Charleston SC vs Savannah GA: Which is Best for Weekend Trip

You’re stuck on deciding between Charleston SC vs Savannah Ga for a weekend trip, so which should you pick?

Both make a great choice for a fun-filled weekend trip. You can easily see either city in a weekend filled with good food, beautiful scenery and tons of history.

As two of US’s most historic cities in the south, you can’t make a wrong choice. The final decision is more about preference than one city being better than the other.

This guide is the perfect tool designed to help you choose! It covers the with overall feel (vibe), dining and night life, things to do, and where to stay in Charleston SC and Savannah GA.

Let’s dive in.

 

Charleston SC vs Savannah GA: Bottom Line

If you’re comparing Charleston SC vs Savannah GA for a weekend trip, here is the bottom line.

When to choose Charleston: Charleston’s architecture and culinary scene are sophisticated. Charleston wins for a relaxed weekend filled with upscale restaurant reservations, exploring history-filled neighborhoods in a horse drawn carriage, and taking a sunset cruise of the city skyline.

If this resonates, Charleston is your top choice!

 

When to choose Savannah: On the other hand, Savannah is a world of Southern charm. The city is vibrant, music-filled, with historic architecture on every corner. Savannah’s famous riverfront is your perfect place to walk, sip, and explore.

Savannah wins for an energetic weekend of walking tours, unique museums, shops and art galleries along Savannah River in the Savannah Historic District, and cozy restaurants. The nightlife is a bit more lively in Savannah, making it a perfect place to enjoy prohibition era drinks.

 

Distance Between Charleston SC and Savannah GA

Charleston SC and Savannah GA are 2.5 hours driving distance apart along Highway 17. While I recommend visiting both cities at least once, sometimes you just gotta choose.

Keep reading to dive into the details on Charleston SC versus Savannah GA for a weekend trip.

 

Charleston vs Savannah: Overall Feel of the City

You will experience very different vibes in Charleston versus Savannah. While both cities were built centuries ago, their history and architecture is unique.

To plan the perfect weekend getaway, choose the city that sets the right tone for your trip.

Charleston SC Vibe

Charleston South Carolina is a sophisticated city that offers a glimpse of early American history dating back to the 1600s. The city rests on Charleston Harbor, an inlet from the Atlantic Ocean. The oceanside vibe is visible in Charleston’s seafood restaurants and beach-themed shops.

Charleston’s historic neighborhoods are still thriving, from Rainbow Row to the neighborhoods around Charleston’s downtown and Market Street.Giant oak trees and Pindo palm trees line streets and give the city its southern essence.

Charleston’s distinct townhomes often have placards sharing a bit of their history with passersby. You can easily walk the streets and get a sense of the layered history of the city.

 

Savannah GA Neighborhood Vibe

Savannah Georgia is a charming city that will draw you back in time. It was founded in the 1730’s and the evidence still shows.

The city is directly inland from the Atlantic Ocean along Little Black River, dividing Georgia and South Carolina.

Its neighborhoods are filled with restored 19th century architecture. You’ll find quaint businesses and packed restaurants centered around Squares with oak trees and small parks.

Savannah was one of the only major cities in the South not damaged or destroyed during the American Civil War. Therefore, the city’s plantation homes and neighborhood squares are the real, original deal.

The Historic Savannah Foundation is key in preserving many of the buildings, and as a result homes are well maintained. Some are even hotels and museums.

Overall, neither city “wins” for its vibe, they are both excellent and a little different.

 

Charleston vs Savannah: Dining and NightLife

All in all, the Charleston SC vs Atlanta Ga restaurant debate is a tie. Both cities can brag about their highly rated food scenes and bars. Keep reading to discover the cuisine in each location.

Charleston SC Food Scene

Charleston is known for fresh seafood and American, European, and African fusion restaurants. There is a great food scene in the neighborhoods around Charleston City Market. Reservations are highly recommended in the city because weekends can get busy.

A night out in Charleston will consist of low lit lounges and elevated restaurant bars. King Street is the spot for club and bar hopping. The street’s upscale lounges, chic bars, and handful of nightclubs will easily fill a weekend.

Savannah GA Food Scene

Savannah is known for excellent Southern comfort food, seafood, and epic brunch spots. I’d also recommend reservations for the many popular restaurants along River Street, especially on a weekend.

Savannah’s nightlife is lively and centers around River Street and Whitaker Street. Most venues are within walking distance of one another.

Expect more of a collegiate-feel to the bars along Whitaker Street. The riverfront has good rooftop bars like Top Deck and Bar Julian for spectacular views of the water and the city.

 

Charleston vs Savannah: Things to Do

If you’re going to choose a city to spend your weekend you better be able to fill it with fun activities!

I would rate both cities as fantastic for American history and architecture. Both let you experience a true southern city in the US.

However, each location offers distinct activities the other doesn’t. Keep reading to explore your options.

Charleston SC Things to Do

In Downtown Charleston you can walk or take a carriage ride across town. Top locations you’ll want to visit are the French Quarter with Waterfront Park, Old Slave Mart Museum, and Pineapple Fountain and South of Broad with Rainbow Row and the Battery.

This is just a sample of activities that are totally doable to fit it into a weekend trip. However there are a ton more to choose from!

You can book ghost tours, take an architectural walking tour, ride a horse-drawn carriage, watch sunset from a river boat cruise, and make reservations at Charleston’s many acclaimed dining experiences like Cru Cafe and Iron Rose.

 

 

Savannah GA Things to Do

Downtown Savannah and Savannah’s riverfront in the historic district are connected and very walkable, and major sites around the city are fairly close. You will still walk many blocks, so plan to bring walking shoes.

The neighborhood you’ll likely spend the most time in is the North Historic District with the Riverfront walk and famous restored homes. The South Historic District is where you’ll find the Fountain at Forsyth Park.

Ghost tours, the American Prohibition Museum, cocktail making classes, a river dinner cruise, brunch at The Collins Quarter or B. Matthew’s Eatery and dinner at Common Threads will fill up your weekend and give you the full Savannah experience.

Charleston vs Savannah: Top Attractions

I could do a whole separate post on top things to do in each city! For now, I’ll mention a few top activities you’ll absolutely want to include on your weekend itinerary.

Charleston SC Top Attractions

Visit Rainbow Row, Fort Sumter, Charleston City Market, the French Quarter, and White Point Garden. You can visit Sullivan’s Island if you’re interested in exploring Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park.

I’d recommend a sunset city cruise on the water and an architectural tour (either self-guided or booked with a tour company) if you want to soak up the history and folklore of Charleston.

Fun fact – Charleston is sometimes called the Holy City because of the number of churches and religious tolerance over the centuries.

Nearby beaches: Folly Beach is 11 miles south of Charleston. Another 30 miles drive south is Kiawah Island which has a large golf course and beautiful beaches.

Savannah GA Top Attractions

Visit the Riverfront walk in the North Historic District, the American Prohibition Museum tour and cocktail-making class, the Olde Pink House, Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters, Tybee Island, and a Savannah ghost tour.

Fun fact – Savannah is Georgia’s oldest city. As such, many people claim it is haunted, which makes it ideal for taking a ghost tour.

Nearby beaches: Savannah is 18 miles from Tybee Island, the closest beach to the city.

 

Charleston vs Savannah: Where to Stay

To experience the unique atmosphere of each city I recommend staying as close to the downtown as possible.

In Charleston, the French Quarter, Radcliffeborough, and Ragborough center around the same region and have many cute hotel options.

I personally like Indigo Hotel and Bijou Boutique Hotel if you want a cozy stay in the city.

In Savannah the North Historic District puts you at the center of the action and within easy distance of top attractions, restaurants, and the river.

The South Historic District has beautiful restored homes and another solid option if you want to stay close to Savannah’s Downtown.

I personally like East Bay Inn in the North Historic District right along East Bay Street across from Emmet Park.

 

Charleston vs Savannah: Best Time of Year to Visit

Charleston and Savannah are some of the best places to visit year-round. The weather is mild even in fall and winter seasons. Keep in mind that June through August is the typical travel season while school is out of session in the United States.

May through October are lovely times of the year to visit. October weather in the American South is still pretty mild, but you may experience more rain.

Even if you visit from November through March in the fall and winter months, you can likely expect lovely crisp weather, perfect for throwing on a jacket and heading outdoors.

 

Charleston SC vs Savannah GA: Weekend Getaway Recap

To recap, Charleston is perfect for a weekend filled with Civil War era history, colorful colonial homes along cobblestone streets, and incredible restaurants in a coastal city.

Savannah is ideal for a charming weekend amidst tall oaks with Spanish Moss, lively restaurants along the Riverwalk, a day trip to Tybee Island, and charming southern restaurants.

When it comes to Charleston SC versus Savannah GA you have two fantastic options to choose from. Both cities allow you to experience southern hospitality the natural beauty of both regions.

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