We love this little 100-mile stretch of coastline – that’s why we started this website, after all! This coastal Georgia road trip itinerary will get you off the beaten path and immersed in the quaint coastal towns that make this part of the world so great!
I’m originally from Atlanta, so I arranged this road trip from North to South, which is perfect if you’re coming from anywhere in North Georgia or South Carolina. If you’re coming up from Florida, though, just do it in reverse!
We’ll start our coastal Georgia road trip in the best-known spot on the coast – Savannah. When you’re planning your trip, you might want to check out of guide to the best time to visit Savannah so you know when you want to get started. After that, we’ll head down into the low country, the Golden Isles, and make our way down to the Florida border, hitting Georgia’s barrier islands along the way.
RELATED: 15 Must-Visit Barrier Islands Off the Coast of Georgia and The Best Beaches in Georgia for Your Next Vacation and Dishes You Need to Try Along Georgia’s Coast.
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Stop 1: Savannah (1-3 Days)
Oh, Savannah – this magical historic city could not be more bustling with delicious food, beautiful sights, and things to do.
Where to Stay in Savannah
If time allows, I would recommend spending at least a few days in Savannah so you can really get into it all. There are tons of options for places to stay, but I would stay in the River Street area if you’ve never been here before.
To get right in the middle of the action, go for the JW Marriott at Plant Riverside. You’ll find it at the far west end of River Street, so it’s walkable to all the hot spots. The lobby is like an attraction itself with tons of cool exhibits, and you’ll find lots of great restaurants and rooftop bars right on the grounds.
For something a bit different, immerse yourself in the haunted side of Savannah by staying in one of our haunted hotels! Marshall House is a fabulous historic hotel with a spooky past located right on Broughton Street, one of the most happening parts of the historic district. The Olde Harbour Inn and River Street Inn will also get you right on River Street so you can watch the cargo ships rolling in.
There are also tons of vacation rentals in Savannah, ranging from small apartments to sprawling historic homes. If I’m staying somewhere for more than a couple of days, this is always the way to go.
If you’re a Savannah first-timer
We have a whole guide on fun things to do in Savannah, but here are the highlights I would hit if it’s your first time in the Hostess City of the South.
Take a stroll down the beautiful historic streets: You can never go wrong with Jones Street!
Explore River Street: You’ll find tons of shops, rooftop bars and restaurants, and seeing the huge cargo ships passing through on the Savannah River is a sight you’ll never forget.
Take a trolley tour: We love this hop on hop off tour for seeing all the hot spots and traveling around the city easily.
Visit Bonaventure Cemetery: It’s bigger than you think, so try a golf cart tour to save your feet and make sure you don’t miss anything.
Take a ghost tour: You just can’t go to America’s most haunted city without a ghost tour!
Eat at the most popular restaurants in Savannah: For a Savannah first-timer, make sure you try at least one of the most popular spots in Savannah – The Olde Pink House, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, Husk, or the Collins Quarter.
Insider tip: If you forgot to make a reservation at The Olde Pink House, try to get a table in the bar in the basement at Planters Tavern – they have the same menu and a really cool vibe.
Take a riverboat cruise: This quintessentially Savannah activity is perfect for first-timers. Learn about the city and take in the views. They have all sorts of options like brunch, sunset cruises and dinner cruises, so you can pick the one that’s right for you.
If you’ve been to Savannah before
If you’ve been here before, you’ll probably want to try something new on your coastal Georgia road trip. Here are my recommended stops for those a bit more familiar with the city:
Go to the Starland District: This hipster area was created by two SCAD students – you’ll find tons of galleries, studios, vintage shops, and the Starland Yard, a sort of outdoor food court with mini restaurants serving out of shipping containers.
Visit Oatland Island Wildlife Center: This is the closest thing to a zoo you’ll find in Savannah, and it’s full of wildlife local to the area and opportunities to learn about them in a natural preserve.
