Charleston and Savannah
 

Hi everybody,

We are considering a 10 night road trip to Charleston and Savannah in mid July and are wondering how many nights we should spend in both cities.

We are coming from the northeast so we should be able to make it to Charleston in a day. We are contemplating spending five nights in Charleston and 2 nights in Savannah (arriving in Savannah late morning so we would have almost two full days there).

We would also like to spend time at a nice, soft sanded beach (if they exist), so any recommendations would be very helpful. We also would not mind driving further south into Florida to spend time at a nice beach.

Thank you very much.

I loved Charleston the one time I was there, but 5 days would be way too long for me to spend there. 3 nights in Charleston and 2 in Savannah would be just right for me.

I agree. Especially as it will be so hot in July. Spend the rest of the time at one of the beaches near there.

I would keep the 5 nights in Charleston, since your arriving late the first day (so you really only have 4 full days and there is so much to see and do) and keep the almost 2 full days in Savannah. Do you want the beach stay (3 nights?) near to Charleston or to Savannah?

I would do 3 nights in Charleston, 3 nights in Savannah and 3 nights at a beach. For the beach, I would go to St Simons Island, Jekyll Island and/or Amelia Island/Fernandina Beach. For a real treat, take the NPS ferry over to Cumberland Island for a day trip. Miles of beaches and wild horses on the almost deserted island. For a real splurge, stay overnight in the mansion B&B, the Greyfield Inn.

Agree with Starrs. For the trip between Savannah and Charleston, divert for a couple of hours, at least, to Beaufort.

We just came back from a similar trip and fully enjoyed it. Started with three nights in the downtown Charleston, after that drove to Savannah for a couple nights there in a really charming B&B, and returned to Charleston (West Ashley area) for another three nights, but spent the days on the beach, visiting plantations, etc. On the way back from Savannah, spent a half a day in Beaufort - it's a really nice small town, definitely recommended.

We were their last year (hi Starrs) and had a great time.....three nights Charleston and three nights Savannah....we were booked in for two nights in beautiful Beaufort but left one night early due to torrential rain (august) but had the best time.....

Thanks so much everyone.

We have decided on 4 nights (3 days) in Charleston, 3 nights (2 days in Savannah) and 4 nights at a beach location.

As for the beach part of our vacation, we are looking for soft sands and azure colour waters. I know, I should be in Greece or Southern Italy, but can you recommend anything that even comes close?

We were also thinking that we can drive a few hours to northern Florida for better beach conditions.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

No matter how you decide to split a Savannah/Charleston visit, it's a good choice.

There are all sorts of beach options along the SC/GA coast, but you are still going to be on the Atlantic coast.

"We were also thinking that we can drive a few hours to northern Florida for better beach conditions"

If you don't mind the drive, that's the solution. There are lots of ideas for the gulf. Cape San Blas or Indian Pass if you don't mind zero crowds/ limited restaurant options. Then continuing over via Mexico Beach, Destin, Panama City Beach (skip), Destin (crowded) to Pensacola.

I would pick an option between Rosemary Beach and Seaside - along the village of 30a.
www.30a.com

That area would be gorgeous, but would be more like a 6 hour drive than a "few".

(Hi mamabearUK. I am SO glad your trip was great!)

Just IME, Charleston is worth more time than Savannah, so your split seems good.

I'm not an expert on No. FL beaches, but it would seem to me that you'd want to go to the east coast of FL rather than the west coast, if for no other reason than it's an easier drive. Maybe Amelia Island. Or Jekyll Island in GA.

Hi everyone,

We are considering the Mills House Wyndham in Charleston and either the Olde Harbour Inn or The Brice in Savannah. Any thoughts on these?

Thanks

In july no need to go further south than Savannah or Charleston beaches!!
Go up to Pawley's Island for your beach time--Litchfield by the Sea has beautiful AND uncrowded beach, even in july.

I used to stay at the Mills House all the time - when it was in the IHG group. It would fly past the expense policy at the time since it was technically a Holiday Inn (at the time). Loved it. Check recent reviews but I'm sure it's still a good choice.

I would go with the Brice in Savannah, mostly because it's a Kimpton boutique hotel. I stayed there recently and loved it. Love the vibe of Kimpton hotels, the afternoon wine hour, etc. The building creates an enclosed courtyard which is absolutely lovely. Wonderful to sit out, under the stars and white lights, with your glass of wine or other. Simply lovely. (BTW, the building used to be the Mulberry, another IHG hotel and the favored one in Savannah for years). The hotel in on Bay street with all of Savannah's squares behind you.

The OHI is across the street with the river behind it. At one time it was a condo development and the rooms are large. Some are very large, more like apartments. If you have mobility problems, the OHI can be a challenge.

I would pick The Brice, but either would be a good choice. The restaurant attached to the Brice is VERY good. They make their own pasta and it's fantastic. I've always had good luck with the restaurants attached to Kimptons and Savannah is another success story.

"We were also thinking that we can drive a few hours to northern Florida for better beach conditions."

Then consider St. Augustine, America's oldest city. There is plenty of history to soak up and the city is loaded with charm. Oh yes, there are also nice beaches there too.

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Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie