Splitting Time between Charleston and Savannah

Question

My wife and I are traveling to Charleston and Savannah for the first time at the beginning to mid October. We will be flying into Charleston and home from Savannah and will be renting a car. We like to travel at a reasonably leisurely and relaxed pace and will be staying for 10 nights in total (9 full days). We will be staying in the Mount Pleasant area when in Charleston and in the general vicinity of Forsyth Park when in Savannah.

I am trying to determine how to best allocate time between the two locations. We may take day trips from either or both locations (Beaufort comes to mind as one possibility), but prefer to limit moving, so we would rather not add an additional check in/checkout at another place.

We enjoy general sightseeing, nature, light hiking and walks, scenic drives, etc., but we are not beach people and will not be spending time on the beach (except perhaps to see an area).

Any suggestions as to how to split up our stays would be most appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Answer

It sounds like you and your wife are in for a wonderful trip! Charleston and Savannah are both charming cities with rich histories, beautiful architecture, and plenty of nature to enjoy. Given that you have 9 full days, you’ll want to strike a good balance between the two cities without overpacking your itinerary. Since you prefer a relaxed pace and would rather not add extra check-ins or check-outs, here's a suggestion for how to allocate your time:

Both Charleston and Savannah are rich in history, so splitting your time between sightseeing, nature, and leisurely activities will give you a balanced experience. Here’s a possible breakdown:

Days 1-5: Charleston (5 Days)
Charleston is a relatively compact city, but there’s a lot to see and do, so spending the first half of your trip here is a good choice. With 5 days in Charleston, you'll have time to leisurely explore the city and take some scenic day trips. Here’s a suggested itinerary for Charleston:
- Day 1: Arrive and get settled. Spend the afternoon exploring the historic district, strolling through Waterfront Park and taking a walking tour of the city to get a feel for its rich history.
- Day 2: Visit Middleton Place, a beautiful plantation with gardens and trails for light hiking. You can also explore Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, which is just a short drive away.
- Day 3: Head to the historic district and take a guided tour of the Charleston City Market. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the many restaurants around King Street. You might also want to visit the Battery promenade for scenic views of the harbor.
- Day 4: Take a day trip to Beaufort (1.5-2 hours south of Charleston). This charming coastal town is great for a relaxing day trip with opportunities to visit historical sites, take scenic walks, and explore its quaint downtown area.
- Day 5: Enjoy a scenic drive out to the Angel Oak Tree, one of the oldest living things in the country, then explore some of Charleston’s nearby barrier islands like John's Island or Folly Beach for a brief visit (even though you're not beach people, these areas offer lovely scenic drives). Return to Charleston for the evening.
Days 6-9: Savannah (4 Days)
After Charleston, spend the remaining 4 days in Savannah. Since Savannah is smaller, you’ll be able to cover most of its major sights while still having time for relaxation. Here’s a suggested itinerary for Savannah:
- Day 6: Arrive in Savannah and check in. Spend the afternoon exploring Forsyth Park, which is close to where you’ll be staying. Take a leisurely walk around the park and the nearby historic district, visiting famous squares like Chippewa Square (where the bench scene from Forrest Gump was filmed).
- Day 7: Take a walking tour of the Historic District, including the famous River Street. Afterward, visit Bonaventure Cemetery for a serene walk through the beautiful grounds. This is also a great place for nature lovers who enjoy light hiking and scenic surroundings.
- Day 8: Spend the day exploring Savannah’s vibrant food scene. Take a food tour, and afterward, head to the nearby Wormsloe Historic Site to explore its scenic oak-lined drive and historical ruins. If you have time, visit the nearby Skidaway Island State Park for more nature walks.
- Day 9: Take a day trip to nearby Tybee Island, which is about 20 minutes from Savannah. While you may not be beachgoers, the island has beautiful nature trails, a lighthouse, and charming small-town streets to explore. If you’re not interested in the beach, you could also visit nearby Fort Pulaski National Monument for some history and scenic views of the marshes.

This itinerary allows you to enjoy both cities at a leisurely pace without feeling rushed. You’ll have time to experience the highlights of Charleston, including a day trip to Beaufort, and then enjoy the history, nature, and charm of Savannah. Spending 5 days in Charleston and 4 days in Savannah allows you to explore both cities thoroughly, while the nature walks and scenic drives will keep your time relaxed and enjoyable.

Of course, you can adjust the itinerary to suit your preferences. For example, if you prefer more time in one city over the other, you could allocate an extra day or two to that city. But in general, this balance should offer a great combination of sightseeing, history, and relaxation for your 9-day trip!

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