Top 5 Weekend Trips from Savannah (Worth the Effort)

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. 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.

Savannah, Georgia, USA riverfront skyline.

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Hilton Head Island, South Carolina (Best Easy Beach Weekend)

Distance from Savannah: 34 miles
Drive time: 45 minutes

Hilton Head Island is one of my favorite places and makes for a perfect weekend getaway from Savannah. It makes a great, low-effort beach weekend getaway, with one caveat: it can feel polished and resort-heavy.

But…make it your own. 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.

Hilton Head, South Carolina, lighthouse at dusk. — *Hilton Head Island is my favorite romantic getaway from Savannah.*

Where to stay on Hilton Head Island

Best for luxury: Inn & Club at Harbour Town

Best for beach location: Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa

Best for value: Holiday Inn Express Hilton Head Island, with just a short walk to Coligny Beach

Charleston, South Carolina (Best for a Food + History Weekend)

Distance from Savannah: 105 miles
Drive time: 2 hours+

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 we suggest you visit on your Charleston itinerary include Fort Sumter, Aiken-Rhett House, Historic Charleston City Market, and The Battery.

Fountain with a large pineapple on top in waterfront park in Charleston, South Carolina. — *Charleston’s famous pineapple fountain. Photo: Plan, Ready, Go.*

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. We truly enjoyed our lunch at Fleet Landing. 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 a drive into the city each day.

Where to stay in Charleston, South Carolina

Best for Boutique Accommodations (Darcy’s Sister Approved): Andrew Pinckney Inn

Best for Luxury (Darcy’s Sister Approved): The Dewberry

Great Value Outside Charleston: Doubletree Mount Pleasant

Asheville, North Carolina (Best for a Romantic/Fall Getaway)

Distance from Savannah: 315 miles
Drive time: 5 hours

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.

Room at the Inn on Biltmore Estate — *The Inn on Biltmore Estate. Photo: Plan, Ready, Go.*

Where to stay in Asheville, North Carolina

Best for Luxury with an Historic Twist: The Inn on Biltmore Estate is our top choice

Best for a Spa Retreat: My sister and her husband love the Omni Grove Park Inn. This one is still on our bucket list.

Best for Convenient Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Biltmore/Asheville is just minutes from Biltmore Estate and the shops at Biltmore Village.

St. Augustine, Florida (Best for a Quirky/Historical Mix)

Distance from Savannah: 180 miles
Drive time: 3 hours

Why not try a 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.

Exterior view of Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine, Florida. — *Explore St. Augustine, Florida, to see amazing historical sites like this. Photo: Plan, Ready, Go.*

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.

Where to stay in St. Augustine, Florida

Best for Spa Romance: Casa Monica Resort & Spa

Best for Walkability: The Penny Farthing Inn bed & breakfast is just steps from the popular Lightner Museum.

Great Value: Hampton Inn St. Augustine Downtown Historic District

Congaree National Park (South Carolina) (Best for an Outdoorsy Break)

Distance from Savannah: 150 miles
Drive time: 2.5 hours

If you’re looking for a beautiful and outdoorsy weekend getaway from Savannah, Congaree National Park is a great option. Think: low-key nature (not big, dramatic scenery).

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.

wooden boardwalk path through a forest — *Congaree National Park near Columbia, South Carolina, is a great way to explore nature. Photo: Plan, Ready, Go.*

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.

old-growth trees in Congaree National Park — *Congaree National Park. Photo: Plan, Ready, Go.*

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.

Here are a couple of recommended options:

Residence Inn Columbia Northeast/Fort Jackson Area: The rooms are quite nice, and the staff were helpful. We love how much room you get for the money at Residence Inn hotels, along with the free breakfast.

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.

4 More Weekend Trips from Savannah (Quick Picks)

Tybee Island, Georgia (Closest, Easy Beach)

Distance from Savannah: 18 miles
Drive time: Approximately 20-30 minutes

Easily the most popular day trip from Savannah, Tybee Island also makes a wonderful and easy destination for a weekend trip from Savannah if you don’t want to think or drive far.

Tybee Island Inn is just a few minutes’ walk from the beach.

Historic Tybee Island Light Station near Savannah, Georgia

Jekyll Island (Best for a Quieter Coast)

Distance from Savannah: 95 miles
Drive time: 1 hour, 40 minutes

Jekyll Island is one of the “Golden Isles” barrier islands off the coast of Georgia. It’s a 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.

Best for Couples: The Westin Jekyll Island Beach Resort is on the beach, offering lovely views, and an outdoor pool.

many driftwood branches on a sandy beach — *Jekyll Island’s Driftwood Beach.*

Amelia Island, Florida (Best for a Quieter Florida Beach Feel)

Distance from Savannah: 128 miles
Drive time: 2 hours

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.

Omni Amelia Island Resort: Features beachfront luxury and an onsite spa.

Beach on Amelia Island in Northern Florida along the Atlantic Ocean — *Amelia Island is a popular and romantic getaway from Savannah, Georgia.*

Atlanta, Georgia (Best for Big City Energy)

Distance from Savannah: 250 miles
Driving time: 3 hours, 45 minutes

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

Omni Hotel at the Battery Atlanta is a perfect place to stay, especially if you’ll be taking in an Atlanta Braves game during your weekend in Atlanta.

The bottom line

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.