I am attempting to plan a mini-vacation in the next two weeks. I really would like to just relax on the beach and maybe do a little sightseeing. I have narrowed it down to either the beaches of Michigan or a trip to Charleston/Folly Beach/Hilton Head, but can't decide between the two. Any thoughts?

I know nothing about Michigan, but I wouldn't include Hilton Head with Charleston/Folly Beach for a mini-vacation (assuming that means 2-4 days). They're just to far from each other and HH has little that a Charleston/Folly combo has.

Ditto. Hilton Head isn't near Charleston.

I'm partial to Charleston but can't say that I've been to many Michigan Beaches other than Mackinac Island.

I know it's basically hot everywhere this summer, but factor (probably) a much hotter vacation into your plans if you pick Charleston.

And I am not knocking Charleston by any means; it's probably my favorite city (with the possible exception of Edinburgh, Scotland). However, Charleston in August is going to SIZZLE.

I live in southwestern MI and all the beaches up the coast are beautiful - try South Haven - or further north, Traverse City.

It is already pretty hot in SC except if you are right on the beach. If that's ok w/ you then you would enjoy that and maybe walking around Charleston when the sun goes down so it is at least somewhat tolerable. Have never been to Michigan but hear good things.

By mini-vacation, I mean 5-7 days total, which may be more like a full vacation I guess.

The heat is the main negative for SC. I have a friend in Hilton Head who says it isn't that bad on the beach though.

Thanks for the comments so far.

If heat is a negative, save your money and go to Michigan.

MI beach areas you may not know about:
Higgins Lake (mid-state)
Torch Lake (east of Traverse City)

There's more to do in the Traverse City region, but for relaxing and doing lake and beach things, you won't go wrong with Higgins.

You will be enjoyably warm up north in August.

I just got back from Savannah. I'd have to say that I liked Savannah better then Charleston. Lots of homes to tour, a few museums, you can walk around downtown with alcohol anytime, LOTS of restaurant choices, many squares to walk through.

Tybee Island is about 20 minutes from Savannah. We stayed on the north end of the beach by the Lighthouse and on Thursday there was hardly anyone on the beach...very nice clean beaches absolutely no trash whatsoever.

All in all I cant wait to go back as I know there was a lot that I missed.

The beaches in the nw corner of lower Michigan are great! Anywhere from Traverse City up to Petoskey or Harbor Springs would be nice.

Saugatuck, Michigan is a great artsy town on with a nice beach. Holland is about 20 minutes away and has a gorgeous beach and nice shops.

Thanks for all of the responses, but I have decided to just spend an extended weekend in Chicago. I forgot about a doc appt that I have.