A Scenic Drive Along U.S Highway 17 in Coastal Georgia

A scenic drive along US Highway 17 shows off true coastal Georgia, from tidal rivers and marshes to historic towns like Darien, Woodbine, and ending with a quick detour in St. Marys.

Highway 17 is one of the most rewarding scenic drives in coastal Georgia. Running south from Savannah toward the Florida line, the route follows tidal rivers, marshlands, and historic towns. This is a road perfect for travelers willing to get off the interstate and experience true coastal Georgia, and it’s an experience we wholeheartedly recommend!

U.S. Highway 17 was built over a number of years dating backing to the late 1920’s as a primary north south route in the southeastern United States. It’s often called the Coastal Highway. Still today it provides a scenic, coastal alternative to I-95. If you like to slow down and enjoy the journey, this scenic drive is for you.

Leaving Savannah: The Scenic Drive Begins at the Ogeechee River

South of Savannah, U.S. Highway 17 quickly transitions from developed corridors to lowcountry landscape. Crossing the Ogeechee River, it makes a clear shift into more rural coastal Georgia, with expansive marshes and tidal creeks replacing suburban views. You’ve now left the city behind.

Bryan and Liberty Counties

This stretch of the scenic drive is quiet and largely undeveloped. Pine forests, palmettos, and long straightaways define the route as it moves through Bryan and Liberty counties. The scenery here sets the tone for the drive – flat, open, and shaped by water.

If your schedule allows time, you’ll want to consider a visit to Richmond Hill, just a short distance off Highway 17. For 25 years, it was the winter home of Henry Ford, and his influence is felt prominently in historic sites and a driving trail. Richmond Hill has been named one of the top small towns in Coastal Georgia for Retirees.

A bit further south, another suggested side trip is to the Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge – particularly if you love a true hidden gem of nature. Harris Neck is part of the Colonial Coast Birding Trail and a treasure for any visitors, but especially birders. Watch for the turn off on Harris Neck Road to the left soon after you cross under I-95.

Darien and the Altamaha River

Approaching Darien, the drive becomes more expansive. US 17 takes you into the heart of the town of Darien – the second oldest city in the state and a quaint fishing and shrimping village. The waterfront and small downtown make this a natural stopping point along the scenic drive.

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

Fort King George is a short distance from town and a must-see for history buffs. If you want to break the drive with an overnight stay, consider Emma’s Driftwood Farm. Several houses and cabins are set on acres of marsh and deep water frontage, and this is the perfect spot for experiencing coastal Georgia’s exquisite nature with top-rated accommodations.

If an overnight stay is in your plans but you don’t want to veer off Highway 17 more than a minute or two, we can highly recommend Oaks on the River Resort. The rooms and suites are amazing, the restaurant and bar are first class, and the views of the shrimp boats will take your breath away.

Immediately as you leave downtown Darien, you’ll cross the Darien River. If you haven’t stopped in town, look to your left. Hopefully the shrimp boats will be at the dock. It’s a sight unlike any other.

Soon after this, you’ll cross the Altamaha River, one of the largest river systems on the East Coast and a defining feature of coastal Georgia.

Marshlands and Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation (North of Brunswick)

South of Darien, US 17 continues through south McIntosh County and into Glynn County, with long views across coastal marshland. Just north of Brunswick, on your left is Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, a state historic site and rice producer until about 1915.

The preserved rice plantation provides a lovely and historical setting for exploring the surrounding landscape, with walking trails and river views.

You’ll continue on through the Brunswick area with marshes and creeks along your left. You pass the causeway that leads to St. Simons Island, and just past that you can take a short detour into the historic town of Brunswick.

Brunswick is often overlooked as being just the gateway to the islands, but it’s worth a stop if you have time in your schedule. There’s an Old Town district packed full of beautiful Victorian homes and a waterfront downtown with restaurants, shops and historical sites (think squares like Savannah – only smaller).

If you decide that you love Brunswick (like we do) and want to stay the night, we can recommend the Kress Hotel. It’s a fabulous boutique-style hotel built in a former Kress store, and there’s even a great rooftop restaurant called 1509.

Back out of Brunswick to U.S. 17, you’ll turn right to head south. Almost immediately you’ll cross over the amazing Sidney Lanier Bridge. Just across the bridge is the causeway that will take you to Jekyll Island – a destination all on its own. If Jekyll is where you want to stopover we can recommend the historic Jekyll Island Club Resort, though there are numerous good choices for accommodations.

South of the Jekyll causeway a few miles, the highway makes a left turn and heads towards Woodbine.

Woodbine and the Satilla River

Continuing south, the scenic drive reaches Woodbine, the county seat of Camden County. Set along the Satilla River, Woodbine and the surrounding area are among the most beautiful sections of the route.

Crossing the Satilla River offers wide views of water, marsh, and sky – an ideal place to slow down and appreciate coastal Georgia’s quieter side.

This is one of my favorite spots along the scenic drive for taking interesting bridge photos.

Ending the Scenic Drive in St. Marys

South of Woodbine, US 17 continues toward Kingsland where you’ll take Georgia Hwy 40 east into St. Marys, a small but picturesque waterfront town near the Florida line. The town’s riverfront and ferry access to Cumberland Island make it a natural endpoint for the scenic drive.

St. Marys is another one on the list of best small towns in Coastal Georgia for retirement.

Planning Notes for This Scenic Drive

• Best seasons: Spring, fall, and winter. My personal favorite is winter, but every season has its own appeal.
• Ideal pace: Half day with a few short stops and a quick lunch. I recommend a full day to allow you time to savor the scenery and the towns.
• Why US 17 works: Continuous river and marsh scenery without interstate traffic (but still a good road) and picturesque little villages.
• South to north: Of course, you can make this scenic drive in reverse, and that’s ideal if you want to end up in Savannah.
• Food Focused: If you love quality food, agriculture and authentic experiences be sure to check out the stops along Georgia Grown’s Trail 17.

More Ways to Explore Coastal Georgia

• The Art Scene in Georgia’s Golden Isles: Art Galleries, Classes & Events
• Georgia Beaches Ranked: A Local’s Honest Guide to the Best Spots!
• What to Eat on the Georgia Coast: Dishes You Need to Try
• Coastal Georgia Road Trip Itinerary: 8 Stops You Can’t Miss
• 15 Must-Visit Barrier Islands Off the Coast of Georgia
• Georgia Beach Camping: Where to Pitch Your Tent by the Sea