I'm trying to pick a short vacation for my one year wedding anniversary, and I am in between Savannah or Charleston. Any suggestions would be appreciated on which place would be better?

Definitely CHARLESTON- much more to do, better restaurants...

Stay at the Elliott House Inn- free bikes- continental bkfst in room on silver tea service- wine and cheese out on patio next to jacuzzi in the afternoon- within walking distance to the market- in the middle of EVERYTHING

I second Charleston--just a great city for everything. If you have an unlimited budget stay at Two Meeting Street, an elegant B&B overlooking the Battery. There are other charming B&B's also.

We visited both cities for the first time in May and while we liked Savannah, we LOVED Charleston. We're talking about when/how we can go back and we usually are "check that place off the list and move on" sort of people. Great restaurants include High Cotton and Magnolia's. The whole place is very romantic and would be great for a first anniversary celebration.

Charleston, hands down favorite. We travelled to both cities and Savannah was a disappointment. Charleston is a delight with lots to see and do, especially on the outskirts, like Middleton Place, a tour of a plantation.

I have never been to Charleston but we loved Savannah. We stayed at the Ballastone inn which was absolutely wonderful.The city was beautiful and we loved all the other areas that we could drive to and spend some time.
We loved talking to the locals and everyone was so friendly and helpful.
We also loved visiting places where different movies were filmed.
Also being able to drink on the streets as long as it was in a plastic cup was fun and different.
It was a very social and friendly city!!!

I've lived in one, visited the other. Its hard to decide, but Charleston doesn't have those wonderful squares that Savannah has. Charleston has more traffic too unfortunately but also better restaurants, never had a bad meal there EVER! Charleston has better shopping, but then most of Savannah's "mansions" aren't 15 feet wide either so... both are great!

Charleston, Charleston, Charleston

I just heard that the Ballastone inn will be featured on the Today show on August 14th as the best inn in Savannah.

I've visited both cities for short visits. I love Savannah with the squares, riverfront walk, and quaint surroundings.

We visited Charleston and took a very nice guided tour. There seemed to be loads to do in Charleston, as well as lots of history to explore. Unfortunately, we only had half a day to visit.

It depends on what you want to do on your "short vacation". If you want to hang out in peaceful surroundings, go to Savannah. If you want to explore, get out and do things, go to Charleston. You won't be dissappointed with either location.

CHARLESTON!

Living in ATL, you would expect my response to be Savannah...NOT!

CHARLESTON is an awesome place to visit.

My wife and I just got back from Savannah. Much more than I expected. Savannah is small enough to walk through but has great nightlife. Plus the riverwalk is great. I highly recommend Savannah!

Definitely Charleston. My husband and I visited both last summer. We absolutely loved Charleston and were disappointed with Savannah (even with all 22 squares). For lodging, I recommend the Hampton Inn on Meeting Street. It's got a great location and a great price. I also recommend a visit to the Citadel. What a neat place!

The Hampton Inn is nothing special, especially if you're going this time of the year you should be able to get something really nice much cheaper than in Spring or Fall. Charleston has some wonderful lodging choices including the famous 2 Meeting St.

As a South Carolinian, I've been to both plenty of times. Personally, you could pick either and be quite pleased, especially for a short vacation. Overall, there's more to do in Charleston, but I have a hard time deciding which to recommend. Glad I could clear this up for you!

We've decided to visit Charleston and Savannah for a week in mid October. Is this too long a time to spend between these two cities? We've been to Natchez and New Orleans as well as the gulf coast many years ago and really enjoyed the southern flavor, food,restored homes and gardens. Also want to look at antiques and art. If you were to take another day and drive somewhere where would you suggest?
We are celebrating a big birthday, would love to stay in a great place in each town. Suggestions??
Thanks in advance!

One other question. Which one would you see first? Or which one is best on the weekend? Fly into one and fly out of the other???

They're only about 1 hour and 15 minutes apart and it depends on where you're coming from as to which is best.
Usually its cheaper to fly into Savannah from here and I think they have a very nice airport, its cute

The first time I did both it was also an October and I started in Savannah and had such a good time I stayed an extra day. Then when I got to Charleston I wanted another day there too, well fate heard me and I got 13 months there shortly after that trip! A job relocated me there.

Places to drive to from Savannah are Beaufort,SC which I call "Charleston Jr" and Hilton Head. From Charleston Kiawah Island is accessible.

Both have great places to stay, Charleston: Elliott House, John Rutledge House, 2Meeting St, Lodge Alley Inn and Charleston Place(former Omni) Savannah: Ballastone, Kehoe House, Presidents Qtrs, Gastonian, and East Bay St Inn. There are many more but I have to run. A week is perfect. When I did both places back to back I had 5 days and had NO trouble filling them.

Looking for an extra day somewhere you could go out to Wild Dunes to the beach. Up the coast a little way is Georgetown and Pawley's Island, where the plantation owners stayed during the summers. A week in the Charleston/Savannah area will not be too much.
We have stayed at the Hampton Inn and while it is adequate it isn't particularly inexpensive and there are other places right in the historic district. Hampton is at the visitor's center on the edge of the district. No doubt about it 2 Meeting Street is THE place to stay and really BIG bucks.