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Enjoy a scenic drive along Route 17, connecting Savannah and Charleston over 110 miles of towering oaks, moss-draped ruins, and sprawling wildlife sanctuaries, along with longer walking side trips in Charleston and Savannah to explore their historic districts.
Start from either city, allowing about a day to enjoy sights like the moss-draped ruins of Sheldon Church, the sprawling Angel Oak, the wooden sailing ship and a natural habitat zoo at Charles Towne Landing, a preserved plantation house and archaeological sites at Drayton Hall, and the coastal trails in ACE Basin Wildlife Refuge. Along the way, stories, helpful tips, and directions play automatically based on your location.
Once in Charleston, spend 2-3 hours seeing spots like the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon and hear all about the city’s Civil War history. In Savannah, another 1-2 hour history walk shares stories of Georgia’s early Colonial past as you stroll the picturesque city squares and riverfront.
Drive to one of the suggested start locations described below. Or join anywhere along the tour route and pick up the commentary at the next audio point.
From Savannah (US-17 North):
If you’re starting from Savannah, begin the tour on US‑17 North as you drive across the Talmadge Memorial Bridge over the Savannah River. As you continue north, the commentary will begin automatically.
Driving north on I-95:
The tour begins along the interstate approaching Exit 99A for Route 16 East, towards Savannah.
From the Savannah Airport:
The tour begins driving south on I-95, heading away from the airport.
From Charleston (US-17 South):
If you’re starting from Charleston, the tour begins on US-17 South as you drive across the T. Allen Legare Bridge. As you continue south, the commentary will begin automatically.
From Charleston Airport:
The driving tour begins on I-26 East, heading away from the airport.
Historic Walk in Savannah:
Begin in front of the Savannah Visitor Center, walking up Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, with the Visitor Center on your left.
Historic Walk in Charleston:
Begin in front of the Museum at Market Hall, at 152 Market St., Charleston. Start walking down Market Street with the Market on your left.
The 110-mile route along Route 17 connecting Savannah and Charleston can be completed in about 2.5 hours, but its well worth it to allow enough time to take the side trips along the way. Most of these take between 30 minutes and 2 hours. In both Savannah and Charleston, slightly longer side trips lead you on a historic walk through each city’s downtown. Two full days is ideal to fully explore Charleston, Savannah, and shorter stops along Route 17.
110+ miles