I'd say whichever you can get the best airline prices for and the best times for you. I've been to both several times and people have different opinions on which they prefer. I think I prefer Savannah overall, but Charleston is great too. We spent much of the day and had a lunch in Beufort driving from Savannah to Charleston. We enjoyed it, but would probably not choose to spend the night there giving up a night in one of the other places.

Fly into which ever airport gives you the best rate. The 2 cities are only 100 miles apart.

People will be traveling the day before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after, so 95 will be busier on those days. BWI will be busy on those days as well.

Beaufort is great. Drive out to Hunting Island for a real treat.

SO would 4 days in CHarleston and two in Savannah be sufficient?

I think in terms of nights -- or by 4 days do you mean 5 nights and by two days do you mean 3 nights? The confusion is about day of arrival which may not count or day going between the two. But I'd say 3 NIGHTS in each would be ideal -- and I think there is actually more to do in Savannah than in Charleston.

Having lived in both cities, I would disagree. But I guess it depends on your interests and what you want to do.

Here is a link to my fairly recent TR that includes both Charleston and Savannah but much more on the former and a bit of Beufort too - perhaps you may find it useful. As far as time is concerned, both cities are wonderful and both have more than enough to do to keep you happy for the time that you have. If you are a foodie, Charleston has some of the best eating anywhere. There are also a number of interesting short trips from Charleston.

http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/charleston-sc-and-up-the-coast-sort-of.cfm

Have just booked air, arrive in Charleston early on Nov 13th, return on the evening of 19th...3 nights in Charleston, 1 Beaufort, 2 in Savannah?Suggestions awesome

Better that way--more in Charleston.

You might want to take a look at my trip report; click on my name to find it.

Sorry to be the spelling police, but everyone is duplicating the first error, and it just made me a little nutz! It's Beaufort (although it's pronounced as you spelled it).

We lived in Savannah and loved living there, but I felt there was more to do in Charleston. Still, both are beautiful cities. If you love strolling the squares, you can do it endlessly in Savannah and always see something new, even after years of living there. In Charleston we strolled and shopped, and found a better variety of excellent restaurants. We did Charleston as day trips from Savannah, likewise Beaufort. Our DD's in-laws were born and raised in Beaufort, and after living all over the country and Central America, have returned to live there in retirement. It is a very small town with a very nice section of beautiful old homes, and pretty islands--lovely drive all the way out to Hunting Island State Park, but with all there is to do in both Charleston and Savannah, I would not use up a night in Beaufort!

OO, I know. I was being all polite.

You are a nice poster, suewoo! Heavens knows, my own spelling can be pretty outrageous, so I'm a great one to talk! Have you moved yet??

Nope. Still packing, sigh. But it's almost done! Thanks for asking. What a pane, I mean pain

. You are a good daughter too!! Good luck with the move and settling in.

Thank you, OO. It's an honor to be a good daughter.

the shrimp boats, the marsh, the shrimp shack, the red piano gallery, the penn center, all these places on the drive out to hunting island make beaufort a nice stop, in my humble opinion. not to mention the big chill house, old firehouse bookstore, and plumbs downtown.

Sue, where are you moving--not from the lowcountry, I hope.

Gretchen, I am coming home to Greensboro. My folks need me and I got my dream job!

I agree with santamonica's recs. I also like Old Sheldon Church Ruins.

Driving from Charleston I remember Beaufort's Spanish moss covered live oak trees. So beautiful! A resident told us it is illegal to cut any of the branches which is unreal as they grow across driveways and roadways. We ate at a restaurant overlooking the marsh on our way to Hunting Island which has a beautiful beach. We walked the beach for a few minutes and then continued on our way to Savannah. I'm not sure how long this day trip was as we just used it as a stop off from Charleston to Savannah but we were both glad we saw those beautiful moss covered oaks!

Beaufort has a very helpful TI center. You also may want to take the horse drawn carriage tour which will give you a good overlook of the place.