Explore Fort Pulaski National Monument on your way to Tybee Island: If you decide to head to one of the beaches of Tybee Island, you’ll have to stop at Fort Pulaski on Cockspur Island on the way there. You’ll see the damage from Union Army cannonballs still in the fort’s walls and learn a ton about how soldiers lived during the time.
Insider Tip: If you do decide to venture out to Tybee Island, be sure to check out some of the best seafood restaurants on Tybee!
Go to ALL the Museums: Ok, that just can’t be done in a few days. But if you’re into historic homes, you’ll want to check out the house museums like Mercer-Williams House or the Andrew Low House. If you’re into more quirky experiences, check out the Graveface Museum to learn about serial killers, or the Prohibition Museum in City Market to learn about the history of speakeasies, moonshine, and the gangsters of the 18th Amendment.
Eat where the locals do: If you’ve been to the most popular spots in the city or just want to avoid the lines and high price tags, head to one of the best burger joints in Savannah or one of the awesome Savannah breweries.
If your feet get tired use the free Savannah DOT Shuttle Buses. Since you’re already familliar with the hot spots you don’t need to spend the money on the sightseeing trolleys. The DOT buses get you where you want to go and they’re free!
Whether you’ve been there before or not, you really should consider spending Christmas at Savannah. It’s absolutely magical!
If you’re in Savannah in the spring be sure to check the date for the Blessing of the Fleet in Thunderbolt. It’s a coastal event like no other!
Stop 2: Darien (1-2 days)
You wanted to get off the beaten path on your coastal Georgia road trip, right? That’s why we’re leaving Savannah and heading to Darien! In this little fishing town you’ll find the freshest seafood, an adorable downtown area, and tons to do! And if you’re lucky, you can time your trip to be here for the biggest event of the year, the Blessing of the Fleet.
If you’ve got an eye on retirement you need to know that Darien made the list of best small towns on the Georgia Coast for retirees.
Where to Stay in Darien
Oaks on the River – This is our favorite place to stay in Darien. The rooms are luxurious, you can’t beat the happy hour prices (or the food!) in the hotel lounge, and the views of the shrimp boats on the river are breathtaking.
Darien Waterfront Inn – This bed & breakfast near the waterfront park is close to everything and includes a free full breakfast.
Emma’s Driftwood Farm – We absolutely love this off-the-beaten path spot – so much we’ve written a full review! You can rent an individual cabin or the whole place if you have a larger group (you probably won’t for a road trip, but something to keep in mind if you have a family reunion or wedding around the corner)
What to do while you’re here
Here are our favorite things to do in Darien:
Fort King George: This was the southernmost outpost of the British Empire in the Americas until 1727 and is the oldest English fort remaining on Georgia’s coast!
Ashantilly: This historic tabby house (sometimes called Old Tabby) was built in 1820 and now serves as an educational and cultural center.
Visit Sapelo Island: This is a unique experience you won’t forget, but it takes a bit of planning. Check and see if the place you’re staying can arrange a Sapelo Island tour first, and if not, you can make one with a community member like JR Grovner or with the Reserve on Wednesday or Saturday mornings. It’s totally worth it to see this state-protected barrier island that is home to the last known Gullah community.
Go on a fishing trip: You’ll find lots of opportunities for fishing excursions in Darien. We recommend checking Fishing Booker to find a guide with awesome reviews!
Shop downtown: You won’t find any big box stores here! Support local small businesses by shopping at Nautical Treasures Boutique, The Local Exchange, Broad Street Antiques, and Waterfront Wine & Gourmet.
Eat fresh local seafood: This is the best place to get that sweet Georgia shrimp, so don’t miss the chance to eat here! We love Skipper’s Fish Camp and The Canopy Restaurant, but you can check out all the best restaurants in Darien to explore more awesome options.
Stop 3: Brunswick (1-2 Days)
Your next stop on your coastal Georgia road trip is Brunswick, GA and you definitely want to take the time to explore here! The historic district is absolutely gorgeous, dotted with historic homes, beautiful old buildings, and tons to do.
