Discover The 10 Best Small Towns Near Savannah GA – Hidden Gems

When you think about small towns near Savannah GA, it stirs up visions of moss-laden trees, quaint cottages, and rivers that snake their way through untamed marshes.

These small cities near Savannah GA provide an escape from the often-tourist-packed streets of the city itself. Whether you’re a day-tripper, a weekend wanderer, or someone looking to root down, these towns around Savannah Georgia offer their own blend of charm.

After thorough research, we’ve compiled a list of the best small towns near Savannah GA, with each town’s proximity to Savannah, population, and unique attractions.

Methodology

Our selection of the best small towns near Savannah GA involved three key factors: distance, livability, and things to do. All towns are within a one-hour drive from Savannah, ensuring they’re easily accessible for short trips. We examined aspects like local amenities, population sizes under 30,000, and how welcoming they are to newcomers.

Each town is packed with its own personality, whether it’s through historic sites, vibrant communities, or peaceful landscapes. Plus, they all offer something Savannah can’t always provide: an unhurried pace of life.

The 10 Best Small Towns Around Savannah GA

10. Guyton

Minutes from Savannah, GA: 35 minutes
Population: 1,646
Location: Check on Google Maps

Guyton floats like a forgotten dream just northwest of Savannah, where time itself seems reluctant to move. A place where the front porch becomes your new best friend.

This quiet enclave is known for its quaint downtown that whispers of days long gone, featuring small cafés, antique shops, and church spires rising against the horizon. There’s a charm in the simplicity here that larger towns can’t touch—somehow, it makes you remember what you never knew you forgot.

9. Richmond Hill

Minutes from Savannah, GA: 25 minutes
Population: 14,600
Location: Check on Google Maps

Known for its wild mix of history and serenity, Richmond Hill doesn’t shout—it beckons. Originally a winter home for Henry Ford, it still holds onto remnants of Ford’s vision, making it feel like a place suspended between then and now.

Visitors and residents alike flock to Fort McAllister State Park for a touch of the Civil War history or to simply kayak the deep green channels of the Ogeechee River.

8. Bloomingdale

Minutes from Savannah, GA: 25 minutes
Population: 2,713
Location: Check on Google Maps

Bloomingdale doesn’t take kindly to excess. No, it’s a place for those who appreciate the quiet ripple of a hidden pond and the whisper of wind through towering pines.

Minutes away from the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, this town provides the perfect escape for nature lovers, and those looking to simply breathe deeper, away from the city’s constant hum.

7. Pooler

Minutes from Savannah, GA: 20 minutes
Population: 25,694
Location: Check on Google Maps

Once just a railway town, Pooler has reinvented itself as a bustling small city that punches far above its weight.

Although it’s grown, it’s still a retreat from the city, offering museums like the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force and nearby Tanger Outlets for a quick bout of retail therapy, making it one of the best small towns around Savannah Georgia for those looking to shop for some big brands.

What gives Pooler its charm is the balance it strikes—modernity mixed with that classic Southern hospitality.

6. Rincon

Minutes from Savannah, GA: 30 minutes
Population: 10,934
Location: Check on Google Maps

Rincon is the type of town that radiates warmth. Maybe it’s the eclectic downtown lined with shops that reflect a slower pace of life, or maybe it’s the deeply embedded history that surrounds you at every turn, including the Ebenezer Historic Site.

What makes Rincon such a draw is its perfect mix of community and convenience, with just enough elbow room to breathe in those long country sunsets.

5. Tybee Island

Minutes from Savannah, GA: 30 minutes
Population: 3,093
Location: Check on Google Maps

If sand between your toes is the ultimate metric of relaxation, then Tybee Island has more charm than most places could ever hope to match. Known for its laid-back vibe, this coastal town attracts people seeking saltwater therapy. With Tybee Beach, Fort Pulaski National Monument, and the iconic Tybee Island Lighthouse, this town is a fusion of natural beauty and historical intrigue.

Therefore, Tybee Island is one of the best towns around Savannah Georgia for people looking for a little beach trip.

4. Springfield

Minutes from Savannah, GA: 45 minutes
Population: 2,852
Location: Check on Google Maps

Springfield feels like a snapshot of a long-ago past. Streets lined with century-old oaks greet you, and the historic district boasts homes that have seen it all.

Here, you’ll find the Mars Theatre, a throwback to a simpler time when catching a movie didn’t involve mega-malls or IMAX screens. This is a town that invites nostalgia to linger on every corner.

3. Darien

Minutes from Savannah, GA: 60 minutes
Population: 1,524
Location: Check on Google Maps

Darien’s charm is woven through its location along the mighty Altamaha River, a place where the waters flow lazily and life follows suit. This town is for those who love a small fishing village vibe, with old tabby ruins whispering tales of days gone by and shrimp boats bobbing in the harbor.

The waterfront here is dotted with tiny eateries serving fresh seafood, and the nearby Sapelo Island offers a taste of untouched wilderness.

2. Pembroke

Minutes from Savannah, GA: 50 minutes
Population: 2,496
Location: Check on Google Maps

Pembroke wears its history on its sleeve, and why not? With roots dating back to the early 1900s, this town’s past and present merge seamlessly.

Its quiet streets are perfect for those who want to step off the beaten path but remain tethered to civilization. Pembroke’s true charm lies in its people, whose Southern hospitality shines at local festivals and in its quaint downtown shops.

1. Bluffton, SC

Minutes from Savannah, GA: 40 minutes
Population: 32,905
Location: Check on Google Maps

Bluffton takes the crown, a South Carolina jewel just a short drive from Savannah. What gives Bluffton its undeniable allure is its Old Town district, filled with galleries, boutiques, and some of the best shrimp and grits you’ll ever taste.

But the town isn’t all charming streets—its location along the May River brings stunning views and the promise of sun-drenched afternoons spent paddleboarding or cruising the waters.

Small Towns Beyond a 1-Hour Drive from Savannah

If you’ve got more time, we recommend these small cities near Savannah GA that are just outside our 1-hour radius:

Beaufort, SC (1 hour 15 minutes)
Jesup, GA (1 hour 20 minutes)
St. Simons Island, GA (1 hour 30 minutes)

Each offers a unique experience, from historic architecture to secluded beaches, making them worthy of the extra miles.

But, our favorite small town around Savannah GA that is 1 hour, 15 minutes away is Brunswick.

Brunswick, GA

Minutes from Savannah, GA: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Population: 15,210
Location: Check on Google Maps

Brunswick sways along the Georgia coast, exuding a charm that feels both sea-salted and moss-draped. Its historic downtown beckons visitors with pastel-colored buildings that house antique shops, boutiques, and cafés. But what truly sets Brunswick apart is its unique role as the gateway to the Golden Isles—nearby St. Simons, Jekyll, and Sea Island.

Explore the picturesque Lover’s Oak, said to be over 900 years old, or stroll along Mary Ross Waterfront Park, where shrimp boats glide lazily through the harbor. Brunswick dances on the edge of the Atlantic, offering a delicate balance between small-town life and coastal beauty.