otto

Hi thinking of a 40th bday trip for myself for 4-5 nights between Savannah and Charleston for husband and I from New York.

1)Do you need a car in each city? (Specifically, during a 2-3 day in each) How is parking? I'm thinking I'll drive to get between the two.
2)What is the weather like the last few days of March into April?
3)Will appreciate the high level best to do and unique to do list as well...

Thank you in advance.

RoamsAround

Whether or not you need a rental car depends on where you'll be staying and what you want to see/do in each city. If you are content with seeing just what is within walking distance of your hotel, relying on less than ideal public transportation and/or pricey taxi service then you won't need a car.

You can reseach general weather condition for both cities at: www.weatherbase.com.

If you want more detailed weather data go to www.wunderground.com - type the city in the search box then on the new page scroll down to the Almanac Section and click on the "blue" date field and enter your planned dates of travel, click "View" and you'll be directed to dozens of weather charts where you can compare actual weather conditions for everyday during that period over the last 10 years. Study the data and you'll know more about the weather in that city than most locals.

Do a google search for "Things to do in NAME OF CITY" and you'll find all kinds of "10 best" lists.

nlg

Southwest has flights to Charleston. I would suggest flying there and renting a car. I think you would need a car in Charleston for sure and for the drive to Savannah. We like Charleston and Savannah, but there is much more to do and see in Charleston.

DebitNM

We liked the indigo Inn in Charleston. They were in a great location, we didn't use the car while we explored the city. They have a lot which was $12 a day. The rooms were beautiful and super clean. Rate includes breakfast (excellent) and a happy hour with "nibbles"

The outside isn't much but the courtyard and rooms make up for it.

http://www.indigoinn.com

DebitNM

I tried checking availability on line, it doesn't seem to be working. Call them. I think they may offer a AAA discount

Is that Easter Weekend? If so, I'd book sooner rather than later.

JanetKMR

Not sure what your lodging budget is but we always stay at The Wentworth Mansion. It is spectacular and parking is free (as is wifi, snacks, cocktail hour, full breakfast).

http://www.wentworthmansion.com/

If we are having dinner downtown, we take Uber.

Daniel_Williams

Hi otto,

I've visited Savannah and Charleston without a car (that's my style) and had a great time. This said, I stuck to the downtown peninsula/Fort Sumter in Charleston and the Historic District in Savannah, so can see why many people might want one in both. Public transport is limited in both except for along some central routes and some interesting sights such as Fort Pulaski and Moultrie are not easily accessible except by taxi/Uber.

Have a great trip! Daniel

otto

thank you all. good to know there is uber down there. ;-) i had my eye on the indigo and wentworth, so those are great recommendations. it does seem charleston has a bit more going on, but would love to see both. i wonder if it makes sense to only rent the car for the drive between cities? i guess it's a matter of if the accommodations charge for parking or not...thank you all again. i'm happy to hear of some not to be missed items to be put on the list as well.

JanetKMR

The Wentworth is fabulous. I cannot say enough good things about it.

Daniel_Williams

Hello,

The beauty of being in the Historic District of Savannah and the downtown peninsula of Charleston is that they are fairly compact, built in a time before cars. There's a lot to enjoy within these areas-- historic buildings, boat rides to Fort Sumter/on the Savannah River, beautifully tended gardens, parks, markets, charming restaurants/nightlife and shopping opportunities. If you're ok with focusing on these (which are a large part of what makes these cities special), then you might be fine with your decision to not rent a car. However, if you want to go further afield to beaches, plantations or other forts, you might prefer the ease of having a car, even while in the city.

Renting a car between the two cities is probably a good plan. There's one Greyhound bus daily and two Amtrak daily between the two. If you were to take a train, the northbound morning Palmetto train out of Savannah would be the safest bet since it originates in Savannah so would be less likely to have run into problems-- the other northbound/southbound trains passing through Charleston/Savannah originate in either New York or Miami. I enjoy taking Amtrak, have used both Charleston and Savannah stations without problems, but this said, many are not as patient with the service's shortcomings as I am. One thing to be aware of is that the Amtrak station is not centrally-located in either city, but rather about a $10- $20 cab ride away.

Best wishes, Daniel

suewoo

You can do both without a car if you don't intend to do things outside the historic districts. Some people like to go to the beaches or plantations. You could easily rent a car to drive between the two and do those things while you have the car.

Just know that public transportation is sorely lacking compared to the urban northeast.

otto

hmmm thank you all. i would like to see a plantation and the beaches for sure. maybe it's best to just have the car...looking forward to booking soon!

BetsyinKY

With that short amount of time, you can easily find plenty to do in the Historic District of Charleston, where you won't need a car. The drive from Charleston to Savannah is only about 2 hours. You might consider visiting the Ashley River plantations (Drayton Hall, Middleton Place) on your travel day, if you don't want to have to bother with renting a car and parking it during your stay. They are in the general direction you will be heading and you can see both in half a day. With only a few days between both cities, I don't know that I would worry about visiting the beach.

cbgetaway2015

We are doing a similar trip mid March. Ours will be based in Hilton Head for a week.. Glad to have found this thread! Happy Planning!

otto

Hello all the getaway has been booked, and we are just doing Charleston for a long weekend. We will be staying at the Belmony Charleston place, it looks great. Happy to hear to do, and restaurants while in town...

Gretchen

Good choice for just charleston.
I'd love to hear how the other folks will like sightseeing from Hilton Head.

kathleen

The Belmond has completed their extensive renovations, all floors, and the rooms look wonderful. Lucky you! It's in a perfect, central location too.

There are so many good restaurants, but one very good one, for a special meal, is right across the street from your hotel... the Peninsula Grill. It has wonderful steaks and seafood dishes, a great wine selection, and the best ever coconut cake!

Late March-early April is a great time to visit. The Festival of Houses and Gardens takes place March 16 to April 24. It's very popular.

JoJoSiestaKey

Your time frame is perfect, the weather will be amazing.

You may even get to see the Azaleas blooming.

No car in either city, stay downtown in both, Charleston has a little more to offer, just use the rental to drive between the two.

Cali

We have stayed at the Belmony Charleston Place and we loved it. Location is wonderful and so is the hotel. Enjoy your trip.

JanetKMR

We have eaten at a number of places in Charleston...our favorites are FIG and Magnolia.