Brunswick is also on the list of best small towns in coastal Georgia for retirees. If that’s you you’ll want to read the article.
Where to stay in Brunswick
Most of the hotel options you’ll find online are right on I-95, which can be convenient for your road trip, but wont’ put you near the historic district where you want to be. We recommend The Kress Hotel or a rental like 905 Seaside for the best location.
What to do while you’re here
You can find a whole post on things to do in Brunswick, but here are some of our faves:
First Fridays: If you’re local to Brunswick, you wouldn’t dream of missing a First Friday! Try to plan your trip so you’re in Brunswick on the first Friday of the month when Newcastle Street fills with food trucks and local vendors and the historic squares become stages with live music.
Shop at the Farmers Market: If you were lucky enough to be in town for First Friday, then the next morning you should hit the farmers market at Mary Ross Waterfront Park! The farming community around Brunswick really shows out, so you’ll find the very best produce here.
Tour the Historic District: Did you know Brunswick has 14 squares in its downtown historic district? Take a guided bicycle tour with Brunswick Old Town Tours or download a walking tour to explore the tree-lined streets full of interesting architecture and amazing water views at your own pace.
Visit Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation: This former rice plantation offers tours of the historic home, nature trails, a small museum, and picnic areas. It’s the perfect place to learn about the agricultural history of coastal Georgia.
Try a Rum Distillery Tour: Richland Rum on Newcastle Street offers tours of their distillery where they make rum from Georgia-grown sugar cane. They have three different tour options, two of which include tastings!
Stop 4: St. Simons Island (1-2 Days)
You’ll find the causeways to two barrier islands in Brunswick, and we recommend hitting both of them. The first is St. Simons Island! Here you’ll find a bustling little town full of history, incredible restaurants, and tons to explore.
Where to stay on St. Simons Island
We have a whole list of the best places to stay on St. Simons Island, but here are some highlights:
Village Inn & Pub: We love this spot right in the pier village. Every room in unique, and the little pub off the courtyard has live music often. It’s actually one of our favorite bars on St. Simons Island, and it’s walkable to a lot of the others.
The King & Prince: If you’re looking for luxury, you’ll find it at The King & Prince. This is the only beachfront hotel on the island, and you’ll love Echo, the restaurant on the ground floor.
Hotel Simone: This boutique hotel is fairly new, but they definitely know what they’re doing! The rooftop pool and bar has the best sunset views on the island and every room is a suite here at Hotel Simone!
What to do while you’re here
There are tons of things to do on St. Simons Island, but here are some of our can’t-miss activities:
Rent a bike: This is the best way to see the island, so stop by one of the bike shops on the island to explore the miles of bike paths. Be sure to look for the tree spirits! You can find a map to help you in the visitor’s center.
Try local restaurants: We’ve made a whole list of the best restaurants on St. Simons Island, but check out where the locals eat on St. Simons for our faves. We love a good beach bar too, and have compiled a collection at best bars on St. Simons as well as the best happy hour deals on the island.
Fort Frederica: This town was built between 1736 and 1748 to protect the southern border of the colony of Georgia from Spanish raids. It’s an active archaeological site, and the views out over the Frederica River from the armory are our favorite, so it’s definitely a must-see.
Hit the beach: Check out our guide to the beaches on St. Simons Island to decide where to set up your chairs for the day.
Go crabbing: We love crabbing off the pier in the village and it’s easier than you might think! You’ll find fishermen here day and night, so grab a crab pot from the bait & tackle shop on the corner, tie some chicken in, and give it a whirl!
Go shopping: For a small island you’ll be surprised at all of the great shopping you can find on St. Simons Island.
St. Simons Island is named one of the 6 best small towns in coastal Georgia for retirees. If you’ve got retirement on your mind read that article and continue on down the coast.
Stop 5: Jekyll Island (1-2 Days)
If you’re really a beach lover, you’re going to want to spend a day or two on Jekyll Island. The causeway to this barrier island is also in Brunswick, so it’s just a hop, skip and a jump from SSI.
