Can’t decide on just one destination on the Georgia Coast for your vacation this year? There’s no need to choose. Just take a road trip down the coast and sample what each one of these locations has to offer. Georgia has so much to choose from, including theme parks, nature trails, museums, and glorious beaches.
Savannah
Start your trip with a day or two in historic Savannah, which is known for many things, including its role in the Revolutionary War and its gorgeous antebellum architecture. Savannah is also the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts. In fact, the museum in her honor is one of the city’s top attractions, so be sure to stop by if you have a Girl Scout, have ever been one, or just like to eat the cookies.
This city is filled with cozy bed-and-breakfasts, which can be a welcome alternative to hotels. You’ll find some of the city’s best dining within the historic district, so you can mix a trip for dinner with a fascinating walking tour.
Tybee Island
Just a few miles away from Savannah, you’ll find Tybee Island. Here, you can relax on the beach, stay active with a dolphin cruise, rent a Jet Ski or paddleboard, or go shopping in the gift shops and art galleries. History buffs will enjoy a visit to Fort Pulaski and two historic lighthouses, including Tybee Lighthouse, which was built in 1732, and Cockspur Lighthouse, which dates to 1855. Accommodations on Tybee include bed-and-breakfasts, vacation rentals, hotels, and motels at a range of price points. Seafood is a local specialty, so check out restaurants such as Stingray’s Seafood or Bernie’s Oyster House.
Jekyll Island
As one of the most popular destinations within the Golden Isles, Jekyll Island is a favorite vacation destination. You’ll want to check out the many budget-minded hotel options as well as the resorts with all the amenities you could want. Jekyll Island offers many activities for family fun. You can rent a bike, take a Segway or kayak tour, or even go horseback riding. Children will enjoy the Summer Waves Water Park or the interactive Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Order a pizza from the Red Bug, dine on the beachfront at Fins on the Beach, or enjoy a traditional low country boil buffet at SeaJay’s Waterfront Cafe.
Brunswick
Similar to Savannah, Brunswick has a beautiful historic downtown district and is a great place to take a ghost tour or a guided historic tour. Once known as the Shrimp Capital of the World, today, Brunswick is home to many great dining opportunities, from traditional Southern barbecue to fine dining. It’s easy to find overnight accommodations here, from the budget-minded to the luxurious. The city is also called the Gateway to the Golden Isles, and from here, you can easily go island-hopping, visiting Sea Island, Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island, and Little St. Simon’s Island.
After you’ve taken your tour of the Georgia Coast, you may find a favorite location or two and visit again for a longer period of time so you can explore it more in depth. One thing is for certain, however. You will have fun and make some amazing memories in Georgia.