Drive from Atlanta to Savannah

Once known as New York of the South, Atlanta is a major metropolitan area full of great sights to see and things to do. Whether you’re a local or it’s your first time visiting, there are essential landmarks to experience here.

The Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the US. In addition to having animal exhibits, interactive displays, and educational programs, the aquarium has options for visitors to participate in sleepovers, swim with whale sharks, and have an up-close encounter with sea otters.

Have you ever wanted to drive a Porche? Well, you have the chance to in Atlanta. Residents and visitors alike should head over to the Porsche Experience Center. Guests can sign up for a 90-minute, hands-on test drive with a driving coach riding along. You get to select your model and take it onto their track, testing your driving skills and comfort levels at high speeds. Looking to try another elite sports car? Enterprise has exotic cars for rent at Atlanta Airport and near Buckhead Village just North of the city.

Before you begin your road trip to Savannah, you'll want to leave Atlanta with a full stomach. If you're looking for some Southern fare for breakfast, head to West Egg Cafe. Here you'll find a menu full of updated classics that include shrimp and grits, a fried chicken biscuit, and a pimiento cheese and bacon omelet.

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Once you've filled up for the drive, it's time to begin your road trip. Start by traveling south on Interstate 75 for 83 miles and about an hour and 20 minutes to Macon, Georgia. If you like history, you'll discover several fascinating attractions worth exploring in this city.

One of the most captivating museums in Macon is the Tubman Museum. Founded in 1981, the museum offers exhibits on African American culture, history, and art. The highlights of the museum are the massive mural that explores accomplishments of African Americans, past and present, along with a stroll through the Inventors Gallery to learn more about everyday household products invented by African Americans.

Do you love music history? Don’t miss the opportunity to see The Allman Brothers Band Museum at The Big House. Located in what was once the home of the original members of The Allman Brothers Band and their families, this museum preserves the history of the group. During a tour, you can view instruments, original album cover artwork, and personal mementos from the band members. Visitors can see rooms where they would rehearse and write music, as well as view some of the preserved bedrooms, staged to look the same way they did when the group stayed there.

Take Interstate 16 east for 56 miles and approximately an hour to reach Dublin, Georgia. The best way to explore the yesteryear of this small city is on the self-guided Historic Downtown Walking Tour. The walkabout will give you an up-close look at over 70 historic landmarks in downtown Dublin. Highlights include the First African Baptist Church, which is where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. made his first public speech, and the Old City Cemetery where you can see tombstones for soldiers from the Revolutionary War and Civil War.

By this time, you've probably eaten up a few hours between the drive and the intriguing stops along the way. Dublin is an excellent place to stop for an early afternoon lunch. Company Supply is a rotisserie bistro that combines Brazilian, French, and Mediterranean cuisine with a Southern twist. Opt for one of the rotisserie meats and sauce it with your choice of apple butter BBQ, Korean BBQ, chimichurri and more.

Hop back in the car and continue traveling east on Interstate 16 for about an hour and 15 minutes and 78 miles to reach Statesboro, Georgia. Plan a stop at the Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern University. Here you can stroll along paths and walkways that wind around the 11-acre garden to explore a variety of unique and endangered plants, including many that are native to the state. The garden also offers woodland trails, a children's garden, an early 20th-century farmstead house, heritage gardens, and more.

When you're ready to complete the last leg of the road trip, continue driving east on Interstate 16 for about an hour and 55 miles to reach Savannah. Here you'll find several exciting and historical attractions worth exploring. To experience one of the most beautiful parts of the city, head to the Savannah Historic District - the perfect place to view the city’s famous 18th and 19th-century architecture and urban green spaces. The historic district is also where you'll have an opportunity to see popular historical buildings, such as the Isaiah Davenport House, Owens-Thomas House, and Green-Meldrim House.

Other hotspots around town include a riverboat cruise, shopping around the City Market, and visiting the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace. Outdoor enthusiasts will want to kayak through the river system or spend some time at the beach on Tybee Island.

Savannah is full of history, but it’s also well-known for an epic culinary scene. Head to The Olde Pink House located in an elegant Colonial mansion and discover a menu that offers innovative Southern dishes. Lowcountry cuisine is the theme of this iconic restaurant that blends sophistication with a casual setting. From goat cheese stuffed artichoke fritters and fried green tomatoes to a bone-in cowboy ribeye, The Olde Pink House will delight any palate.  A great meal isn't complete without dessert though. Stop by Leopold's for handmade ice cream from Savannah's historic shop.

Explore all the Southern charm there is between Atlanta and Savannah, and enjoy a level of hospitality that's hard to find in other areas.

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Atlanta to Savannah FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit Savannah, Georgia?

March and April are great times to visit Savannah. The weather is cooler, with average temperatures ranging from the 70s to 80s. The flowers and foliage are in full bloom at this time of year, providing beautiful scenery. There are also several events that take place here in spring, including the Savannah Music Festival and St. Patrick's Day Parade.

What is Atlanta known for?

The city of Atlanta is known for a variety of things, including attractions like the World of Coca Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, and The Fox Theatre. The largest airport in the United States, Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, is located here as well. Atlanta is also home to Martin Luther King Junior and is known as the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement.   

What is there to do in Georgia for free?

There are many free attractions throughout Georgia, including:

• - Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary, a rehab center for bears and tigers located about an hour South of Atlanta
• - Savannah Botanical Gardens, complete with walking trails, a large pond, and many varieties of flowers. 
• - Fernbank Science Center, which has an exhibit hall, observatory, and planetarium.

Visit exploregeorgia.org to find more free activites in Georgia.