Where to Wander Weekend Roadtrips near Savannah
Savannah has a way of holding you close. The Spanish moss, the slow-step mornings, the river humming like it remembers every story ever told. But sometimes your spirit wants to roam. A different skyline. A new kind of quiet. A weekend that changes the pace and the color of your thoughts.
Luckily, some of the most beautiful places in the Southeast are just a drive away.
Here are some of the best road trip destinations from Savannah — whether you’re craving ocean air, small-town charm, art and culture, or mountain sunrise magic.
1. Tybee Island
Distance: ~25 minutes
Vibe: Toes-in-the-sand simplicity + lighthouse light
Tybee is where locals go to exhale. Bring a book, pack a blanket, and walk slow along the shoreline. Take a bike around quiet neighborhoods or climb the lighthouse for a sweeping view.
Ideal For: Sunrise lovers + low-effort beach days
2. Hilton Head Island, SC
Distance: ~45 minutes
Vibe: Coastal grace + bike paths through pine forests
Hilton Head is smooth, steady, relaxed. Rent bikes and ride at low tide, sip iced coffee, explore Sea Pines Forest Preserve, or unwind at a waterfront restaurant.
Don’t Miss: A bike cruise on the sand at golden hour.
3. Bluffton, SC
Distance: ~30 minutes
Vibe: Slow-paced, riverfront, artsy
Bluffton feels like a small artist’s haven — historic churches, cozy cafes, live oak shade, and local galleries. Perfect for a half-day reset.
Stop Into: The Society of Bluffton Artists
4. Beaufort, SC
Distance: ~1 hour
Vibe: Southern romance + marshland peace
Beaufort is dreamy, quiet, and cinematic. Stroll the waterfront, bike the Spanish Moss Trail, or sip sweet tea while the tide rolls in.
Most Peaceful Moment: Sunset from the boardwalk benches.
5. Charleston, SC
Distance: ~2 hours
Vibe: Color, culture, cuisine, and coastal sparkle
Charleston is vibrant. Rainbow streets, rooftop cocktails, art-filled alleyways. Let yourself wander without a plan: that's how the magic happens.
Places to Eat:
• Leon’s Oyster Shop
• Basic Kitchen
• The Darling Oyster Bar
Best For: Creative inspiration + food adventures
6. St. Simons Island + Jekyll Island
Distance: ~1.5 hours
Vibe: Driftwood shores + marsh grass gold
The Golden Isles have a slow, ancient feel. Visit Driftwood Beach on Jekyll for something surreal and sacred. Explore St. Simons for charming streets and a community feel.
Perfect Moment: A long walk with no destination.
7. Jacksonville, FL
Distance: ~2 hours
Vibe: Urban play + ocean breeze
Spend the morning at the beach, then wander through Riverside Arts Market or Five Points for coffee, vintage shops, and street murals.
Try: Bold Bean Coffee Roasters
8. Cumberland Island National Seashore
Distance: ~1.5 hours to ferry in St. Marys
Vibe: Wild, untouched, mysterious
This is where time moves differently. Wild horses, sand dunes, moss-draped trails, and the sound of nothing but the wind and waves.
Important: Pack everything — there are no shops, just nature.
9. Greenville, SC
Distance: ~4.5 hours
Vibe: Artsy, walkable city with a waterfall running through downtown
Greenville feels like a surprise — a city built around nature. Falls Park on the Reedy has a suspension bridge overlooking a waterfall right downtown. The Swamp Rabbit Trail winds for miles and is perfect for biking.
Eat + Wander:
• Gather GVL (open-air food hall with live music)
• Methodical Coffee
• Main Street boutiques + art galleries
Why Go: When you want city energy without big-city overwhelm.
10. North Georgia Mountains (Blue Ridge, Helen, Dahlonega)
Distance: ~4.5 to 5.5 hours
Vibe: Mountain air, cabin coziness, firelight + waterfall trails
The North Georgia mountains are where your nervous system goes to unclench. Think cabin stays, stargazing, apple orchards, winery afternoons, and hikes to waterfalls that feel like nature’s baptism.
Choose Your Mountain Mood:
• Blue Ridge: Cozy cabins + scenic railways + craft breweries
• Helen: Bavarian-style town fun + tubing the Chattahoochee
• Dahlonega: Wine country + gold rush charm + gentle trails
Peak Season Magic: October leaves in full flame.
11. Asheville, NC
Distance: ~5 hours
Vibe: Bohemian mountains + live music + misty morning hikes
If you crave fresh air and creativity, Asheville is calling. The River Arts District, Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks, mom-and-pop bakeries, and breweries where the mountains glow at sunset.
Most Soul-Clearing Spot: Craggy Pinnacle at sunrise.
Which Direction Feels Like You Right Now?
East to the ocean.
North to history and color.
South to city spark.
West to mountains and quiet sky.
You don’t need a plane ticket to transform your world — just an open tank of gas and curiosity.
Which one is calling you first?