If you’ve ever daydreamed about salty breezes, sleepy beach towns, and eating shrimp straight off the boat, this road trip is calling your name.
We’re talking golden sunsets, mossy oak trees and even ferry rides to secret islands.
It’s all packed into one seriously dreamy stretch of Georgia’s coast that’s way less crowded than Florida but just as fun.
So grab your flip-flops and get ready to hit the road for one unforgettable adventure.
1. Tybee Island
About 25 minutes from Savannah, Tybee Island is a tiny barrier island packed with beauty and charm.
It’s known for its wide sandy beaches, the historic 1736 Tybee Island Light Station, and epic dolphin tours around the salt marshes.
You can climb the lighthouse’s 178 steps for pretty views, enjoy shrimp tacos near Tybee Pier, or kayak through Lazaretto Creek where manatees may pop up.
Fun fact: Several scenes from the movie The Last Song starring Miley Cyrus were filmed right on Tybee’s beaches!
2. Savannah
Next up is Savannah, and trust me, this city is a must-visit as it’s one of the most beautiful places in the whole world (bold statement, I know).
There are cobblestone streets, Spanish moss dripping from oaks, and Forsyth Park’s famous fountain.
Ghost tours, sweet tea in to-go cups, and 1700s homes are all Savannah classics, especially the Mercer-Williams House for true crime fans.
And if you’re hungry, grab something tasty at The Grey, a former Greyhound Bus Terminal turned award-winning restaurant.
3. Sapelo Island
Sapelo Island is the hidden gem you didn’t know you were missing.
You can only reach it by ferry (cars allowed for residents only), and once you do, it’s all quiet beaches, untouched marshes, and wild, remote beauty.
The island is home to Hog Hammock, a small Gullah-Geechee community rich in history.
Descendants of West African enslaved people still live there and share their culture through storytelling, food, and festivals.
Check out the Sapelo Island Lighthouse, hike the 2-mile Cabretta Trail to the beach, and don’t be shocked if the only traffic you’ll face is a few crossing armadillos.
4. Darien
Just a short hop from Sapelo’s ferry dock, Darien is a laid-back coastal town where shrimp boats and slow afternoons do all the talking.
Founded in 1736 by Scottish Highlanders, it remains one of Georgia’s oldest cities, with the tabby ruins of Fort King George still visible along the river.
The waterfront is lined with weathered docks, fresh seafood shacks, and pelicans that act like they own the place.
You can grab some shrimp and grits at Skipper’s Fish Camp, then watch the marsh light up at sunset as shrimp trawlers come rolling in.
5. St. Simons Island
From Darien, cruise a little farther down the coast and you’ll reach St. Simons Island—a beachy favorite that feels a bit more fancy than everywhere we’ve been so far.
You’ve got miles of golden sand, moss-covered live oaks, and the iconic St. Simons Lighthouse, which has been guiding ships since 1872.
Rent a bike and explore over 30 miles of paved trails, or search for all 20 hand-carved tree spirits hidden in the island’s ancient oaks.
Don’t skip the shrimp and grits at Palmer’s Village Café—they’re a favorite for a reason.
And for a dose of history, stop by Fort Frederica, where British and Spanish forces once battled for control in the 1700s.
6. Brunswick
Next make a stop in Brunswick, filled with old-school beauty and a downtown that’s slowly finding its groove again.
This port town takes pride in its shrimping roots and remains one of the state’s key hubs for wild-caught seafood.
You can stroll around the historic district to see Victorian-era buildings, shop for antiques, and snap a photo of the 900-year-old Lover’s Oak tree.
The town claims that Brunswick stew originated from here (so does a town in Virginia), so don’t leave without trying a bowl at Twin Oaks BBQ.
7. Jekyll Island
Cross the causeway from Brunswick and step onto Jekyll Island, a place with wild beaches, ancient oaks, and a bit of old-money history.
This was once a private getaway for America’s elite (think Vanderbilts and Rockefellers), and you can still tour their cottages and the old Jekyll Island Club.
Beyond its history, Jekyll Island features Driftwood Beach, where giant twisted tree trunks create one of Georgia’s most stunning spots.
You can also bike the 25-mile trail loop, visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, or relax and watch dolphins glide by at St. Andrews Beach.
Here’s out full Jekyll Island Weekend Itinerary.
8. St. Marys
Further south lies St. Marys, a tiny coastal town where time seems to slow down and everything feels more peaceful.
It may be the gateway to Cumberland Island, but St. Marys shines on its own, with pastel houses, mossy sidewalks, and a waterfront park ideal for picnics.
Stick around and check out the Submarine Museum, where more than 20,000 Navy artifacts are packed into one can’t-miss spot.
Craving something sweet? Grab a hand-dipped ice cream at Market on the Square.
9. Cumberland Island
Less than an hour from St. Marys lies Cumberland Island which is wild at heart, windswept, and unforgettable in every way.
You’ll find 17 miles of untouched beaches, wild horses grazing in the dunes, and crumbling mansions like the gothic-looking Dungeness Ruins.
Take on the 4.3-mile Southend Loop to experience maritime forest, salt marsh, and sweeping beach views.
With no cars and barely any cell service, it’s just you, the sea breeze, and maybe a few armadillos or wild horses for company.
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