Georgia or South Carolina Coast?
 

Hi all!

I come to Fodor when I am in need of suggestions I trust. I recently moved to Augusta from Idaho (having used Fodor for several trips out west) and have a few girlfriends coming down from Illinois with their significant others to visit. The baby of our group o' friends (who is quite the girly-girl compared to me) is turning 30 and she wants to experience southern beauty.

We only have 3 days or so, but she is wanting good food, a little night life, maybe some shopping, and being by the ocean. I know this may not be the typical things people are looking for on fodor, but I am hoping the group can provide suggestions. She has seen shows on Savannah and wants to "feel" that southern charm. I haven't done much exploring so I am at a loss in giving insight as the person in the south. We are thinking about renting a cottage as there will be 5-8 of us.

Thank you everyone in advance!

Amanda

Charleston Charleston Charleston!!

Charleston

Charleston! Brunswick GA stinks because of a big paper mill.

Another vote for Charleston. You might consider Isle of Palms or Kiawah for lodging for you want to be directly on the beach.

I think you ladies might enjoy Kiawah with some day trips into Charleston for your shopping and some dining.

Hilton Head can be a great trip too, but for your group, I'd go with Charleston.

I'm still a big Savannah fan, but the beaches on Tybee Island are not as nice as Kiawah. St. Simons would be wonderful if you really want a Georgia beach.

NOT Hilton Head. Soulless subdivisions.
You don't need to go as far as Kiawah for a beach. Wild Dunes at charleston would be close and fun--and she doesn't say the time of year.

I agree about Hilton Head. soulless.

Brunswick? Why mention Brunswick? It doesn't meet any of the OP's criteria?

Kiawah is great - my family always goes there for beach vacations. But if you plan in to be in town a lot, I agree that you might look into Wild Dunes/Isle of Palms instead - it's closer. Kiawah is a 30-45-minute drive from downtown Charleston.

Sullivans Island fits the bill.

Each Sea Island has its own defined culture.

Sullivans is solid middle market with good restaurants for evenings out. It is also close to ( as everyone quite rightly posts above) Charleston, Charleston, Charleston.

Kiawah is more up market and a little lacking in soul.

Hilton Head is the Starbucks of the sea islands (not a good thing).

Definitely Charleston!