AKB: Road trip advice for coastal SC and GA

[Relayer]

After visiting friends in Wilmington. NC, we have 7 nights to explore the Savannah and Charleston areas in mid April. Research tells me to spend more time in Savannah. We are driving down and flying home from Charleston.

We will also be attending the RBC Heritage golf tournament on Hilton Head. Not sure if I should make this a day trip from Savannah or book a place near HHI.

Right now I was thinking 4 nights in Savannah, 1 night near HHI, and 2 nights in Charleston before flying home. I've been struggling on how to split up the 7 nights.

Any advice on restaurants, breweries and points of interests will be appreciated.

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

What car are you driving?

 

[Relayer]

What car are you driving?

We are renting a car.

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

Have fun!

 

[Catch1lion]

Been on quite a few golf trips to Kiawah . Have stayed in Charleston a few times. Never “drove the bus “ just followed along with the guys . Unfortunately don’t recall the names of the downtown bars and restaurants but it seemed like you couldn’t go wrong . Halls Chophouse was great . Beautiful fun downtown area . Plenty of outside drinking and eating options.

 

[Steve JG]

After visiting friends in Wilmington. NC, we have 7 nights to explore the Savannah and Charleston areas in mid April. Research tells me to spend more time in Savannah. We are driving down and flying home from Charleston.

We will also be attending the RBC Heritage golf tournament on Hilton Head. Not sure if I should make this a day trip from Savannah or book a place near HHI.

Right now I was thinking 4 nights in Savannah, 1 night near HHI, and 2 nights in Charleston before flying home. I've been struggling on how to split up the 7 nights.

Any advice on restaurants, breweries and points of interests will be appreciated.

Charleston a very good eating town, lots of interesting places up and down the $$ scale

 

[Connorpozlee]

I’ll be in Charleston in April as well. Taking my wife for her 50th birthday. We’ve been there once before and loved it. This time will be without kids, though we are stopping to spend a night with my oldest in Greenville.

 

[Keyser Soze 16802]

https://thepirateshouse.com/

 

[saturdaysarebetter]

Isn't Savannah one of the most haunted cities in the U.S.? I recall doing some ghost and town tours, eating at the Pirates house and some seafood place that each table had a marking of all the celebrity that ate at each table. The squares throughout town were different.

 

[Nittering Nabob]

After visiting friends in Wilmington. NC, we have 7 nights to explore the Savannah and Charleston areas in mid April. Research tells me to spend more time in Savannah. We are driving down and flying home from Charleston.

We will also be attending the RBC Heritage golf tournament on Hilton Head. Not sure if I should make this a day trip from Savannah or book a place near HHI.

Right now I was thinking 4 nights in Savannah, 1 night near HHI, and 2 nights in Charleston before flying home. I've been struggling on how to split up the 7 nights.

Any advice on restaurants, breweries and points of interests will be appreciated.

Imho you’re spending too many nights in Savannah. Two is plenty unless it is your first stop after a long drive from PA.

We’re not huge fans of HH. We find it congested and a bit tacky/trashy. It was probably nice 20+ years ago.

You might want to consider/research Beaufort and Bluffton for at least one night.

And go explore some of the remote areas of southeastern SC…Daufuskie, Edisto and Fripp islands.

Take many photos and have fun.

 

[1995PSUGrad]

If you are going to Savannah first, I assume you are heading down I-95. If so, you have to stop at Buc-ee's in Florence.

I agree with the previous poster in that you don't need 4 nights in Savannah. Depending on what time you get there, 2 may be enough. I do recommend taking a ghost tour in Savannah.

Since you will be in the Lowcountry, you could take a day or two to tour Forrest Gump filming locations!

 

[PSUFBFAN]

After visiting friends in Wilmington. NC, we have 7 nights to explore the Savannah and Charleston areas in mid April. Research tells me to spend more time in Savannah. We are driving down and flying home from Charleston.

We will also be attending the RBC Heritage golf tournament on Hilton Head. Not sure if I should make this a day trip from Savannah or book a place near HHI.

Right now I was thinking 4 nights in Savannah, 1 night near HHI, and 2 nights in Charleston before flying home. I've been struggling on how to split up the 7 nights.

Any advice on restaurants, breweries and points of interests will be appreciated.

