Georgia & The Carolinas Self-Drive 

A three-state road trip

Hit the open road on an incredible trip that takes you from the city to mountains, beaches to marshlands, seeing the best scenery in a pocket of the USA shared by Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

On this wide-ranging trip, you’ll visit big cities like Atlanta and small towns like Savannah, the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, and the marshlands and beaches characterising the coastline. It’s the perfect place for outdoor adventurers, with abundant activities, although it’s equally appealing to those who love to explore new cities, with Charlotte and Charleston stand-out favourites.

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Self-drive
12 nights
Atlanta, Asheville, Charlotte, Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Hilton Head Island, Savannah, Athens

Recommended itinerary

Atlanta

The Big Peach

You’ll touch down in Atlanta, Georgia. Before setting off on your road trip, spend a few days getting to know this metropolis first. Base yourself in the premium Buckhead neighbourhood, the entertainment district, or further south in Downtown Atlanta to be close to the city’s main attractions, including the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola.

Asheville

Drive to the mountains

Pick up your car and drive around three hours northeast to Asheville, the capital of the North Carolina mountains. Thanks to a burgeoning number of microbreweries, Asheville is also known for its beer. You could spend your days here hiking, kayaking, or peeking into the grandeur of the Biltmore Estate, a magnificent mansion completed in 1895 when it was the largest privately owned home in the USA.

Charlotte

The Queen’s City

It’ll only take you a couple of hours to drive to Charlotte. This fabulous city has experienced extraordinary growth over the last decade, and you’ll find plenty to do here, along with a great portfolio of excellent places to stay and a fantastic al fresco dining scene. You’ll find shopping, arts, parks, and plenty of outdoor activities in Charlotte, so you can tailor your time in the city to your interests.

Myrtle Beach

Cross to South Carolina

Drive three and a half hours southeast to the coast. The famous boardwalk and pier of Myrtle Beach await. This is a bucket-and-spade seaside town with family-friendly attractions galore. Head a little south for the Murrell Inlet Marshwalk to follow a boardwalk along a natural saltwater estuary.

Charleston

Southern swagger

It’ll take you a couple of hours to drive south to Charleston. This delightful small city has an upscale feel and is hyped up for good reason. Walk the historic, exceedingly pretty streets or head out of town for boating in Cypress Gardens, returning in time for a delicious southern-style barbecue.

Hilton Head Island

Beachside bliss

Consistently voted America’s Favourite Island by Conde Nast Traveller magazine, Hilton Head has 12 miles of glorious wide, white-sand beaches and a network of tidal creeks. It’s a recreational wonderland where you can go boating, play golf, and swish around resort hotels being looked after as you lounge by a pool.

Savannah

Cobblestone streets and copious charm

It’ll take you less than an hour to drive to Savannah from Hilton Head Island, crossing the state line back into Georgia. This scenic city has beautiful parks and historic homes, and it’s known for its warm Southern hospitality, delicious food, and captivating ghost stories.

Athens

Creative energy

Drive inland through Georgia for around four hours, stopping at Athens. On the way, you could call at Lake Oconee to spend some time in a tranquil pocket paradise of Georgia for the afternoon. When you get to Athens, you’ll find a vibrant city rooted in arts and culture, with the Botanical Garden of Georgia being a particular city highlight.

Atlanta

Farewell, USA

A final day in Atlanta bookends your trip nicely. Follow up on anything you didn’t quite manage when you arrived or return to a favourite restaurant to raise a glass to a wonderful road trip before your flight takes off and you return to the UK.