3 scenic road trips close to home

What the Altamaha Historic Scenic Byway lacks in length at only 17 miles it makes up for in coastal beauty and historic treasures. Georgia’s coast is composed of a series of barrier islands, many of which are only accessible by boat, so it’s difficult to experience the fullness of it from a vehicle. This roadway traversing US 17 and GA 99 offers a short best-of experience with views of expansive salt marshes and the tidal waterways of the Altamaha River estuary system. It’s also home to notable historical sites and Georgia’s second-oldest planned settlement, the waterfront town of Darien. The self-guided Darien Walking Tour includes historic churches, tabby ruins and waterfront vistas. Download the map at exploregeorgia.org. Nearby Fort King George State Historic Site ($7.50, 302 McIntosh Road SE, Darien, 912-437-4770) features a reconstruction of the fort originally built in…