• 4 nights in Savannah is too many.
• 1 night in HH is not enough - that's checking in at 4:00 pm and checking out the next day at 10 or 11 am - that's not convenient for seeing much.
• What day are you planning on attending the Heritage? That will have an impact upon visiting. The golf tournament and course is special, but that week in Sea Pines is one of the busiest weeks of the year as it combines Easter (spring break) and the golf tournament. Tuesday is practice round day - great day to watch the pros having a relaxed time. Wednesday is pro-am day - avoid it - worst day of the week for watching golf. One pro and 4 amateurs, many of who couldn't break 100 on their best day. Thursday and Friday are best days to watch the tournament - lighter crowds. Saturday is the most crowded.
• I would do: Savannah 2 nights, HHI 2 nights, and Charleston 3 nights (considering the 3rd night is the day before you fly out).

 

[UncleRoyBiggins]

If you are going to Savannah first, I assume you are heading down I-95. If so, you have to stop at Buc-ee's in Florence.

I agree with the previous poster in that you don't need 4 nights in Savannah. Depending on what time you get there, 2 may be enough. I do recommend taking a ghost tour in Savannah.

Since you will be in the Lowcountry, you could take a day or two to tour Forrest Gump filming locations!

I agree with stopping at Buc-ees. That place is insane, but well worth it just to experience something like that!

 

[fearson05]

I agree that HHI was much nicer 20+ years ago (my family has had two weeks of timeshares in Shipyard since 1984 when I was 2) before all of the off-island build-up and the insane price increases at the golf courses on the island (though I will always feel that Oyster Reef is worth the cost).

That being said, there are some good spots to hit up.
Drinks: Check out "Side Hustle Brewing Company" which moved into an old bank building a few years ago and has some tasty beers and good food to go with it. Unfortunately, I think the South Beach Marina area in Sea Pines is going to be under construction at that time so getting a drink at Salty Dog Cafe may be off the list. One of my favorite's on a hot day is Frosty Frog Cafe which has a wide selection of frozen drinks where you can add floaters of grain alcohol to make them stronger.

Restaurants: I was only able to make it down once in the last 4 years so I can't speak to some of the newer places, but some of our long time favorites (all seafood related) are Old Oyster Factory, Alexanders & Skull Creek Boathouse. Hudson's is a more reasonably priced one that we used to go to regularly as well.

In Savannah, if you can get a reservation at The Olde Pink House it is worth the experience. (housed in an old colonial mansion with excellent drinks and food) If you are interested in learning about the city and it's history, the hop on/off bus tours starting at the visitors center can be a good time, and we've done the riverboat cruise down to the fort before as well. The food on the boat wasn't anything to write home about to the best of my recollection, but the shrimp and grits were good. Other than that, you're really just strolling on the riverwalk area with shops/bars/restaurants.

And Beaufort is a nice little town to visit for a day as well. My wife and I did a van tour of the town a few years ago (partially to get out of the heat) and really enjoyed learning more about the town and Frederick Douglass.

Imho you’re spending too many nights in Savannah. Two is plenty unless it is your first stop after a long drive from PA.

We’re not huge fans of HH. We find it congested and a bit tacky/trashy. It was probably nice 20+ years ago.

You might want to consider/research Beaufort and Bluffton for at least one night.

And go explore some of the remote areas of southeastern SC…Daufuskie, Edisto and Fripp islands.

Take many photos and have fun.

 

[CFLion]

I highly recommend staying at The Dewberry in Charleston. As for restaurants in Charleston, check out Slightly North of Broad, Husk, Church and Union.

 

[cjrugger]

Charleston > Savannah
Downtown and King St are a lot of fun, and check out Shem Creek and Isle of Palms if you're looking for something quieter

Beaufort/Port Royal is a good little area and Fishcamp on 11th St is one of my favorite restaurants in the world

 

[Relayer]

Thanks for all the feedback. Lots of different opinions and options. Based on the tripadvisor forums, they tend to like Savannah over Charleston. Here I sense the opposite.

I will probably end up with 3 nights in Savannah, checking out Thursday morning and heading right to HHI for the golf. One night near HHI Thursday night and then 3 nights in Charleston. Fly home Monday morning.

Is Tybee Island worth checking out?

 

[Nittering Nabob]

Is Tybee Island worth checking out?

If you have an extra couple of hours. The pro's are that it's close to Savannah but once you arrive there isn't much to look at other than beach and ocean. The lighthouse is nice to stroll around but I wouldn't pay $15 to climb all those steps to the top just to get a nice view. On the way to or back from Tybee you could detour through Wilmington Island to look at some nice homes (Paula Deen built a huge place at 818 Wilmington River Rd near the Savannah CC). It might add 10-15 minutes to your trip.

As for Savannah proper, I would avoid anything Paula Deen related (e.g. Lady & Sons restaurant). Another touristy place avoid is the Mrs Wilkes Dining Room where they serve, family style, large portions of fried chicken. I don't like being forced to share a table with complete strangers and serve myself food from community bowls.

