Expansive road trips in Georgia are great. We love seeing as much of the state as possible. But we know that’s not always practical. People have responsibilities and time constraints. But the next time you’ve got a free day, we’ve got a perfect sunrise-to-sunset scenic day trip in Georgia for you! You’ll be home in time for bed after getting to see some great coastal spots in the Peach State. There’s nothing like catching the majesty of a sunrise and sunset at the beach.

Google Maps
The entire trip will require just under two hours of driving time, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore each stop to the fullest.
1. Driftwood Beach: Jekyll Island, GA 31527
Evangelio Gonzalez/Flickr
Hope you're ready to get up early, because your first stop will be a magical Georgia beach sunrise.
Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, GA 31527, USA
Matt/Flickr
Driftwood Beach offers some of the best sunrises in Georgia. The collection of weather-worn trees here makes for a hauntingly beautiful scene when silhouetted against the rising sun, adding to the many reasons why it is also one of the most popular areas of Jekyll Island.
2. Melody's Coastal Cafe Midway: 34 N Coastal Hwy, Midway, GA 31320
Stephen Essary/Google Maps
Relax at the beach for a few hours - you've got time before the sun sets!
Melody's Coastal Cafe, 34 N Coastal Hwy, Midway, GA 31320, USA
Megan Costilow/Google Maps
When you start getting hungry, head up to the historic town of Midway and visit Melody's Coastal Café. You'll find a varied menu with tacos, salads, burgers, and more. The atmosphere is very welcoming and the arcade makes it an especially great stop for families. A true sunrise to sunset Georgia day trip really wouldn’t feel quite complete without including a stop here!
3. Skidaway Island State Park: 52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, GA 31411
G. DAWSON/Flickr
Now that you're filled up on lunch, head up to lovely Skidaway Island State Park.
Skidaway Island State Park, Savannah, GA 31411, USA
Dizzy Girl/Flickr
As far as a stop along a scenic day trip in Georgia , this place doesn't get as much hype as nearby Tybee Island, but it's a stunning natural area that's got tons of trails worth exploring. Watching a sunset in Georgia on the beach is such a magical experience and the perfect ending to a fun-filled day!

Have you ever been to any of the spots mentioned in this sunrise-to-sunset one-day road trip in Georgia? If so, which were your favorites? We’d love to read about your experiences in the comments section below! We also always love to hear about other great places to catch sunrises and sunsets in Georgia.

If you’re really into day trips, then you’d definitely want to check out this awesome wine and waterfalls road trip!

If you’re still in the mood for more Georgia adventures, take a look at this video:

 

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More to Explore

Exploring Georgia

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | February 08, 2023

Where can we find some of the best beaches in Georgia?

  • Tybee Island is perhaps the most popular and is home to a historic lighthouse and historic Fort Screven.
  • Simon's Island tops a lot of lists for its beaches and as one of the best small towns in the state.
  • Jekyll Island is thought of as only for the rich and famous but the spectacular beach here is open to the public.

Read on to learn more about beautiful beaches in Georgia.

Where can we find short hiking trails in Georgia?

  • The Anna Ruby Falls Trail near Unicoi State Park features a double waterfall accessible after only a short trek.
  • The Mountain View Trail at the Davidson-Arabia Nature Preserve near Lithonia features granite outcroppings and rolling hills.
  • The Hurricane Falls Loop Tallulah Gorge offers a heart-stopping suspension bridge and a gorgeous waterfall.

Read on to learn more about the many wonderful short hiking trails in Georgia.

Where can we find natural places to go swimming in Georgia?

  • The Panther Creek Falls in Clarkesville has a swimming hole at the base of it, making it a great place to cool off after a hike.
  • The Blue Hole Falls in Hiawassee is another spot with a beautiful, inviting swimming hole.
  • Fort Mountain State Park in the Cohutta Wilderness has a lake and beach perfect for swimming.

Read on to learn more about the many wonderful places overall to go swimming in Georgia.

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