Beginnings on Skidaway Island
Nestled amid picturesque salt marshes and ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss, The Landings stands as one of Savannah’s most celebrated residential communities. Its story, however, begins centuries before the first home was built. Skidaway Island itself has a rich tapestry of human habitation—from Native American settlements to Civil War encampments—long before its transformation into The Landings.
The area’s modern legacy began in the early 1970s, when a group of visionary developers saw the island’s potential for an exclusive, planned neighborhood. They were drawn by its unique combination of natural beauty, proximity to Savannah’s historic downtown, and deep-water access via the Wilmington and Skidaway Rivers. The Landings was born out of a dream to create a vibrant, welcoming island community that harmoniously melded luxury living with nature.
How The Landings Got Its Name
The name “The Landings” captures the essence of arrival and homecoming, drawing upon the waterfront geography that shapes everyday life on Skidaway Island. When developers first surveyed the area, the natural landings—places where boats could come ashore—served as gathering spots for early settlers, fishermen, and explorers. The moniker evokes the island’s maritime heritage while also signifying the community’s embrace of new beginnings and shared belonging.
You’ll find this theme reflected in street names like Landings Way and Westcross Road, with winding routes meandering past lagoons and under grand canopies of oak trees—a reminder of the gentle landings that first drew people to these shores.
Key Historical Milestones
- 1972: The Savannah-based Branigar Organization officially launches The Landings at Skidaway Island, envisioning it as a master-planned community with homes, golf courses, and village centers.
- 1974: Construction begins, with the first homes completed along the tree-lined Landings Way South—a main thoroughfare that remains central to community identity.
- 1977: The Landings Club is incorporated, bringing together a signature set of amenities, including golf, tennis, and aquatic recreation.
- 1980s-1990s: The community experiences significant growth, with the addition of new neighborhoods, a marina, and the iconic Deer Creek golf course.
- 2000s-Present: The Landings continues to evolve, balancing modern amenities with conservation, community involvement, and preservation of the its Lowcountry roots.
Notable Landmarks and Hidden Gems
Walking or cycling through The Landings, you’ll discover a wealth of landmarks that reveal the community’s layered past and enduring spirit:
- Village Centers: The Landing’s Main Gate leads to The Village and Delegal Creek Marina, the heart of island life where you’ll find shops, eateries, and gathering spots. Over the years, the village has become a hub for community events and social activity.
- Delegal Creek Marina: Once a quiet landing for shrimp boats, Delegal Creek now boasts modern marina facilities—a beloved launch point for boating and sunset watching, and a window into the island’s maritime history.
- Stately Clubhouses: The Landings Club spans six unique golf courses, each with its own clubhouse—like the Oakridge and Deer Creek Clubhouses. These grand buildings host tournaments, social gatherings, and charity events, echoing the convivial spirit of Southern hospitality.
- Nature Trails and Parks: The Landings takes pride in its green spaces, with more than 30 miles of trails winding through preserves and wooded areas. Priest Landing Drive passes some of the most scenic stretches, and Skidaway Audubon, located nearby, offers residents opportunities for wildlife observation and environmental stewardship.
The Evolution of The Landings
From its inception, The Landings was designed with respect for the island’s delicate ecosystems. Early planners worked to preserve substantial acreage for parks, lagoons, and golf courses that accentuate—not overpower—the natural landscape. Today, residents enjoy year-round outdoor living, from fishing off the piers at Landings Harbor Marina to morning walks along Moon River.
Architecturally, The Landings blends old-world Savannah charm with coastal contemporary styling. Homes on streets like Cotton Crossing and Wiley Bottom Road reflect classic Southern design’s hallmarks: wide porches, tall windows, and lush gardens.
The community is also known for its culture of volunteerism and engagement. Institutions such as The Landings Association and Skidaway Island United Methodist Church foster strong neighborhood bonds. Programs like the annual LandingsFest, the Skidaway Farmers Market, and regular golf and tennis tournaments fill the calendar, creating opportunities for residents to connect and celebrate.
Why The Landings is Special
Ask any resident what makes The Landings unique, and you’ll hear stories of neighbors greeting neighbors, families picnicking beneath live oaks, and generations discovering new traditions together. The Landings is not merely a collection of houses but a living, breathing legacy—a place where the past is honored and the future holds promise.
Every sunrise on the waters of Skidaway Narrows, every walk through Oakridge’s shaded trails, and every celebration at the community’s heart is a reminder of The Landings’ remarkable journey. It’s a neighborhood woven from history, hospitality, and a deep love for the natural world—ever-changing yet ever true to its roots.
Come visit and see for yourself why The Landings is more than just a place to live; it’s a place to belong.