Savannah, Georgia, October 12, 2025
News Summary
Savannah, Georgia, serves as an ideal starting point for travelers looking to discover South Carolina’s stunning coastal destinations. With easy access to beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and vibrant local culture, visitors can enjoy day trips to popular spots like Hilton Head, Beaufort, and Folly Beach. The proximity of Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport offers a variety of activities that cater to various interests, ensuring a memorable experience along the Atlantic coastline.
Savannah, Georgia, serves as a gateway for travelers seeking to explore the rich history and stunning coastal landscapes of South Carolina’s Atlantic coastline. Just a quick drive from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), these scenic day trips feature an abundance of activities and destinations that cater to various interests.
The proximity of Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport allows easy access to a variety of coastal attractions within a two- to three-hour drive. While the airport is situated in Georgia, many appealing locations lie just across the state line in South Carolina.
Savannah, located a mere 25-minute drive from the airport, is renowned for its historic downtown, established in 1733, which is recognized as one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the United States. Key sights in Savannah include Forsyth Park, known for the iconic Forsyth Fountain, City Market that showcases local vendors and artists, and River Street, famous for its dessert shops lining cobblestone streets. Historical sites in Savannah include the stunning Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist and the reputedly haunted Old Sorrel-Weed House. For dining, visitors can enjoy a meal at The Pirates House, a historical inn established in 1753 that hosted many sailors over the years. Additionally, the Savannah Bananas, a popular minor league baseball team, plays at Grayson Stadium, providing entertainment during the baseball season.
Less than an hour away from SAV lies Hilton Head, known for its beautiful white sand beaches and 26 golf courses, including the renowned Harbour Town Golf Links. The island offers a variety of water activities, such as waterskiing, surfing, sailing, and dolphin-watching. Art enthusiasts can catch performances at the Lean Ensemble Theater or enjoy concerts by the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra.
Another coastal highlight is Beaufort, situated less than an hour from the airport. Beaufort features the Hunting Island State Park, which is popular for its diverse range of wildlife and historic sites, including the restored Hunting Island Lighthouse. For those seeking a quieter getaway, Edisto Beach is just under two hours from the airport and offers a serene beach experience at Edisto Beach State Park, known for its nature trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing, such as sea turtles and white-tailed deer.
Folly Beach, family-friendly and near Charleston, includes public facilities, picnic areas, and the impressive Folly Beach Fishing Pier. For history buffs, Charleston—approximately two hours from Savannah—is a treasure trove of Southern history, featuring attractions like Drayton Hall, Magnolia Plantation, and the South Carolina Aquarium. Isle of Palms, also located two hours away, is known for its sandy beaches and houses the Wild Dunes Resort, which boasts championship golf courses.
Sullivan’s Island, another historical site notable for its association with Edgar Allan Poe, features Fort Moultrie and connections to slavery history. For those willing to travel a bit further, Georgetown is three hours from SAV and offers a charming Maritime Museum and lush Harborfront amenities, in close proximity to Myrtle Beach. The town of Mount Pleasant offers historic neighborhoods and attractions like Boone Hall Plantation. Lastly, Pawleys Island, a golfer’s paradise also three hours away, boasts stunning, uncrowded beaches and is home to Huntington Beach State Park.
Visitors can easily plan road trips from SAV, allowing for exploration of various seaside destinations before returning to the airport.
FAQ
What is the proximity of Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport to coastal attractions?
The airport allows easy access to various coastal attractions within a two- to three-hour drive.
What are some key sights to see in Savannah?
Key sights in Savannah include Forsyth Park, City Market, and River Street.
What type of activities can be enjoyed in Hilton Head?
Water activities available on Hilton Head include waterskiing, surfing, sailing, and dolphin-watching.
What natural attractions can be found in Beaufort?
Beaufort features the Hunting Island State Park, known for diverse wildlife and historic sites.
Which beach town is known for its family-friendly atmosphere?
Folly Beach is known for being family-friendly and features public facilities and picnic areas.
What historical site is associated with Edgar Allan Poe?
Sullivan’s Island is a historical site associated with Edgar Allan Poe and features Fort Moultrie.
Which nearby destinations offer golf courses?
Pawleys Island and Hilton Head both offer stunning golf courses.
Key Features of Coastal Attractions from SAV
| Destination | Distance from SAV | Main Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Savannah | 25 minutes | Forsyth Park, City Market, River Street, The Pirates House |
| Hilton Head | Less than 1 hour | Beaches, Harbour Town Golf Links, water activities |
| Beaufort | Less than 1 hour | Hunting Island State Park, Hunting Island Lighthouse |
| Edisto Beach | Under 2 hours | Edisto Beach State Park, nature trails |
| Folly Beach | 2 hours | Family-friendly beach, Fishing Pier |
| Charleston | 2 hours | Drayton Hall, Magnolia Plantation, South Carolina Aquarium |
| Isle of Palms | 2 hours | Sandy beaches, Wild Dunes Resort |
| Pawleys Island | 3 hours | Golf, uncrowded beaches, Huntington Beach State Park |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- World Atlas: Atlantic Coast Day Trips
- Jacksonville Beach Moms: Things to Do in Savannah with Kids
- Savannah Now: 2025 Orange Crush Festival Events
- Fox News: Orange Crush Festival Arrests
- Southern Living: Tybee Island
- Wikipedia: Savannah, Georgia
- Google Search: Savannah attractions
- Google Scholar: Savannah history
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Savannah, Georgia
- Google News: Savannah, Georgia
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
