ruralbear

Hi all,
After much time we have finally booked our flights from Europe for a three week trip in September. The first half will be based around Yellowstone.
For the second half we are flying onto Atlanta and would like to mainly see the coast- maybe based around Savannah? We feel this would be a nice contrast to Yellowstone and a little warmer!
I have a number of questions

I'm considering only renting a car once we reach Savannah. Is it easy to get to Savannah from Atlanta without a car?
Would the Savannah area be a good base? How necessary to book rooms in advance? Where are the best beaches?
Sorry for all the questions!

OO

I'm not a big fan of the beach near Savannah, Tybee Island. Although the north end was OK, the south end and center are...how do I say this...a bit down at the heels.

Savannah is a good base as there is plenty to do there and both north and south of the city, but the beach is lacking. When we lived there we would either go to the far north end of Tybee, 20 minutes from downtown, or drive the extra distance to the public beaches in Hilton Head, which were much prettier and cleaner. It was an hour plus to the public beach in Hilton Head (off Folly Field Rd). You could do that for an easy day trip.

Further north, and doable as a day trip, you could visit Charleston and/or the beaches of Hunting Island State Park.

Or...head south from Savannah to one of the prettiest stretches of beaches you could find in GA--Cumberland Island, reached by ferry only, from St Marys, GA. Arrive early in the morning to catch the first ferry, get off at the first ferry landing, walk past the ruins of the old Carnegie mansion, (likely to be wild horses there grazing), over the dunes to the beach which will be all yours. It's wild and beautiful. There are NO facilities here however, but still it's a trip well worth making. You walk up the beach then cut back in through a small maritime forest to the 2nd ferry landing for the return trip to the mainland. (It's all clearly marked). Because it is undeveloped, it's one of the most beautiful areas on the GA coast. You just have to be sure you are back in time for the last ferry and have to be willing to carry the supplies you'll need for the day. It's an experience you won't forget!

DRJ

Delta flies Atlanta - Savannah several times a day. Its an hour flight.

I live on Hilton Head Island, about fifty miles north of Savannah. Our beaches are terrific. (Delta also flies directly here from Atlanta.)

dsgmi

Atlanta is about 4 1/2 hours by car from Savannah. You'd probably do best to rent a car in Atlanta if that's where you're flying into. You could also fly directly to Savannah, but I don't know how fares compare. The Atlanta airport is huge and a hub for several airlines.

Lots of folks like Tybee Island for a beach near Savannah, but others will have to weigh in on this. You'd be close enough to visit Hilton Head (1 hour by car) and/or Charleston (2 hours by car).

syd

Another option is to fly into Jacksonville FL, rent a car at the airport and explore the lovely beaches on route to Savannah. I like Jekyll Island.

One thing to keep in mind is that you'll be visiting the east coast during hurricane season.

traveller1959

We are also Europeans and have spent some time in Savannah. Savannah belongs to America's most beautiful cities. We rented a historic house right in the center of Savannah. Everything is walkable there.

From there, it is a short drive to Tybee island. We explored just the northern end and found it rather pretty - a long sandy beach, lighthouse, some old buildings. To be frank, you find similar (and better) beaches in Europe. But the whole area is quite attractive. There are hiking trails through the marshes through almost tropical vegegation, old forts, a wonderful cemetary (absolutely worth a visit!) and, of course, the city of Savannah. We also made a daytrip to Charleston which is similarly attractive.

ruralbear

Thanks to all for the replies

I have a few more questions for the 10 days. As there is a risk of hurricances would it be better not to reserve rooms in advance?

With just 10 nights I feel I just have time for Savannah or Charelston. Reading the posts both seem equally attractive places- correct?

As we are looking for a beech for a few days would it be worthwhile to go to the Florida Panhandle area. Again reading here people seem to indicate that the Florida beaches are better

Thanks in advance

OO

Florida beaches are much better, the panhandle having the prettiest on the west coast, IMHO....sugar white sand and turquoise blue water. That is hurricane season, but odds of one hitting while you are there aren't that great, and there is plenty of warning. Any place worth it's salt will let you out of any contract should a storm be in the Gulf.

traveller1959

Savannah or Charleston.. hard to decide.

Actually, I liked Savannah more. More trees, with Spanish Moss hanging.. A more familiar feeling. Charleston is more urban: higher density, less green.

But this is just a personal feeling.

starrs

The beach at Tybee is not great. But, it's the one nearest Savannah. The beaches on the Panhandle of Florida (gulf coast) are gorgeous - but that's a lot of driving.

One option would be to drive south from Savannah and go to Amelia Island/ Fernandina Beach. St. Augustine would be a great (historical) location as well.

If you want an AMAZING beach trip, then take the ferry over to Cumberland Island for a day trip. It is a natural wildlife refuge and miles and miles of beaches - and some wild horses too. The ferry to the National Seashore leaves from St. Mary's GA.

If you have the budget, splurge and stay at the Greyfield Inn on Cumberland. Its pricey - but amazing and the rate includes all meals.

http://www.greyfieldinn.com/

The ferry to the inn leaves from Amelia Island.

Another option, in between Savannah and Cumberland (geographically and cost) would be to visit St. Simons Island or Jekyll Island.