Top Places to See When Driving From Atlantic Beach, Florida to Savannah, Georgia
If you are up for a weekend road trip from Atlantic Beach, Florida to Savannah, Georgia, you are in luck! The drive is scenic and dotted with plenty of interesting places to visit. Whether you are looking for historic sites, state parks, or charming towns, this drive has it all. So buckle up and get ready for a fun-filled adventure!
The distance between Atlantic Beach, Florida, and Savannah, Georgia, is around 140 miles and takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes without stopping. But, trust me, you will want to stop and enjoy all the sights along the way. Here are some of the top places to see on your road trip from Atlantic Beach, Florida, to Savannah, Georgia:
St. Augustine
As you head north from Atlantic Beach, Florida, you will come across St. Augustine, a historic city established in 1565 by Spanish explorers. The city is home to a wealth of historic sites, including Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental US. Visitors can explore the fort, walk on the ramparts, and see the cannons that defended the city from pirates and foreign invaders. Other must-see attractions in St. Augustine include St. George Street, with its many shops and restaurants, and the Lightner Museum, a fascinating collection of Gilded Age artifacts.
Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
As you continue your drive north, make sure to stop by the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, a vast swath of natural and cultural resources on the banks of the St. Johns River. Visitors can hike or bike on the many trails that wind through forests, salt marshes, and wetlands. The preserve also includes historic sites, such as Fort Caroline National Memorial, which tells the story of the first French settlement in the US.
Jekyll Island
After crossing into Georgia, take a detour to Jekyll Island, a scenic barrier island that was once the playground of the rich and famous. Visitors can tour the opulent mansions that dot the island, such as the Crane Cottage and the Indian Mound Cottage. Jekyll Island is also home to miles of pristine beaches, as well as the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, a rehabilitation facility for injured sea turtles.
Brunswick
As you make your way towards Savannah, make sure to stop in Brunswick, a charming coastal town with a rich maritime history. Visitors can explore the Old Town Historic District, with its many beautiful homes and public squares. Other must-see attractions in Brunswick include the Mary Ross Waterfront Park, which offers excellent views of the Brunswick River, and the Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, a former rice plantation that is now a state historic site.
Savannah
The final destination on your road trip is Savannah, a lovely southern city famous for its historic squares, antebellum architecture, and charming shops and restaurants. Make sure to visit Forsyth Park, with its iconic fountain and towering oak trees. Other must-see attractions in Savannah include the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the Bonaventure Cemetery, and the Mercer-Williams House, made famous in the book and movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of interesting places to stop and explore on your road trip from Atlantic Beach, Florida, to Savannah, Georgia. From historic sites to beautiful natural attractions, this drive has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, hit the road, and discover the beauty and history of the southern coast!