Savannah to Myrtle Beach Road Trip: Best Stops & Hidden Gems

Traveling from Savannah, Georgia to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina covers roughly 145 miles (233 km) of coastal highway. The fastest route via US-17 and SC-31 takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes, while the scenic US-17 E along the ocean can stretch to 3.5 hours. Did you know that a portion of US-17 runs along the historic King's Highway, one of the oldest roads in the United States, chartered in 1650 to connect colonial cities? This route passes through the heart of the ACE Basin, one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the East Coast.

For those wondering how long to drive Savannah, GA to Myrtle Beach, SC, the answer depends on your chosen stops and route. If you ask is it worth driving Savannah, GA to Myrtle Beach, SC, the response is a resounding yes—the journey offers a wealth of natural beauty, history, and culinary delights. Use the how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities guide to unearth roadside treasures.

Fuel and Route Economics: Gas prices along US-17 tend to be slightly higher than on I-95 due to fewer stations. Plan to fill up in Savannah (average $3.20/gal) and again in Beaufort or Port Royal (approx $3.30/gal). Myrtle Beach prices are competitive. There are no toll roads on the scenic route, but SC-22 (Southern Conway Bypass) has a $6 toll. Credit cards accepted at all major stations.

• Recommended fuel stops: Savannah (multiple), Beaufort (BP on Ribaut Rd), Huntington Beach State Park area (Exxon).
• Electric vehicle charging: Level 2 chargers in Beaufort and Georgetown; DC fast chargers in Savannah and Myrtle Beach.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: While none directly on the route, Savannah’s Historic District is a designated National Historic Landmark (not UNESCO). The only UNESCO site within a 2-hour drive is the Fort Sumter National Monument (Charleston area). However, the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, a National Heritage Area, runs along the coast and offers significant cultural value. The corridor features historic plantations, churches, and fish camps.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions: The drive transitions from Georgia’s low-country marshes to South Carolina’s sea islands and longleaf pine forests. Must-see stops include Hunting Island State Park (tidal beaches, lighthouse) and Huntington Beach State Park (birding, alligators). The ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge offers kayaking and hiking. For a unique detour, visit Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve with its untouched beach and driftwood trees.

• Hunting Island State Park: $8 entrance, 5 miles of beach, historic lighthouse.
• Huntington Beach State Park: $5 entrance, nature trails, alligator viewing.
• ACE Basin: kayak tours from Edisto Island.

Local Commerce & Culture: Between Savannah and Myrtle Beach, several towns offer authentic Lowcountry charm. Beaufort’s downtown has antique shops and art galleries. Georgetown’s Harborwalk features shrimp boats and seafood markets. Murrells Inlet is known for the Marsh Walk—a boardwalk lined with restaurants and live music. Try a local shrimp boil at the Wicked Tuna or oysters at Drunken Jack’s.

• Beaufort: Bay Street shopping, Pat Conroy Literary Center.
• Georgetown: Front Street historic homes, coffee at Indigo House.
• Murrells Inlet: Marsh Walk, local seafood, nightlife.

Culinary Infrastructure: Seafood reigns supreme. In Savannah, sample she-crab soup at The Olde Pink House. In Beaufort, try shrimp and grits at Breakwater Restaurant. Georgetown has the Rice Paddy for Southern classics. For family-friendly dining, call ahead for high chairs and kids menus. Most restaurants along the coast accommodate dietary restrictions with gluten-free and vegetarian options. Organic produce is available at farmers markets (Hilton Head on Saturday, Beaufort on Tuesday).

• Breakwater Restaurant (Beaufort): $15-30 per entree.
• The Rice Paddy (Georgetown): $12-22.
• Drunken Jack’s (Murrells Inlet): $18-40, outdoor seating.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality: US-17 is mostly two-lane highway with some four-lane sections. Road quality is good, but watch for deer especially at dawn/dusk. In rural stretches (Hampton County), road shoulders are narrow. Speed limits vary: 55 mph in rural, 35 mph in towns. Cell service is reliable except in the Francis Marion National Forest. Emergency services response times: less than 15 minutes in towns, 25+ minutes in remote areas. Keep an emergency kit with water, snacks, and a first-aid kit.

Family and Child Suitability: Great for families! Stop at Crocodile Isle in Hilton Head for a petting zoo and reptile shows. The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry in Beaufort offers interactive exhibits. For outdoor fun, Hunting Island State Park has a nature center and playground. Many roadside attractions like South of the Border (just past the NC border) are kid-friendly but gaudy—skip if you dislike kitsch. Pack car activities: audiobooks by Southern authors (Pat Conroy, Dori Sanders), or a scavenger hunt for palmetto trees and water towers.

• Crocodile Isle: $17 adults, $12 kids.
• Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry: $10 per person.
• South of the Border: free to walk, some rides cost extra.

Pet-Friendly Framework: Most state parks (Hunting Island, Huntington Beach) allow leashed pets on trails and beaches with restrictions (e.g., Hunting Island only allows pets on designated beach area). Many restaurants with outdoor patios welcome dogs. Hotels: chains like Holiday Inn in Hardeeville and Best Western in Myrtle Beach are pet-friendly for $30-$50 fee. There are dog parks in Beaufort (Boundary Street Park) and Myrtle Beach (New Market Park). Always carry water and waste bags.

Hidden Off-Route Spots: For a truly unique experience, detour to the ruins of the Old Sheldon Church (28 miles west of Beaufort). The sunlit columns are a photographer’s dream. Another gem: the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, just off US-278. It’s free, has a 4-mile drive, and you’ll see herons, egrets, and alligators. If you have time, visit the historic town of Bluffton, with its charming Promenade and Calhoun Street.

• Old Sheldon Church Ruins: free, open dawn to dusk.
• Pinckney Island NWR: free, best visited early morning.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones: There are official rest areas on US-17 near Ridgeland (mile marker 25) and near Georgetown (mile marker 110). They have restrooms, vending machines, and picnic tables. For better refreshment, stop at the South Carolina Welcome Center at Hardeeville (exit 5 off I-95) which offers WiFi and travel brochures. Breweries like River Dog Brewing in Ridgeland provide a relaxed break; don’t drink and drive. Plan to break every 2 hours; stretch at parks (Huntington Beach) or scenic overlooks (Broad River Bridge).

• Ridgeland Rest Area: northbound only.
• Georgetown Rest Area: southbound only.
• River Dog Brewing: tastings noon-6pm.