Where to stay on Jekyll Island
You’re going to want to stay on the beach here, so we recommend Residence Inn by Marriott, Villas By the Sea, or Home2Suites by Hilton.
What to do while you’re here
Again, we’ve written an article on all the top things to do on Jekyll Island, but here are some of the highlights:
Driftwood Beach: This magical beach is the #1 must-see spot on Jekyll Island! It’s perfect for otherworldly photography, exploring with the kids, and even for getting married! Check the tide chart before you go – low tide is the best time to visit. Very near Driftwood Beach is one of the top spots for Georgia Beach Camping.
Georgia Sea Turtle Center: One of the iconic Jekyll Island experiences is visiting the Georgia Sea Turtle Center! Here you’ll find a rehabilitation facility for sea turtles, complete with interactive exhibits where you can observe the turtles in their tanks. The center does amazing work rehabilitating and releasing these magnificent creatures, and your admission goes directly to supporting these efforts.
Mosaic Museum: This is a must-do for history buffs! Open every day from 9:00-5:00, Mosaic is full of interactive exhibits that teach you about the island’s rich history. You can also arrange tours here including the Landmark Trolley Tour, the Millionaire Motorcar Tour, and even a ghost tour!
Walk around the historic district: Jekyll Island’s National Historic Landmark District is one of the largest ongoing restoration projects in the southeast. Step back in time to see what life was like when Jekyll Island was an exclusive winter retreat for the rich, as you meander through the district looking at the gorgeous historic “cottages” (which are more like sprawling mansions). Make sure to check out Horton House and the DuBignon family cemetery as well.
Get out on the water: Book a boat tour of your choosing – whether it’s dolphin watching, fishing or just cruising.
Insider Tip: On your way to Kingsland, stop and grab a bite and a beer at Captain Stan’s Smokehouse in Woodbine. Their happy hour drafts are only $2 and the smoked chicken wings are truly the best I’ve ever had.
Stop 6: Kingsland (1 Day)
This small coastal community is nestled along the beautiful Georgia coast and serves as the perfect launching point for your adventures to Cumberland Island and the Okefenokee Swamp.
Where to stay in Kingsland
You’ll find over 20 hotels along the I-95 corridor, but we have always had a great experience at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites.
What to do while you’re here
Take a ride on the Georgia Coastal Railway: One of America’s oldest privately owned shortline railroads offers themed excursions through Georgia marshlands, working rail yards, and historic neighborhoods. The railroad offers everything from Murder Mystery Express and Great Gatsby Express to the popular Christmas Train during the holiday season.
Visit Laurel Island Links: This gorgeous golf course was designed by Davis Love III and offers magnificent marsh views along with a challenging game of golf. The well-manicured Bermuda grass tees and fairways make for a perfect day on the links.
Kayak through the Okefenokee: There’s nothing quite like the Okefenokee Swamp – did you know National Geographic has called it one of the world’s most beautiful places? We love this tour given by Okefenokee & Satilla Expeditions.
Stop 7: St. Marys (1 Day)
St. Marys is known as the “Gateway to Cumberland Island” and this coastal community is full of Southern charm that makes it the perfect spot to spend a day before heading to our last stop. With a picture-perfect waterfront, rich history, and delicious dining options, St. Marys is a destination in its own right!
If you’ve got the whole family on your trip you’ll want to know about the fun things to do with the kids in St. Mary’s.
Where to stay in St. Marys
The Spencer House Inn Bed & Breakfast: Built in 1872, this historic inn is just one block from the ferry to Cumberland Island. Each of the 14 guest rooms has stylish furnishings, private baths, and all the modern amenities, plus a full breakfast is served daily.
Goodbread House Bed & Breakfast Inn: This restored 1870 home retains all of its original charm and is a comfortable place to stay before heading to Cumberland Island.
