micro

I have come here for advice, because I am having a hard time choosing between Charleston and Savannah.

We have 2 thoughts:

1) We stay in Historic Charleston for the whole week. Eat at various restaurants, explore plantations etc.

- OR -

2) We stay in Hilton Head for the whole week, and commute to Savannah for 2 or 3 days, and enjoy the beach in Hilton Head for 2 or 3 days.

I wish that Charleston had an island like Hilton Head, but it looks like the islands around it aren't as nice.

Edit: We are a couple with 2 young children (under 3 years old).

kathleen

You could try Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Isle of Palms --all are around Charleston. I would argue that they are as nice as HH.

HappyTrvlr

We combined Charleston with Seabrook Is, a barrier island like Hilton Head.

micro

Thank you for the suggestions.

Is Seabrook touristy?

We are "odd" in the way that we actually like touristy areas. We don't want to be secluded.

Im judging by your answers that you both prefer charleston?

Gretchen

NIX on Hilton Head
The beaches outside of Charleston are QUITE nice. Who said not? Just interested.
More to do in Charleston, including for the children who will really want to play on the beach--and could be interested in the aquarium.
Seabrook is far from touristy. lol
Charleston will fulfill all your desires--can be touristy (the market downtown) and can be VERY nice/upscale/good sightseeing and absolutely unlimited great food experiences at all levels.

cdnyul

Both Charleston and Savannah have a lot to offer.

Hilton Head has more family type resorts, Marriott has a few time-share properties with multiple bedrooms and full kitchens.

We always preferred those type of accommodations when our children were young.

As nice as both those cities are I think a week in each is overkill.

I would split it in half.

In Charleston, instead of staying in the historic district, you might consider Mt.Pleasant. It is a short drive to the historic district and parking in Charleston is easy to find and inexpensive.

Mark

micro

Thanks Mark. Why do you suggest Mt. Pleasant?

Just curious.

micro

Hi Gretchen. What I meant is that from what I've read, the beaches near Charleston aren't touristy and fun like Hilton Head.

cdnyul

"Thanks Mark. Why do you suggest Mt. Pleasant?"

Easier to find a suite hotel, cheaper, more playgrounds.

Patriot Point, the Hunley, Francis Biedler forest, Magnolia Cemetery, Boone Hall Plantation are some of the attraction not in the historical district anyway.

We have never stayed there but Isle of Palms looks "Hiltonish"

Mark

kathleen

Of the three islands I mentioned, I'd say Isle of Palms is the most "touristy" and Seabrook Island is the least. In fact I'd go as far as to say SI is not "touristy" at all. Based on your preferences, I'd choose Isle of Palms.

Gretchen

Hilton Head has a lot to "do" and is a sterile housing project that is located on the coast. No soul.
It is a LONg drive in and out.
The beaches near Charleston are fun for families==there may not be a lot miniature golf!!
You could spend 4 days in and or near Charleston and a couple down in Savannah.

micro

Thank you for the suggestions everyone. Based on your advice, I think we are going to go for Charleston. My favorite place is Key West! I wish there was some place similar that wasn't so far away. Oh well!

Suki

We've stayed in Folly Beach a couple of times as it is only 20 minutes from Charleston. It's got a sort of old hippy vibe - lots of tourists, bars, and tacky beach shops.We like it more than the picture-perfect planned communities but your mileage may vary.

Fra_Diavolo

"My favorite place is Key West! I wish there was some place similar that wasn't so far away."

When I was ranking America's Drunkest Cities, I had a hard time choosing between Savannah, Key West and New Orleans. This may not be an issue with two toddlers.

JanetKMR

Like Suki, I am a big fan of Folly Beach!