bday trip Savannah/HiltonHead

Question

Hi all,

I am planning my bday with a group of 10. One day in Savannah and one day in Hilton Head. Travel dates Apr 25-28. I haven't decided which place should be home base yet.

We will be staying in an AIRBNB/VRBO but it looks like places for a group this size is a little further out than the Historic District.

What areas should we stay away from? I see my options as Midtown, Pooler, Tybee, Midcity, Starland District and Forsyth Park.

1. What areas should we stay away from for safety reasons?

2. Don't mind Ubering but also don't want to be 30mins away from downtown. Not sure about the parking situation so didn't want to rent a car if we didn't have to unless it makes more sense.

3. Should we stay in Hilton Head and just make Savannah a day trip as Hilton head have more properties that accommodate big parties.

P.S. We want to hit some rooftop bars for nightlife suggestions please.

Thanks in advance

Answer

It sounds like you're planning an exciting birthday trip with your group! Savannah and Hilton Head both offer a unique experience, but deciding where to stay will depend on your group's preferences and how you want to spend your time. Here are some tips and answers to your questions to help guide your decision.

1. Areas to avoid for safety reasons:

In general, both Savannah and Hilton Head are considered safe for tourists, but there are a few areas to be mindful of:

Savannah: While Savannah is known for its charm, certain neighborhoods are less desirable for tourists, especially late at night. Areas like west of the Historic District (e.g., parts of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd or areas near the industrial zones) can be less safe, particularly after dark. Stick to well-lit, busy areas in the Historic District and avoid wandering too far out of the main tourist areas at night.
Hilton Head: Hilton Head is a smaller, upscale resort destination, and most areas are safe. However, the north side of the island, while still safe, is generally quieter and less tourist-heavy, so if you're looking for nightlife and easy access to restaurants, it’s better to focus on the central parts of the island.

2. Should you rent a car or rely on Uber?

It depends on where you stay and what your group wants to do:

In Savannah: If you're staying close to the Historic District or Forsyth Park, parking can be tricky and expensive, and you'll likely rely on walking or Ubering. If your group wants to enjoy the nightlife and visit bars, staying central makes sense, as many places are walkable from the Historic District. You could skip the car rental and use Uber or Lyft to get around easily.
In Hilton Head: If you're staying in the central areas of Hilton Head (e.g., near Coligny Beach or Palmetto Dunes), you'll find that things are walkable or easy to reach by bike or Uber. However, if you plan on exploring the island, you might want a car since the island is spread out.

3. Savannah as a day trip from Hilton Head:

Hilton Head has more rental properties for large groups, and it's a beautiful destination in itself. If your group prefers a relaxing beach atmosphere with golf, tennis, and water activities, then staying in Hilton Head makes sense. You can easily make a day trip to Savannah, which is about a 45-minute drive. However, if you want to immerse yourselves in the history and nightlife of Savannah, staying in the city could be more convenient, especially for those nights out.

4. Roof top bars and nightlife in Savannah:

Savannah is known for its nightlife, especially with its many rooftop bars that offer stunning views of the city. Here are a few must-try spots:

The Peregrin: Located on top of the Kimpton Brice Hotel, this rooftop bar offers great drinks and views of the Savannah skyline.
Top Deck Bar: On the roof of the Hotel Indigo, this rooftop has a relaxed vibe with a view of the Savannah River.
The Roof at the Brice: A lively place with outdoor seating and cocktails, often featuring live music.
Rocks on the Roof: This bar on top of the Bohemian Hotel offers scenic views of the Savannah River and a great atmosphere for sunset cocktails.

Final recommendations:

If your group prefers a laid-back vibe and is looking to spend more time on the beach and outdoor activities, staying in Hilton Head could be ideal. You’ll have more space for your large group and it’s easy to drive to Savannah for a day trip.
If your group wants to experience the charm and nightlife of Savannah, staying within walking distance of the Historic District (e.g., Forsyth Park) would be the best option. There are plenty of Airbnb/VRBO options within the city, and you can avoid renting a car by relying on Uber/Lyft.

Happy birthday and enjoy your trip!

bday trip Savannah/HiltonHead

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