We love this little 100 mile stretch of coastline. That’s why we started this website, after all! This coastal Georgia road trip itinerary skips the interstate whenever it can and takes you through the small towns, fishing villages, and barrier islands that make this part of the world so special.
I’m originally from Atlanta, so I arranged this road trip from north to south, which works perfectly if you’re coming from North Georgia or South Carolina. If you’re coming up from Florida, just do it in reverse!
We’ll start in the best known spot on the coast, Savannah, then head down U.S. 17 through Richmond Hill, Midway, and Darien, into the Golden Isles, and all the way to the Florida border. Along the way you’ll hit Georgia’s barrier islands and some of the best seafood you’ll ever eat.
For the barbecue lovers out there, pair this trip with the BBQ Trail of Coastal Georgia. They make the perfect combination!
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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How Many Days Do You Need?
You can drive the whole Georgia coast in a couple of hours, but you’d miss everything that makes it worth the trip. Here’s how we’d break it down:
4 days: Savannah, Darien, the Golden Isles (pick St. Simons or Jekyll), and St. Marys with a day trip to Cumberland Island.
7 days: Everything in this guide, with one night in each of the main stops and the small towns as drive day stops in between.
10 days or more: Add a second night in Darien for Sapelo Island, an extra beach day on Jekyll, a night on Tybee, and the Okefenokee Swamp from Folkston.
If you’d rather focus on our home base, our 3 day Golden Isles itinerary covers St. Simons, Jekyll, and Brunswick in more detail.
Getting Here and Getting Around
You’ll need a car for this trip. Most visitors fly into Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV) at the north end or Jacksonville International (JAX) at the south end, and both work well for a one-way rental. Book your rental car here.
When you leave Savannah, you can take I-95, but we highly recommend the scenic drive along U.S. Highway 17. It runs parallel to the interstate and takes you right through the small towns in this guide. Every stop here is within a few minutes of an I-95 exit, so you can hop back on whenever you need to make up time.
When to Go
Spring and fall are our favorite seasons for a coastal Georgia road trip. The weather is mild, the bugs are calmer, and you’ll catch events like the Blessing of the Fleet in Darien and all the fall events in coastal Georgia. Summer is beach season, so book stays early. Winter is quiet and cheap, and it’s oyster season! Read our guide to visiting the Georgia coast in winter if you’re thinking about an off-season trip.
Planning to start in Savannah? Check our guide to the best time to visit Savannah so you can pick your dates.
Stop 1: Savannah (2 to 3 Nights)
Oh, Savannah. This historic city is packed with delicious food, beautiful squares, and more to do than you can fit into one trip. Find all our guides on our Savannah travel page.
Where to Stay in Savannah
If you’ve never been, stay near River Street or in the Historic District so you can walk everywhere.
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, and you’ll find great restaurants and rooftop bars right on the grounds.
Marshall House: For something spooky, stay in one of Savannah’s haunted hotels! Marshall House sits right on Broughton Street in one of the liveliest parts of the Historic District.
The Olde Harbour Inn and River Street Inn: Both put you right on River Street so you can watch the cargo ships rolling in.
Vacation rentals in Savannah: These range from small apartments to sprawling historic homes. If I’m staying somewhere for more than a couple of days, this is always the way I go.
If it’s your first time in Savannah
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.
Stroll the historic streets: You can never go wrong with Jones Street.
Explore River Street: You’ll find shops, rooftop bars and restaurants, and the huge cargo ships passing on the Savannah River, which is a sight you’ll never forget.
Take a trolley tour: We love this hop on hop off tour for seeing the highlights and getting around the city easily.
Visit Bonaventure Cemetery: It’s bigger than you’d expect, so try a golf cart tour to save your feet.
Take a ghost tour: You can’t visit 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
Go to the Starland District: This artsy neighborhood is full of galleries, studios, vintage shops, and Starland Yard, an outdoor food court with restaurants serving out of shipping containers.
Visit Oatland Island Wildlife Center: This is the closest thing to a zoo you’ll find in Savannah, with native wildlife in a natural preserve.
Visit the house museums: Tour the Mercer Williams House or the Andrew Low House. For something quirkier, the Graveface Museum or the Prohibition Museum in City Market are both a blast.
Eat where the locals eat: Skip the lines and head to one of the best burger joints in Savannah or one of the Savannah breweries.
Ride the free DOT shuttle: Since you already know the hot spots, skip the sightseeing trolley and use the free Savannah DOT shuttle buses to get around.
Visiting in December? Don’t miss Christmas at Savannah. And if you’re here in spring, check the date for the Blessing of the Fleet in nearby Thunderbolt.
