The southeastern Atlantic coast is known for well-preserved and culturally rich colonial cities like Charleston and Savannah. Between these built-up areas, however, visitors are often surprised to find watery, sparsely populated forests and swamps. Perhaps that's why coastal Georgia, between Savannah and Brunswick, has no less than five state and national wildlife refuges (Wolf Island, Blackbeard Island, Harris Neck, Wasser and Reynolds) s reason， sports fitness .
These spaces are teeming with wildlife, especially migratory and waterfowl that nest near the area's wildlife-rich waters. Abundant campsites and affordable minimalist accommodation lower the cost of any trip to this part of the world. Plus, if you're ready to trade bird binoculars and waders for cold drinks and bathing suits, there are plenty of free beaches.
Entry fees: None of these wildlife reserves has an entry fee, but you may need to pay for a fishing license ($9 for residents, $45 for non-residents). Best Time to Visit: Coastal Georgia is not a particularly pleasant place in the summer. Unfortunately, summer is probably the most affordable time to visit, with local hotels slashing prices to offset the drop in room demand. Spring and fall are more crowded and expensive. If you don't mind bringing your jacket and pants, January and February are the most cost-effective months to visit, with less crowds and low prices. Spring break is very busy, especially on Tybee Island. How to get there: It's about 100 miles of coastline with easy access to Interstate 95, the main road along the Atlantic coast. The area is about a 4-hour drive from Atlanta, but Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport has a fair amount of direct flights from East Coast cities like New York (from around $200 round-trip from JFK). Where to Stay: Camping is not allowed in the ecologically sensitive wildlife refuge, but you can post at the two nearby state parks: Skidaway Island and Fort McAllister. Campgrounds with sewer and electrical hookups start at about $40 per night. Staying in hotels in or near Savannah is expensive, but Darien and Brunswick - less than an hour's drive from the coast - have plenty of cheap, clean accommodation. What to do: These shelters are best visited by boat. For $95 for the first day, and $25 for each additional day, you can rent a two-person kayak in Brunswick or Southeastern Adventures on St. Simons Island. Once you're on the water, you can paddle for photos or fish to your heart's content. (Professional fishing kayaks cost $95 per day.) For a more original experience, rent stand-up paddleboards. For land tours, rent a bike at the Monkey Wrench in St. Simons ($20 per day). For a beach vacation, head to Tybee Island and soak up the sun on a wide, family-friendly beach with a historic lighthouse. Special Events and Attractions: Organized events are uncommon in the winter, but are lively in the spring and fall. Savannah is home to one of the largest St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the United States. Taste of Savannah (early November, $70), Savannah Film Festival (prices vary) and Savannah Jazz Festival (free). All of this happens between Labor Day and Thanksgiving.