I agree with the other poster who recommended the Olde Pink House if you want finer dining. For a casual but nice dining spot (burgers, sandwiches, comfort food) I recommend the Crystal Beer Parlor. https://www.crystalbeerparlor.com/. They have good food and numerous locally-brewed beers on tap. I think you and Mrs R would like it.

Another place to visit for a pre-dinner cocktail is Rocks on the Roof, a rooftop bar overlooking the Savannah River. I forget which hotel it's located in but the views are worth the price of their slightly overpriced beverages.

Have either you or your wife read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil ? It's a quick read that will augment your trip and you'll understand why so many tourists line up outside the Mercer Williams house for tours.

I'm of no help when it comes to Charleston...never been there.

 

[NewEra 2026]

I really enjoy that part of the country. My family and I have been on many a vacation there over the years. As far as Charleston restaurants, we enjoy Fleet Landing and Poogan's Porch to sample some lowcountry cuisine. Charleston also has a fun bar scene, with some nice rooftop bars in particular. There are really too many to list.

I don't know if this can fit into your itinerary or not, but you may want to stay on Kiawah Island for a couple of nights. They have some great drinks at the golf clubhouse at the Ocean Course. The Old Fashioned is particularly good. Also, if you go to the point at the end of the island between Kiawah and Seabrook Island at dusk and low tide, you can get a good view of the dolphins feeding--it is really cool to see how they work together to herd fish to the shore.

Personally, I would spend zero nights in Hilton Head. I hate that place.

 

[Relayer]

If you have an extra couple of hours. The pro's are that it's close to Savannah but once you arrive there isn't much to look at other than beach and ocean. The lighthouse is nice to stroll around but I wouldn't pay $15 to climb all those steps to the top just to get a nice view. On the way to or back from Tybee you could detour through Wilmington Island to look at some nice homes (Paula Deen built a huge place at 818 Wilmington River Rd near the Savannah CC). It might add 10-15 minutes to your trip.

As for Savannah proper, I would avoid anything Paula Deen related (e.g. Lady & Sons restaurant). Another touristy place avoid is the Mrs Wilkes Dining Room where they serve, family style, large portions of fried chicken. I don't like being forced to share a table with complete strangers and serve myself food from community bowls.

I agree with the other poster who recommended the Olde Pink House if you want finer dining. For a casual but nice dining spot (burgers, sandwiches, comfort food) I recommend the Crystal Beer Parlor. https://www.crystalbeerparlor.com/. They have good food and numerous locally-brewed beers on tap. I think you and Mrs R would like it.

Another place to visit for a pre-dinner cocktail is Rocks on the Roof, a rooftop bar overlooking the Savannah River. I forget which hotel it's located in but the views are worth the price of their slightly overpriced beverages.

Have either you or your wife read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil ? It's a quick read that will augment your trip and you'll understand why so many tourists line up outside the Mercer Williams house for tours.

I'm of no help when it comes to Charleston...never been there.

Looks good NN. I got a few recs on tripadvisor for the Crystal Beer Parlor, we will definitely be there.

I really enjoy that part of the country. My family and I have been on many a vacation there over the years. As far as Charleston restaurants, we enjoy Fleet Landing and Poogan's Porch to sample some lowcountry cuisine. Charleston also has a fun bar scene, with some nice rooftop bars in particular. There are really too many to list.

I don't know if this can fit into your itinerary or not, but you may want to stay on Kiawah Island for a couple of nights. They have some great drinks at the golf clubhouse at the Ocean Course. The Old Fashioned is particularly good. Also, if you go to the point at the end of the island between Kiawah and Seabrook Island at dusk and low tide, you can get a good view of the dolphins feeding--it is really cool to see how they work together to herd fish to the shore.

Personally, I would spend zero nights in Hilton Head. I hate that place.

Thanks for the recs. We are not spending any nights on HHI. I've decided on 3 nights Savannah, 1 night in Beaufort and 3 in Charleston. We check out on the Thursday of the golf and will head right to Harbour Town. After the golf we'll spend the night in Beaufort.

How about driving out to Kiawah and having lunch there? Looks like it's 30 minutes off the main road.

We will be heading down 95 from Wilmington to Savannah, so Buc-ees is on the list.

 

[NewEra 2026]

Looks good NN. I got a few recs on tripadvisor for the Crystal Beer Parlor, we will definitely be there.


Thanks for the recs. We are not spending any nights on HHI. I've decided on 3 nights Savannah, 1 night in Beaufort and 3 in Charleston. We check out on the Thursday of the golf and will head right to Harbour Town. After the golf we'll spend the night in Beaufort.

