Nothing beats spending an afternoon, evening, or even a weekend going for a long drive along the coast. In Georgia, there is a lot to explore along the coast between the islands and the interstate. There is history, adventure, and beauty throughout this coastal drive in Georgia, and here are the best ways you can enjoy it.
Georgia’s Coastal Highway, also known as U.S. Highway 17, is the perfect place to take a slow cruise this summer.
There is so much to enjoy along this coastal highway, from specific places worth stopping to simply the unobstructed views of the coast and surrounding marshlands.
You can even hop off Highway 17 at any point and head to the smaller sea towns along the coast, like venturing out to St. Simons Island for a place to dip your feet into the Atlantic Ocean.
Have you ever tackled this coastal drive in Georgia before? Share with us your favorite places to stop in the comments section! Or if we missed any spots along the way that are worthy of adventuring through, make sure to let us know.
The Georgia Literary Road Trip Leads To 5 Incredible Bookstores And Libraries
Consider yourself a bibliophile? Check out this amazing road trip that will take you to five of the state's best independent bookstores in the Atlanta and Athens area.
I love reading. Like many bibliophiles, I find few things more comforting than visiting a bookstore. I admit, my to-read list is getting to the point that I'm probably not going to be able to finish it unless I make it to the age of 150, but the thrill of reading a synopsis and finding a new novel to delve into is just too tempting. That bookstore smell, the colorful spines all lined up neatly on a shelf, the variety of cover designs: it all combines to be outright heaven for those of us who love books. We're lucky enough to have some wonderful bookstores in Georgia, and if you're up for a real adventure, I think you'll love what we've got planned for you today. This Peach State road trip will take you to a few fantastic bookshops that are great for browsing and finding your next favorite book.
We love multi-day road trips, but this one will only take up an afternoon. You can check out the full itinerary on Google Maps. It's customizable, so feel free to add or remove stops to fit your schedule. The entire trip runs from Athens to just north of Atlanta, and while there's only a little over two hours of driving, you'll want to make sure you account for plenty of time to stop at each of these five independent bookstores.
We'll start this journey off in Athens at the bright blue Avid Bookshop tucked away in the bustling Five Points neighborhood. This is one of the most popular local businesses in the Classic City, and you'll find so much to enjoy here. I love spending time browsing through the shelves, and the handwritten employee recommendations are super helpful. The shop sells new books and has a huge selection, with everything from kids' books to non-fiction.
For your next stop, you'll head to the charming small town of Monroe, not too far from Athens. This is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon if you'd like to lengthen your trip a little bit, and it's home to The Story Shop. This colorful shop is the very definition of whimsical, with adorable murals on the wall and cute decor everywhere. This is a children's bookstore with a great variety of books for all young age groups, from early readers to young adult selections for teens. If you're bringing along the little ones, you may want to plan to spend a little extra time here.
I hope you've got a good audio book for the drive, because for your next stop, you'll be heading into Atlanta to visit A Cappella Books. This is one of the most popular bookstores in the state capital, and it's been in business since 1989. The shop specializes in both new and used titles, with a focus on non-fiction. You can find many signed editions here, and there are also regular author readings and other events on the calendar.
You'll next head to the North Druid Hills neighborhood to stop by the Tall Tales Book Shop. This independent bookstore has been selling new books since 1979 and is located not too far from the Emory University campus. Titles are available for special orders, and you can even have searches done for out-of-print books. The customer service here is great, and the staff are always happy to provide recommendations if you don't have a particular book you're looking for.
You might need a little caffeine for your ride home, so our last stop is Read Shop by the Merchant in the Vinings Jubilee Mall. This bookstore and coffee shop not only has a variety of great titles to choose from but you can also enjoy freshly roasted Stumptown Coffee. If you ask me, nothing pairs better than coffee and a book, so this sounds like the perfect end cap to this literary road trip in Georgia.
If you love supporting local independent bookstores but aren't able to make this road trip right now, don't fret! Bookshop.org donates a portion of each sale to local indie bookshops all over the country and delivers books right to your door.
Georgia road trips offer travelers a variety of routes and destinations to discover the beauty of the Peach State. Whether you're looking for a scenic drive down Coastal Georgia or want to explore waterfalls in Amicalola Falls State Park, these adventures will give you a unique perspective on North Carolina's diverse landscapes. Whether traveling solo or with friends, these trips are perfect for anyone looking for the best road trips in Georgia.
Route: Forsyth Park > Richmond Hill > Smallest Church In America > Old School Diner > Golden Isles Speedway > Waycross > Alma Nursery & Berry Farms >
Distance: 269 miles
Trip Time: 5 hours driving time
If you're strapped for time or cash or want to take a quick day trip, we've got a road trip for you that will take only one tank of gas. This easy route will take from Savannah to Dublin with a stop in Waycross. You'll visit Forsyth Park, stop at the Smallest Church in America, and make a quick pitstop in Alama to pick fresh blueberries.
to three beaches along the Georgia coastline. Spending under three hours in the car leaves you with more time to see all the beauty and fun things to do at each beach. You'll start your trip at Tybee Island, where you can check out the historic site of Fort Screven and its lighthouse. Then you'll make your way to St. Simons Island and end your trip at Jekyll Island, where there are campsites if you decide to spend the night.
