Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

The Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is one of the Southeast's premier wildlife experiences, and the fact that most families overlook it in favor of the Historic District is a genuine shame. This is 29,000 acres of coastal wetlands, managed impoundments (historic rice fields converted to wildlife habitat), and upland forest straddling the Georgia-South Carolina border — and it's free.

The headline attraction for families is the alligator. Alligators are not a maybe at this refuge; they're an almost-certainty. Drive the Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive (a 4-mile auto tour through the managed impoundments) in the morning and you will almost certainly see multiple alligators sunning on the banks, often within 20 feet of your vehicle.

This is not a zoo; these are wild animals in their actual habitat, and the proximity is both thrilling and educational.

Beyond alligators: the refuge hosts over 300 bird species through the year, with winter months (October through February) being peak migratory waterfowl season when thousands of ducks, geese, and other waterbirds gather in the impoundments. Great blue herons, snowy egrets, wood storks, osprey, and bald eagles are regular year-round sightings. For families with older kids who are developing an interest in nature or birding, this place is extraordinary.

The practical experience centers on the Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive — drive it slowly with windows down, stop often, scan the banks and water. Bring binoculars if you have them. The whole loop takes 45-90 minutes depending on stops. Combined with the visitor center (operated by the related Savannah Coastal Refuges complex), plan 2-3 hours for a full visit.

Bug spray is not optional from May through October. The wetland habitat supports a robust mosquito population and the heat of a coastal Georgia summer is real. Morning visits — before 10am — are better on every front: cooler, more active wildlife, and fewer other visitors.