11 Amazing Atlantic Coast Day Trips That Are Worth The Drive
Visiting any coast in the U.S. promises excitement and endless beach activities, but the Atlantic (aka East) Coast is particularly packed with a wealth of fun and history in a compact area. From the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), visitors are not only a couple of hours away from several states, but they also have a plethora of choices for beachfront fun — all within a two- to three-hour drive. Although the airport is in Georgia, this list of Atlantic Coast day trips is primarily centered in South Carolina. However, any visitor to the airport’s location can’t miss taking in some of Savannah, Georgia.
Savannah, GA
The historic downtown of the city is just a 25-minute drive from the airport. The entire city is rich in history, having been founded in 1733, but the downtown area of 22 squares is one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the country.
The best place to start is Forsyth Park, home to the often-photographed Forsyth Fountain and a hub for both visitors and locals. The City Market is a four-block open-air market featuring local vendors and artists selling their wares. A number of restaurants and bars surround the market, so it’s a great spot to grab a bite to eat before venturing to River Street for dessert at one of the ice cream or candy shops along the cobblestone streets of the waterfront. Fans of Gothic architecture can’t miss the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, and ghost hunters must check out the Old Sorrel-Weed House, believed by some to be the most haunted building in the city.
No trip to the city is complete without stopping at The Pirates House, a restaurant founded in 1753 as an inn for sailors. During baseball season, taking in a Savannah Bananas minor league baseball game at Grayson Stadium is a must — if you can get a ticket for the incredibly popular team’s competitions.
Hilton Head Island, SC
Less than an hour from the airport, Hilton Head is a prime beach destination in the South Carolina lowcountry. Aside from miles of white sand beaches along the Atlantic Coast, Hilton Head is also known for its 26 golf courses, including the Jack Nicklaus-designed Harbour Town Golf Links and Golf Club at Indigo Run.
If being on the water is more your speed, opportunities abound for waterskiing, surfing, sailing, and even dolphin-watching. The island has a robust arts community, as well, so whether it’s a play at the Lean Ensemble Theater or a concert by the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, a tour of the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island, or an art show at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, you’re sure to be entertained.
Beaufort, SC
The waterfront town is just an hour from the airport, and its historic streets are flanked by Spanish moss from live oak trees. Much of the area predates the Civil War, a fact embraced by the Beaufort History Museum. A major attraction in Beaufort is the Hunting Island State Park, home to 5,000 acres of beach, marshes, a lagoon, and a maritime forest, as well as camping facilities and a fishing pier. The park is also the site of Hunting Island Lighthouse, originally built in 1859 and restored after the Civil War.
Edisto Beach, SC
Chill vibes, beachfront activities, and sea turtles await visitors to Edisto Beach, just under two hours' drive from SAV. It’s a sleepy beach town and home to the Edisto Beach State Park and its 1,255 acres of beach, nature trails, and wildlife. Speaking of wildlife, Botany Bay is a wildlife refuge and sanctuary set up to protect the beach’s natural habitats. Expect to find Loggerhead Turtles, white-tailed deer, and even an alligator or two, and be sure to visit the Edisto Environmental Learning Center to learn more about the natural history of this portion of South Carolina’s beaches.
Folly Beach, SC
Another two-hour drive from the airport is Folly Beach, a fun, family-friendly beach town outside of Charleston. Folly Beach County Park features public facilities, lifeguards, picnic areas, and rentals for enjoying a safe day at the beach. The Folly Beach Fishing Pier is an impressive 1,045-feet-long pier with amazing ocean views and great fishing, a gazebo for gathering, and a restaurant at its base. The Morris Island Lighthouse, first constructed in 1767, is just off the coast of the city
Charleston, SC
No trip to the East Coast is complete without a stop in Charleston. Another city rich in Southern history, Charleston is a mere two-hour drive from Savannah. It’s home to several plantations that have been open since before the Civil War, such as Drayton Hall and Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Magnolia Plantation and its grounds feature 400 acres of protected wetlands and year-round gardens.
Wildlife is on display at the South Carolina Aquarium and its Sea Turtle Care Center for turtle rehab, and the kids can blow off some steam and learn at the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry. Some of the best shopping in the South is found downtown on King Street, and one of the most colorful streets is E. Bay Street, with the famed Rainbow Row of 18th-century homes. The Row is just a few steps from The Battery, the city’s seawall, and Waterfront Park, where you can find a giant pineapple fountain and memorials for Civil War battles. Don’t miss out on some of the country’s best cuisine at heralded restaurants like Husk and Magnolias.
