There and Back Again: Charleston to Savannah

Travel roads lined with historic ruins and haunted destinations

Photo of Old Sheldon Church ruins by Tom Poland

Backroads transport us to the places in between. This regularly occurring feature takes you to and from two southeastern destinations via winding rural roads lined with historic ruins, captivating landscapes, preserved homeplaces and, in this particular journey, haunted destinations. Take one route there and another back for two unique experiences.

Our fall excursion follows coastal highway U.S. 17 from Charleston to Savannah, offering intriguing stops along the way. You’ll travel west then southwest into Savannah, passing through small towns and, at times, edging close enough to the coastline to see the ocean. Peel off side roads to explore some of the area’s hidden gems and historic treasures. 

Discover magnificent gardens, preserved ruins, a Civil War battlefield, and one of America’s most famous cemeteries. Walk through prominent homes, hotels, and other establishments rumored to be haunted. Tour a U.S. Marines museum, hike through a wildlife refuge, and stand under a famous oak tree. This journey has it all.

The drive from Charleston to Savannah is slightly longer than the trip back: 3 hours, 19 minutes, and 146 miles, compared to 2 hours, 52 minutes, and 122 miles. We recommend booking an overnight stay at one of the haunted hotels profiled in our sidebar for a spiritually enlightening experience. 

In this post, Explorer and Voyager subscribers will find Google Maps links from Charleston to Savannah, then back again from Savannah to Charleston, plus bonus info about unique accommodations so you can book an overnight stay to break up your trip.