4N in Savannah + 5 in Charleston

Question

Hi all - my husband , 3 month old baby at the time and in laws are planning a trip to Savannah and Charleston in late October. Here is what we are thinking and would love your thoughts. We are from Seattle , love to travel but this is a “trial trip” with the baby and also with the in laws.

Land in Charleston in the early afternoon Monday and drive straight to Savannah. We have friends we will see on the weekend in Charleston so that’s the reason we would start with Savannah not Charleston. Spend 4 nights (M-F) in Savannah. Take small day trips and poke around Savannah at a slow pace bc of the baby and in laws. Things that interest us are the wildlife refuge, spend maybe a couple hours on the beach, a river cruise, maybe a walking tour , oh also food :)

We would then drive back to Charleston , dropping my in laws off at the airport for an afternoon flight home Friday.

Our plan is then to spend the next 5 nights in Charleston. Likely stay in a beach town there , day trips into Charleston, city market , plantation and depending on how the baby does in the car, a half day at Congaree national park.

Because I’ll still be on maternity leave we do have flexibility with our time but also want to balance not being gone too long as it’ll be our first trip and would rather it feel “oh that was a bit too short” vs wishing we were home.

Does 4n in Savannah and 5n in Charleston seem reasonable ?

Thank you :)

Answer

Your plan for a trip to Savannah and Charleston with your baby and in-laws sounds wonderful! The itinerary seems well thought out, and I think it’s a great balance of relaxation and exploration. Here's some feedback and suggestions to help you make the most of your time:

First, the general breakdown of 4 nights in Savannah and 5 nights in Charleston sounds very reasonable, especially since you’re traveling with a baby and want to take things at a slower pace. Both cities offer a lot to see and do, but they also have a laid-back charm that makes them perfect for enjoying without feeling rushed.

### Savannah (4 Nights) – Slow and Steady

Wildlife Refuge: Visiting the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge sounds like a great choice! It’s beautiful, and you can easily explore it at your own pace. There are scenic driving routes as well as walking trails, so you can pick whatever suits you and the baby.
Beach: You’ll want to visit Tybee Island for a couple of hours on the beach. It’s just a 20-minute drive from Savannah, and you can enjoy a peaceful walk by the water without much hustle. Since you’re traveling with a baby, keeping the time on the beach short might be a good plan.
River Cruise: A riverboat cruise along the Savannah River is a lovely and relaxing way to see the city’s waterfront and historic districts. Some of these cruises offer shaded seating, which can be a great option with the baby. Look for a shorter, 1-hour cruise to avoid any long stretches of time out on the water.
Walking Tour: Savannah’s Historic District is pedestrian-friendly and a joy to explore. You can take a leisurely walking tour, but with the baby and in-laws, you might prefer a guided tour on a trolley or carriage ride for a more comfortable and slower-paced experience. There are also food-focused walking tours if you’d like to sample some of the city's famous cuisine along the way.

### Charleston (5 Nights) – Relaxed Exploration

Beach Town Stay: Staying in one of the beach towns around Charleston, like Folly Beach or Isle of Palms, sounds perfect for a more relaxed atmosphere. You’ll be able to unwind, enjoy the beach, and also have easy access to Charleston for day trips.
City Market: Charleston’s City Market is one of the most popular spots to visit. It’s best explored at a leisurely pace, and you can shop for souvenirs or grab a snack. It’s a must-see, but you can do it in a relaxed manner, taking breaks when needed.
Plantations: Charleston is famous for its historic plantations, and visiting one (or two) is definitely worth it. Boone Hall Plantation and Magnolia Plantation are both family-friendly and offer a lot to see, but keep in mind that these can involve a bit of walking. Plan accordingly to make sure it’s manageable with the baby.
Congaree National Park: If you feel up to it, a half-day trip to Congaree National Park is a great idea, but it might be more adventurous with a baby. The park is fantastic for nature lovers, and there are boardwalk trails, so it’s accessible, but you might want to gauge how your little one is doing before committing to a longer trip. If it seems like too much, you can always swap it for another relaxing day on the beach.

### General Tips:

Flexibility: Since you’re on maternity leave and have some flexibility, this gives you a great opportunity to take things slowly. Adjust your plans based on how the baby is doing and don’t feel pressured to stick to a strict schedule.
Transportation: Both Savannah and Charleston are easy to navigate by car, and with your rental car, you can comfortably get around. Keep in mind that parking can be limited in downtown areas, so be prepared to pay for parking in some places like downtown Charleston.
Rest Time: With a baby, rest time is important, so consider leaving a few afternoons open for naps or downtime at your accommodation. Many hotels in both cities are quite comfortable and accommodating for families with young children.

In summary, your plan of 4 nights in Savannah followed by 5 nights in Charleston seems perfect, especially considering the pace you want to keep with a baby and in-laws. There’s a nice balance of sightseeing, relaxation, and family time built into your itinerary.

Enjoy your trip, and make sure to take plenty of breaks to savor the beautiful surroundings while keeping the experience stress-free!