As short, chilly days enveloped the UK we jetted off for two weeks of sunshine and fun on a family Georgia and Florida road trip. It was the perfect time of year to visit without the crowds of summer but still lots of warmth. Taking a road trip to Georgia from Florida was the perfect way to get the best of these two states.
Read all about our trip and scroll to the bottom (or use the index) to read other Florida and Georgia roadtrip itineraries.
👩💻 About the author – Nichola is a family travel expert and has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, Lonely Planet Magazine and Wanderlust, amongst many others. She’s spent over a decade travelling the world with her children, finding the best places for you to explore too.
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Table of Contents
Starting in Orlando, Florida
We started our travels in Orlando. Flying in for four days of fun at Universal and all the fast pace and happy times of the theme parks.
It was the perfect sunny blast to start our trip off and we had the best time here.
Check out our ultimate guide to Florida with kids here.
Heading into Georgia – our family Georgia and Florida road trip
After four days we headed off. Snaking north up through Interstate 95, watching the Floridian houses with swimming pools in large resorts give way to open countryside, bathed in the sunshine.
We passed through Jacksonville with its small cluster of skyscrapers huddled together, gleaming and bouncing sun beams between them. And then we suddenly crossed over the St. Marys River in to Georgia.
The change of the landscape as we headed in to Georgia was remarkable. Wide plains stretching out as far as the eye could see, bridges crossing huge fast-flowing rivers with reeds tall and proud, bending in the wind and cushioning the banks of the river.
It was beautiful and I loved Georgia from the moment we arrived.
Jekyll Island
An hour in to Georgia we entered the island of Jekyll.
As soon as I heard of Jekyll Island I wanted to visit. Its name is so evocative and full of intrigue.
We drove down the main road, trees heavy with Spanish Sea moss and the fading light sending brilliant orange pangs across the sky. It was truly beautiful.
As the Jekyll Island Club suddenly appeared in front of us it felt as though we’d arrived two hundred years earlier.
Every corner and wooden board looked as though it belonged in another era. It was fairytale like.
We spent a few days on Jekyll Island, relaxing, catching our breath and enjoying family time together.
The Jekyll Island Club and Resort was beautiful, and we relaxed within it, wandering the huge grounds, climbing trees, and rocking in the chairs set all over canopied porches.
We hired bikes and cycled miles across the island, through paths dark from the overhanging Spanish Sea Moss, which we reached up to grab handfuls of as we whizzed past.
Over tiny wooden bridges with copper coloured creeks below, the warm air on our faces, legs pedalling and us all shouting happy ponderings to each other.
We cycled to Driftwood Beach, now one of my favourite stretches of beach.
Huge limbs of bleached-out trees lay across the white sand. Branches gnarled and twisted, they were perfect to clamber across.
We spent so long here, returning twice more as we just fell in love with it. Watching the sun set here where the branches created eery shadows.
St Simon’s Island Georgia
Then we were off to our next Georgian Island of St Simon’s. This was just as beautiful but very different.
Bigger than Jekyll it had all the amenities you would need and lots to see. We loved the main little harbour area where the playground stretched down onto the sand.
Our time was spent our time here at The King & Prince Resort, enjoying good food, swims in the warm pool and morning walks on the beach.
We also got to spend Halloween on the island. And found the most amazing housing development to go Trick or Treating, where the welcome was so unbelievably warm and family-friendly, and people spilled out of homes onto the streets to create a fun, party atmosphere.
It was the perfect Halloween and we came back laden with candy.
We didn’t want to spend too much sleepy island time though. After a few days we headed into Savannah for a day of fun and exploration there.
I couldn’t get over the beauty of Savannah. Colourful buildings full of character that I longed to delve into and a pretty waterfront area full of characterful shops.
We ran through Forsyth park, played in the children’s museum and jumped on old steam train engines. It was a jam-packed day of fun and definitely left us all wanting more.
Amelia Island Florida – Our family Georgia and Florida road trip
Then it was out of Georgia, back into Florida for one last blast of relaxation at another of the country’s islands. This time Amelia Island, a couple of hours north of Orlando.
We wanted to explore and find out everything about this large but beautiful island but staying at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort it just begged us to stay and relax. So we did.
We swam in the pool, walked on the beach, built sandcastles, jumped waves and bathed in the beautiful sunshine.
We didn’t want to leave.
Final thoughts on our Georgia and Florida road trip
Our family Georgia and Florida roadtrip really was filled with old southern charm.
We loved the contrast between the fast paced Orlando theme parks and the beautiful, calm of Georgia. It’s definitely a state we want to return to and spend longer in.
Have you been to Georgia? What is your favourite thing to do there? Read more with our 14 day itinerary through Florida.
Check out our ultimate guide to Florida with kids here.
Alternative Florida to Georgia road trips
If you’re inspired to try a similar adventure but fancy a slightly different route, there are plenty of alternatives that combine Florida sunshine with Georgia’s southern charm.
Coastal route via St Augustine and Fernandina Beach
Instead of heading directly up I-95, you can hug the Florida coast. Start in Orlando, detour east to St Augustine, the oldest city in the US, where kids can explore pirate ships, historic forts and cobbled streets. Continue north to Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island for a relaxed beach vibe before crossing into Georgia.