Isle of Palms, SC
Fifteen miles east of Charleston, this island escape is home to golf, spas, and, of course, beaches. IOP is just a little over two hours away from the airport, but its sandy beaches and clear water make it worth the drive. Plus, its proximity to Charleston means a short trip to one of the top destinations in the country. Outdoor activities like those found in Isle of Palms County Park abound in Isle of Palms, and it’s as likely to see people biking as it is to see golf carts roaming the streets. Wild Dunes Resort features two championship golf courses, a spa, private beaches, and sand dunes. Check out SALT Boutique or My Favorite Things for your gifting needs.
Sullivan's Island, SC
Often overlooked, Sullivan’s Island is a hidden hotspot off Charleston’s harbor, and a little more than two hours from the Savannah/Hilton Head airport. Its biggest draw is for fans of author Edgar Allan Poe, who was stationed on the island’s Fort Moultrie. While there in the mid-19th century, Poe wrote his short story, “The Gold Bug,” which takes place on the island. The fort itself stands as a reminder of a legendary nine-hour battle during the Revolutionary War in 1776. The island served as a quarantine station for slaves imported to the US prior to the war, and a commemorative plaque is located at the fort to commemorate this history. While visiting, be sure to stop at one of the island’s many restaurants, including Poe’s Tavern, so named for the author.
Georgetown, SC
The third-oldest city in South Carolina and the second-oldest seaport in the state features a historic district with more than 50 houses, sites, and buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Its place on the water also makes it the ideal locale for the South Carolina Maritime Museum. The museum features programs, exhibits, and replicas of lighthouses, boats, and maritime components.
Several other museums dot the town, including The Rice Museum, which details the history of rice in the US and its contribution to Georgetown’s and the Lowcountry’s economy. Since it’s located between Myrtle Beach and Charleston, the harborfront provides a wealth of amenities, such as numerous independent clothing stores, restaurants, several marinas, fishing charter tour companies, and even fishing competitions. It is one of the farthest drives from the airport, at three hours, but it’s worth every mile.
Mt. Pleasant, SC
Just over the Arthur Ravenel Bridge from Charleston is Mt. Pleasant. Another historic city, only 2 hours from the Savannah Airport, Mt. Pleasant’s Old Village is a scenic 18th-century neighborhood that was used as a backdrop to the movie "The Notebook" and features Pitt Street Pharmacy, which has an old-fashioned soda fountain.
Another top attraction in the city is Boone Hall Plantation, which, with its Avenue of Oaks, is a stunning example of Southern heritage. The oak trees that line the entrance are worth the visit, but the home on the plantation offers a glimpse into Southern life. The grounds also feature a "Black History in America" exhibit, a conservatory of tropical plants, and a live presentation of Gullah culture native to the lowcountry of South Carolina.
To keep the kids busy on hot days, head to Splash Island Waterpark, located within Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park. The Waterpark features a 200-foot body flume and a smaller slide for kids, waterfalls, and an activity pool.
Pawleys Island
Rounding out the list of 11 best coastal cities is Pawleys Island, a three-hour drive from SAV, and a golf-lover’s paradise. Caledonia Golf & Fish Club features an award-winning 18-hole public course, and Pawleys Plantation was designed by Jack Nicklaus.
Aside from golfing, Pawleys Island has beautiful, uncrowded beaches, in spite of its proximity to Myrtle Beach. Huntington Beach State Park is a destination for observing wildlife, with nature trails that bring visitors closer to the wetlands and lagoons. Pawleys is a destination for art lovers, too, as two galleries — Island Art Gallery and the Cheryl Newby Gallery — feature artwork from local and national artists. On a rainy day, take a stroll through the Hammock Shops Village, featuring handcrafted items, locally made baskets, and the Original Hammock Shop.
One Airport, Endless Coastal Escapes
The Atlantic Coast is rich with history, top beachfront cities, and family-friendly activities. The gateway to all of it is the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, where, within three hours or fewer, visitors can reach any of the driveable stops on this list and explore one or more vacation destinations with plenty of time left to return to the origin point and start over on a different trek the next day.