How about driving out to Kiawah and having lunch there? Looks like it's 30 minutes off the main road.

We will be heading down 95 from Wilmington to Savannah, so Buc-ees is on the list.

I think you need to be staying on Kiawah in order to get on the island. It is one of the benefits to that island and the beach. But you could check with them to see if lunch can be an option for you.

 

[MtNittany]

Savannah sort of smells like wood pulp doesn't it?

 

[Nittering Nabob]

I think you need to be staying on Kiawah in order to get on the island. It is one of the benefits to that island and the beach. But you could check with them to see if lunch can be an option for you.

Or, if there’s a restaurant you want to visit you simply pretend to be interested in viewing a “for sale” property and make a viewing appointment with a local real estate agent.

The guard shack gives you dashboard pass and you go on your merry way after viewing and dismissing the viewed property.

 

[northwoods]

Savannah sort of smells like wood pulp doesn't it?

Savannah sort of smells like wood pulp doesn't it?

I think you might be thinking of Georgetown.

 

[MtNittany]

I think you might be thinking of Georgetown.

No. Paper mills stink, and Savannah - as beautiful as it is - has them. The smell of money, I would guess.

 

[northwoods]

Thanks for all the feedback. Lots of different opinions and options. Based on the tripadvisor forums, they tend to like Savannah over Charleston. Here I sense the opposite.

I will probably end up with 3 nights in Savannah, checking out Thursday morning and heading right to HHI for the golf. One night near HHI Thursday night and then 3 nights in Charleston. Fly home Monday morning.

Is Tybee Island worth checking

1. I'd even out the number of nights between Savannah and Charleston. They are both wonderful.

2. A lot of vacationers, myself included, tend to now think of Hilton Head as overpriced, not genuinely southern in attitude or ambiance, and with many of the condo accommodations definitely showing their age. Great golf, and a cocktail by the marina and lighthouse is always nice.

3. Agree a real plus is to re spend one day in Beaufort. You can walk from the main commercial district into the historic district to view many of the older homes.

4. The single best "attraction" on your route south on 17 is Brookgreen Gardens, right off of 17 just south of Myrte Beach. Research it, and spend a travel day there --- you'll thank me.

5. When you go through McClellanville (on 17 between Georgetown and Charleston) and the speed limit drops from 60 t0 50 --- slow down. Better yet, turn left and drive through this wonderful town.

6. The best, and freshest, sea food platter I've ever had (and I lived in northern New England most of my life) is served at lunch and dinner at the Sewee Restaurant, on your right on 17 just north of Charleston in Awendaw. It's not fancy, but again --- you'll thank me.

 

[northwoods]

No. Paper mills stink, and Savannah - as beautiful as it is - has them. The smell of money, I would guess.

Perhaps of interest, but the huge International Paper plant in Georgetown is closing. The steel mill has had a checkered history over the past decade re opening and closing with new owners. It too is now probably closed for good. I won't miss those two odors, but the two closures will have a severe economic impact on the town. Over time Georgetown will transition to a very nice coastal town with a great waterfront and numerous historic homes.

 

[Relayer]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Ok, we've been home for a couple weeks now, but what a great trip we had to Wilmington, Savannah, Hilton Head for the golf, Beaufort, Kiawah Island for lunch and Charleston.

Hung out with our friends from Turks and Caicos in Wilmington and took a ride out to their beach house on North Topsail Beach, NC. What a beautiful beach! We hit the Copper Penny in town and this was a great pub (they were featured on Triple D) to watch the Masters.

North Topsail Beach, NC, April 2025 · Sunday, Apr 13 📸

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We did stop by Buc-ees in Florence on the way to Savannah. Yeah, this place was fun, packed on a Monday at lunch time. Jerky to go, brisket and smoked turkey sandwiches to go, a solid lunch. For whatever reason, they must have 100 gas pumps and I could not find one squeegee to get the bug carnage off the windshield.

Savannah was a great town, lots of beautiful parks and squares. We parked the rental in the garage for 3 days and didn't need it once, everything is walkable. We toured the Prohibition Museum and the Maritime Museum full of model ships. We also did a Boos and Booze Tour which was fun in the evening. Restaurants we hit included the Cotton Exchange, Crystal Beer Parlor, The Olde Pink House, Trailor Park, and the Pirate House. Very nice being able to walk around with open containers.

Savannah, GA, April 2025 · Apr 14 – 17 📸

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We had a perfect Thursday for the RBC Heritage on Hilton Head Island. So glad that Wicked Weed Brewing Co is all over this part of the country. The Pernicious IPA was my go to on this trip. Spent the night in Beaufort, what a cool little town. Next stop on the way to Charleston was The Ryder Cup Pub on Kiawah Island overlooking the Ocean Course. Wow, I thought this compared to lunch on the 18th hole at Pebble Beach, especially considering the history here.

