NORTH AMERICA
/
USA
/
GEORGIA
/
SAVANNAH
/
Things to Do

The Best Day Trips From Savannah, Georgia

Cockspur Island Lighthouse is only a 20-minute drive from downtown Savannah
Cockspur Island Lighthouse is only a 20-minute drive from downtown Savannah | Mary Jo Whitmore / Alamy Stock Photo
Photo of Christy Taylor
Christy Taylor
22 July 2020

From gorgeous islands to historic towns, there is no shortage of options for a day trip from Savannah, Georgia.

Charleston, South Carolina

Architectural Landmark
Map View
Street view in Charleston, South Carolina
© Edwin Remsberg / Alamy Stock Photo
A two-hour drive from Savannah lies the charming town of Charleston, known for its hospitable residents and well-preserved architecture. Sample the local specialty: she-crab soup, a delicious creamy bisque made with Atlantic blue crab meat and crab roe. History and nature lovers alike will relish walking in the downtown area with its historic houses and secret gardens. Admire the pastel-colored houses of Rainbow Row, visit one of the oldest public market in the US – City Market, and finish off with a look at the Pineapple Fountain in Waterfront Park. There will not be a shortage of activities in the day to keep busy.

Beaufort, South Carolina

Architectural Landmark
Map View
Cafe and shops on West Street, just off Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina, USA
Cafe and shops on West Street in Beaufort, South Carolina | © Eric James / Alamy Stock Photo
Beaufort has served as the location for a number of hit movies such as GI Jane (1997), Platoon (1986), Forces of Nature (1999) and the most famous of all, Forrest Gump (1994). Of course this is not the only reason to visit Beaufort, but film buffs will love it. It is recommended to invest in a guide to tour the many Antebellum homes, of which Verdier House in particular is an excellent example. Amble through the waterfront Henry C Chamber park admiring the sea views, or the Beaufort National Cemetery, one of the first cemeteries established during the Civil War and one of the most beautiful. Beaufort is a 55-minute drive from Savannah.

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

Zoo
Map View
Alligator along the shore in Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, Savannah, Georgia USA
© James Nesterwitz / Alamy Stock Photo

Interestingly half of this park, established in 1927 on the remains of a rice plantation, actually lies in South Carolina. The refuge is home to a wide array of animals and over 250 species of bird life. With 40m (64km) of trails and a driving loop, a whole day can be spent searching for glimpses of ospreys, owls, bald eagles, deer, bobcats, otters and lots of alligators. It’s a mere 10 minutes from town to the visitor center, which is open from 9am to 4.30pm, Monday through Saturday. Admission is free.

Cockspur Island

Natural Feature
Map View

In a channel of the Savannah River lies Cockspur Island, named because of its bent shape. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, landed on the island in 1736 and a monument now marks the spot. The island is also home to Fort Pulaski National Monument, a Civil War landmark, and the Cockspur Island Lighthouse. The lighthouse can be viewed from afar, perched among marshy grassland it makes for some picturesque photographs. Within Fort Pulaski hiking, biking and walking trails are abundant and offer scenic vistas of the mainland. A 20-minute drive from downtown Savannah puts you on the island.

Bluffton, South Carolina

Architectural Landmark
Map View
Boat dock Bluffton, South Carolina
© Constance Owens / Alamy Stock Photo

On the banks of the May River, lies quaint Bluffton. Stroll the beautiful Old Town Bluffton, then head over to the Heyward House Museum to tour of the eight Antebellum homes left in the town. Picnic in Oyster Factory Park for lunch and afterwards tour the neoclassical Church of the Cross. End your day at the rustic-chic FARM, the best place to sample small plates of locally sourced seafood. Make sure to book a seat at the chef’s table that enables diners to have a full view into the kitchen. Bluffton is just under an hour’s drive from downtown Savannah.

Skidaway Island

Park
Map View
This leafy residential island is only a 20-minute drive from downtown Savannah. Not only a home to a beautiful neighborhood, it offers a natural escape at Skidaway Island State Park. It’s uniquely located on salt flats, marshland and forest with 6mi (10km) of raised hiking trails, an observation tower and a boardwalk that overlooks the Georgia Intercoastal Waterway. The park is full of wildlife with opportunities to spot deer, egrets and even crabs from platforms throughout the area. Instead of walking the trails there is also the option to rent bicycles at the park’s office. The park is open from 7am to 10pm daily and charges a $5 parking fee.
These recommendations were updated on July 22, 2020 to keep your travel plans fresh.
Give us feedback

Cookies Policy

We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK"