The coastal region of Georgia offers the perfect blend of history, nature, and southern hospitality for an unforgettable family vacation. Follow this six-day itinerary to discover the charm of Savannah and explore the beautiful Golden Isles with kids of all ages.
Day 1 – Immerse Yourself in Savannah’s Living History
Start your trip by arriving in Savannah, Georgia’s oldest city, filled with cobblestone streets, manicured squares, and gorgeous southern mansions. Stay at a family-friendly hotel in the Historic District, surrounded by Savannah’s iconic architecture. After checking in, head to Forsyth Park to let the kids run around in the open green space and snap photos in front of the striking Forsyth Fountain. Next, take a leisurely stroll through Savannah’s 22 picturesque squares, like Chippewa Square, home of the “Forrest Gump” bench. Stop for lunch at a kid-approved eatery before spending the afternoon wandering in and out of the many quaint shops. Cap off the day with dinner at a local restaurant serving quintessential southern fare like fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and chicken and waffles.
Day 2 – Fun in the Sun at Tybee Island
After breakfast at the hotel, pack your swimsuits and beach toys for a day of family fun on Tybee Island, just a 30-minute drive from Savannah. Spend the morning building epic sandcastles, searching for seashells, and playing in the waves. Break for a picnic lunch or dine at one of Tybee’s casual beachfront eateries. In the afternoon, try a new water sport like stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking in the calm coastal waters. Rent a Surrey bike and cruise along the pier for ice cream and beautiful views. Head back to Savannah in time for dinner and an evening stroll along River Street.
Day 3 – Exploration at Jekyll Island
On your third day, make the 90-minute drive to Jekyll Island and immerse yourself in nature. Start at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, where the kids can get up close to rescued turtles and learn about sea turtle conservation. Next, explore Driftwood Beach, known for its otherworldly “driftwood sculpture garden” created naturally by winds, waves, and erosion. Let the kids climb and play on the large driftwood structures dotting the unique shoreline. Stay overnight on Jekyll Island and enjoy a dinner of fresh local seafood at one of the many local eateries.
Day 4 – Family Fun on St. Simons Island
After a short drive, arrive at St. Simons Island. Visit the St. Simons Lighthouse and climb to the top for panoramic views and a bird’s eye perspective of the island’s coastline. Interactive displays in the museum engage the entire family by teaching lighthouse history and operations. Next, stop by the island’s quaint downtown area and browse through the shops full of coastal decor and souvenirs. For outdoor time, take a hike through the maritime forest or cool off with a swim at East Beach.
Day 5 – Step Back in Time in Brunswick
On your fifth day, head to Brunswick, located between Jekyll and St. Simons Islands. Tour the antebellum Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation to learn about rice cultivation and a glimpse into plantation life. The wildlife-filled marshes allow you and your family to spot birds, gators, and more on nature walks. Art-loving kids will enjoy the Telfair Academy, with impressive collections of artwork within a National Historic Landmark building. Brunswick’s downtown historic district offers boutique shopping and dining. Return to Jekyll Island and recap your day’s adventures over dinner.
Day 6 – Embrace Your Last Day
Take advantage of anything you may have missed for your final day in coastal Georgia. Enjoy a lazy morning and late checkout from your Jekyll Island hotel before driving back to historic Savannah. Wander the city’s tree-filled squares, do some last-minute souvenir shopping, or visit an attraction you didn’t get to earlier. End the day with a stop for ice cream or sweets. Finally, enjoy one last southern dinner in Savannah before departing with many cherished family memories made over your week in the Golden Isles.
Conclusion
With a mix of history, nature, and good old-fashioned fun, Georgia’s coastal region offers an ideal family getaway. This itinerary highlights the best of Savannah and the Golden Isles, which is sure to provide a vacation filled with adventure, education, and quality time spent together, making memories along the way.
