Charleston and Savanna area???

Question

Planning a 5 day -4 night trip in the Charleston and Savanna area. Thought about splitting the trip in half, but thought I would ask here if I should spend more time in one city rather than the other. I have never been to either city and will be traveling with my wife(early 50's age) and her parents(early 70's). We will be flying into Charleston on a Saturday and then eventually heading to the Atlanta area around Wednesday. Any tips or pointers will be appreciated. Thanks

Answer

Both Charleston and Savannah are beautiful cities with rich histories, but they offer different experiences. Since you’ll be flying into Charleston and have a limited time, here are a few things to consider when deciding how to split your 5-day, 4-night trip.

Charleston (2-3 days):

Historic Charm: Charleston is known for its well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and antebellum homes. The historic district is very walkable, and you can easily spend a day or two just wandering the streets and soaking in the atmosphere. A popular activity is taking a horse-drawn carriage tour to learn about the city's history and landmarks.
Plantations and Gardens: If you enjoy nature and history, Charleston has beautiful plantations like Magnolia Plantation and Middleton Place, which are perfect for a relaxed day out with stunning gardens and historic homes. Some plantations are more accessible for older adults as well, with paved paths and easy access to most areas.
Waterfront and Harbor Tours: Take a boat tour of Charleston Harbor, where you’ll get a great view of Fort Sumter, the site of the first battle of the Civil War. You can also explore the Waterfront Park, which has lovely fountains and views of the harbor.
Dining: Charleston is a foodie destination, especially for seafood lovers. Be sure to try the local specialties, like she-crab soup and lowcountry boil. Restaurants like Husk, The Ordinary, and Fleet Landing are popular choices.
Accessibility: Charleston is generally quite accessible, but the cobblestone streets can be a bit challenging for those with mobility issues. Some of the older historic buildings may also lack elevators, so it’s something to consider for your traveling companions in their 70s.

Savannah (2-3 days):

Quaint and Scenic: Savannah has a slower pace with its gorgeous squares, oak-lined streets, and beautiful parks. It’s famous for its charm and Southern hospitality. The historic district is also very walkable and offers a more relaxed vibe compared to Charleston.
Riverfront and Boat Tours: The Savannah Riverfront is a popular area for shopping and dining. You can also take a riverboat tour to see the city from the water, which is a pleasant and scenic way to experience Savannah.
Historic District and Squares: Savannah’s historic district is full of beautiful parks and squares, each with its own unique character. You can visit Forsyth Park, one of the most iconic spots, with its famous fountain and lush greenery.
Ghost Tours: Savannah is known as one of the most haunted cities in America, and there are many ghost tours available. If you enjoy a bit of mystery, this might be a fun way to spend an evening.
Dining: Savannah has some great restaurants as well, especially if you enjoy Southern comfort food. Be sure to check out The Grey for modern Southern cuisine and Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room for a true Southern family-style experience.
Accessibility: Savannah’s historic district is easy to navigate, and the squares make it a comfortable place to explore on foot. However, as with Charleston, some of the old buildings may not be fully accessible, so it’s worth planning ahead if that’s a concern.

General Tips:

Time Spent: Given that you have 5 days, spending about 2-3 days in Charleston and 2-3 days in Savannah is a good balance. Both cities are only about a 2-hour drive apart, so the travel time between them is minimal, and you can enjoy a relaxed pace in both places.
Day Trips: If you want to make the most of your time, consider taking a day trip out of either city. From Charleston, you can visit places like Folly Beach or Angel Oak Tree (the oldest living thing in the U.S.), and from Savannah, you could explore Tybee Island for some beach time.
Traveling with Older Adults: Both cities have plenty of attractions suitable for older visitors, like scenic tours, gardens, and historic sites with easy access. You might want to prioritize more relaxed activities in both cities and avoid too much walking on uneven terrain.

Conclusion:

Charleston offers a rich historical experience with beautiful architecture, gardens, and vibrant dining, while Savannah provides a more relaxed, charming atmosphere with its riverfront, squares, and ghostly allure. Given your timeframe, splitting your stay between the two cities is a great idea, with 2-3 days in each. Make sure to balance sightseeing with time to relax, especially considering your travel companions. Either way, you're in for a delightful experience in both cities!

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