Day trip options from Hotel Indigo: Tybee Island, Hilton Head, Beaufort and more
From Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District you can reach Tybee Island (beach and lighthouse) by a roughly 20–30 minute drive; Hilton Head and Beaufort are doable day trips by car (about 45–60 minutes and ~1 hour respectively). Other quick options include boat cruises from City Hall Landing, the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge for nature, and walking tours of the Historic District — all are easy to arrange via the hotel's concierge.
In this guide
Tybee Island: Savannah’s nearest beach
Tybee Island is about 17–18 miles from Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District, typically a 20–30 minute drive; travel time can be longer in peak-season traffic. The island offers roughly five miles of public Atlantic beach and the historic Tybee Island Lighthouse at North Beach.
There is no regular public shuttle from the Historic District to Tybee; visitors generally use a rental car, taxi, or rideshare. The hotel concierge can help with directions and arranging transportation.
- Distance: ~17–18 miles, ~20–30 minutes by car
- Main sights: North Beach Lighthouse, public beaches (about five miles total)
- Transport: car, taxi, or rideshare — no scheduled hotel shuttle
| Feature | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Beaches | Public Atlantic beaches, swimming and sunbathing |
| Lighthouse | Historic Tybee Island Lighthouse at North Beach |
| Getting there | Drive or rideshare; no regular public hotel shuttle |
Hilton Head Island: a longer beach and biking day
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is about 36 miles from downtown Savannah and typically a 45–60 minute drive. The island is known for its wide beaches, bike paths, and Harbour Town area.
Because the trip crosses state lines, factor in traffic and allow the full drive time for a relaxed return. If you prefer not to drive, check the concierge for private shuttles or tour operators that run day trips.
- Distance: ~36 miles, ~45–60 minutes by car
- Highlights: beaches, bike-friendly trails, Harbour Town
- Tip: allow extra time for traffic and border crossing
| Good for | Why go |
|---|---|
| Cyclists | Extensive bike paths and rental options |
| Beach day | Long sandy beaches and family-friendly facilities |
| Sightseeing | Harbour Town lighthouse and shops |
Beaufort, SC: history and waterfront walks
Beaufort is about a one-hour drive from Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District and makes a practical day trip for history, Gullah Geechee cultural sites, antebellum homes, and waterfront promenades.
Public transportation options are limited for this route; most visitors drive or take a booked tour. Ask the hotel's concierge if they can recommend a guided day tour or private driver.
- Distance: ~1 hour by car
- Focus: historic district, waterfront, cultural tours
- Transport: car or guided tour (no regular hotel shuttle)
| Top activity | Notes |
|---|---|
| Historic walking tour | Explore antebellum homes and downtown streets |
| Waterfront strolls | Marsh and river views along the promenade |
| Cultural sites | Gullah Geechee history and museums |
Short, local options you can do in a few hours
From the hotel you can walk to River Street, City Market, and Ellis Square in minutes — these are good for quick sightseeing, shopping, river views, and riverboat cruises that depart nearby. Riverboat departures are at City Hall Landing, a short walk from the hotel.
Other short outings include the Telfair museums and a stroll through Savannah’s squares. The hotel concierge can provide maps, walking-route suggestions, and tickets for narrated tours.
- Walk: River Street, City Market, Ellis Square (all within a few minutes)
- Museums: Telfair Academy and Jepson Center (about 0.2 miles away)
- River cruises: depart from City Hall Landing — accessible on foot
| Spot | Distance from hotel |
|---|---|
| River Street | ~0.1 miles (steps away) |
| City Market | Directly adjacent to the hotel |
| Telfair Academy | ~0.2 miles |
Nature and wildlife: nearby refuges and Bonaventure Cemetery
For a nature-focused half- or full-day, the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is about a 10-minute drive from downtown and is one of the closest nature destinations for wildlife viewing and scenic drives.
Bonaventure Cemetery is about 4.5–5 miles from the hotel (roughly a 10–20 minute drive) and is often visited for its historic graves, moss-draped oaks, and photography opportunities.
- Savannah National Wildlife Refuge: ~10-minute drive; wildlife viewing and driving loops
- Bonaventure Cemetery: ~4.5 miles, ~10–20 minute drive; historic cemetery with oak-lined avenues
- Transport: rental car or rideshare recommended
| Destination | Drive time from hotel |
|---|---|
| Savannah National Wildlife Refuge | ~10 minutes |
| Bonaventure Cemetery | ~10–20 minutes |
| Forsyth Park | ~1.2 miles (about a mile walk) |
Practical tips from your base at Hotel Indigo
Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District sits at 201 W Bay St in the Historic District, steps from City Market and River Street. The hotel offers concierge services that can help arrange tours, taxis, or private drivers for day trips.
If you need space for a longer rest between outings, room types at the hotel include Standard Room, Premium Room, Standard Room (High Floor), Studio Suite, Suite, 1 Bedroom and Suite, 1 Bedroom (Dining Area) — ask the front desk about availability and amenities. The hotel does not provide a shuttle to Tybee Island or other barrier islands.
- Concierge can book tours, river cruises, and advise on driving times
- Rooms to consider for extra space: Studio Suite; Suite, 1 Bedroom; Suite, 1 Bedroom (Dining Area)
- No airport shuttle: nearest airport is Savannah/Hilton Head International (about 23-minute drive)
| Hotel service | What it can help with |
|---|---|
| Concierge | Tours, tickets, local advice |
| Valet parking | Valet-only parking available; contact hotel for current fee |
| Fitness center | 24-hour gym available to guests |
