Welcome To Savannah to Charleston Round Trip: Self-Guided Driving Tour
Savannah and Charleston are two of the most historic destinations in the American south, and the road connecting the two cities holds just as much history. This self-guided driving tour dives into the history and scenery of that route. Visit the haunting Old Sheldon Church Ruins, snap photos of the Angel Oak Tree, go birdwatching in the ACE Basin Wildlife Preserve, uncover stories of the Underground Railroad, see historic Drayton Hall, and so much more.
About the tour
This self-guided driving tour takes you between Savannah and Charleston, weaving through South Carolina’s Lowcountry and its mix of wildlife, history, and culture. The tour can be driven in either direction for your convenience.
Along the way, you’ll pass the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, where alligators bask on riverbanks and herons glide over the marshes. This scenic stretch offers a great introduction to the wetlands that define the region.
Next, stop at Hardeeville and Ridgeland, towns rich with Southern traditions, where you’ll hear stories of barbecue, railroads, and small-town life. As the drive continues, cross to Saint Helena Island and learn about the Penn Center and the Gullah Geechee culture that has shaped this part of the South.
The haunting Old Sheldon Church Ruins are up next, their weathered stone columns and arches telling stories of colonial days and Civil War destruction. Crossing the Combahee River, you’ll hear about Harriet Tubman’s daring raid that freed hundreds of enslaved people.
Nature lovers won’t want to miss the ACE Basin, one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the Atlantic Coast, where migratory birds fill the skies. Continue through Jacksonboro to the quiet remains of the Pon Pon Chapel of Ease, another reminder of South Carolina’s deep past.
No journey is complete without pausing under the sprawling branches of the Angel Oak Tree, thought to be over 400 years old. Then explore Drayton Hall, one of America’s most carefully preserved plantation houses, where architecture and history remain strikingly intact.
Finally, you’ll arrive at Charles Towne Landing, where English settlers first established South Carolina. Then it’s on to Charleston, a city where cobblestone streets, pastel homes, and waterfront views complete your Lowcountry drive.
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Tour Map
Starting Point
You can begin the tour at any of the suggested starting locations provided below:
Talmadge Memorial Bridge, Savannah, GA 31401, USA
Start on Highway 17 just before the Talmadge Memorial Bridge in Savannah, heading north toward Charleston.
220 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
Start on Spring Street in Charleston, with a car parking lot on your right.
How Does It Work?
- Access your tour: Download the Action Tour Guide app and sign in with the same email used for your website purchase. Your tour will appear under My Tours.
- Download your tour: Download it before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
- Start your tour: Open My Tours, select your tour, and tap Start Touring when you reach a starting point.
- Listen your way: Use your phone’s speaker or headphones, or connect to your car’s audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not currently supported, compatibility is in development.
- GPS-triggered audio: Stories play automatically as you reach each location along the route.
- Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day. Tours are valid forever (one year for Action+).
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
Plan for 2–3 hours of driving time, covering 100+ miles. Actual time varies with stops and traffic.
100+ bite-sized audio stories trigger along the route.
Not yet—CarPlay and Android Auto are currently not supported (the team is working toward a solution with Apple). Use Bluetooth/USB/Aux instead.
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, Old Sheldon Church Ruins, ACE Basin, Pon Pon Chapel of Ease, Angel Oak Tree, Drayton Hall, Ashley River Road and Charles Towne Landing on the Charleston end.
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Inclusions and Exclusions
Action Tour Guide app: Download the app to access your purchased tour.
GPS-triggered audio: Stories and directions play automatically as you reach each location.
Tour anytime: Single tours and bundles never expire and can be used anytime. Action+ is an annual subscription that automatically renews each year unless canceled.
Narrated stories: Hear local history, culture, and stories from experienced narrators.
Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day.
Offline access: Download your tour before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
Stories, stops, and directions: Follow the route to key attractions with automatic directions and stories at each location.
Transportation: Transportation, parking fees, and tolls are not included.
Admission: Entry tickets and reservations are not included.
Food and drinks: Meals and drinks are not included.
Rental car: A rental car is not included and may be required for driving tours.
