Savannah, Hilton Head, Atlanta in Fall

Question

Hello all,

We, four adults, plan to visit Savannah, Hilton Head and Atlanta in September or October. We will have around 1 week, we will fly from NYC to Savannah or Atlanta then fly back to NYC. During the trip we will rent a car between cities. Can any experts give me some advise on how to plan this trip, itinerary (best route in and out of city) and how many dates in each place etc. Any suggestions are welcome.

Thank you all in advance!

Answer

That sounds like a wonderful trip! September and October are great times to visit Savannah, Hilton Head, and Atlanta, as the weather is usually warm but not too hot, and the fall foliage can make for a beautiful drive. Here’s a suggested itinerary and some advice for your trip:

Day 1-2: Arrive in Savannah

Start your trip in Savannah, which is known for its historic charm, beautiful squares, and scenic waterfront. Since you’ll be flying in from NYC, I recommend starting here for a more relaxed pace to ease into the Southern experience.

Arrival: Fly into Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV). You’ll likely want to rent a car here for the duration of the trip, as it will make getting around easier.
Activities: Spend your first day strolling around the historic district, which is packed with cobblestone streets, grand old homes, and beautiful public squares. Take a walk along the Savannah Riverfront, and visit famous spots like Forsyth Park, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and Bonaventure Cemetery. Don’t miss a visit to one of the city’s rooftop bars for a drink and view of the city.
Dining: Enjoy Southern cuisine at one of Savannah’s top restaurants. The Grey (in a restored train station) is a local favorite. For more casual dining, try Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room for traditional comfort food.
Accommodation: Stay in or near the historic district for easy access to key sights. There are plenty of boutique hotels, charming B&Bs, or more modern options like The Alida Hotel.

Day 3-4: Hilton Head Island

From Savannah, head to Hilton Head Island, which is about a 45-minute drive away. Known for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, and peaceful atmosphere, Hilton Head is a great place to unwind. Spend 2 days here for a relaxing coastal getaway.

Drive to Hilton Head: The drive to Hilton Head is short and scenic, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore when you arrive.
Activities: Relax on the beach, rent bikes to explore the island, and visit the Harbour Town Lighthouse. You can also explore the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge for a walk or take a boat tour. Hilton Head is perfect for those who want to take it easy with beach walks, seafood dinners, and beautiful sunsets.
Dining: Enjoy a seafood dinner at The Skull Creek Boathouse or Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks, both of which offer great views of the water.
Accommodation: Stay near the beach or in Harbour Town for easy access to both the beach and dining. The Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort is a great choice if you prefer a more resort-like experience.

Day 5-7: Atlanta

Next, head to Atlanta for the final part of your trip. It’s about a 4-5 hour drive from Hilton Head to Atlanta, so you’ll want to plan for a relaxing drive with a stop along the way if needed. You can easily drive via I-95 North and I-16 West, or opt for a more scenic route through smaller towns like Statesboro or Macon.

Arrival and Activities: Spend your last 2-3 days in Atlanta. Start with a visit to Centennial Olympic Park, then head to the Georgia Aquarium (even if it’s a bit touristy, it’s impressive). If you’re into history, visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and the Atlanta History Center.
Dining: For a great local meal, try Mary Mac’s Tea Room for Southern classics or The Varsity for a casual, iconic Atlanta fast food experience. Ponce City Market is also great for a mix of food, shopping, and entertainment.
Accommodation: Stay near Midtown or Downtown Atlanta for easy access to attractions. The Four Seasons Atlanta offers luxury with a central location, or if you prefer a more boutique hotel, consider Hotel Clermont for its cool, retro vibe.

Suggested Itinerary:

Day 1-2: Arrive in Savannah, explore the historic district, and enjoy some of the local cuisine.
Day 3-4: Drive to Hilton Head, relax on the beach, and enjoy the coastal charm.
Day 5-7: Drive to Atlanta, explore the city’s main attractions, enjoy great food, and end your trip with a visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Driving Routes:

The drive between Savannah and Hilton Head is easy and quick (about 45 minutes), so you’ll have plenty of time to relax on the island.
The drive from Hilton Head to Atlanta is about 4-5 hours. Consider taking breaks in smaller towns along the way, such as Macon or Statesboro, for lunch or a quick look around.

With this itinerary, you’ll have the perfect mix of Southern charm, beach relaxation, and city exploration. The drives are manageable, and you’ll be able to experience the best each place has to offer. Have a wonderful time planning your trip, and enjoy your vacation!

Savannah, Hilton Head, Atlanta in Fall

More Savannah Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions