savannah: To reach Beaufort, continue past Hilton Head Island. Your best option is to drive, especially since having a vehicle is essential for exploring the barrier islands.

5. Walk the paths of pirates in Amelia Island, Florida

Travel time: 2 hours

This island off the Florida coast boasts a rich and intriguing history, having once been frequented by pirates like Blackbeard and home to Florida's oldest bar, the Palace Saloon, which has been serving since 1903.

Amelia Island offers a charm similar to Hilton Head Island, featuring premier golf courses alongside unique attractions like Gregor MacGregor's Mini Links & Drinks. In downtown Fernandina Beach, you'll find eclectic shops such as the Book Loft. If time allows, consider exploring the scenic waterways on a kayaking adventure.

Getting to Amelia Island from Savannah: While you can take a train from Savannah to Jacksonville and then rent a car, driving directly is the most convenient option, following a straightforward route down I-95.

6. Explore the former haven of the wealthy on Jekyll Island, Georgia

Travel time: 1 hour, 40 minutes

Located in Georgia's Golden Isles, Jekyll Island boasts a rich history spanning centuries. Indigenous tribes have long inhabited the island, but in 1733, General James Edward Oglethorpe established the Georgia colony here. Over the years, the island changed hands until it became a private club in 1886, hosting notable figures like the Vanderbilts, Pulitzers, and Rockefellers.

To truly appreciate the island's history, consider taking the bus tour of the historic district. This tour showcases the 'vacation homes' of the wealthy elite, now part of the Jekyll Island Club Resort. You'll discover where the Federal Reserve was established and the site of the first transcontinental phone call.

Getting to Jekyll Island from Savannah: Driving is the most effective and really the only way to reach Jekyll Island. From Savannah, head south on I-95 to US-17 before crossing the causeway. Upon entering the island, a fee is required as it's managed by the state park.