When you think of Georgia, you may imagine acres of farmland with its iconic red clay soil or maybe you picture the peaks of the North Georgia mountains used for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Depending on which part you visit, you can experience the beautiful countryside, the bustle of city life, daring mountain ranges and my personal favorite, the gorgeous coastline of Georgia’s low country. What makes our low country so special is it truly feels like you’re traveling back in time, especially with key cities like Savannah with its forts, cascading Spanish moss and Oglethorpe layout. One of Savannah’s hidden gems that many visitors don’t know of is Skidaway Island State Park, a stunning 588-acre park where you can experience the beauty of Savannah’s wildlife and saltwater marshes.
Skidaway Island State Park is located in the Moon River District, an area full of Southern charm, historical sites and opportunities to explore the coast’s natural beauty. It’s a prime example of the U.S.’s low country, an area that runs along 137 miles of coastline from South Carolina and Georgia to parts of Florida. If you’ve never been to this part of the country before, it’s unlike anywhere else. Southern tradition is interwoven with the coastal environment here, making it a popular destination for visitors looking to experience this way of life.
Visitors can access Skidaway Island State Park from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on any day of the week. Admission is $5 per vehicle to get inside, and once in, there’s so much to do. If you enjoy birdwatching, check out the Colonial Coast Birding Trail where you can watch ospreys, painted bunting, pileated woodpeckers or even the national bird – the bald eagle. Take your birdwatching to the next level and download the Ga Outdoors app, a free app with information on outdoor recreation.
If birdwatching doesn’t pique your interest, there’s plenty of other wildlife you can watch for including deer, fiddler crabs, egrets and more. Take a stroll on one of the many hiking trails including its boardwalks which wind through a lush maritime forest and salt marsh. Bikes are welcome as well, making it the perfect spot to take in the scenery and see the entirety of the park. The boardwalks and level trails are ADA-accessible for hiking, so every visitor can experience the park’s attributes. Another accessible feature of the park is that they offer reservations for colored blind glasses which is a part of an initiative by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Outdoors Beyond Barriers. This program ensures all visitors can enjoy all of the park’s features, especially those with visual impairment.
Looking for more of an adventure? This park also offers a scenic campground with RV sites and sewer hookups. You can also enjoy open-air picnic shelters for a relaxing lunch spent enjoying Savannah’s warm climate. Didn’t bring an RV in advance? You can also rent camper cabins, each featuring screened porches, bathrooms, a kids’ sleeping loft, a kitchen and a master bedroom for a night spent under the stars. There are also yurts on-site for a truly magical experience spent amongst the park’s live oaks.
Once you’ve spent the day or an overnight expedition exploring Skidaway Island State Park, it’s only 20 minutes until you’re in the heart of Savannah. Head over to City Market, a four-block historic area, full of dining, shopping and entertainment. You can take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the district to get the full experience or take the streets yourself to discover Savannah’s charm. Make sure to grab a bite to eat here to enjoy the epitome of Southern cuisine. From hush puppies and fried green tomatoes to fresh seafood and creole favorites, you’ll be hard-pressed to find this range of coastal classics anywhere else in Georgia.
I’ve always found myself drawn to the beauty of Savannah, from its natural attributes to its unique culture. To truly get a feel for just how scenic and diverse in terms of wildlife this coastal gem is, spending the afternoon at Skidaway Island State Park is, in my opinion, a must. Tailor the experience to you and your family’s interests, whether it’s birdwatching, hiking, camping, biking or simply taking in the wildlife. Then, explore a bustling downtown district for a bite to eat or to browse the local shops and boutiques. That’s what makes Savannah so special, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and experience.