Route: Augusta Riverwalk > Augusta Canal Discovery Center > Peggy's Restaurant > Andalusia: the Home of Flannery O'Connor > Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park
Distance: 129 miles
Trip Time: 2 hours and 37 minutes driving time
This day trip through central Georgia is perfect if you want to explore some hidden gems around the area. The two-and-a-half-hour itinerary takes you to waterside walks, canal tours, local restaurants, and our favorite, the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park.
map takes you along the US 17 highway beginning in Charleston and ending in Brunswick. Make stops along the scenic route of US 17 and have a fun day or two or three! Feel like dipping your toes in the Atlantic Ocean? Spend a day at the beach and rent a kayak. You'll even be able to check out old towns and historic districts along the way.
Route: Shirley Miller Wildflower Trail > East Palisades Trail > Sweetwater Creek State Park > Angel Falls Trail > Preachers Rock from Woody Gap
Distance: 302 miles
Trip Time: 6 hours driving time
As Georgia's warm weather starts to set in, it ignites excitement. It's practically impossible not to want to get outside and enjoy the outdoors during springtime. Nature becomes so magical this time of year, making this the perfect time to take this wildflower road trip. This journey will begin at Shirley Miller Wildflower Trail, taking you through national parks and forests and ending at Preachers Rock from Woody Gap. You'll spot all sorts of native wildflowers on this trek, a definite bucket list road trip
Route: Tybee Island > Leopold's Ice Cream > Georgia Veterans State Park > Claystone Park at Lake Tobesofkee > Macon Swirls > Cremalosa > Sope Creek Trail > Frozen Cow Creamery > Holly Creek Picnic Area > MooBears Ice Cream and Hotdogs Trackside
Distance: 515 miles
Trip Time: 10 hours driving time
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Does anything scream summertime more than swimming spots and ice cream cones? We didn't think so. Pack up the car and head on one of the best Georgia road trips! This trip starts near the Tennessee border and ends at the coast, taking you to beaches, lakes, and swimming holes, with stops at local ice cream joints along the way.
Route: Cloudland Canyon State Park > Amicalola Falls State Park > Blue Ridge Drive > Vogel State Park > Black Rock Mountain State Park > Tallulah Gorge State Park > Smithgall Woods > Red Top Mountain State Park > James H. Floyd State Park
for fall foliage. This nine-hour drive will take you on twists and turns through state parks, overlooks, and even the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our favorite stop on the trip is Cloudland Canyon in Rising Fawn, where you'll be able to see the most magical views of the fall colors for miles and miles.
Route: Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens at the Historic Bamboo Farm > Ludy's Christmas Light Spectacular > Callaway Gardens > Felix Family Christmas Lights > Lights of Life > Atlanta Botanical Garden > Helen > Fields Family Holiday Lights > TMT Farms Christmas Lights Displays
Distance: 728 miles
Trip Time: 13 hours driving time
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What better way to spend the holiday than a winter road trip to see the festive lights? This magnificent route takes you all through the state outside cities like Athens and Atlanta, and it's even close to the Alabama state lines, making it a convenient itinerary for families. You can do the whole thing or pieces, whatever suits you. One of our favorite stops is Callaway Gardens - the display has more than 8 million lights!
Route: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia > Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream > Bear Hollow Zoo > Georgia Aquarium > The 57th Fighter Group Restaurant > Cascade Springs Nature Preserve > Great Wolf Lodge Water Park
is bound to keep everyone in the group happy, with stops at whimsical attractions, themed restaurants, and more. Some notable places this three-hour road trip hits are The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream, and Great Wolf Lodge Water Park. There is something for everyone on this fun-filled getaway.
Route: Providence Canyons > Georgia Aquarium > World of Coca-Cola Museum > High Museum of Art > Amicalola Falls > Tallulah Gorge State Park > Watson Mill Bridge State Park
through Georgia. The first stop is the Little Grand Canyon of the South, Providence Canyon State Park. It will also take you through some outdoor adventures and hiking trails in the North Georgia Mountains to Tallulah Gorge State Park, with chances to stop at must-see attractions in Atlanta, like the Georgia Aquarium.
takes you to all the charming small towns dotting the coastline. It begins near the border of Florida and finishes right by South Carolina. The quick drive time gives you a chance to stop at each town and check out the local boutique shops, historic sites, and beautiful parks along the route. And be sure to grab food while you're in Midway - the area is known for its seafood.
Have you taken any of these awesome road trips? We’d love to hear from you – let us know! Need more Georgia road trip ideas with outdoor adventures? Take a ride on the longest zipline in Georgia. Hikers will also love this unforgettable road trip to a swinging bridge over the Toccoa River.
Looking for even more travel inspiration? Check out this stunning footage of the Grand Canyon of the East Coast, which happens to be right here in Georgia:
