I'm originally from Savannah and lived in the city for over two decades before moving farther north. I've had some family crises over the last year or so that have necessitated me spending quite a bit of time in the Hostess City of the South. While it's been an incredibly stressful period of my life, I've got to say there are so many great things to do in Savannah and the surrounding area! From outdoor adventures to delicious eateries, the fun never ends in this historic city. One place that I've visited a few times over the last year is Skidaway Island State Park. This 588-acre state park in Georgia is located just outside of Savannah and offers some incredible marsh views. While most people don't have much trouble filling out an itinerary for a trip to Savannah, a visit to this park is a must for any area getaway. Check it out:

Skidaway Island State Park lies about 30 minutes away from the downtown Savannah historic district and it offers up a great waterfront feel without all the crowds you'll encounter at the more popular Tybee Island area.

While there's not a traditional sandy beach within the park, you'll enjoy some great marsh scenery.

I'm accustomed to the mountain and forest trails up in North Georgia, so a trip to the more marshy areas down south provides a unique change of landscape every time I visit.

I saw quite a few critters on my most recent trips here, including tons of fiddler crabs and also a few pileated woodpeckers. It's easy to see why this is a popular area for bird-watching.

The boardwalk trails here are quite beautiful. The park features an interconnected network of trails, all of which are flat, well-marked, and easy enough to enjoy with kids.

Unfortunately, on my most recent visit in March 2024, the bridge on the Sandpiper Trail was damaged due to recent flooding.

While it did mean I had to do a bit of back-tracking, I was still able to explore quite a bit of the park's trails via different routes.

Leashed dogs are allowed at the park, and I brought along my foster Great Dane, Sawyer, who was enthralled by the landscape here.

Skidaway Island State Park also has a pretty sizable campground. I was just visiting for the day, but there were tons of campers at the shaded campground, which had hookups for RVs, plus a few cabins available for rent.

With two playgrounds and a fun little nature center, there's lots to entertain little ones here, too.

If you're looking for a peaceful escape in beautiful surroundings, it doesn't get much better than a visit to this state park near Savannah.

For more information about Skidaway Island State Park in Georgia, check out the Georgia State Parks website. You can learn more about the trails within the park from our friends at AllTrails.