Suggestions for fall trip. Logistics

Question

We are in the very early preliminary stages of planning a trip in late September into October. We will be flying into Atlanta (a direct flight from YWG). Thought of renting a car from there to drive to Savannah.

1. Would taking the train be a good option instead of driving?

2. Would stay in HD for 3/4 nights so would we need a car?

3. Would like to then stay right by the coast for another 3/4 nights. Would like input on this and which area to look at.

4. Would then drive to Charleston for several more nights. Would then make our way back to Atlanta for flight home.

Thank you for your feedback.

Answer

Your trip plan sounds wonderful, and you're visiting some of the most beautiful cities in the South! Below, I've addressed each of your questions with some insights to help with your logistics and decision-making:

1. Would taking the train be a good option instead of driving from Atlanta to Savannah?

Taking the train from Atlanta to Savannah is a feasible option, but it depends on your priorities. Here are the pros and cons:

Amtrak Train: Amtrak offers a service called the "Palmetto" between Atlanta and Savannah. It takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes and has multiple departures each day. It's a comfortable ride, and you can relax without the stress of driving.
Pros of Taking the Train: It's a relaxing way to travel, especially if you're looking to avoid the potential hassle of driving. You won’t need to deal with traffic, and the train is more spacious than a car. It also allows you to see the scenery without worrying about directions or gas.
Cons of Taking the Train: Amtrak's service between these two cities is limited, and it may not offer as much flexibility in terms of timing as renting a car. Also, the station in Savannah is a bit further from the historic district (about a 15-minute drive), so you’d need to arrange transportation from the train station to your hotel.
Driving: Renting a car would take around 3.5 to 4 hours, giving you more flexibility in terms of departure time, stops along the way, and freedom once you're in Savannah.

In short, the train can be a relaxing option, but if you value flexibility and want to explore other places along the way, driving might be a better choice.

2. Would we need a car in Savannah if staying in the Historic District for 3-4 nights?

For a stay in the Historic District of Savannah, you likely won’t need a car. The historic district is very walkable, with most attractions, restaurants, and shops located within walking distance. There are also plenty of options for getting around without a car:

Walking: The historic district is very pedestrian-friendly, and many of the city’s famous squares, museums, and landmarks are within a short walk from each other.
Public Transportation: Savannah offers a free trolley service, the Old Town Trolley, which makes it easy to see key sites without driving. There are also buses available for longer trips.
Uber/Lyft: For trips outside the immediate historic area or to more remote destinations (like the beaches), ridesharing apps are a good option.

If you're mainly interested in exploring the downtown area, a car would be unnecessary, and parking can be pricey and limited. However, if you plan to explore areas outside the historic district, like Tybee Island or the surrounding countryside, renting a car for a day or two could be useful.

3. Would like to stay right by the coast for another 3-4 nights. Where should we stay?

For your coastal stay, you have several great options, depending on the atmosphere you're looking for. Here are a few coastal towns and islands to consider:

Tybee Island: Just 20 minutes from downtown Savannah, Tybee is a perfect beach escape. Known for its laid-back vibe, you can enjoy beautiful beaches, historic sites like the Tybee Island Lighthouse, and some excellent seafood. Tybee Island offers a range of accommodation options, including beachfront hotels and vacation rentals.
Hilton Head Island: If you're looking for a slightly more upscale coastal experience, Hilton Head is a great choice. It's about a 45-minute drive from Savannah and offers more developed resort areas with beautiful beaches, golf courses, and outdoor activities. Hilton Head’s resort-style accommodations may be a bit pricier but offer more amenities.
Jekyll Island: Located about 90 minutes south of Savannah, Jekyll Island offers a quieter, more natural experience. It’s less commercialized than other beach towns, and you can enjoy wildlife, historic sites, and more relaxed beaches. The Jekyll Island Club Resort offers a charming, historic stay with plenty of activities like biking and nature walks.

Tybee Island is the most convenient and closest option, but if you’re seeking a more peaceful or upscale coastal getaway, Hilton Head or Jekyll Island are both great choices.

4. Would then drive to Charleston for several more nights. Would then make our way back to Atlanta for flight home. Any suggestions?

Your drive from Savannah to Charleston is about 2 hours, which makes for an easy and scenic trip. Here’s what I suggest:

Charleston: Spend your time exploring Charleston’s charming historic district, waterfront parks, and delicious restaurants. You can walk around the historic district, visit iconic sites like the Battery, and enjoy a boat tour to see Fort Sumter and the harbor. Be sure to visit the City Market and take in the city’s unique architecture and cobblestone streets.
Drive back to Atlanta: The drive from Charleston to Atlanta is about 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic. You can either take I-95 and then merge into I-16, or opt for the more scenic route through smaller towns and areas along the way. Consider stopping for lunch in a quaint town like Macon or Aiken for a break during the drive.

Charleston is very walkable, so you won't need a car unless you want to explore beyond the city, like plantations or nearby beaches. However, once you leave Charleston for Atlanta, a rental car will be necessary to return to the city.

Summary:

If you're flexible and enjoy driving, renting a car from Atlanta to Savannah might be the best option. Alternatively, the train is a relaxing but less flexible choice.
In Savannah, you don't need a car if you stay in the historic district. You can easily explore the area by foot, trolley, or rideshare.
For your coastal stay, Tybee Island is the closest and most convenient, while Hilton Head and Jekyll Island offer more options for a resort-style experience.
For Charleston, enjoy the walkable historic district, and then head back to Atlanta by car for your flight.

Enjoy your trip! Both Savannah and Charleston are rich with history and charm, and you’ll have a memorable time exploring these southern gems.