Charleston and Savannah, two of the most delightful destinations on America’s southeast shores, resemble Southern sisters with similar features but personalities that have diverged over the decades. Both coastal towns brim with history, charm and hospitality, but their vibes couldn’t be more distinct.
So, are you seeking Charleston’s old-world chic or a dose of Savannah’s artsy quirk? Read on to learn more about these Southern coastal cities. As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
The Basics
Charleston
Charleston and Savannah are nearly neighbors — separated by 100 miles, a state border and a centuries-old rivalry. A skosh larger than Savannah, Charleston sits on a peninsula in Charleston Harbor and is surrounded by beach towns and historical sites.
Old, polished and genteel, this historic South Carolina city was founded in 1670 and earned its nickname, “The Holy City,” for its skyline of church steeples and the range of religious faiths that took root here.
Savannah
You might think of Savannah, Georgia, as a spirited younger sibling of Charleston. It is dubbed “The Hostess City” and aims to prove it with copious amounts of partying, including a St. Patrick’s Day celebration that attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year.
Perched on a river of the same name, Savannah is compact and walkable, with a convenient airport, a penchant for spooky ghost stories and the beach community of Tybee Island right nearby.
The Best Time to Visit
Charleston and Savannah both bloom gorgeously in the spring, become alternately breezy and balmy in autumn, and offer crisp, sunny winter afternoons perfect for strolling.
The summer heat is no joke, though, so if you’re visiting either in July, consider staying near the beach. (Or, if you’re set on staying downtown, you might appreciate a hotel with a refreshing pool to cool off in, like The Alida, Savannah, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel or Courtyard by Marriott Charleston Historic District.)
Activities
Charleston
Strolling Charleston or Savannah on foot is like stepping into two equally beautiful postcards, resplendent with sun-dappled cobblestone streets, well-preserved architecture and charming boutiques.
In Charleston, you can blend your own cocktail of history, art and outdoor adventure. Stroll down Museum Mile, where the Gibbes Museum showcases Southern art, or visit the new International African American Museum, a powerful exploration of the African diaspora (timed-entry tickets are recommended).
Wander along the waterfront to see Rainbow Row’s iconic pastel homes or snap a photo beneath the sprawling Angel Oak, a live oak estimated to be more than 400 years old. For a more active outing, walk or bike across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge for stunning views of the Charleston Harbor.
Want to see the city at a leisurely pace? Opt for a carriage ride and let the clippety-clop of draft horses transport you back in time.
Charleston welcomes beachgoers with no fewer than five seaside escapes. Sullivan’s Island, just 20 minutes from downtown, has laid-back vibes and rich history, while Folly Beach attracts surfers and sunseekers. Kiawah and Seabrook Islands are perfect for golf enthusiasts, and Isle of Palms provides family-friendly fun.
Savannah
Kick off your Savannah adventure at JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District, where the historic riverfront has been jazzed up with entertainment options and contemporary dining. While you down oysters and old-fashioneds and take in some live music, you may be startled by the mesmerizing spectacle of massive cargo ships gliding down the river, impossibly close to where you’re seated.
A few blocks away, Broughton Street is a shopper’s playground. Browse local staples like Globe Shoe Company, outfitting Savannah’s soles since 1892, or the lovely Paris Market and Brocante, where housewares, delicious pastries and café au laits all mingle in a restored Victorian building. You would also be well-advised to grab an ice-cream cone at Leopold’s.
To learn more about the city’s history and culture, visit all three of the Telfair Museums. Explore the sleek Jepson Center for contemporary art and café vibes, and the stately Telfair Academy with its classic 19th-century art. And you can join one of the hourlong guided tours (offered throughout the day) of the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, a restored historical landmark home and its quarters for enslaved people.
Forsyth Park is a must-see while in Savannah. Park at the southern end (where you’ll find that rarest of commodities: free parking) and head straight north through the park till you reach Bull Street. Bull will take you through five of the city’s nicest town squares, each with its own historic figure immortalized in a statue (and, oddly, never depicting the person the square is named for).
For seaside charm that ranges from the serene to the funky, drive 25 minutes to Tybee Island, a repository of quirky homegrown shops, casual seafood spots and the iconic Tybee Island Lighthouse, where 178 steps deliver striking views encompassing ocean, river and Tybee’s network of tidal creeks.
