10 Amazing Weekend Trips From Savannah

Are you in need of ideas for quick weekend trips from Savannah? I’ve got you covered! Whether you’re looking for a beach excursion, an outdoor adventure, or something more leisurely, there’s an amazing weekend getaway from Savannah that’s perfect for you.

Below you’ll find my suggested list of incredible weekend trips from Savannah, all within an easy driving distance. The list is organized based on distance from Savannah, starting with the closest to the farthest.

Your perfect escape is closer than you realize. So don’t wait— pack your bags and hit the road to explore some of the most beautiful and exciting destinations near Savannah.

Plan the perfect weekend getaway with this free printable travel planner.

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Easily the most popular day trip from Savannah, Tybee Island also makes a wonderful and easy destination for a weekend trip from Savannah.

You can visit the island’s most famous site, its light station, the oldest and tallest in Georgia. The 2.5-mile-long barrier island’s location at the mouth of the Savannah River also made it especially important as a military position. Tybee Island, just a stone’s throw away from Savannah, is well worth your time if you have the opportunity to visit. It’s perfect for a relaxing beach-y weekend.

Check out my beach day essentials so that you don’t forget to pack anything.

Hilton Head Island is one of my favorite places and makes for a perfect weekend getaway from Savannah. To demonstrate just how remarkable Hilton Head is, you don’t need to take my word for it. For three consecutive years, Travel + Leisure bestowed the honor of the BEST island in all of America upon Hilton Head Island.

I totally agree. 

Try Coligny Beach Park if you’re looking for public beach access. Coligny Beach is also a designated swim area. Enjoy complimentary parking close by and indulge in some delightful shopping too. The famous Harbour Town Lighthouse is also a popular attraction. 

If biking is your thing, you’ll love the miles of beaches and recreational paths to explore. And don’t forget about all the delicious Southern food that’s waiting for you.  

We recommend that you enjoy lunch or dinner at A Lowcountry Backyard to try their wonderful food. They’re famous for their shrimp and grits and of course, the Lowcountry boil. When we were there, they gladly helped Hubby find something delicious and gluten-free to eat, and they have good vegetarian options too.

Charleston, South Carolina, is steeped in history and Southern charm, so it makes a great weekend trip from Savannah, especially for history lovers…like me. If you’re searching for more of a beach-infused weekend getaway near Charleston, then look no further than Folly Beach and Isle of Palms.

Top sites to visit on your Charleston itinerary include Fort Sumter, Aiken-Rhett House, Historic Charleston City Market, and The Battery.

Great shopping and good food are also easy to find in Charleston. King Street has been dubbed one of the top 10 shopping streets in the U.S.  

If you enjoy seafood and classic, elevated Southern cuisine, you’ll love eating in Charleston. And hushpuppies. You must try hushpuppies. Hushpuppies are just about the best thing ever.

If you are looking for a great way to save on accommodations, then consider staying outside of the city in Mount Pleasant or North Charleston. Rates for hotels there will be much more affordable than those located within the city center. The trade-off is that you’ll have a bit of drive into the city each day.

Jekyll Island is one of the “Golden Isles” barrier islands off the coast of Georgia that include St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sapelo Island, Blackbeard Island, plus Historic Darien and Historic Brunswick.

Jekyll Island is the perfect destination for beach and nature aficionados, offering a variety of activities such as cycling, golfing, strolling along the sandy beaches, exploring historic houses, and more. Don’t forget to visit Driftwood Beach on the northern end of the island.

Jekyll Island is also home to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, which offers educational programs about these creatures and works to rescue and rehabilitate sick and injured turtles.

The public is invited to visit the center and experience a unique tour that takes you behind the scenes. From watching how these animals are cared for, to gaining insight into efforts geared toward their protection.

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A popular beach vacation destination in Florida, Amelia Island boasts 13 miles of beaches. It’s located in Northeast Florida and is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, Nassau Sound, and Cumberland Sound. 

In 2020, Travel + Leisure put Amelia Island at number 6 on its list of the top 15 islands in the United States. Conde Nast also named Amelia Island one of the best islands in the U.S. in its Reader’s Choice awards. Southern Living also named it one of the 10 most romantic destinations in Florida.

If you’re looking for a beautiful and outdoorsy weekend getaway from Savannah, Congaree National Park is a great option.

