Self-Guided Scenic Driving tour from Raleigh, North Carolina to Savannah, Georgia
Places: 37 POIs
Distance: 320.59 mi
Duration: 5h:32m
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Tour #2590
About this English self-guided 5h:32m driving tour in Raleigh
Welcome, road-trippers, and thanks for joining me on this Ace RV Rentals tour! Today's drive is from Raleigh, North Carolina to Savannah, Georgia — a route that takes us through the heart of the Carolinas and into one of the South’s most unforgettable cities.
Along the way, we’ll pass through landscapes of pine forests, rivers, and swamps, with stops to explore the stories of towns like Florence, a railroad hub, and Walterboro, the “Front Porch of the Lowcountry.” We’ll hear about the hidden wetlands of the Black River Basin, cross the sweeping waters of Lake Marion, and learn about nearby capitals and coastal cities like Columbia and Charleston, even if we don’t leave the interstate to visit them.
Finally, we’ll cross the Savannah River into Georgia and arrive in Savannah itself — a city of shaded squares, cobblestone streets, and centuries of history. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the stories that bring this road to life.
- 1For the best experience, begin at the tour's recommended starting point and follow the stops in order.
- 2Want to start somewhere else? Simply use Start At on the tour screen, before tapping Start Tour, to begin from any stop.
- 3Need to detour or skip a stop along the way? Tap Tour Assistant (
![UCPlaces AI Bot Icon]()
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
Route Preview
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Places (POIs) visited during this tour
Place #1
![Map Pin]()
Recommended Starting Point
Distance: 0.00mi
, Attraction : City
2809 Benevolence Dr, Raleigh, NC 27610, USA
Raleigh, North Carolina
As we roll out of Raleigh and start our journey south, take a moment to imagine the road ahead. From here, we’ll be traveling more than 300 miles down the spine of the Carolinas, all the way to Savannah, Georgia. Along the way, we’ll pass through small crossroads and bustling cities, farmland and forests, rivers and swamps. Each turn of the highway holds a story — of people, places, and history stretching back centuries.
Raleigh, our starting point, has always been a city that looks both backward and forward. Founded in 1792, it was deliberately chosen as North Carolina’s capital because of its central location. Unlike many older Southern cities, Raleigh wasn’t built on a river or a port. Instead, it was planned — laid out on a grid, with government buildings at its heart. Today, it’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, with a mix of government, research, and culture.
Leaving the city behind, the road carries us into a different rhythm. The busy streets and high-rises give way to wide stretches of countryside — pine forests, fields, and small towns that still hold the flavor of rural North Carolina. This is the beginning of a longer journey, one that blends big events with quiet details, famous names with ordinary lives.
As we settle into the drive, remember that road trips are as much about the journey as the destination. Every few miles, there’s something to notice, some thread that ties us to the history and landscape of the South. So sit back, take in the view, and let’s see what stories unfold between here and Savannah.
Raleigh, our starting point, has always been a city that looks both backward and forward. Founded in 1792, it was deliberately chosen as North Carolina’s capital because of its central location. Unlike many older Southern cities, Raleigh wasn’t built on a river or a port. Instead, it was planned — laid out on a grid, with government buildings at its heart. Today, it’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, with a mix of government, research, and culture.
Leaving the city behind, the road carries us into a different rhythm. The busy streets and high-rises give way to wide stretches of countryside — pine forests, fields, and small towns that still hold the flavor of rural North Carolina. This is the beginning of a longer journey, one that blends big events with quiet details, famous names with ordinary lives.
As we settle into the drive, remember that road trips are as much about the journey as the destination. Every few miles, there’s something to notice, some thread that ties us to the history and landscape of the South. So sit back, take in the view, and let’s see what stories unfold between here and Savannah.
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Place #2
![Map Pin]()
Distance: 4.19mi
, Attraction : City
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City of Oaks
As we head south, we leave behind the bustle of Raleigh — North Carolina’s “City of Oaks.” That nickname isn’t just poetic. Raleigh has long been known for the oak trees that shade its streets, particularly downtown, where the branches stretch out above sidewalks and frame the skyline. If you ever wander through the heart of the city, Moore Square and Nash Square are filled with tall oaks that give the capital its leafy character.
Raleigh has always been a place of growth and transition. In its early years, it was a modest capital, with lawmakers, merchants, and farmers passing through when the legislature was in session. By the late 19th century, the city was growing steadily, boosted by railroads and manufacturing. Tobacco warehouses and textile mills dotted the landscape, giving Raleigh an industrial edge.
