What to do before flight? - Outside of Savannah.

Question

Hi,

Am driving back from Spartanburg, SC on a Sunday next month. Flight out of SAV is 7:15pm, so be at airport around 6pm and drop car off. Drive from Spartanburg is about 3hr30. Trip is just my husband and I, 30s.

I'd rather get closer to the airport than get stuck in any traffic. I'd imagine traffic is better on a Sunday.

It doesn't look like there is much surrounding the airport.

One idea was to hang out at Two Tides Brewery in Starland area. Didn't think it would be a great idea to drive into Historical downtown Savannah and have to deal with parking etc...

I would like to check out Disney's Hilton Head Resort, that would add an extra 90mins of driving time. But I'm concerned about traffic between Hilton Head and the airport.

Maybe check out Beaufort?

Or what about going to Coligny Beach Park, Sea Pines Forest Reserve, or Coastal Discovery Museum. My biggest concern is traffic, don't want to miss our flight. Also don't want to be sweaty either!

Maybe stop in Columbia for a nice lunch.

Thoughts? What do you think we should do?

Many thanks

Answer

Hi there,

Sounds like a great trip, and I can understand your concerns about traffic and not wanting to be rushed before your flight. Given that your flight is at 7:15pm, and you want to avoid any stress, it’s a good idea to factor in the time for car drop-off and airport security, but it’s also great to have some time to relax and explore before heading to the airport. Let’s break down the options and consider what might be best for you and your husband.

First, you're right that traffic on Sundays in the Savannah area is generally lighter, especially in the afternoon and evening. However, since you're concerned about missing your flight, I'd recommend not venturing too far from the airport. Here are a few options to consider:

Two Tides Brewery in Starland District: This is a great choice if you want to stay close to Savannah without getting stuck in downtown traffic. The Starland District is a trendy area with art galleries, cafes, and breweries, including Two Tides. It’s only about 10-15 minutes from the airport, so you can enjoy a relaxed time without worrying too much about the drive. The brewery has a great atmosphere, and it would give you a nice place to hang out while not straying too far from your departure time.
Hilton Head Island: While Disney's Hilton Head Resort is a lovely place to visit, the additional 90 minutes of driving time might be a bit much, especially when factoring in potential traffic between Hilton Head and the airport. It can be a scenic area to explore, but if you’re worried about being sweaty and traffic concerns, it might be safer to save it for another trip when you have more time to relax. The drive from Hilton Head back to the airport could take longer than expected, depending on traffic on US-278 or SC-170.
Beaufort, SC: Beaufort is a charming small town about an hour and 15 minutes from Savannah. It's known for its historic district and lovely waterfront, so it could make for a peaceful, relaxed stop before heading back to the airport. It’s also less likely to have the heavy traffic you might encounter closer to Savannah, but you will need to plan enough time to return to the airport with a comfortable cushion. If you stop here, you could enjoy a leisurely walk around the town or grab lunch at a local spot.
Coligny Beach Park / Sea Pines Forest Reserve / Coastal Discovery Museum: These are all excellent places to visit on Hilton Head Island, but they will add to your driving time. If you are set on visiting Hilton Head, I’d recommend going to Coligny Beach Park or the Coastal Discovery Museum for a quick, scenic stop. Keep in mind that traffic heading toward Hilton Head and around the island can get a bit congested, particularly if there’s any sort of event or festival going on. If you choose to go here, I’d recommend arriving a bit earlier to give yourself time to explore without feeling rushed. However, with the proximity to the airport and the time needed to return, this option may increase your chances of being stressed about getting to the airport in time.
Lunch in Columbia, SC: Columbia is a little farther from Savannah—around 2 hours one way—but it could be a good option if you're looking for a scenic drive and a nice lunch. If you stop in Columbia, you could enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants downtown. However, this would add a significant amount of driving time to your day, and you'd have to factor in potential delays on your return to Savannah, which could leave you cutting it too close to the flight. If you’re considering this option, I’d recommend a very early start to ensure you have ample time to get back.

Based on your concerns about traffic, timing, and not wanting to get sweaty, I’d suggest focusing on options that are closer to the airport. Here are my top picks:

Two Tides Brewery in Starland District: A relaxed brewery visit with minimal risk of traffic, and it's close to the airport. It’s a great option if you want to unwind before your flight.
Beaufort, SC: If you’re in the mood for something more scenic and historic, Beaufort is a good option. It’s a bit farther but still manageable with enough time to get back to the airport.

Ultimately, I think you should aim for a place that’s within an hour of the airport, and given that your flight is at 7:15pm, I recommend being at the airport by 6:00pm at the latest to drop off the car and go through security. This will allow you to enjoy a relaxing time without stressing about missing your flight.

Enjoy your trip, and safe travels back to Savannah!