Food
Charleston
Charleston is the cradle of Lowcountry cuisine, a style of cooking that blends ingredients and traditions from West African, British, French and Caribbean influences. Try regional favorites like she-crab soup and shrimp and grits at Hank’s Seafood, or dip into the Charleston BBQ scene at Lewis Barbecue.
But Charleston’s food scene does not begin and end with Southern regional cuisine. Perhaps the premiere foodie destination this side of the Mason-Dixon line, you’ll find cuisines ranging from French to Senegalese to Pakistani.
Savannah
Savannah’s dining scene may be less expansive than Charleston’s, but it has much to offer that is strong and inventive. Consider Brochu’s Family Tradition, a restaurant from former Alinea Group executive chef Andrew Brochu that works magic with the humble chicken sandwich. Or enjoy elevated Italian in a lavishly decorated mansion overlooking Forsyth Park at Saint Bibiana.
But when all is said and done, this is still a town that’s all about boozy brunches and fresh oysters. You’ll find both at Rhett, located in The Alida, Savannah, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. It’s a hot brunch spot (hello, chicken and waffles with spicy bourbon maple syrup) and also offers a twist on happy hour called “Oyster Hour,” focused on oysters and Champagne.
Nightlife
Charleston
Charleston is steeped in a rich jazz tradition — and even if your visit doesn’t coincide with the annual Charleston Jazz Festival, there’s no shortage of vibrant jazz clubs and bars to explore. King Street, a hub of nightlife, is a great starting point for live music and lively vibes. If you’re looking for a hotel in the area, The Lindy Renaissance Charleston Hotel has a convenient location just off King Street.
If you take your cocktails seriously, Charleston heartily concurs. Stop by The Gin Joint in the French Quarter for an elevated experience featuring inventive ingredients like tangerine marmalade, beet shrub and clarified milk.
Or slip behind the bar yourself and join a cocktail class led by the master mixologist at Élevé (the rooftop bar and restaurant at Grand Bohemian Charleston, Autograph Collection), where you’ll learn about Charleston’s cocktail history while you mix your own.
If you’d rather kick back with a pint glass, head to one of Charlestown’s local breweries; the city has a thriving craft beer scene.
Savannah
The party never stops in Savannah’s Historic District, where an open-container policy means revelers can sip and stroll, clutching to-go cups from bars and restaurants. Perry Lane Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Savannah is conveniently located for bar-hopping and sightseeing downtown.
Savannah’s rooftop bar scene is also a must-do; it’s the best way to take in city and river views while sharing small plates of food. A couple of options to try are the boho, adventurous The Lost Square and Myrtle & Rose, which has unusual floral cocktails with ingredients such as lavender and crème de violette.
For a more casual night out, Starland Yard is the place to be. The food court has live music, rotating offerings from food trucks and permanent eatery Pizzeria Vittoria. It’s an excellent place to people-watch, as Savannah’s creative class congregates here for events featuring local vendors, artists and trivia.
Getting Around
Charleston
Both of these visitor-friendly Southern charmers make getting around as easy as pecan pie. Charleston has a larger footprint than Savannah’s compact historic district, but it’s made for wandering — from Battery’s breezy waterfront to the technicolor houses of Rainbow Row to King Street’s shopping (which is tonier than Savannah’s more down-home offerings).
Charleston also has free shuttles — known as the DASH — that run between historic points.
If you plan to explore beyond downtown, you should consider renting a car, as Ubers and Lyfts can be pricey and may not be available in some areas.
Savannah
Savannah’s Historic District is a straightforward grid, one mile square, stretching from the Savannah River south to Forsyth Park. It’s supremely walkable — and peppered with 22 lush, oak-filled squares that you couldn’t properly appreciate in a car.
For exploring downtown, the best alternative to walking is to purchase a day pass for a hop-on, hop-off trolley. They’re frequent and convenient, and you don’t have to pre-plan your route. The Dot, the city’s free shuttle system, is another option, though it typically isn’t the fastest or most reliable option if you’re on a tight schedule.
If you’re too tired or otherwise unable to hoof it, Uber and Lyft can connect you between destinations in the city. But it’s recommended you rent a car for bigger adventures, like to Tybee Island.
All in all, Charleston and Savannah deliver year-round charm, whether you’re chasing architecture, azaleas, nightlife or sandy beaches.
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