Side Trip: Tybee Island (Day Trip or 1 Night)
Tybee is Savannah’s beach, about 30 minutes east of downtown, and it has a laid back, quirky personality all its own. You can do it as a day trip from Savannah or spend a night before heading south. Find all our guides on our Tybee Island travel page.
Where to Stay on Tybee Island
Hotel Tybee: Right on the beach at the south end, and walkable to restaurants and the pier.
Tybee vacation rentals: Tybee is cottage country, so a rental is the best way to settle in, especially with a group.
What to Do on Tybee Island
We have a whole post on the top attractions on Tybee Island, but here are some highlights you could do in a day:
Stop at Fort Pulaski National Monument: It’s on Cockspur Island on your way to Tybee. You can still see damage from Union cannon fire in the walls.
Climb the Tybee Island Lighthouse: It’s Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse, and your ticket includes the Tybee Museum.
Visit the Tybee Island Marine Science Center: Great for kids and anyone who wants to learn about the sea life you’ll see all along this trip.
Eat fresh seafood: Check out our picks for the best restaurants on Tybee.
Small Town Stops: Richmond Hill, Midway, Riceboro & Townsend
This is where U.S. 17 really pays off. These little towns between Savannah and Darien are easy to miss from the interstate, and each one deserves at least a quick stop.
Richmond Hill
Just south of Savannah, Richmond Hill was once Henry Ford’s winter home, and the Richmond Hill History Museum tells the story of how he shaped the town. History lovers should also visit Fort McAllister State Park, a Civil War earthwork fort on the Ogeechee River with great marsh views.
Midway & Riceboro
Midway Church dates to 1792, and the Midway Museum next door tells the story of the colonial settlement here. A few minutes south in Riceboro, Geechee Kunda Cultural Arts Center and Museum is one of the most meaningful places on the entire coast to learn about Gullah-Geechee history and culture. It’s a small, community-run center, so call ahead to confirm hours before you go.
Townsend
Take Exit 67 to visit Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge, a former World War II airfield that’s now home to wood storks, painted buntings, and hundreds of other bird species. The wildlife drive is about four miles, so it’s an easy stop. Don’t miss the tiny Christ’s Chapel, known as the Smallest Church in America, just off the exit.
Stop 2: Darien (1 to 2 Nights)
You wanted to get off the beaten path, right? In this little fishing town you’ll find the freshest seafood, a charming downtown, and the shrimp boats lined up along the river. Find all our guides on our Darien travel page.
Darien also made our list of the 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, the happy hour prices in the hotel lounge can’t be beat, and the views of the shrimp boats are breathtaking. If you’re planning an event, read our post on this Luxury Boutique Waterfront Event Venue in Darien.
Darien Waterfront Inn: This bed and breakfast near the waterfront park is close to everything and includes a full breakfast.
Emma’s Driftwood Farm: We love this spot so much we wrote a full review! Rent a single cabin or the whole property for a family reunion.
Blue Heron Inn: Located near the Sapelo Island ferry dock, this is a good pick if you’re planning a Sapelo day trip.
What to Do in Darien
Here are our favorite things to do in Darien:
Fort King George: This was the southernmost outpost of the British Empire in North America until 1727 and is the oldest English fort remaining on Georgia’s coast.
Ashantilly: This historic tabby house, built in 1820, is now an educational and cultural center.
Visit Sapelo Island: This takes planning, but you won’t forget it. Sapelo is home to Hog Hammock, one of the last intact Gullah-Geechee communities in the country. Book a tour with a community member like JR Grovner or through the Sapelo Island Reserve. The Reserve’s public tours currently run on Wednesday mornings, and the ferry leaves from the visitor center in Meridian, about 10 minutes from downtown Darien.
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 big box stores here! Support local small businesses at Nautical Treasures Boutique, The Local Exchange, Broad Street Antiques, and Waterfront Wine & Gourmet.
Eat local shrimp: This is the place for sweet Georgia shrimp. We love Skipper’s Fish Camp and The Canopy, but check out all the best restaurants in Darien to explore more awesome options.
On your way south: Stop at Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation State Historic Site on U.S. 17. This former rice plantation on the Altamaha River has a museum, nature trails, and a stop on the Colonial Coast Birding Trail.
Stop 3: Brunswick (1 to 2 Nights)
Brunswick is home for us, and we think it’s the most underrated stop on the coast. The historic district is gorgeous, with 14 squares, beautiful old buildings, and a downtown full of local businesses. Find all our guides on our Brunswick travel page.
Brunswick is also on our list of best small towns in coastal Georgia for retirees.
Where to stay in Brunswick
Most of the hotel options in Brunswick are out on I-95, which is convenient but won’t put you near the historic district. For the best location, we recommend The Kress Hotel or a rental like 905 Seaside.
What to Do in Brunswick
You can find a whole post on things to do in Brunswick, but here are some of our faves:
First Fridays: Plan your trip around the first Friday of the month, when Newcastle Street fills with food trucks and local vendors and the squares fill with live music.
Shop the farmers market: The next morning, head to the farmers market at Mary Ross Waterfront Park for the best local produce around.
Tour the 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.
Go shrimping on the Lady Jane: This retired shrimp trawler takes you out on the marsh to drag the nets and sort the catch. Kids love it, and so do we.
Take a rum distillery tour: Richland Rum on Newcastle Street makes rum from Georgia grown sugar cane. Two of their three tour options include tastings!
Catch the sunset: Stop at the Marshes of Glynn Overlook Park on U.S. 17 for one of the prettiest marsh views on the coast.
Stop 4: St. Simons Island (1 to 2 Nights)
You’ll find the causeways to two barrier islands in Brunswick, and we recommend hitting both. The first is St. Simons Island, a bustling little island full of history, great restaurants, and plenty to explore. Find all our guides on our St. Simons Island travel page.
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: This is our pick in the Pier Village. Every room is unique, and the little pub off the courtyard has live music often.
The King & Prince: For luxury, this is the only beachfront hotel on the island, and you’ll love Echo, the restaurant on the ground floor.
Hotel Simone: Every room is a suite, and the rooftop pool and bar has the best sunset views on the island.
What to Do on St. Simons Island
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 check out our St. Simons bike rental guide to find out about the best places to rent from and the best bike paths. Be sure to look for the tree spirits! You can find a map to help you in the visitor’s center.
Climb the St. Simons Lighthouse: The view from the top over the sound and the pier is worth every step.
Visit Fort Frederica: Built between 1736 and 1748 to protect the colony from Spanish raids, it’s an active archaeological site with beautiful views over the Frederica River.
Eat like a local: We’ve rounded up 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.
Hit the beach: Use our St. Simons beach guide to decide where to set up your chairs for the day.
Go crabbing: Grab a crab trap at the bait and tackle shop by the pier, tie in some chicken, and give it a try. It’s easier than you’d think!
Go shopping: You’ll be surprised by all the great shopping you can find on St. Simons Island.
Stop 5: Jekyll Island (1 to 2 Nights)
If you’re a beach lover, you’ll want a day or two on Jekyll Island. The causeway is just south of Brunswick, so it’s a short drive from St. Simons. Find all our guides on our Jekyll Island travel page.
Good to know: Every vehicle pays a parking fee to enter Jekyll Island, currently $10 per day. If you’re staying overnight, you pay for each day your car is on the island, and the rate goes up on special event days. You can pay at the gate or online ahead of time.
Where to Stay on Jekyll Island
We have a whole guide on where to stay on Jekyll Island, but here are a few quick faves:
Jekyll Island Club Resort: Stay in the historic district at the former winter club of the Rockefellers, Morgans, and Pulitzers.
Residence Inn by Marriott, Villas By the Sea, or Home2Suites by Hilton: All great choices if you want to be close to the beach.
What to Do on Jekyll Island
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.
Small Town Stop: Woodbine
On your way south, stop in Woodbine, a tiny town on the Satilla River and the seat of Camden County.
Insider Tip: Grab a bite and a beer at Captain Stan’s Smokehouse. Their happy hour drafts are only $2 and the smoked chicken wings are truly the best I’ve ever had.
Stop 6: Kingsland (1 Night, Optional)
Kingsland makes a good, affordable base for exploring the Okefenokee Swamp and the southern end of the coast.
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 in Kingsland
Ride the Georgia Coastal Railway: This shortline railroad runs themed excursions through the marsh and historic neighborhoods, from the Murder Mystery Express to the Christmas Train.
Play Laurel Island Links: This Davis Love III course has gorgeous marsh views.
Kayak the Okefenokee: There’s nothing like the Okefenokee Swamp. We love this tour given by Okefenokee & Satilla Expeditions.
Stop 7: St. Marys (1 to 2 Nights)
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 in St. Marys
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 (Day Trip or 1 to 3 Nights Camping)
Cumberland Island is Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island, and it’s the perfect last stop on a coastal Georgia road trip. Miles of undeveloped beach, maritime forest draped in Spanish moss, and wild horses roaming free. It feels untouched by time.
Getting to Cumberland Island
The only way to get there is by passenger ferry from downtown St. Marys, about a 45 minute ride. The ferry leaves St. Marys at 9:00 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. From December through February, it doesn’t run on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. The ferry fare and the park entrance fee are separate, and boats sell out on busy days, so book ahead.
