Area Guide: Savannah, Hilton Head & the Lowcountry
From our I‑95 home base in Hardeeville, you’re roughly 25 minutes to Savannah’s Historic District and 25 minutes to Hilton Head Island—plus trails, refuges and golf even closer.
How Far Is Everything? (Quick Drive‑Times)
| Location | Distance (Miles) | Drive Time (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| Savannah, GA | 15 | 22 |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | 25 | 41 |
| Tybee Island, GA | 32 | 50 |
| Charleston, SC | 91 | 115 |
| Jacksonville, FL | 149 | 130 |
| Atlanta, GA | 250 | 245 |
Traffic, construction, and seasonal congestion can change actual travel times.
Savannah Highlights (history, food, museums)
Savannah pairs walkable squares and live oaks with museums, markets, and riverfront dining. Start downtown, then branch to forts and barrier islands.
Top spots from the resort
- Savannah’s Historic District — 25 min / 18 mi
- Forsyth Park — 28 min / 20 mi
- Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist — 26 min / 19 mi
- City Market — 26 min / 19 mi
- SCAD Museum of Art — 24 min / 18 mi
- First African Baptist Church — 25 min / 19 mi
- Congregation Mickve Israel — 26 min / 19 mi
- Bonaventure Cemetery — 33 min / 23 mi
- Fort Pulaski National Monument — 46 min / 32 mi
- Tybee Island — 50 min / 36 mi
Plan your Savannah day
- Walking tours & history: Start in the Historic District; consider guided walking tours from our blog roundup. → Top 5 Savannah Historic Walking Tours (internal blog).
- Art & architecture: SCAD MOA and Telfair family of museums; see our article on artistic landmarks.
- Civil War & beyond: Museum list and tips in our Civil War museums guide.
- After dark: If you like ghost stories, see our Spooky Guide to Savannah for tour ideas.
Hilton Head & Beaches (island time, museums, lighthouse)
Hilton Head offers wide beaches, bike paths, nature preserves, and family attractions—easy day‑trip distance from the resort.
Top spots from the resort
- Coligny Beach Park — 39 min / 32 mi
- Coastal Discovery Museum — 31 min / 26 mi
- Harbour Town Lighthouse* — 44 min / 34 mi
- Sea Pines Forest Preserve* — 38 min / 32 mi
- Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge — 35 min / 27 mi
- Mitchelville Beach — 41 min / 32 mi
- Driessen Beach Park — 40 min / 31 mi
- * Sea Pines gate pass required for vehicle entry; fee and hours subject to change. Check Sea Pines visitor information before you go.
Harbour Town Lighthouse admission is a separate fee; see the lighthouse site for current rates and hours.
Hardeeville & Nearby Nature (closest to camp)
Prefer to stay close? You’ll find refuges, parks, golf, and local stops within minutes of the resort.
Within ~5–20 minutes
- Savannah National Wildlife Refuge — 6 min / 6 mi
- Hardeeville Welcome Center — 9 min / 7 mi
- Palmetto Indoor Range — 3 min / 3 mi
- Golf Club at Hilton Head Lakes — 17 min / 14 mi
- Sargeant Jasper Park — 14 min / 11 mi
- Argent Lakes Golf Course — 20 min / 17 mi
- Driessen Beach Park — 40 min / 31 mi
- * Sea Pines gate pass required for vehicle entry; fee and hours subject to change. Check Sea Pines visitor information before you go.
Harbour Town Lighthouse admission is a separate fee; see the lighthouse site for current rates and hours.
Pet Beach Rules (Quick Guide)
Tybee Island: Dogs not allowed on the beach at any time (fines enforced). See official beach rules.
Hilton Head Island: Dogs allowed with time‑of‑day/season restrictions (typically not allowed 10 a.m.–5 p.m. during peak summer; otherwise leashed or under voice control). Check the town’s official page for the current schedule.
Simple Day Plans (save these to your notes)
Savannah in 1 Day
- Morning: Forsyth Park + nearby coffee.
- Midday: SCAD Museum of Art.
- Afternoon: City Market & River Street.
- Sunset: Walk a square; optional ghost tour.
- See our walking‑tour ideas and spooky guide for picks.
Hilton Head in 1 Day
- Morning: Beach time (check dog rules in season).
- Midday: Coastal Discovery Museum.
- Afternoon: Harbour Town Lighthouse (Sea Pines gate pass).
- Evening: Waterfront dinner; back to camp via US‑278.
Close‑to‑Camp Nature Loop
- Morning: Savannah National Wildlife Refuge auto‑drive or boardwalk.
- Midday: Picnic at Sargeant Jasper Park.
- Late afternoon: 9‑holes at Argent Lakes or range time.
Map & Orientation
Area FAQs
How far is Savannah’s Historic District from the resort?
About 25 minutes / 18 miles, depending on traffic.
How far is Hilton Head Island?
About 25 minutes / 22 miles. Beaches and attractions vary by location.
Can I take my dog to the beach?
Tybee: No dogs on the beach. Hilton Head: Allowed with seasonal time‑of‑day rules; check the town’s page before you go.
Do I need a pass to visit Harbour Town Lighthouse or Sea Pines Forest Preserve?
Yes—vehicle entry into Sea Pines requires a visitor gate pass (fee). Check Sea Pines visitor information for current details.