What to do while you’re here
St. Marys Waterfront Park: In the 1800s, this was the site of the colony’s shipbuilding and trading hub. Today, it’s a beautiful community space with a riverfront walkway, public boat launch, dock, and playground. The sunset views over the water are absolutely breathtaking!
St. Marys Submarine Museum: This fascinating museum on the waterfront explores the history of submarines in the US Navy. It features thousands of artifacts including model submarines, historic photographs, naval memorabilia, and even a working periscope that lets you peer across the waterfront!
Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum: Located right in St. Marys, this museum features artifacts from Cumberland Island spanning from the Native American settlement to the arrival of the Carnegie family. It’s the perfect way to learn about the island’s rich history before visiting.
Shop the historic downtown: St. Marys is the perfect place for antique shopping. There are also plenty of local boutiques and gift shops to explore.
Explore nature at Crooked River State Park: This beautiful state park has hiking trails, boat rentals, and scenic views of the intracoastal waterway, maritime forests, and coastal wildlife. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, this is definitely worth your time – watch out for the gators, though!
St. Mary’s is the southernmost spot on the list “best small towns in coastal Georgia for retirement“.
Stop 8: Cumberland Island (1-3 Days)
Cumberland Island is Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island, and it’s an absolute treasure of pristine wilderness – That’s why it’s the final stop on our coastal Georgia road trip! With undeveloped beaches stretching for miles, ancient maritime forests draped in Spanish moss, and feral horses roaming freely, this island feels untouched by time.
Camping on Cumberland Island
Cumberland Island has five campgrounds, but most first-time visitors opt for Sea Camp Campground. It’s just a half-mile walk from the ferry dock. Cold water showers and fresh water are available here, and each of the 16 sites has a picnic table and campfire ring.
For a more rugged experience, you can venture further into the island to camp at Stafford Beach or one of the three wilderness campgrounds: Hickory Hill, Yankee Paradise, and Brickhill Bluff. These wilderness sites are more primitive with no amenities, so come prepared! Cumberland Island is named one of the top spots for Georgia Beach Camping.
A few important things to know before camping:
- Reservations are required and can be made up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov.
- The ferry and campsite reservations are made on different websites, so plan accordingly!
- There are no stores or restaurants on the island, so bring all your food and supplies.
- Pack out all your trash as there are no trash cans on the island.
- Campfires are only permitted at Sea Camp and Stafford Beach in designated fire rings.
- Maximum stay is 7 consecutive nights.
What to do while you’re here
Explore Dungeness Ruins: Once a magnificent mansion built by the Carnegie family, Dungeness is now a hauntingly beautiful ruin surrounded by live oaks and often visited by the island’s wild horses. Take the ranger-led tour to learn about the fascinating history of this site.
Spend time on the pristine beaches: Cumberland Island has 17 miles of undeveloped beach where your only companions might be wild horses and shore birds.
Hike the island’s trails: With over 50 miles of hiking trails, you can explore diverse ecosystems from maritime forests to salt marshes. The island is completely flat, so the hiking is accessible for most ability levels. If you’re worried about figuring out where to go, sign up for a guided walking tour!
Wildlife watching: The island is home to an incredible array of wildlife including wild horses, armadillos, deer, turkeys, alligators, and hundreds of species of birds. Keep your camera ready and your eyes peeled!
Visit Plum Orchard Mansion: If you’re up for a longer hike or can catch the van tour, this 22,000-square-foot mansion was built for George and Margaret Carnegie’s son and his wife in 1898. The National Park Service offers tours of this beautifully preserved Georgian Revival structure.
Bike the island: Biking is a great way to cover more ground on the island. You can bring your own bike on the ferry (for an additional fee) or rent one on the island on a first-come, first-served basis.
Insider Tip: Be sure to check the ferry schedule before making reservations! The ferry doesn’t operate on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from December through February, and spots fill up quickly during peak seasons.
If you find yourself here in the fall you’ll want to check out Fall Events in Coastal Georgia. There’s always something fun going on.
Before You Go…
Make sure you’re prepared for your trip by checking out all our articles about the places you’re visiting:
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