The Lighthouse Road Trip On The Georgia Coast That's Dreamily Beautiful
By Marisa Roman|Updated on July 28, 2021(Originally published July 23, 2021)
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Marisa Roman
Author
A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.
There is something truly magical about a lighthouse. The history, the views from high in the air with a salty breeze whispering against your face, and of course the swoon-worthy photo opportunities. Along the Georgia coast, there are some seriously stunning lighthouses that are still standing and filled with incredible history. Thus, the reason why we decided to create The Great Georgia Lighthouse Road Trip, one of the best road trips in Georgia.
In total, it’ll take you a little more than two hours to complete the trip, but we recommend allowing a bit more time in between to take in the sights and snap some pictures. You can find the entire road trip map here.
Next to the Savannah River Entrance, on the N.E. end of Tybee Island, you will find the ever-impressive Tybee Island Lighthouse. It actually is one of seven surviving lighthouse towers from the colonial era, although it was modified in the 1800s. You can take a self-guided tour throughout the lighthouse and museum in order to learn more about the history of this sacred place and our great state of Georgia. In fact, you can climb all 178 steps to reach the top of the iconic Tybee Island Lighthouse in Georgia.
Although it's the smallest lighthouse in Georgia, it still packs a pretty spectacular punch along this road trip. Cockspur Island Lighthouse stopped being a beacon actively in 1909, but was relit in 2007 for historical purposes. While visitors are asked to view from a distance, you can still get a pretty spectacular spot to catch a sunset. The Cockspur Island Light is truly one of the best man-made wonders in Georgia.
The Sapelo Island Lighthouse sits right off the tip of Sapelo Island at an impressive 65-feet in height. It has earned the honor of being the second-oldest brick lighthouse, and was built in 1820. Although it was inactive for quite some time, the lighthouse was restored to its original appearance and was relit with a more modern light and lens. You can visit this beaut in a quick 30-minute ferry ride.
Located on the southern tip of St. Simons Island, this tall tower is one of the few remaining lighthouses in the state of Georgia, and the final stop on this road trip. The original lighthouse was used during the Civil War, and was topped by a 10-foot oil burning lamp. Unfortunately it was destroyed during the war, but was rebuilt in 1872. Now, it remains a picturesque and magical structure celebrated by residents and visitors of Georgia. When you visit, be sure to take time to explore St. Simons, one of the best small towns in Georgia.
We hope you enjoy the Great Georgia Lighthouse Road Trip! Do you agree that it’s one of the best road trips in Georgia? Tell us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! Once you complete it in its entirety, make sure you share your journey and photos with us! Or, if you’re looking for more incredible road trips through Georgia, then check out There’s A BBQ Trail In Georgia And It’s Everything You’ve Ever Dreamed Of.
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