If you’re looking to explore the wild and wondrous world of Savannah nature, you’re in for a treat. You’re about to learn about seven pristine natural havens right in Savannah, Georgia!
Plan an immersive journey through these captivating landscapes, rich with diverse flora and fauna, and steeped in history.
Continue reading below and get ready to step into the beautiful wild, where fascinating Savannah nature opportunities that await.
CONTENTS โ In this article, you learn about the best places to experience the natural attractions in Savannah, Georgia, including:
- Plan to Visit Savannah’s Nature Spots
- Public Transit Options for Getting Around
- Best Places to See Savannah Nature
- 1. Skidway Island State Park
- 2. Savannah and Ogeechee Canal
- 3. Wormsloe State Historic Site
- 4. Savannah Botanical Gardens
- 5. Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
- 6. Cumberland Island
- 7. Tom Triplett Park Trail
- Final Thoughts on Savannah Nature
- Next Steps
Exploring Nature in Savannah, GA
Savannah is a stunning city known for its southern charm, rich history, and quaint squares. Moreover, it offers a variety of natural spots to escape the everyday humdrum and tune in with nature.
Let’s look at some of these serene spots where you can unwind after an exhausting day and how you can get there stress-free.
But first, consider getting around Savannah, Georgia.
Transportation in Savannah, Georgia
When exploring the city of Savannah, Georgia, you can easily take advantage of the city’s public transportation system. This is a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around.
Savannah offers a variety of transportation options, all designed to help you navigate its historic streets and picturesque waterfront.
Public transportation in Savannah includes:
- Buses
- Trolleys
- Ferries
These services not only allow you to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and vibrant culture, but also alleviate the stress of finding parking in the historic district.
They are generally safe, efficient, and convenient.
However, in the unfortunate and unlikely event of an injury while using public transportation, it’s good to know you can promptly contact a Savannah personal injury lawyer.
They can provide essential guidance and legal support to help you seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the incident. This ensures your rights are protected throughout the process.
Now, on with your adventures to explore nature in Savannah!
7 Places to Experience the Beauty of Savannah Nature
Here are seven beautiful places where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Savannah, Georgia.
1. Skidway Island State Park
Location: 52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, GA 31411
Skidway Island State Park is one of Georgia’s most breathtaking state parks.
It offers a beautiful low-country landscape of salt marsh, forest, and abundant bird life. The boardwalk provides you with the beste view of the marsh.
In contrast, the nature trails through the park meander through various points of historic interest. You’ll see
- Prohibition-era liquor stills
- Shell middens made by Skidways’s original Native American inhabitants
- Remainders of the Civil War fortifications
You’ll discover there are many camping facilities to choose from, and leashed pets are also allowed. The park is open every day from 7 am to 10 pm.
2. Savannah and Ogeechee Canal
Location: 681 Fort Argyle Rd, Savannah, GA 31419
Situated near Highway 204, the Savannah and Ogeechee Canal is an excellent place to take a comfortable stroll.
Established in 1831, the canal connects the Savannah and Ogeechee Rivers. It was constructed by African and Irish laborers, and was the conduit by which local crops and goods were transported.
Nowadays, you can find many trails in the area and plan for a tranquil day. To enhance your experience, pack a picnic lunch!
Check the hours before you go, though. As of this writing, Savannah and Ogeechee Canal is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9AM – 5PM.
3. Wormsloe State Historic Site
Location: 7601 Skidaway Rd, Savannah, GA 31406
The Wormsloe State Historic Site is a must-visit place in Savannah, especially if you are fond of road trips.
When you arrive at the Moon River District landmark, the avenue of live oak trees will take your breath
away!
Wormsloe’s tabby ruin is also the oldest structure in the entire city. Tabby is a construction material made of limestone, sand, and shells. It was used to build structures in the interest of defending of Savannah in the 18th century.
When you visit this site, you can spend the entire afternoon to learn from historical experts, admire museum artifacts, and hike on an informative nature trail.
