Georgia Road Trip with Kids: Forts, Faith and First Light (Day 11)
Welcome to Day 11 at Georgia’s Coast – Savannah to Jekyll Island
Explore Fort Pulaski, climb the Tybee Lighthouse, see the Smallest Church in America, wander Fort Frederica, and end with a beach sunset.
If you’re reading along with Ethan and Oliver, today unfolds along Georgia’s beautiful coast—where brick walls cracked under cannon fire, lighthouses have shone for centuries, and faith can fit inside the smallest chapel. From colonial battlefields to beachside sunsets, it’s a day of endurance, quiet courage, and light that never fades.
Itinerary Overview
Route: Savannah ➡ Tybee Island ➡ St. Simons Island ➡ Jekyll Island
Total Drive Time: ~3 hours, 20 minutes
Activity Time: ~8–9 hours
Start Time: 9:00 AM
Stop 1: Fort Pulaski National Monument – Savannah/Tybee Island
What to Expect
This well-preserved Civil War-era fort tells the story of changing military technology and strategy. Visitors can walk the moat, explore powder magazines, climb the ramparts, and stand before the very crack in the wall made by rifled cannons during the 1862 siege. Ranger-led tours bring the history to life with rich storytelling.
NPS Stamp: Yes
Educational Tie-In
- History: Civil War strategy and technological advancements.
- Engineering: The shift from smoothbore to rifled cannon design.
- Character Education: How even the “unbreakable” can change under pressure.
Notebook/Conversation Prompt
- What’s something in your life that seemed “unbreakable” but changed? What did you learn from it?
Faith Connection
Proverbs 24:5 – “The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge muster their strength.”
Stop 2: Tybee Island Lighthouse & Museum – Tybee Island
What to Expect
Climb 178 steps to the top of Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse for panoramic views of the Atlantic and surrounding marshland. The museum next door tells the story of lighthouse keepers and their dedication, including women who stepped in during storms and hardship.
NPS Stamp: No
Educational Tie-In
- History: Coastal navigation and lighthouse technology.
- STEM: Fresnel lens design and light intervals for ship guidance.
- Character Education: Steadfastness and responsibility in service roles.
Notebook/Conversation Prompt
- What does it mean to “be a light” for others?
Faith Connection
Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Stop 3: The Smallest Church in America – South Newport
What to Expect
A 10-seat chapel open 24/7, built as a roadside place of prayer. Though tiny, it serves as a reminder that God’s presence is not bound by size or grandeur.
NPS Stamp: No
Educational Tie-In
- Civics/Community: Ways small spaces can serve big purposes.
Notebook/Conversation Prompt
- Where’s the smallest place you’ve ever felt close to God?
Faith Connection
1 Samuel 16:7 – “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Stop 4: Fort Frederica National Monument – St. Simons Island
Website: nps.gov/fofr
What to Expect
Walk among tabby concrete ruins shaded by live oaks at the site of an 18th-century British fort and colonial town. Once home to over 1,000 people, it played a pivotal role in defending Georgia from Spanish invasion.
NPS Stamp: Yes
Educational Tie-In
- History: Colonial Georgia and the Battle of Bloody Marsh.
- Science/Engineering: Tabby concrete made from oyster shells.
Notebook/Conversation Prompt
- What would you build if you had to use only local materials?
Faith Connection
Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Stop 5: Holiday Inn Resort – Jekyll Island
Website: holidayinnresorts.com
What to Expect
Beachfront lodging with easy access to the sand and surf. The on-site café offers coastal-inspired comfort food, perfect for a relaxed evening after a full day of exploration.
NPS Stamp: No
Educational Tie-In
- Geography: Coastal ecosystems and barrier islands.
Notebook/Conversation Prompt
- How does the ocean make you feel—calm, small, powerful, or something else?
Faith Connection
Psalm 27:1 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?”
What We Learned
- Technology can change the outcome of history.
- A steady light can save lives, both literally and spiritually.
- God’s presence isn’t limited by the size of the building.
- Local resources can create lasting structures.
- The ocean’s vastness is a reminder of God’s majesty.
Did We See State Symbols Today?
- State Tree: Live Oak (Fort Frederica)
Plan It Yourself
You can map this exact route — and customize it for your own family’s adventure — using Roadtrippers Plus. It’s our favorite trip-planning tool for finding kid-friendly stops, tracking drive times, and keeping everything in one place.
View our full trip on Roadtrippers: Ethan & Oliver Adventures Georgia’s On My Mind Road Trip Map
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