Inland route via Gainesville and Macon
For a more off-the-beaten-track journey, head northwest from Orlando to Gainesville. Home to springs and state parks, it’s perfect for families who love swimming, kayaking and wildlife. From there, drive north through pine forests and farmland to Macon, Georgia. Known for its music history (think Otis Redding and Little Richard) it adds a fun cultural stop before reaching Savannah or the islands.
Savannah to Charleston loop – Georgia to Florida road trip
After Savannah, consider extending north into South Carolina. Charleston is only two hours further and offers pastel houses, horse-drawn carriage rides and beaches. From there, you can loop back into Georgia or head straight down the coast into Florida.
Practical tips for a Florida – Georgia family roadtrip
- Car hire: Book in advance for the best prices. A mid-sized SUV worked perfectly for us with kids and luggage.
- Driving distances: Orlando to Savannah takes around five hours without stops. Break up the journey with islands and small towns.
- Tolls: Florida has plenty of toll roads. Consider getting a SunPass transponder for convenience.
- Food stops: Don’t miss roadside diners for a true southern experience – fried pickles, biscuits, and sweet tea are essentials.
- Best time to go: October half-term is ideal – warm days, cooler evenings, fewer crowds. Spring time can also be fun but busier.
Seasonal alternatives on a Georgia and Florida road trip
Visiting in autumn gave us Halloween fun and warm weather. But every season has its own highlights:
- Spring: Wildflowers, warm weather and outdoor festivals in Savannah.
- Summer: Hot, humid, but perfect for beach days – especially on Jekyll and Amelia Islands.
- Winter: Mild in Florida, cooler in Georgia but still pleasant for exploring without the heat. Christmas lights in St Augustine and Savannah are magical.
Why combine florida and georgia?
Many travellers focus only on Florida’s theme parks or beaches, but Georgia adds something truly special. It’s a chance to slow down, enjoy southern hospitality, and show children a different side of the US. The islands in particular felt like hidden gems compared with Florida’s busier resorts.
FAQ: planning a Georgia and Florida roadtrip
Is it easy to drive between Florida and Georgia?
Yes, the states are connected by major highways. Orlando to Savannah is about 260 miles and very straightforward.
What’s the best age for kids on this trip?
Any age works, but school-age children and teens will probably appreciate both the theme parks and the slower island time.
Are the islands expensive?
Resorts can be pricey, but there are mid-range hotels and holiday rentals available, especially if you book early.
Can you combine this trip with Disney?
Definitely – start with Disney or Universal in Orlando, then head north for a change of pace.
Find more of our Florida posts here –
Things to do in New Smyrna Beach
Universal Studios for toddlers & under 5 year olds
Our guide to the USA with kids
It looks like you all had an absolutely amazing time. Road trips seem like such a great way to make the most of your time and see as much as possible!
Wow this sounds like an amazing trip. A totally different way to see the world. I would love to travel route 66 at some point in my life!
Sounds such a great trip- I know so little about Georgia but it sounds a lovely place to explore.
There is no doubt about it, Georgia and Florida are asbolutely stunning and I am so glad that you had a good time. I like the sound of Jekyll Island too x
My brother lived in Florida for a long long time and I loved visiting. I have never been elsewhere in the states but he has moved to Seattle so planning a trip there in 2019 x
oh my god your trip sounds amazing. I’d love to go to Disney and all the sunshine is just making me want summer time x
Oh wow what an amazing sounding trip, I think this time of year would be perfect for me as it’s not so busy and not so hot. Perhaps one day I’ll be able to go!
I absolutely love Florida! Need to go back! My friend is from Georgia, so would love to visit her there too. Sounds like an amazing time.
I have been to Orlando in Florida and Yes it is super active so teaming up with Georgia was a fab idea x
It looks like your family had a great time during the trip. Florida must be a dream destination for family fun, with Orlando so close and their amazing parks. Universal was a great choice! Also, where better to go in the States for amazing beaches? 🙂
This sounds like a really lovely trip. Florida is such a beautiful place to visit I really want to take my family there too.
What an amazing trip! We’d love to head to Orlando one day, just need to save up. Beautiful pictures.
Your road trip sounds so amazing! I need to visit Florida and Georgia one day
Wow I am so jealous this looks and sounds incredible! I would love to visit Florida on day, everything looks so beautiful. It looks like you all enjoyed yourselves! Fabulous photos, thanks for sharing x
It looks like you all had an amazing time. I love your photographs, Georgia is such a beautiful place to explore. I’ve never been but my daughters grandad lives there so she goes often.
It looks like you had an amazing road trip. There is so much more to Florida than Orlando, and I’m glad you experienced that.
Family road trips can be the best trips ever! I love your pictures, so stunning and it looks like it was a blast!
that sunset view from resort is absolutely beautiful and I love that photo with your kids watching it. this sounds like it was an unforgettable trip
Your pictures are absolutely stunning. I’ve always wanted to visit the US, and now Florida and Georgia have shot to the top of my list of places to visit first 🙂
Louise x
Love all these beautiful blue tones! How did you make it look like you had the whole of Universal Studios to yourself?!
This sounds amazing. Definitely one to add to the bucket list. Jekyll Island looks beautiful.
ahh man this reminds me of when I was a kid visiting Florida! I’m glad you guys had fun, Florida and especially Georgia are just beautiful!
Thank you so much, it really is such a beautiful part of the world and I long to go back!