There are myriad threads on where to stay in Charleston and Savannah. Are you driving? Flying in somewhere? Long distance from Charleston to Annapolis.

Ditto Gretchen. Long drive.

SW flies to Charleston and Baltimore.

Driving the whole way. It seems to be 9 hours from Charleston to Annapolis.

So is that one of your days. It would be a solid 9 hour drive, methinks.

Have you figured out if you are getting a rental car? Sometimes the out-of-state return fee is high enough to consider flying or taking Amtrack.

Hi Chile,

Although you may have to shell out more than if you stay in the outskirts, I would try to stay in the Downtown Peninsula of Charleston & the Historic District of Savannah due to delight of waking to the charming atmosphere of both. Since you state that you're interested in history, I'd definitely consider doing some tours of homes. I enjoyed the Aiken-Rhett House and the Nathaniel Russell House tours in Charleston as well as the Owens-Thomas House and Isaiah Davenport House tour in Savannah. I had some terrific meals in both cities, highly known for their cuisine. Hominy Grill and Husk were two stand-outs for me in Charleston; Boar's Head and Belfort's were two that I very much enjoyed in Savannah, all with local specialties on offer and an enjoyable ambience.

Have a great trip! Daniel

Just a qualifier about Husk, it may be over hyped for the cost after its initial blush of fame.

Thank you for the responses. I have ditched the road trip idea, and booked us a flight to Atlanta instead. We will be renting a car, and driving to Savannah to stay for 3 nights, then driving to Charleston for 3 nights, then driving to Atlanta to turn in the rental and enjoy a downtown hotel within walking distance to the Aquarium, the Underground and Coca Cola HQ.
Because this trip will be more expensive, we are staying a few miles outside of the historic downtown areas in Savannah and Charleston. Both hotels have shuttles, in case we don't want to drive on day. We are planning on taking a little self-guided tour to Angel Oak, the beach areas, etc.

In Charleston I think I want to go to Magnolia Gardens.

Any recommendations in either city for a great oyster bar?

All comments are very much appreciated!
Chile

For a hotel in Atlanta, look at the Hilton Garden, the Embassey Suites and the Omni as they are closest to the aquarium, etc.

I know you are trying to save money, but keep an open mind about accomodations in the historic district. Check the prices again a couple of days before your trip. You might find something affordable.

By any chance are you eligible for government rate? Do you have points with a hotel loyalty program?

I agree with rethinking staying outside of the historic areas. Plus I can't think of a Savannah hotel that offers free shuttles into the HD. Airport hotels offer shuttles to the airport but not into the HD. Check on that to make sure you understand correctly re the shuttle. I agree with padams re the Atlanta hotel recommendations.

There are "shuttles" in charleston from just outside the historic district at the Visitor's Center.
How far outside the historic districts?
HOw were you getting to these cities originally, now that you are flying to Atlanta--a good ways from them.

Any recommendations on restaurants that the locals go to? Maybe less touristy?

Best Beaches to go to in Savannah and Charleston?

Tybee Island is the easiest to get to but not the most beautiful. It is an easy from from Savannah (especially if you are staying in midtown rather than the historic district). It has abundant metered parking.The area near the lighthouse is nice for walking but not swimming. Tybee does have public bathhouses.

Sullivan's Island is closest to Charleston but is mostly residences. There is some parking but watch the posted signs. You could get towed. Isle of Palms is nicer but about the same. Folly Beach is further from the city but does have a city park.

I suggest stopping on your way from Savannah to Charleston to see the Angel Oak. It's on the road leading to Kiawah and Seabrook Islands. From Highway 17, you turn onto Main Road. It starts out being called Main Road, then changes names to Bohicket Road (at Maybank Highway intersection), then to Betsy Kerrison Parkway (at River Road intersection). Angel Oak is a right turn from Bohicket Road, a short distance after the Maybank intersection. It comes up quickly and is easily missed. It’s marked with a brown sign--watch for it.

http://www.charlestoncity.info/dept/content.aspx?nid=1740

Back on Bohicket road, proceed toward Kiawah Island, go around the round-about, and continue on to the Kiawah Beachwalker County Park. This is a very nice ocean front Charleston county park.

http://www.ccprc.com/index.aspx?nid=1411

Afterwards go back to the round-about and into Freshfields village for something to eat.

http://freshfieldsvillage.com/

For something casual try Java Java, King Street Grille, or La Tela’s. I’ve eaten at all three and highly recommend them, especially La Tela’s.

Or go through the round-about and just outside of it is another absolutely great local place to eat called Crave. Wonderful food.

Then proceed on to Charleston to your hotel. Go back to Highway 17, or go by way of Maybank Highway (at intersection of Bohicket and Maybank). If you take Maybank Highway you’ll pass a few more good restaurants—Wild Olive, Fat Hen, and Maria’s Mexican Grill.

If you go in via Highway 17, you’ll be able to eat in West Ashley at a wonderful Italian restaurant choice—Al De La. And a more casual place, Triangle Char and Bar. They are across a street from each other. Any way you get there, great food.

You’ll love Magnolia Gardens, and they too have a restaurant on site. We’ve eaten there; it’s good, but I prefer to eat at one of the many other great Charleston restaurant choices. Enjoy.

Thank you so much Palmettoprincess! Wonderful recommendations, and we are planning on going to Angel Oak. We will try one of those restaurants.

If by chance you go to Folly Beach, be careful when you park along a road and on the shoulder. Do not let any part of the tires remain on the road. They must be comletely on the shoulder or you are good for an expensive $350.00 to $500.00 fine.

Again, thanks to you all. Because of your recommendations, I changed our hotel reservations for Midtown Charleston to historic downtown. I think we will be much happier there! And we get free parking. Thanks for all the help.