Atlanta to Savannah: A Scenic Road Trip Adventure That You Can’t Miss!

Mar 21, 2024

Last Updated on: Aug 26, 2025

Travel Guides

Atlanta and Savannah are two of the most popular and exciting cities in Georgia. They are both rich in history, culture, and entertainment. But they are also very different in many ways. Atlanta is a modern and bustling metropolis, while Savannah is a charming and historic coastal town. How can you experience the best of both worlds? By taking a road trip from Atlanta to Savannah!

But how far is Savannah from Atlanta? How long does it take to drive from Atlanta to Savannah? What are the best routes to take from Atlanta to Savannah? What are the best places to visit along the way from Atlanta to Savannah?

In this article, I will answer these questions and more. I will show you the best tips and tricks to plan and enjoy your road trip from Atlanta to Savannah. I will also show you the top 10 sights that you simply can’t miss on your road trip from Atlanta to Savannah. Let’s get started!

How Far is Savannah from Atlanta?

Savannah to Atlanta

The first question that you might have is: how far is Savannah from Atlanta?

The answer is: it depends on the route that you take. There are several routes that you can take from Atlanta to Savannah, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Of course, these are not the only routes that you can take from Atlanta to Savannah. Also, you can customize your own route, depending on your preferences, your budget, and your time.

You can use online tools, such as Google Maps, Roadtrippers, or Furkot, to plan and optimize your route. You can also check the traffic, the weather, and the road conditions before you start your trip, and adjust your route accordingly.

Also, you can be flexible and spontaneous and take detours or shortcuts as you go along. The important thing is to have fun and enjoy the journey!

Having said that, here are some of the most common routes that you can choose from:

The Fastest Route

This route takes you from Atlanta to Savannah via I-75 S, I-16 E, and I-516 E. This route is the shortest and the quickest, as it covers about 248 miles and takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes to drive.

However, this route is also the most boring and the most crowded, as it does not offer much scenery or attractions along the way. You will mostly see highways, traffic, and billboards.

This route is best for those who are in a hurry and want to get to Savannah as soon as possible.

The Scenic Route

This route takes you from Atlanta to Savannah via US-441 S, US-129 S, US-341 S, GA-57 S, and US-80 E. This route is the longest and the slowest, as it covers about 310 miles and takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes to drive.

However, this route is also the most scenic and the most interesting, as it offers a lot of scenery and attractions along the way. You will see mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, farms, and small towns.

You will also pass by some of the historic and cultural sites of Georgia, such as the Ocmulgee National Monument, the Jarrell Plantation, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. 

This route is best for those who are not in a hurry and want to enjoy the beauty and the diversity of Georgia.

The Alternative Route

This route takes you from Atlanta to Savannah via I-20 E, US-25 S, and US-17 S. It is a good compromise between the fast and the scenic routes, as it covers about 270 miles and takes about 4 hours and 15 minutes to drive.

This route is not as boring as the fast route, but not as scenic as the scenic route. You will see some scenery and attractions along the way, but not as much as the scenic route. You will also pass by some of the major cities and towns of Georgia, such as Augusta, Waynesboro, and Statesboro.

This route is best for those who want a balance between speed and scenery, and who want to see some of the urban and rural aspects of Georgia.

The Top 10 Sights to See on Your Road Trip from Atlanta to Savannah

Road Trip from Atlanta to Savannah

Now that you have chosen your route and planned your trip, you might wonder: what are the best sights to see on your road trip from Atlanta to Savannah?

There are so many places to visit and things to do along the way that it can be hard to decide. To help you out, I have selected the top sights that you simply can’t miss on your road trip from Atlanta to Savannah.

These are the sights that will make your road trip memorable and enjoyable. Here they are:

1. Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain Park is a 3,200-acre park that is located 15 miles east of Atlanta. It is home to the largest bas-relief sculpture in the world, which depicts three Confederate leaders: Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Stonewall Jackson.

The park also offers various attractions and activities, such as a cable car, a train, a museum, a golf course, a lake, and a campground. You can also enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and picnicking in the park.

Stone Mountain Park is a great place to start your road trip, as it gives you a glimpse of the history and the nature of Georgia.

2. Madison

Madison is a small town 60 miles east of Atlanta. It is one of the most charming and historic towns in Georgia, as it has over 100 antebellum homes and buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

You can take a walking tour, a driving tour, or a carriage tour of the town, and admire the architecture and the atmosphere. You can also visit some of the museums, shops, and restaurants in the town.

Madison is a perfect place to stop for a break, as it offers a relaxing and romantic experience.

3. Milledgeville

Milledgeville is a city that is located 90 miles southeast of Atlanta. It is the former capital of Georgia, and the birthplace of the famous writer Flannery O’Connor.

You can visit some of the historic and cultural sites of the city, such as the Old Governor’s Mansion, the Georgia’s Old Capital Museum, the Andalusia Farm, and the Lockerly Arboretum.

You can also enjoy some of the outdoor activities, such as kayaking, fishing, and biking, that are available in the city.

Milledgeville is a fascinating place to visit, as it shows you the heritage and the creativity of Georgia.

4. Macon

Macon is a city that is located 85 miles south of Atlanta. It is known as the “Heart of Georgia”, as it is located in the geographic center of the state.

It is also known as the “Song and Soul of the South”, as it has a rich musical history and culture. You can visit some of the musical landmarks of the city, such as the Otis Redding Museum, the Allman Brothers Band Museum, and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.

You can also visit some of the other attractions of the city, such as the Ocmulgee National Monument, the Hay House, and the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Macon is a fun place to visit, as it offers a lot of entertainment and excitement.

5. Dublin

Dublin is a city that is located 120 miles southeast of Atlanta. It is a friendly and festive city, that celebrates its Irish heritage and culture.

You can visit some of the Irish-themed attractions of the city, such as the Dublin-Laurens Museum, the Shamrock Bowl, and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

You can also visit some of the other attractions of the city, such as the Market on Madison, the Theatre Dublin, and the River Bend Wildlife Management Area.

Dublin is a delightful place to visit, as it offers a lot of charm and cheer.

6. Statesboro

Statesboro is a city that is located 55 miles northwest of Savannah. It is a college town, as it is the home of the Georgia Southern University, the largest public university in Georgia.

You can visit some of the campus attractions, such as the Georgia Southern Museum, the Center for Wildlife Education, and the Botanic Garden.

You can also visit some of the other attractions of the city, such as the Averitt Center for the Arts, the Statesboro Farmers Market, and the Splash in the Boro Water Park.

Statesboro is a lively place to visit, as it offers a lot of culture and fun.

7. Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is a wildlife refuge that is located on the border of Georgia and South Carolina, along the Savannah River.

It is a 31,551-acre refuge that protects and preserves various habitats and species, such as marshes, forests, wetlands, and islands.

You can see animals such as alligators, deer, otters, bobcats, and over 300 species of birds. You can also enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, and photography in the refuge.

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to visit, as it offers a chance to experience the wildlife and the nature of Georgia.

8. Tybee Island

Tybee Island image

Tybee Island is a barrier island that is located 18 miles east of Savannah. It is a popular destination for beach lovers, who can enjoy swimming, surfing, kayaking, fishing, and boating.

The island also has a pier, a pavilion, a lighthouse, a museum, and a marine science center. Tybee Island is a wonderful place to visit, as it offers a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

9. Historic District

Historic District

The historic district is the heart and soul of Savannah. It is the largest National Historic Landmark District in the US, and it features over 20 squares that are filled with monuments, fountains, gardens, and statues.

You can also see some of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the city, such as the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the Mercer Williams House, and the Davenport House.

You can take a guided tour, hop on a trolley, or simply walk around and admire the architecture and the atmosphere of the historic district.

10. River Street

River Street

River Street is a lively waterfront area that offers a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment.

You can browse the boutiques, sample the local cuisine, listen to live music, or watch the ships go by.

You can also take a riverboat cruise, a ferry ride, or a water taxi to see the city from a different perspective.

River Street is especially festive during the holidays and the events, such as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Fourth of July Fireworks, and the Oktoberfest.

Wrapping It Up!

A road trip from Atlanta to Savannah is a scenic and adventurous way to explore the diverse and beautiful attractions of Georgia. You can see the stunning scenery, the historic landmarks, the quaint towns, and the fun activities that lie between the two cities.

Also, you can enjoy the flexibility, the convenience, and the adventure of driving your own car. You can stop whenever and wherever you want, and discover the hidden gems that you might otherwise miss.

By following the tips and tricks that I have provided in this article, you can plan and enjoy your road trip from Atlanta to Savannah. I hope that this article has given you some ideas and inspiration for your road trip itinerary.

Have a great time on your road trip from Atlanta to Savannah!.

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Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

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Most manufacturers recommend replacing the brake pads when the friction material is reduced to approximately 3mm or less. Look for any signs of uneven wear and examine the brake pads' cracks closely. It's better to get new brake pads if they appear to be excessively worn out or damaged. Additionally, be attentive to any warning signs that may indicate worn brake pads, such as: A high-pitched screeching or grinding noise when applying the brakes could indicate that the brake pad wear indicator is making contact with the brake disc. Increased brake pedal travel or a "spongy" feeling when pressing the brake pedal which could signify that the brake pads need replacement. However, you may notice any of these warning signs or if the brake pad material is worn down to the recommended replacement level. Hence, it it's crucial to have the brake pads replaced before embarking on your long journey. 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Alongside, it also ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable journey. Check Lights (Headlights, Taillights, Turn Signals) One of the most essential components that determines your vehicle's safety is the lights.  They are the ones who are responsible for providing peace of mind and the most comfortable journeys. So, before your trip, perform a thorough check of all exterior lights, including: Headlights: First, turn the vehicle light on. Then, take a walk around the vehicle. This technique ensures that the lights are working properly. Check for cracks in the lights. Also, look for moisture buildup or discoloration of the headlight lenses. Taillights: If you have a friend or an acquaintance, you could ask them to stand behind the vehicle. However, at this point, you could activate the brake pedal to check the lights' functioning properly. Also, check the reverse lights by engaging the reverse gear. Turn Signals: On the turn signals first. Then, take a walk around the vehicle. See if the front and rear turn signal lights are working properly. Is your vehicle's lights blinking rapidly?  The bulbs might have burnt out. Other Lights: Have you thoroughly checked the license plate lights, side marker lights, and other exterior lights of your car?  Replace the malfunctioning or burnt-out bulbs promptly.  It ensures optimal visibility and ultimate compliance with legal requirements. Inspect Belts, Hoses and Replace if Needed Belts and hoses in your vehicle ensure the proper functioning of the cooling system and vehicle's engine.  Hence, these components must be included in the inspection list. You must not compromise on safety and replace them if necessary. Belts: Pinpoint the serpentine belt(s) in your engine compartment. Look for a potential cracking, fraying, or excessive wearing of your belt. Apply moderate pressure to see the tension of the belt. Do it with your finger. The belt should deflect only a little, not much. Belts with wear and tear and improper tension must be replaced. Hoses: Inspect all coolant hoses, including the radiator hose, heater hoses, and any other visible hoses in the engine compartment. Look for signs of leakage, cracks, bulges, or any deterioration. Gently squeeze the hoses. It will enable you to check for any, internal degradation. Soft or spongy areas indicate the problem.  Replace the worn-out hoses immediately. Replacing the hoses and worn belts can stop costly repairs and sudden breakdowns during your journey. Ultimately, you can enjoy a reliable driving experience. Conclusion You have to check the vehicle from every aspect, especially the once-involved long journey. This can be helpful in making an enjoyable trip. Check your vehicle brakes, tires, and lights.  Also, give a look at the maintenance fluids and the critical components that determine the safety of the vehicle. If you are looking to make the long trip a memorable event, then you have to invest your time. Take a microscopic look at the aspects of the vehicle's conditions given above. The steps on the entire preparation on thorough checking of the vehicle can be tedious as it is time-consuming. But at the cost of it, you can ensure your vehicle is in the best of conditions before you embark on a long journey.  With these guidelines and looking at the potential issues in advance, you can enjoy a trip free from worry. This is because you know that your vehicle is ready to tackle the miles ahead with confidence and reliability. Additional Reading: Car Collisions And Traveling Safely: A Guide Road Trip USA: Adventures Across The States Smart Travel Solutions: Surprising Car Accessories To Enhance Your Journey

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The BEST Things To Do In Indiana Dunes National Park In 2025!

BY  Sibashree Jan 30, 2025

Indiana Dunes National Park At A Glance Location: 1100 North Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304 Visitor Center Contact Number: 219 395-1882 Hours Open: 6 AM to 11 PM Time Required: 1 Full Day Fees: $15-25 (Standard Pass), $45 (Annual Pass), and Free-$80 (America the Beautiful Pass, including Senior Passes) Area: More than 15000 acres Designation: National Lakeshore (1966) and National Park (15th February 2019) Famous For: Being the birthplace of American ecology, Housing 30% of the rare, endangered, threatened, and special concern plants of Indiana Best Time to Visit: April and May and Late September to October Best Way to Reach: Take the South Shore Train, having multiple stops in the park Unique Things Do In Indiana Dunes National Park | Plan Your Day Activities  Indiana Dunes National Park is a year-round attraction. So, every season offers the visitors something unique to do.  Let’s explore what wonders await at this national park, rich in biodiversity. 1. Swimming And Beach Activities https://www.instagram.com/p/DCK-9ndvTKl/?img_index=1 Many of the recreational things to do in Indiana Dunes National Park center around the miles of beaches in the park. The southern tip of Michigan and the beaches there are ideal for swimming and various beach activities.  Beaches In Indiana Dunes National ParkPorter BeachWest BeachDunbar BeachKemil BeachCentral Avenue BeachLake View BeachMount Baldy Beach Even if you don’t want to take part in adventurous activities, you can just enjoy a sunrise or sunset stroll along the beaches.  2. Biking https://www.instagram.com/p/C7wSPbEP6Dk/ You can bike through the 37 miles trail of the Indiana Dunes National Park and explore the dunes, historical spots, and wildlife of the park.  Further, the park has gravel and paved biking trails at various distances. So, you can choose a trail according to your level of expertise.  Biking Trails In Indiana Dunes National ParkDunes Kankakee Bike TrailCalumet Bike TrailPrairie Duneland Bike TrailPorter Brickyard Bike TrailOak Savannah Bike TrailMarquette Bike Trail 3. Geocaching Geocaching is one of the most unique things to do in Indiana Dunes National Park. This treasure hunt game is played by geocachers.  These geocachers have to collect geocaches or hidden containers. So, if you are a geocacher or a participant in the game, you will have a smartphone with a free geocaching app and a GPS device.  Further, at Indiana Dunes National Park, you will be able to do four types of geocaching. You can try traditional or the most traditional geocaching at Chellberg Farm.  You can even try EarthCaching at Kemil Beach, Mount Baldy, and West Beach. Moreover, other types of geocaching in the park are Lab Caches at Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk and Virtual Caching at A Century of Progress Historic District.  4. Bird Watching The park, nestled on the southern tip of Lake Michigan, attracts a lot of migrating birds. It is especially delightful with the sounds of the migrating songbirds in autumn.  So, you can be a beginner or an avid birdwatcher. You will be able to spot waterfowl or other wetland birds easily. Moreover, this park hosts the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival on the 3rd weekend of May. This is a four-day event, and the more than a dozen birdwatching spots in the park are amazing.  5. Camping Camping is one of the best things to do in Indiana Dunes National Park if you want to explore the park at your own pace.  Moreover, the park campground has 66 campsites for tents and 53 RV sites. The campground here does not have electric hookup facilities.  Furthermore, campsites 15, 30, 41, and 55 are wheelchair accessible. However, camping facilities in the park are seasonal, and for the winter season, the camping ground will remain closed till 31st March.  Moreover, the camping fee per night at the park is $25. 6. Hiking https://www.instagram.com/p/C7rInRWoYm6/ You can explore the dunes of the park, rare plants, and diverse species of birds and animals by hiking. Further, many trails take you to the historic places in the park. For example, you can hike through the Bailly Homestead Trail and enjoy the presence of oak, maple, basswood, and beech trees.  You can even hike to the Chellberg Farm, Mnoke Prairie Trails, and Little Calumet River. Overall, the park has 15 trails with varying difficulty levels. So, irrespective of your expertise, you can choose the one most suitable for you. Moreover, the trails can take you from 20 minutes to 4 hours to conquer. Some moderate trails in the park are Calumet Dunes Trail, Cowles Bog Trail, Dune Ridge Trail, etc. Furthermore, West Beach Trails and Mount Baldy Beach Trail are some of the toughest hiking trails for you to complete in the park. 7. Visiting Historic Sites https://www.instagram.com/p/DBj7rf8vx3y/ Exploring the historic sites is one of the most meaningful things to do in Indiana Dunes National Park. Did you know that the park has more than 60 historic sites? The most important landmarks of the park are Chellberg Farm, Good Fellow Youth Camp, and Bailly Homestead. Moreover, you can visit the Cypress Log Cabin, House of Tomorrow, Florida Tropical House, and many other 1933 World’s Fair Century of Progress Homes. 8. Stargazing https://www.instagram.com/p/DA7De5iC5G_/ Despite being very close to the urban area. Indiana Dunes National Park is a hotspot for stargazing. The lakeshores of the park, especially, create an ideal ambiance for getting lost in celestial activities.  Furthermore, the sky over the footprint of Lake Michigan is darker, creating a deeper sense of intrigue. Kemil Beach is the best place in the national park for stargazing. Also, it is the “7th designated International Dark Sky Community.”  9. Horseback Riding https://www.instagram.com/p/CwAuqi-I4q3/ You can enjoy horseback riding in the park along the Glenwood Dunes trail. The trailhead is on Brummitt Road, Chesterton and it is the only equestrian trail in the Indiana Dunes National Park. Further, the trail remains open from 16th March to 14th December.  Moreover, you can opt for the best guided tours in the park. Every year, the park offers over 500 guided tours. So, you can get in touch with the park's visitor center before planning a day out. See you there! Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit.