You're standing on the edge of Driftwood Beach at Jekyll Island, looking at those gnarled, salt-bleached trees that look more like a graveyard than a forest. It’s quiet. Then, ninety minutes later, you’re trying to find a parking spot near Broughton Street in Savannah while dodging pedicabs and tour trolleys. The transition from Jekyll Island GA to Savannah GA is a total sensory whiplash. It’s only about 90 miles, but you’re essentially moving between two completely different universes within the Georgia coast.
Most people just blast up I-95. They miss everything.
Honestly, the drive is the "Golden Isles" handshake. You leave the manicured, quiet wealth of Jekyll—a place that literally used to be a private club for the Rockefellers and Morgans—and head toward the beautiful, slightly chaotic, moss-draped grit of Savannah. If you do it right, this isn't just a transfer between hotels. It's a deep dive into the Georgia Lowcountry.
The Logistics of the Jekyll Island GA to Savannah GA Trip
Let's talk brass tacks. If you get in your car at the Jekyll Island Club Resort and punch "Savannah Historic District" into your GPS, it’s going to tell you it takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.
It lies.
Well, it doesn't lie about the distance, but it doesn't account for the Talmadge Memorial Bridge traffic or the fact that you have to pay a $10 parking fee just to leave Jekyll Island (it's a state park, they get their cut). The route is basically a straight shot north on I-95, but there are layers to this. You’ve got the fast way, and then you’ve got the "I actually want to see Georgia" way.
The Interstate Sprint (I-95)
This is the boring version. You take the Jekyll Island Causeway (GA-520) back to the mainland, hop on US-17, and then merge onto I-95 North. It’s flat. It’s lined with pine trees that all look the same after ten miles. You’ll pass Darien, which is famous for its shrimp boats, and then basically nothing until you hit the Richmond Hill area. It’s efficient. It’s also kinda soul-crushing if you’re on vacation.
The Scenic Alternate (US-17)
If you have an extra hour, stay on US-17. This is the old highway. It’s slower, but you actually see the marshes. You’ll pass through the Altamaha Wildlife Management Area. The views of the marsh grass changing colors depending on the season—bright green in summer, golden-brown in winter—are worth the extra stop-and-go.
Why Everyone Stops in Darien (And Why You Should Too)
About twenty minutes into the trip from Jekyll Island GA to Savannah GA, you’ll hit Darien. Do not just drive through. Darien is the second oldest planned city in Georgia, and it feels like a movie set.
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Skip the fast food.
Go to the waterfront. There’s a place called Skipper’s Fish Camp right on the Altamaha River. You can sit on the deck and watch the shrimp boats—the "Georgia Bulldogs" of the sea—dock right there. The shrimp you eat was probably in the water that morning. It’s the real deal. If you’re a history nerd, Fort King George is right around the corner. It’s a reconstructed wooden fort from 1721. It’s small, weirdly peaceful, and gives you a better sense of how brutal life was for early settlers than any museum in Savannah will.
The Savannah Arrival: Transitioning to the City
Coming into Savannah is an experience. You’ll likely take I-16 East to end the journey. The skyline isn't skyscrapers; it’s church spires and the gold dome of City Hall.
One thing people get wrong? They think they can park easily.
Savannah is a grid, designed by James Oglethorpe in 1733. It’s perfect for walking, but it’s a nightmare for a Chevy Suburban. If you’re coming from the wide-open spaces of Jekyll, the narrow one-way streets around the squares are going to feel claustrophobic. My advice? Head straight for a parking garage—the Whitaker Street Garage under Ellis Square is central—and just leave the car there. Savannah is meant to be walked with a "to-go" cup in hand (yes, the open container laws are real, but only in the Historic District).
Comparing the Vibes: Jekyll vs. Savannah
It’s funny. People group these two together because they’re both on the coast, but they couldn't be more different.
Jekyll Island is controlled. It’s a state park. There are laws about how much of the island can be developed (only 35%). It’s where you go to ride a bike under live oaks and feel like you’re the only person on earth. It’s wholesome. It’s quiet. By 9:00 PM, the island is basically asleep.
Savannah? Savannah is a party in a graveyard.
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It’s gothic. It’s haunted (or so every tour guide will tell you). It has a massive art scene thanks to SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design). You go from the silence of Jekyll to the sound of street performers on River Street and the chatter of crowded bars on Congress Street. It’s a transition from nature-centric luxury to urban Southern charm.
Hidden Gems Along the Way
If you’re making the trek from Jekyll Island GA to Savannah GA, you have to acknowledge the "in-between" spots that tourists usually skip.
- Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge: This is a bit of a detour off I-95, but it’s a former WWII airfield turned bird sanctuary. If you’re into photography, the wood storks and egrets here are incredible.
- The Smallest Church in America: Located in Townsend, GA. It’s literally a tiny chapel that fits about ten people. It’s quirky, it’s right off the highway, and it’s a great photo op that isn’t a mossy tree.
- Sapelo Island Ferry: You can’t drive there, but the ferry dock is near Darien. It’s one of the last intact Gullah-Geechee communities on the coast. It requires planning, but it’s the most authentic cultural experience in the region.
The Weather Factor: Timing Your Drive
Don't ignore the sky. The Georgia coast is notorious for afternoon thunderstorms in the summer. These aren't just sprinkles; they are "pull-over-because-you-can't-see-the-hood-of-your-car" downpours.
If you’re driving in July or August, try to make the trip in the morning. By 3:00 PM, the humidity builds up and the sky usually opens up. On the flip side, a clear October day is the "sweet spot." The gnats—which are the unofficial state bird of the Georgia coast—are finally dying off, and the temperature drops from "surface of the sun" to "actually pleasant."
Where to Eat When You Get to Savannah
You’ve probably heard of The Olde Pink House or Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room. They’re great. They also usually have a three-hour wait or require reservations months in advance.
If you just finished the drive and you’re starving, try Zunzi’s. It’s a South African-inspired sandwich shop. Get the "Conquistador." It’s a weird mix of flavors that somehow perfectly represents the eclectic vibe of the city. Or, if you want that classic Southern feel without the tourist trap prices, head to Crystal Beer Parlor. It’s been around since the 1930s (it was a grocery store during Prohibition that "secretly" sold booze). Their crab stew is the best in the city, period.
Avoiding the Tourist Traps
Since you're traveling from Jekyll Island GA to Savannah GA, you're going to see a lot of "World Famous" signs.
Be skeptical.
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River Street is iconic, but it’s also where you’ll find the most overpriced souvenirs. The cobblestones are original, which means they are uneven and will destroy your ankles if you're wearing heels. Walk it once to say you did, then head up the "Stairs of Death" (the steep historic stone stairs) to Bay Street or Broughton Street where the locals actually hang out.
Also, skip the big bus tours. Savannah is a city of squares—22 of them, to be exact. The best way to see them is on foot. Start at Forsyth Park with the big fountain, and just walk north toward the river. Every two blocks, you’ll hit a new square with its own monument and its own story. It’s much more intimate than being barked at through a microphone on a trolley.
Essential Packing for the Coastal Corridor
You might think you’re prepared, but the Lowcountry has a way of humbling you.
- Bug Spray: Not the flowery stuff. Get the DEET. The "no-see-ums" on Jekyll and the mosquitoes in the Savannah marshes are relentless.
- Comfortable Shoes: Jekyll is all sand and bike paths; Savannah is all uneven brick and 200-year-old stone.
- Sunscreen: Even on a cloudy day, the reflection off the marsh water will cook you.
- A Portable Charger: Between GPS and taking a thousand photos of Spanish Moss, your phone battery will die by 2:00 PM.
Is the Trip Worth It?
People often ask if they should just pick one and stay there.
No.
The contrast is the point. Jekyll Island provides the relaxation and the connection to the raw Atlantic coastline. Savannah provides the culture, the history, and the nightlife. Combining them into one trip gives you a full picture of what Georgia’s coast actually is—a mix of old-money preservation and vibrant, living history.
When you finally cross the city limits into Savannah, you’ll feel the energy change. The air smells a bit more like river water and old bricks. The trees lean a bit more over the road. It’s a storied place, and the drive from Jekyll is the perfect way to build the anticipation.
Next Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of this route, you should check the tide charts for Jekyll Island before you leave. Driftwood Beach is significantly more impressive at low tide when the tree roots are fully exposed. Additionally, if you plan on dining in Savannah, download the "ParkSavannah" app ahead of time. It allows you to pay for street parking directly from your phone, saving you the headache of hunting for a working kiosk in the middle of a crowded square. If you have extra time, book a ghost tour for your first night in Savannah—it's the quickest way to learn the layout of the city while hearing the weirdest stories the locals have to offer.