Daytrippin
With the arrival of spring and warmer weather, we’re eager to get out and stretch our legs. Let’s shake off any winter doldrums and declare this our time to explore. Walk on the beach, ride bikes around the island, wander the St. Simons Land Trust’s nature trails, or take a paddle in our waterways to enjoy what’s right here in our own backyard. Go ahead and plan your out of state Spring Break trips for the first week in April when the kids are out of school, but right now, take some time to stop and smell the azaleas. Here are some ideas for day trips and weekend getaways that allow you to view different vistas and discover new attractions while keeping close to home. Just gas up the car and go!
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1
Jekyll Island
Whether you want to do some birdwatching, walk on unique beaches, play golf, or see where millionaires used to play in the early 20th century, Jekyll Island offers all that and more with just a quick drive south and across the Sidney Lanier Bridge.
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2
Little St. Simons Island
A truly dreamy daytrip is an escape to Little St. Simons Island. This 11,000-acre island where nature is the luxury provides the perfect place to step away from everyday hustle and bustle.
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3
Sapelo Island
The 4th largest coastal Georgia barrier island between the Savannah and St. Marys rivers, Sapelo Island is a natural habitat of pine and hardwood forests, salt marsh, and over two miles of wide, sandy beaches managed by the DNR.
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4
St. Marys
Historic St. Marys is the gateway to Cumberland Island but offers numerous attractions and fun activities of its own throughout the year.
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5
Savannah
When General James Oglethorpe and the 120 passengers who accompanied him on the good ship “Anne” landed on a bluff high along the Savannah River in 1733, the recorded history of Savannah began. There’s so much to do and see here!
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6
Okefenokee Swamp
The Okefenokee Swamp is North America’s largest “blackwater” swamp with 438,000 acres of natural splendor and is accessible via three unique swamp entrances. Every visit is an adventure, and you can choose your own based on which entrance you select.
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7
Darien
Take a day to discover Darien, Georgia’s second oldest city. Established as a port and outpost on the Altamaha River by Scottish Highlanders in 1736, this serene spot to our north is rich in history and natural beauty and charm.
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8
Tybee Island
Once designated as the “Best One Tank Trip” by the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Tybee Island has much to offer day trip visitors. There are sunny beaches, salt marshes and nature trails, Fort Pulaski, the lighthouse, marine science center & more!
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9
Cumberland Island
Cumberland Island National Seashore is the state’s largest and southernmost barrier island and is accessible by ferry from St. Marys. Once voted "Best Wilderness Beach" by the Travel Channel, you’ll find 18 miles of beach and fascinating history too.