Insider Tip: Check the ferry schedule before you book anything else. If you’re camping, reserve your ferry first, then your campsite.
Where to Stay on Cumberland Island
Greyfield Inn: The only inn on the island, built by the Carnegie family. It’s a splurge, but it’s a once in a lifetime stay.
Camping: Cumberland Island has five campgrounds. Most first timers choose Sea Camp, a half mile walk from the ferry dock, with cold water showers, fresh water, and a picnic table and fire ring at each of its 16 sites. For a more rugged trip, try Stafford Beach or the wilderness sites at Hickory Hill, Yankee Paradise, and Brickhill Bluff. Cumberland is one of our 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 ahead through Recreation.gov.
- Ferry and campsite reservations are made on different websites.
- There are no stores or restaurants on the island, so bring all your food and supplies.
- Pack out all your trash.
- Campfires are only allowed at Sea Camp and Stafford Beach in designated fire rings.
- Maximum stay is 7 consecutive nights.
What to Do on Cumberland Island
Explore Dungeness Ruins: These Carnegie mansion ruins are hauntingly beautiful, and wild horses often graze on the lawn. Take the ranger led tour to learn the history.
Spend time on the beach: Cumberland has 17 miles of undeveloped beach, and your only company might be wild horses and shorebirds.
Hike the trails: With over 50 miles of flat trails through maritime forest and salt marsh, there’s something for every ability level. Not sure where to go? Book a guided walking tour.
Watch for wildlife: Keep an eye out for horses, armadillos, deer, turkeys, alligators, and hundreds of bird species.
Visit Plum Orchard Mansion: Lucy Carnegie built this 22,000 square foot mansion in 1898 for her son George and his wife Margaret. Catch the van tour if you don’t want to make the long hike.
Bike the island: Bring your own bike on the ferry for an extra fee, or rent one on the island first come, first served.
Bonus Detour: Folkston & the Okefenokee Swamp
If you have an extra day, drive inland to Folkston, the Gateway to the Okefenokee. The east entrance to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is just outside town, and you can paddle or take a boat tour through the blackwater swamp.
Back in town, the Folkston Funnel train watching platform is a surprisingly fun stop, with dozens of trains a day passing through on their way in and out of Florida.
Sample 7 Day Coastal Georgia Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Savannah. Stroll the squares and have dinner on River Street.
Day 2: Savannah. Trolley tour, Bonaventure Cemetery, and a ghost tour at night. Optional afternoon on Tybee.
Day 3: Drive U.S. 17 through Richmond Hill, Midway, Riceboro, and Townsend. Spend the night in Darien.
Day 4: Morning in Darien (or Sapelo Island on a Wednesday). Stop at Hofwyl-Broadfield on the way to Brunswick. Dinner downtown and the night in Brunswick.
Day 5: St. Simons Island. Bike the island, climb the lighthouse, and stay the night.
Day 6: Jekyll Island. Driftwood Beach at low tide and the Sea Turtle Center. Head south through Woodbine to St. Marys for the night.
Day 7: Take the morning ferry to Cumberland Island and spend the day exploring.
Road Trip Tips From Locals
- Book ferries first. Sapelo and Cumberland both have limited space, so lock those in before your hotels.
- Budget for Jekyll’s parking fee. It’s per day, including overnights.
- Plan around the tides. Driftwood Beach is best at low tide.
- Pack bug spray. The no see ums are real, especially at dawn and dusk in spring and summer.
- Eat local. Some of the best meals on this coast come from family owned seafood shacks and barbecue joints, so skip the chains whenever you can.
Coastal Georgia Road Trip FAQs
The Georgia coast is about 100 miles long, so you can drive Savannah to the Florida line in under two hours on I-95. Taking U.S. 17 and stopping in the small towns, plan on at least four days, and a week if you can.
U.S. Highway 17. It runs parallel to I-95 and takes you through Richmond Hill, Midway, Darien, and Brunswick, with easy access to the interstate when you need it.
No. Both islands are reachable only by ferry, and both require reservations. St. Simons, Jekyll, and Tybee are all reachable by causeway.
We recommend overnight stops in Savannah, Darien, Brunswick or St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, and St. Marys. Each section above lists our favorite places to stay.
Yes! The Georgia Sea Turtle Center, the Lady Jane shrimping trip, the Tybee Marine Science Center, and the beaches on Jekyll and St. Simons are all big hits with kids.
Currently planning a trip? Here are some helpful resources:
- Find the best hotel options here.
- Book the cheapest flight here.
- Find tons of tours and activities here.
- Book your rental car here.
Before You Go…
Make sure you’re prepared for your trip by checking out all our articles about the places you’re visiting:
