Savannah has more than enough to fill a full vacation, but one of the best things about staying here is how many memorable day trips are within easy reach. From beaches and barrier islands to historic forts, coastal towns, and oak-lined landmarks, Savannah makes an ideal home base for exploring more of Coastal Georgia and the Lowcountry.
These day trips from Savannah are practical, scenic, and varied enough to fit different travel styles. Some are quick half-day outings, while others work best when you set aside most of the day.
1. Tybee Island
Tybee Island is one of the easiest and most popular day trips from Savannah. Known as Savannah’s beach, Tybee offers oceanfront beaches, casual restaurants, dolphin tours, the Tybee Island Lighthouse, and a relaxed coastal pace.
It is a great choice if you want to add beach time to a Savannah stay without changing destinations. Spend the morning on the sand, grab seafood for lunch, and head back to Savannah for dinner downtown.
Best for:
Beach days
Families
Couples
Dolphin tours
Easy coastal escapes
2. Beaufort, South Carolina
Beaufort is a charming Lowcountry town known for waterfront views, historic streets, local shops, and a slower pace than Savannah. It makes a strong day trip for travelers who enjoy architecture, small-town dining, and scenic coastal drives.
Start at the visitor center or waterfront, then explore downtown on foot. Beaufort is especially appealing if you want a quieter historic destination with a different feel from Savannah.
Best for:
Historic charm
Waterfront walks
Lowcountry scenery
Couples
Slower day trips
3. Daufuskie Island, South Carolina
Daufuskie Island is a more adventurous day trip because it requires a ferry or boat access, but that is part of what makes it memorable. The island is known for quiet beaches, Gullah history, golf carts, local art, and a removed-from-it-all atmosphere.
This is best for travelers who want something less conventional than a standard sightseeing day. Plan ahead for ferry schedules and transportation once you arrive.
Best for:
Adventure-minded travelers
Gullah culture
Quiet beaches
Golf cart exploring
A slower island experience
4. Wormsloe Historic Site
Wormsloe Historic Site is one of the most photographed places near Savannah, thanks to its long avenue of live oaks. Beyond the iconic entrance, visitors can explore a museum, trails, and programs connected to Georgia’s colonial history.
This is an easy half-day trip from downtown Savannah and works well for visitors who want history, nature, and photography without driving far.
Best for:
Photography
History
Nature walks
First-time visitors
Short day trips
5. Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island is a longer day trip, but it rewards visitors with beaches, bike paths, historic sites, and the famous Driftwood Beach. The island’s visitor guide and maps are helpful for planning a full-day visit.
This is a good option if you want a full coastal adventure and do not mind spending more time on the road.
Best for:
Beaches
Biking
Driftwood Beach
Families
Full-day coastal exploring
6. St. Simons Island
St. Simons Island offers a mix of beaches, shops, restaurants, history, and village-style charm. It pairs well with Jekyll Island if you are planning a longer Golden Isles day, though many visitors choose one island to avoid rushing.
St. Simons is a strong fit for travelers who like beach towns with a little more dining and shopping built in.
Best for:
Coastal shopping
Beach town atmosphere
Couples
Families
Longer day trips
7. Fort Pulaski National Monument
Fort Pulaski National Monument is located between Savannah and Tybee Island, making it one of the easiest day trips or half-day stops in the area. The National Park Service site preserves a Civil War-era fort, trails, marsh views, and access to coastal history.
It works especially well as a stop on the way to or from Tybee Island.
Best for:
History lovers
Families
Nature trails
Easy half-day visits
Combining with Tybee
How to Choose the Right Day Trip
Choose Tybee Island if you want the beach. Choose Wormsloe or Fort Pulaski if you want a short, easy outing close to Savannah. Choose Beaufort if you want a charming Lowcountry town. Choose Daufuskie if you want something more unique and slower paced. Choose Jekyll or St. Simons if you want a full-day coastal road trip.
Stay in Savannah with Southern Belle
Savannah makes an excellent home base because you can explore the Historic District one day and head out to the coast, islands, or Lowcountry towns the next. With Southern Belle Vacation Rentals, you can stay close to Savannah’s restaurants, squares, museums, and tours while keeping these regional day trips within reach.
Browse Savannah vacation rentals or explore the full Southern Belle Vacation Rentals website to find the right home base for your trip.
See More Than the Historic District
Savannah is a destination worth exploring on its own, but the surrounding region adds even more to the experience. In one trip, you can walk historic squares, visit a barrier island, explore a national monument, see coastal towns, and still return to Savannah for dinner.
That flexibility is what makes the city such a strong starting point for a Coastal Georgia vacation.