You’ll find Congaree National Park in Hopkins, South Carolina (near the state capital of Columbia). It’s the only National Park in South Carolina, and sadly also one of the least visited. Congaree is also a UNESCO biosphere reserve and offers hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and bird watching. 

The Park preserves the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States, according to the National Park Service. 

Be warned. Congaree is swampy, prone to flooding, and infamous for its mosquitoes. Protect yourself from buggy interference as needed. Before your trip from Savannah, check in with the Park to assess mosquito activity levels and plan accordingly.

Hiking Congaree National Park is easy and enjoyable. The most popular walk or hike in Congaree is probably the Boardwalk Trail. The boardwalk path makes the 2.6-mile loop trail accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Other easy hikes include Bluff Trail, Sims Trail, Bates Ferry Trail, Longleaf Trail, and Spur Trail. 

Where to stay in Congaree National Park

Camping is the only way to sleep in Congaree National Park. There are two campgrounds: the Longleaf campground near the park entrance and the Bluff campground. Backcountry camping is permitted. All camping in Congaree National Park requires a permit or reservation.

There are no hotels or lodges available at Congaree National Park. I recommend that you plan to stay in the Columbia area for your weekend getaway.

Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Cayce—We love Marriott hotels, and I’ve never had a bad stay at a Courtyard. This Courtyard is only a few miles from the airport and about a 20-minute drive from Congaree.

TownePlace Suites Columbia Southeast/Fort Jackson—This hotel is a little farther from the local airport, but it’s also only about a 20-minute drive from the Park and includes a free breakfast.

Why not try a romantic getaway in the oldest city in America? It’s a really fun town with plenty to do and eat.

Those looking for fun and excitement in St. Augustine should look no further than its historic district and downtown area. Thousands of people flock to this destination each year, marveling at the selection of historical attractions, museums, shops, and restaurants.

From the Spanish fortress Castillo de San Marcos to the many historic houses, museums, and other attractions there is plenty for you to see and do during your St. Augustine weekend trip.

You’ll also find a lot of great places to eat like the popular Floridian Restaurant that features local food in a relaxed setting. And don’t miss out on The Hyppo for a sophisticated, gourmet popsicle.

Atlanta, Georgia, is a great weekend getaway from Savannah. It offers visitors an exciting mix of history, culture, and entertainment.

There’s something for everyone in Atlanta. From the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site to the World of Coca-Cola museum to the world-famous Georgia Aquarium, whatever your interests may be, you’ll find plenty to explore.

Check out my article all about the top things to do in Atlanta if you have a short visit.

Orlando, Florida, is a great city for a weekend getaway. From hot air balloon rides and horseback riding to premier shopping and kayaking, there is an abundance of activities awaiting you outside of visiting theme parks

If activity is not what you’re after there are also a lot of amazing hotels and restaurants to explore along with some great shopping. Plus there are plenty of opportunities to take some wonderful day trips from Orlando.

For the ultimate in luxury, book a weekend at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and enjoy AAA Five Diamond dining at Victoria and Albert’s. 

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, North Carolina, is a prime choice among possible romantic getaways from Savannah. It is a bit of a drive, but I think it’s totally worth it. And Asheville is so different from Savannah that it really feels like you’ve gotten away from it all.

Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Asheville is home to great dining and the world-famous Biltmore Estate.  

Asheville is the perfect destination for a romantic escape any time of year, but it’s particularly stunning in autumn. The Blue Ridge area around Asheville is renowned for its wide variety of deciduous trees, creating a picturesque and lengthy fall colors season.

Hubby and I have spent three wedding anniversaries at The Inn on Biltmore Estate. Because we got engaged there, it holds a special place in our hearts. It’s our absolute favorite Asheville romantic weekend getaway. 

To find out more, read my full Inn on Biltmore Estate review.

TIP: Keep track of all of your important travel details with a digital travel planner like this.

Final thoughts on weekend trips from Savannah

Weekend getaways are the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate, and there are plenty of great options within driving distance of Savannah. Whether you’re looking for a beach vacation, a cultural experience, or just some time in nature, you can find what you’re looking for within a few hours’ drive from Georgia’s first city.

Have you been to any of these places? What’s your favorite weekend getaway from Savannah?

More articles related to weekend getaways from Savannah

• How to plan a weekend getaway
• Perfect weekend trip packing list (for any kind of getaway)
• Essential travel planning resources

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