Savannah and Charleston in late May

Question

We are planning a trip to explore the Savannah and Charleston area in late May.

We are there for 9 days but discarding travel days we have 7 full days.

We are thinking of spending 2 full days in Charleston and 5 full days in Savannah.

I checked online but could not find anything but let me still ask here --- are there any festivals or events planned in late May in Savannah that would make hotels expensive, and the city crowded? or are Hotels generally expensive in May/June?

We do not want to make this just a beach vacation, but open to spending 1-2 days visiting the beach for a day trip or just staying on or near the beach for 1-2 days.

We love history so will pick things to visit around it. We love water - river or ocean so any activities around it please recommend.

We don't mind visiting a Peach or Watermelon farm -- so do recommend if there is anything to visit.

Definitely want to avoid the tourist trap. We want a relaxing time. There is a good chance, we will visit again so it's okay if we miss anything.

We will be driving from Charleston and driving back as well. We don't mind taking a detour to explore old towns, farms, and explore.

Most important: We want to stay in a good Hotel so staying in downtown Savannah maybe expensive. Any recommendations on some other areas that are nice, good hotel choices, and not far from Savannah?

Answer

It sounds like you're planning an exciting trip to Savannah and Charleston! Both cities offer a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a great mix of activities. I'll break down your questions and give you recommendations for your 7-day trip:

1. Festivals and Events in Late May in Savannah:

Late May is a fantastic time to visit Savannah, though it is important to keep in mind that Savannah tends to be busier around certain events. Here's a quick overview:

Savannah Music Festival: The Savannah Music Festival typically takes place in March, so you don’t have to worry about that in late May. However, keep in mind that Savannah can still have high hotel demand around big holidays like Memorial Day.
Memorial Day Weekend: Memorial Day falls at the end of May, and it’s a popular time for both locals and visitors. You may see an uptick in hotel prices and a busier city, but it's generally still manageable.
Hotel Prices in May/June: May and June are typically peak tourist seasons in Savannah, with May seeing more visitors due to warm weather and festivals. While hotels may be more expensive during Memorial Day weekend, you can still find good deals if you book early and avoid the most tourist-heavy areas like the historic district.

2. Day Trip to the Beach:

If you want to take a break from the city and enjoy some beach time, Savannah is well-situated for that:

Tybee Island: Only about 20-30 minutes from downtown Savannah, Tybee Island is a great option for a relaxing day on the beach. It’s known for its laid-back atmosphere, and you can enjoy the beach, visit the Tybee Island Lighthouse, or explore the island's restaurants and shops.
Hilton Head Island (SC): About an hour and a half drive from Savannah, Hilton Head is a beautiful and more upscale beach destination. It has great golf courses, beach resorts, and several outdoor activities like biking and water sports.

3. History and Water Activities:

You mentioned that you love history and water, and both cities have plenty to offer in these areas:

In Savannah: Savannah’s Historic District is a must-visit, with beautiful squares, homes, and churches. The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, Oglethorpe’s Historic District, and the Mercer-Williams House (famous for its role in the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil) are great historical stops. For water activities, you can take a riverboat cruise on the Savannah River, or rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the waterways.
In Charleston: Charleston has a lot of great historical sites as well, including Fort Sumter, the Charleston City Market, and the Battery & White Point Garden. You can also explore the Charleston Harbor by taking a boat tour or a sunset cruise.

4. Farms and Rural Exploration:

If you want to explore old towns or farms, there are several places worth a visit in Georgia and South Carolina:

Peach Farms: If you're visiting in May, it's a bit early for peaches (typically late June through August), but you can still find some local farms that offer fresh produce. Check out the Peach State Farmers Market in Fort Valley or Gignilliat Farms for a true farm experience.
Old Towns: You might consider driving through some charming towns in Georgia, like Washington (known for its antebellum homes) or Beaufort, SC, which is full of beautiful historic homes and has a lovely waterfront.

5. Hotels Near Savannah (Not in the Historic District):

If you're looking for accommodations that are still close to downtown Savannah but may be less expensive than staying in the historic district, consider these neighborhoods:

Midtown Savannah: Just a few minutes' drive from the Historic District, Midtown offers a quieter, more residential vibe with many chain hotels and a few boutique options. It’s a great place to stay if you want easy access to the city but without the high prices.
Tybee Island: If you're planning to spend some time at the beach, consider staying on Tybee Island. It's just a short drive to downtown Savannah and offers a more relaxed beach-town atmosphere with several hotels, vacation rentals, and cozy inns.
Thunderbolt: Located just outside of Savannah, this area has some charming, affordable inns and boutique hotels while still being close to downtown for a quick drive.

Overall, your itinerary looks great! With 5 days in Savannah, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the city and take a day trip to the beach. Charleston’s historic charm and beautiful harbor will be a wonderful contrast. Since you love history, water, and avoiding tourist traps, you’ll find both cities offer a nice mix of cultural experiences without feeling overcrowded.

Enjoy your trip, and feel free to revisit Savannah and Charleston anytime — there’s always something new to discover!