4. Savannah Botanical Gardens
Location: 1388 Eisenhower Dr, Savannah, GA 31406
The Savannah Botanical Garden was designed in the late 1980s as an all-volunteer effort. It’s just a few minutes away from Savannah’s Historic District.
This expansive botanical garden includes:
- Naturalistic and formal plantings
- A two-acre pond
- Nature trails
- An amphitheater
- The historic Reinhard House
- Other archaeological exhibits.
It’s full of herbs, roses, seasonal blossoms, and perennials that make for a stunning show in bloom! The garden center is a farmhouse dating back to the 1840s.
Parking on-site is available, and you can also opt for a self-guided tour and equipment rentals.
5. Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
Location: 694 Beech Hill Lane, Hardeeville, SC 29927
The Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is a short distance from the city’s northwest, across the
Georgia-South Carolina border opposite the Savannah River.
It sprawls to around 30,000 acres and is the biggest wildlife refuge on the Georgian coast.
The lowcountry landscape is primarily made up of tidal creeks and freshwater marsh, with areas consisting of hardwood forests. You can also find the remains of the old rice plantation fields that were once present on the land.
Irish immigrants and slaves established a dike network controlling water flow across the plantations’
rice fields. Today, the dikes are used to migrate waterfowl and wading birds.
On the southern part of the refuge, you’ll discover cycling and hiking trails and a 4-mile mesmerizing nature drive. You can also access the refuge’s wetlands by boat, which also makes for a fun trip!
When you visit, don’t miss the visitor center, nestled on the easern edge of the refuge. There, you’ll learn more about the nature and history of the Wildlife Refuge from short video exhibitions. It’s really quite fascinating.
6. Cumberland Island
Location: reachable by passenger ferry from St. Mary’s, GA (no cars) or private boat.
Cumberland Island is a nature lover’s dream and is one of the best places for a serious wilderness experience in Savannah, Georgia.
On the park’s sprawling 19,000 acres, you’ll find:
- 18 beaches
- 5 campsites
- A forest packed with trails.
Beyond the campsites, you’ll find no signs of civilization surround these areas. This means you can indulge in a truly tranquil experience.
The only exceptions are a couple of historic homes constructed before the island turned into a national park. Once of them is the Plum Orchard Mansion, which served as a temporary home for the Carnegie family.
7. Tom Triplett Park Trail
Location: 100 Tom Triplett Road, Pooler, GA 31322
This six-mile trail is only 20 minutes from downtown Savannah and is in the Pooler community. You’ll discover the Tom Triplett Park Trail is surrounded by a picturesque lake, and the whole park is dog- and bike-friendly.
You can also find a disc golf course and have a swing at it!
Whether you are strolling, tossing Frisbees, or biking, you will surely have a great time at Tom Triplett Park.
Final Thoughts on Savannah Nature
If you are traveling to Savannah to explore its natural beauty, history, and rich culture, you should plan
and book tickets to these Savannah nature spots beforehand to avoid any last-minute disappointment.
Exploring the fascinating Savannah nature is a journey into the beautiful wild that will leave you with lasting memories.
Whether you’re an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, this natural gem has something to offer.
So, pack your sense of adventure and immerse yourself in the wonders of the Savannah nature scene.
Nature is calling, and it’s a call you won’t want to miss.
About Jackie Gately, editor-IN-CHIEF
I'm Jackie Gately, your travel confidante and the creative force behind Enjoy Travel Life, awarded the "Best Casual-Luxury Lifestyle Blog (USA)" in Travel and Tourism by LUXlife Magazine for four consecutive years. With 25 years of published expertise, I'm a seasoned writer, editor, and photographer curating inspiring travel guides and lifestyle tips for empty nesters. I hope to kindle your spirit of exploration, encouraging you to overcome obstacles and turn your dreams into reality. Learn to minimize your pre-travel angst and maximize the joy of exploration with insights from my experiences. Let's make every adventure a celebration of this exciting phase of life! Follow my social channels for more inspiration.
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