Ready for a road trip through Georgia filled with Southern hospitality, scenic highways and small-town charm? I’ve driven the route from Atlanta to Savannah through Macon and Georgia’s secret finds—places with town squares, historic homes and unforgettable eats.
As a seasoned travel writer and photographer with hundreds of published stories, I’ve mapped out the best stops, photo ops and local experiences. This Georgia road trip itinerary blends culture, history and beauty—ideal for weekend getaways, couples and slow travel adventures.
The writer was hosted.
Setting the Scene
The Route
My Georgia road trip started in Atlanta, where modern skyscrapers rise over historic districts and world-class attractions. After a few nights in Buckhead and Midtown, I steered south through small towns to Macon to uncover Civil War history, Native American culture and iconic rock-and-roll roots. From there, Savannah greeted me with cobblestone streets, moss-draped oaks and timeless charm.
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Who Should Go
Perfect for couples, families or solo travelers, this Atlanta to Savannah road trip caters to those seeking cultural attractions, outdoor adventures and culinary delights. The route delivers a diverse range of experiences, from luxury hotels and trolley tours to historic estates and coastal getaways.
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The Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall bring the most comfortable weather for road tripping through Georgia. Dogwoods bloom across Atlanta in March and April, while Savannah’s gardens explode with color. My husband and I visited in late April and we couldn’t have asked for better weather.
Hurricane season runs from June to November. Fall months feature mild temperatures, fewer crowds and perfect conditions for strolling through historic districts and plantations.
Winter brings mild temperatures that seldom dip below freezing.
Atlanta
Best Things to Do
- BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir – A gleaming white marble Hindu temple that feels like a world away from the city hustle. Participate in the water ceremony to feel included in the purification of mind and body experience.
- Atlanta Trolley Tour – A narrated ride that weaves together downtown landmarks.
- Atlanta History Center – Immersive exhibits like the Cyclorama, the Swan House and gardens showcase Georgia’s complex history.
- Krog Street Market – A playground for foodies offering artisan bites, cocktails and market energy. I loved the energy—locals grabbing bites, friends meeting over craft beer and cocktails and food stalls dishing out global flavors.
- Center for Puppetry Arts – A whimsical museum featuring Jim Henson creations and global puppetry traditions. I loved learning about the man who brought us Miss Piggy, Kermit, Big Bird and so many other childhood favorites.
Where to Stay
Waldorf Astoria Buckhead – Refined luxury with a serene spa and Buckhead sophistication. Dexter, our bellman, made our visit memorable. Friendly and helpful, he escorted us to our room, demonstrated the luxury features and made sure we had bottled water on the morning of departure. The service and ambiance at the Waldorf Astoria feel genuinely exceptional—nothing else compares.
Wylie Hotel Atlanta, A Tapestry Collection by Hilton – A boutique retreat in Midtown with historic charm and a neighborhood vibe. Our guest room at the Wylie maximized space with efficiency. I liked that The Wylie Hotel sits conveniently close to Ponce City Market, Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park.
She Buys Travel Tip : Although the Wylie Hotel fronts the busy street, it blends in with the surrounding buildings, making it hard to notice. Trust your GPS on this one.
Where to Eat
BAPS Shayona Café–The all-vegetarian menu delivers authentic flavors of India, with fresh, hot meals served at the counter and tables by the windows, offering a casual spot to enjoy them. Shoppers find packaged snacks and sweets ready to take home for later.
They handed me a sample of a sweet treat to finish my meal and I savored every bite. Road-tripping kept me from snagging a whole box to bring home.
Brassica at Waldorf Astoria Buckhead–At Brassica, I tasted Atlanta’s roots layered with French technique and Southern hospitality. From fresh pastries in the morning to seasonal dishes and late-night cocktails, it works for any time of day.
Little Tart Bakeshop at Krog Street Market–Sarah O’Brien founded Little Tart Bakeshop in 2010, growing from farmers markets to three Atlanta locations while keeping close ties to the city’s food community. Little Tart Bakeshop works with local farmers and artisans who highlight fresh, quality ingredients.
Macon
Best Things to Do
- Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park – Ancient earthworks and walking trails tell the story of Indigenous peoples thousands of years ago. Standing at Ocmulgee Mounds, I felt the deep history beneath my feet.
- Allman Brothers Band Museum at the Big House – A pilgrimage site for Southern rock fans, showcasing memorabilia and stories. The Big House Museum pulsed with the energy of the Allman Brothers’ legacy.
- Tubman Museum – The Tubman Museum ranks among the Southeast’s largest African American art, history and culture museums. The Tubman Museum’s bold art installations left a lasting impression.
Where to Stay
Hilton Garden Inn Macon/Mercer University – Modern comfort with convenient access to downtown attractions.
Where to Eat
Bradley’s on the Square (In Jackson, Georgia) Dive into Southern classics, hearty bites and a full bar on the historic square. The friendly staff answered all our questions about the town, the square and the restaurant’s history. We enjoyed a local, icy-cold craft beer and delicious barbecued chicken wings.
After a filling lunch at Bradley’s in Jackson, we chose the
Savannah
Best Things to Do
- Wormsloe Historic Site – Famous oak-lined avenue leading to the colonial estate ruins. Wormsloe’s avenue of live oaks dripping in Spanish moss felt “deep south”.
- Old Savannah Tours – A 75-minute, non-stop, narrated experience that delivers an enlightening introduction to Savannah. A terrific way to get the lay of the land.
- The Olde Pink House – A fine dining icon housed in an 18th-century mansion. Reserve far in advance because this popular destination offers limited open hours. Dining on artistically presented regional food at The Olde Pink House is worth planning in advance.
Where to Stay
We chose The Alida, Savannah, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, because the location in the historic Plant Riverside District is close to many sites we wanted to visit. Savannah, a walkable city with tree-lined streets, offers 22 historic squares and stunning architecture.
Where to Eat
We enjoyed small plates: Mushroom Tartine (mushrooms, focaccia, Parmesan, chives) and Fried Calamari. I tried She-Crab soup (blue crab, smoked roe, crostini)—a thick, delicate soup. Sides included honey-glazed Heirloom Carrots and a colorful salad.
The Olde Pink House delivers upscale Southern cuisine in a centuries-old setting filled with antiques and artwork. Its pink façade, haunted lore and reputation as a top wedding venue cement it as a local icon and Instagram favorite.
After a memorable lunch and the restaurant closed until dinner time, we explored the Planters Tavern “Wine Vault” that protected the wine collection. The scene felt spooky as the wait staff silently folded cloth napkins under the watchful eye of their manager.
Tips for an Atlanta to Savannah Road Trip
Mix City and Coast: Balance Atlanta’s big-city energy with Savannah’s walkable charm.
Time Your Departure: Leave Atlanta outside of rush hour if you can. Downtown traffic can easily add an extra hour.
Explore Small-Town Squares: Jackson, Forsyth and Monticello feature courthouse squares framed by independent shops, historic facades and classic diners.
Build in time to stroll, photograph the architecture and grab coffee or ice cream from local spots. These squares showcase pure Southern character.
If you like set-jetting, stop at the Monticello Courthouse, featured in the movie My Cousin Vinny and starring Joe Pesci.
Plan for History: Georgia bursts with historic sites. Be sure to set aside time to explore museums, take guided tours and find hidden gems.
Savor Local Foods: Atlanta offers Southern comfort and international cuisine. Macon is known for barbecue and soul food, while Savannah specializes in coastal seafood and Lowcountry dishes.
Stay Flexible: Allow extra time in Savannah; the city’s beauty and food scene will tempt you to linger.
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