In the 20th century, the city began to change again, this time looking toward education, research, and technology. Anchored by institutions like NC State University and later the development of Research Triangle Park, Raleigh became one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Today, it’s often ranked among the best places to live in the U.S., thanks to its mix of history, green space, and innovation.
But for all of its growth, Raleigh remains connected to its roots. Neighborhoods like Oakwood, with their Victorian homes, show the city’s 19th-century side, while local barbecue joints and music clubs keep alive traditions that go back generations.
As we leave Raleigh behind, we’re not just exiting a city. We’re leaving a place that has always stood at the crossroads of North Carolina’s story — a planned capital that grew into a thriving modern hub, shaded all the while by the oaks that gave it its name.
Raleigh has always been a place of growth and transition. In its early years, it was a modest capital, with lawmakers, merchants, and farmers passing through when the legislature was in session. By the late 19th century, the city was growing steadily, boosted by railroads and manufacturing. Tobacco warehouses and textile mills dotted the landscape, giving Raleigh an industrial edge.
In the 20th century, the city began to change again, this time looking toward education, research, and technology. Anchored by institutions like NC State University and later the development of Research Triangle Park, Raleigh became one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Today, it’s often ranked among the best places to live in the U.S., thanks to its mix of history, green space, and innovation.
But for all of its growth, Raleigh remains connected to its roots. Neighborhoods like Oakwood, with their Victorian homes, show the city’s 19th-century side, while local barbecue joints and music clubs keep alive traditions that go back generations.
As we leave Raleigh behind, we’re not just exiting a city. We’re leaving a place that has always stood at the crossroads of North Carolina’s story — a planned capital that grew into a thriving modern hub, shaded all the while by the oaks that gave it its name.
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Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1
Raleigh, North Carolina
Place 2
City of Oaks
Place 3
Research Triangle Park
Place 4
Interstate 40 Countryside
Place 5
Smithfield, North Carolina
Place 6
Interstate 95
Place 7
Benson and Johnston County
Place 8
Averasboro Battlefield and Museum
Place 9
Fort Bragg
Place 10
Airborne & Special Operations Museum
Place 11
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Place 12
Cape Fear River
Place 13
St. Pauls and North Carolina Sandhills
Place 14
Lumber River and Robeson County
Place 15
The Lumbee Tribe
Place 16
Tobacco and Timber
Place 17
South of the Border
Place 18
Welcome to South Carolina
Place 19
Charlotte, North Carolina
Place 20
The Pee Dee Region
Place 21
Florence, South Carolina Part 1
Place 22
Florence, South Carolina Part 2
Place 23
Black River Basin
Place 24
Longleaf Pine Heritage Preserve
Place 25
Columbia, South Carolina
Place 26
Lake Marion
Place 27
Crossing Lake Marion
Place 28
Charleston, South Carolina
Place 29
South Carolina Fun Facts
Place 30
Walterboro
Place 31
South Carolina History
Place 32
South Carolina Culture
Place 33
Hilton Head Island
Place 34
Savannah River
Place 35
Savannah, Georgia
Place 36
Historic Downtown Savannah
Place 37
Explore Downtown Savannah
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Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural
+ How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 4.5 to 6.5 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
+ What does this tour include?
This self-guided driving tour includes 37 stops, covering top attractions such as Raleigh, North Carolina, City of Oaks, Research Triangle Park, Interstate 40 Countryside, Smithfield, North Carolina.
+ Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Raleigh, North Carolina (Address: 2809 Benevolence Dr, Raleigh, NC 27610, USA). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
+ What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided driving tour designed to be completed by car, covering scenic routes, city highlights and optional key stops.
+ Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided driving tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you. The only vaiables that might affect your pace are speed limits and traffic congestion.
+ Do I need a car for this tour?
Yes, this is a driving tour, designed to be completed by car, with stops spread across different locations connected by a driving route.
+ Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There are two things that you need - 1. A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour). 2. A car. Here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a charging cable for your car. 2. Connect your phone to the car speaker system via bluetooth or use our CarPlay/Android Auto option for the best experience.
+ How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. This works great either directly from your phone, or while connected to your car's multimedia system and using our CarPlay or Android Auto options. Just follow the route and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
+ Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
+ What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
+ I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
+ What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
+ Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!