Charleston, SC, April 2025 · Apr 18 – 20 📸

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For Charleston we stayed 10 miles outside of town. Unlike Savannah, hotel rates in town were outrageous. We spent Day 1 downtown at the Charleston Market, Pineapple Fountain, Rainbow Row and toured the Nathaniel Russel House. Late lunch at Fleet Landing, then a ride out to a very crowded Sullivan's Beach. Out by our hotel we hit up Stones Throw Brewing Co. for a nightcap.

On Day 2 we did the ferry tour out to Fort Sumter. We enjoyed this very much getting educated on the beginnings on the Civil War. We also toured the USS Yorktown. This was also very informative and made me appreciate those who served this country. Had a solid late lunch at Coleman Public House.

Our flight back to Philly was an hour and 21 minutes. Next up, Montana and Idaho this July.

 

[WanderingSpectator]

We stayed one night in Savannah while driving to Florida. We liked it and would spend more time there, but 4 nights seems like overkill. We had a great meal at Huey’s on the river.

 

[1995PSUGrad]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Ok, we've been home for a couple weeks now, but what a great trip we had to Wilmington, Savannah, Hilton Head for the golf, Beaufort, Kiawah Island for lunch and Charleston.

Hung out with our friends from Turks and Caicos in Wilmington and took a ride out to their beach house on North Topsail Beach, NC. What a beautiful beach! We hit the Copper Penny in town and this was a great pub (they were featured on Triple D) to watch the Masters.

North Topsail Beach, NC, April 2025 · Sunday, Apr 13 📸

Shared album · Tap to view!

photos.app.goo.gl

We did stop by Buc-ees in Florence on the way to Savannah. Yeah, this place was fun, packed on a Monday at lunch time. Jerky to go, brisket and smoked turkey sandwiches to go, a solid lunch. For whatever reason, they must have 100 gas pumps and I could not find one squeegee to get the bug carnage off the windshield.

Savannah was a great town, lots of beautiful parks and squares. We parked the rental in the garage for 3 days and didn't need it once, everything is walkable. We toured the Prohibition Museum and the Maritime Museum full of model ships. We also did a Boos and Booze Tour which was fun in the evening. Restaurants we hit included the Cotton Exchange, Crystal Beer Parlor, The Olde Pink House, Trailor Park, and the Pirate House. Very nice being able to walk around with open containers.

Savannah, GA, April 2025 · Apr 14 – 17 📸

Shared album · Tap to view!

photos.app.goo.gl

We had a perfect Thursday for the RBC Heritage on Hilton Head Island. So glad that Wicked Weed Brewing Co is all over this part of the country. The Pernicious IPA was my go to on this trip. Spent the night in Beaufort, what a cool little town. Next stop on the way to Charleston was The Ryder Cup Pub on Kiawah Island overlooking the Ocean Course. Wow, I thought this compared to lunch on the 18th hole at Pebble Beach, especially considering the history here.

Charleston, SC, April 2025 · Apr 18 – 20 📸

Shared album · Tap to view!

photos.app.goo.gl

For Charleston we stayed 10 miles outside of town. Unlike Savannah, hotel rates in town were outrageous. We spent Day 1 downtown at the Charleston Market, Pineapple Fountain, Rainbow Row and toured the Nathaniel Russel House. Late lunch at Fleet Landing, then a ride out to a very crowded Sullivan's Beach. Out by our hotel we hit up Stones Throw Brewing Co. for a nightcap.

On Day 2 we did the ferry tour out to Fort Sumter. We enjoyed this very much getting educated on the beginnings on the Civil War. We also toured the USS Yorktown. This was also very informative and made me appreciate those who served this country. Had a solid late lunch at Coleman Public House.

Our flight back to Philly was an hour and 21 minutes. Next up, Montana and Idaho this July.

Where are you going in Montana? My son took a job at Glacier Park Lodge for the summer. If I can make it work with his schedule, I plan to fly out to see him for a few days.

 

[Relayer]

Where are you going in Montana? My son took a job at Glacier Park Lodge for the summer. If I can make it work with his schedule, I plan to fly out to see him for a few days.

We'll be in Glacier NP the second week of July. I was able to get a couple nights at Rising Sun and one night at Many Glacier.

 

[Nittering Nabob]

We'll be in Glacier NP the second week of July. I was able to get a couple nights at Rising Sun and one night at Many Glacier.

As you and Mrs R tour the country, is there any place / places that you both agree might be “retirement worthy”?