Today, you’re going to take a scenic excursion down the Georgia coastline. Starting in the beautiful historic city of Savannah with its leafy, green squares and colonial architecture, you will then drive down the coastline to the quaint but vibrant community of Darien, along with the Sapelo Island Wildlife Management Area and the historical landmark of Sapelo Lighthouse.
Along the way, you will pass through some of the most treasured views Georgia has to offer the intrepid traveler. After Darien, you will arrive in Brunswick and take a day trip to St Simons Island and its younger brother, Little St Simons Island. Jekyll Island has beaches and ocean views that are best not to miss as well.
For this adventure, you will take the scenic routes and stunning views of Georgia’s coastal beauty offered by Coastal Highway 17. This is a much better route for the sightseer compared to the interstate.
By the end of your voyage, you will have arrived in Kingsland with access to Cumberland Island and Stafford. Read on to see what the best things are to do in each of these wonderful communities, and don’t forget to sign up for the cheapest auto insurance in Georgia to have peace of mind on your trip.
Exploring Savannah
Savannah, Georgia, is a fun place full of history and just 20 miles away from the Atlantic Ocean. Start by visiting the historic district. Here, you’ll find beautiful old homes, like the Mercer-Williams House, and lots of parks. The city’s streets are full of live oak trees covered in Spanish moss. Check out Forsyth Park to see the historic fountain.
Hungry? Try some yummy Southern food at The Olde Pink House. Want some fun at night? Go to River Street. It has a bunch of pubs, shops, and art galleries. If ghost stories excite you, take a ghost tour. Many people think Savannah is one of the most haunted cities in America! Taking a tour like this during the winter can also be very fun.
Art fans, visit the Telfair Museums. You’ll find modern art at the Jepson Center and older pieces at the Telfair Academy. Need a beach day? Drive over to Tybee Island for some sun and surfing. In Savannah, you can learn about history, taste great food, and have all kinds of adventures.
Now that you’ve gotten a taste of the good life, hop on Highway 17 to get started with your coastal adventure!
Savannah to Darien
On the way to Darien, consider a day trip to the Old Sailors Burying Ground, a cemetery established in the 17th century and still operated to this day by a historic association. You can even take a guided tour to see The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial, the burying grounds, and Huntington’s History Museum. You will also have the opportunity to visit stunning Sapelo Island with its Cabretta Island Beach and historic lighthouse on the southernmost part of the island.
After visiting the lighthouse, consider a quick trip over to Nanny Goat Beach to take in the pretty view of the Atlantic Ocean. This is a good opportunity to unwind a bit and enjoy a picnic while taking in the cool ocean breeze.
Ready to get back on the road? The next stop on this journey is Brunswick, another delightful town along the coast. On the way there, consider making a quick stop at the Butler Island Plantation, a historic rice plantation that is now run and preserved by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. This site also features what remains of a steam-powered rice mill, old cisterns, and the rice fields themselves.
Darien to Brunswick
Continuing with your journey down the Georgian coast, you will arrive at Brunswick, a charming historical city with Victorian architecture, ancient trees, and access to St. Simons Island and the Fort Frederica National Monument. For lighthouse fans, you will also have the chance to visit St. Simons Lighthouse Museum, another must-see for historic enthusiasts (and a nice break from the elements if it’s raining outside).
For those folks who want to see what nature has to offer in the Brunswick area, consider visiting the Marshes of Glynn, a sight that features stunning vistas. Enjoy the tranquil marshlands by daylight or soak up their beauty under a star-studded sky — the choice is yours!
For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s the fantastic Jekyll Island State Park. You can picnic under a sunny sky, explore scenic walking trails, or pedal along the coastline. For those with a hankering for the beach, the shores of St. Simons Island are just a quick trip away.
Brunswick to Kingsland
For the final stretch of your coastal trip, you will take Highway 17 from Brunswick to Kingsland. On this final leg of your adventure, consider stopping for lunch at a café near Lover’s Oak, a historic tree in the center of town that has been around since 1787.
Some must-see destinations in this area include Sea Island Beach on St. Simons Island, Summer Waves Waterpark on Jekyll Island, and the Wanderer Memorial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nearby, the St. Marys River offers a great adventure to lovers of nature. Grab a kayak or canoe and relish the quiet beauty of this ancient waterway. You may spot some local wildlife, too!
Before you wrap up your trip, also consider a visit to Horton House, a historical landmark that features what remains of an 18th-century structure and the remnants of a brewery that predates much of the surrounding area. This attraction is also great for kids if you’re adventuring with the whole family.
While you may have reached the end of your adventure (all great adventures must come to an end), the Georgia coastline always has exciting journeys in store for anyone who wants a superb combination of ocean vistas and quaint colonial charm.