I'm doing some last minute firming up of plans for our upcoming Savannah trip. We were thinking of doing a day trip but we can't decide where to go. We had considered Charleston but it seems a bit much for one day. We looked at Hilton Head but we're not golfers so I'm not sure it's the best use of our day. I've read a few things about Ft. Pulaski and Tybee, but we're open to any ideas. Thanks in advance.

I would go to Beaufort--SC, not NC. Delightful smaller town with wonderful old homes. http://www.beaufort.com. On our last trip to that area, we spent time in Charleston, then drove to Savannah, and then back to Beaufort, then back to Charleston to fly home.

I think you would enjoy a trip to Fort Pulaski and Tybee.
Another good trip would be to the Historic part of Beaufort. Be sure and take one of the carriage tours. I would forget Hilton Head.

Another idea would be a day trip south on HWY17. Stop at Midway for a visit in the Museum. Fort McAllister at Richmond Hill, and Melon Bluff. For Melon Bluff, check out this site.
http://www.melonbluff.com/index.htm

That would take a full day.

Hi P_M,
I guess it depends on what you want to do. More coastal city experience? Beach? A natural experience?

Here are some of my thoughts -
My preference would not be to add Charleston to Savannah as a day trip. They are both beautiful coastal cities, but it would be a long day. But, if you think you would regret being this close to Charleston and not going, then go. I wouldn't.
2+ hour drive

(Ducking for the flames) I'm not a fan of Hilton Head. I see its merits as a vacation desination and know folks who settle in for a week and just love it. It's a planned community/ resort and those just aren't my favorites. There is limited public beach access (that I know of) and - I don't know how to say this - thing/ stores/ restaurants are "hidden" in order to blend in to a natural environment. I haven't found a charming little area in which to park and wander to get a sense I'm at a beachside location. There are plenty of shopping centers and plenty of places to spend your money. Hilton Head is my least favorite beach destination and I don't see it as a "day trip" destination - unless of course you are going to golf.
1 hour drive

If you are looking for another small charming waterfront destination then maybe Beaufort SC. Maybe. About an hour's drive.

You could use Beaufort as an add-on destination if you decide to go to Hilton Head and there's not enough there to capture your fancy.

If you want the closest beach, then Tybee Island. Tybee is a small island about 30 minutes from Savannah. Not a lot there, but I love to drive out for a morning walk on the beach and then a big breakfast at The Breakfast Club.

If you want to sun on the beach, Tybee is the closest.

If you want one of the most amazing beach / barrier island experiences that I know of, then go to Cumberland Island National Seashore. You'd drive south on 95 for about hours to catch the ferry at St. Mary's GA (near Kingsland GA) Cumberland Island is amazing. It is a naturalist's dream. There is some "civilization" on it, but very limited. Unless you are camping or staying at Greyfield, you take the ferry over for a day trip. Cumberland horses running wild. A coastal barrier island that is almost completely natural with public access. Beaches that go on forever - gorgeous beaches. Here's a link -
http://www.nps.gov/cuis/reservations.htm
Investigate for ferry times, bike rental info, ranger led hike and tours, etc. I love Cumberland and we are lucky to have it.

If you want something less natural, but beach and interesting, consider Jekyll Island. It's about an hour and a half down 95 from Savannah. It's owned by the state and managed by the Jekyll Island Authority. A small residential community with somewhat tired hotels nearing the end of their 30 year lease with the state. But, a lovely island. Walk on the beach (the water is not the prettiest due to natural tannins in the water), rent a bike and cycle around the island, stop and visit a tabby ruin, and then stop at the Jekyll Island Club and enjoy a meal or a Starbucks or a game of croquet and visit the "cottages" of the Vanderbilts, et al who bought and developed Jekyll as their winter getaway. Take a horse drawn carriage ride at sunset. Kayak through the marsh (LOVE that trip) Tour the mansions. Walk the beach.

http://www.jekyllisland.com/
http://www.jekyllisland.com/activiti...ct.asp#details
http://www.jekyllisland.com/activities/kayaking.asp

Just north of Jekyll Island is St. Simons and is a favorite of many. A bit nicer and fancier perhaps. I prefer Jekyll - don't know why - maybe in a Shabby Chic kind of way. I did enjoy Eugenia Price's books (don't know if you've ever heard of her) so enjoy visiting Christ Church on St. Simons. Fort Frederica is on St. Simons as well -
http://www.nps.gov/fofr/

So, a couple of hours north - Charleson
A couple hours south, Cumberland, Jekyll or St. Simon's islands
About an hour north - Hilton Head (my least favorite of the bunch)
Beaufort as a maybe add-on, but I don't know that I'd leave Savannah for Beaufort.

Why not pick one as a possible day trip and a Plan B, with Plan A being more time in Savannah with a short outing to Tybee.

Some ideas, anyway.
Have fun!

Hi everyone, thanks for all of these ideas and the links you provided. I'm going to look into all of these suggestions, starting with Beaufort.

I agree with the Beaufort suggestion. I was just there in March. Very quaint downtown with a nice walking path and park to sit along the water.

Well, if you are going to Beaufort, mosey down the road 6 miles to Port Royal to see what they are doing with the little town - and eat at the Dockside restaurant. Great seafood!