Being a student at Georgia Southern University for almost two years now, I’ve had my fair share of weekend getaways with roommates and sorority sisters. I figured I would compile a list of some of my favorite places to explore so you can, too!
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is the capital of Georgia, and it’s only a 3 hour drive from Statesboro. While this isn’t right around the corner by any means, it’s definitely worth the trip with all there is to do. Spend your morning eating breakfast at Rise and Dine, your afternoon walking around Doll’s Head Trail, and your evening riding a bike around the beltline or eating dinner at one of the many restaurants in Ponce City Market. You’ll never run out of things to do in this busy city.
Jacksonville, Florida
Last year, I spent my sorority’s formal in Jacksonville. I had no idea that the city was only a 3 hour drive. The beach was gorgeous and there was so much to see and do, including a zoo and tiger habitat.
Charleston, South Carolina
Recently, I’ve been spending a lot more time in this beautiful city and that’s because it’s only a 2 1/2 hour drive from Statesboro. It’s so easy to spend a full day here with all there is to do and eat. Whether you love to shop and brunch (one of my favorite brunch spots linked here), or learn about the history of old towns and spot some ghosts, Charleston is perfect for a warm Saturday in summer.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
My family and I have been traveling to Hilton Head Island for years, so you can imagine my excitement when I learned that, as a student at Georgia Southern, I would only be 1 1/2 hours away. This is my favorite beach to go to on a warm spring or a hot summer day. Plus, there are tons of cute shops and places to eat as well as the perfect picture spots, all located right on the beach.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is probably the easiest city to drive to from Statesboro, and also the prettiest. Being one of the most historic and haunted places in the United States, and only a 45 minute drive, it’s easily one of my favorite day trips to make with my friends.
Tybee Island, Georgia
Tybee Island, located only 20 minutes from Downtown Savannah, Georgia, is just another one of my favorite beach destinations. It’s the closest beach to Georgia Southern and the fact that the town is exactly what you picture when you think of a cute beach town makes it so much better. Tybee is home to tons of quirky shops and restaurants, and you’d never get tired of exploring them all.
Hardeeville, South Carolina
I wanted to include Hardeeville, South Carolina in this list for a different reason than the rest of these cities. While Hardeeville itself is a quite town to drive through, this isn’t why I felt I should mention it in this list. This city is only 25 minutes from Downtown Savannah and it’s home to the Savannah Wildlife Refuge. If you love to watch animals in their natural habitat (including the American Alligator) as much as I do, I promise you’ll fall in love with this place.
Let me know in the comments where your favorite day trip destinations are!
Xoxo, Emily