Georgia and SC Coastal trip

Question

My husband and I are doing a road trip through the south in July. Part of this will be driving up the south coast from around Brunswick maybe as far as Georgetown and will visit both Savannah and Charleston but only have about 4-5 days in this area and would prefer to stay outside of the cities. We'd like to do a horse and carriage history tour in one of the cities (opinions on which is better?), and we will might visit one plantation home in the area, but other than that we are more interested in local spots than tourist photo ops. What would be the best use of our time, what are the 'don't miss' spots, cutest small towns? We like independent local accommodation, historic hotels & inns, bnbs, cabins or glamping rather than mainstream hotels, we like good local food, particularly seafood, we are not into celebrity chef restaurants and prefer casual local places in interesting locations, we love a good seafood shack or bar on the water where we can have a beer and chat to the locals. We prefer smaller towns to cities, the marshland and water ways are of more interest than the beaches. We'd love to stay in places where we can rent a golf cart, go crabbing, fishing, see wild life, visit antique & vintage stores, sit on a screened porch with a cocktail...any of those things make a good holiday for us!

Answer

Your upcoming road trip through Georgia and South Carolina sounds like a wonderful opportunity to explore the charming, less-touristy side of the South. With only 4-5 days, here’s a plan that maximizes your time in the coastal region while keeping your focus on local experiences and hidden gems.

For your accommodation, I recommend looking for small, independent inns, historic hotels, and cozy BnBs in the towns along the coast. You'll find that these offer a much more intimate and authentic experience compared to larger hotels. Some great spots to consider are:

Darien, Georgia – A small, charming town with beautiful marsh views, perfect for a quiet stay. You can rent a golf cart and explore the local shops, historic sites, and the nearby Altamaha River. The Darien River is great for crabbing and fishing, and you’ll find several seafood shacks offering fresh local catches.
Beaufort, South Carolina – This town is full of historic charm and southern hospitality. It's smaller than Charleston, but just as beautiful, with historic buildings, marsh views, and plenty of local seafood spots. You can rent a kayak or boat to explore the waterways, or just enjoy the sights around the water. Beaufort is also known for its quaint boutiques, antique shops, and vibrant arts scene.
St. Simons Island, Georgia – Located just north of Brunswick, this island is perfect for a more relaxed, off-the-beaten-path experience. It’s known for its scenic marshlands, historic lighthouse, and charming small-town feel. You can rent a bike or golf cart to explore, and there are plenty of casual seafood restaurants on the water. The island’s fishing piers are also great places to visit for local fishing and crabbing.

For history tours, both Savannah and Charleston offer excellent horse-drawn carriage tours, but since you’re looking for something a bit more local and off-the-beaten-path, I’d recommend doing the carriage tour in Charleston for a few reasons:

Charleston's Carriage Tours – The city's historic district is one of the best-preserved in the country, with beautiful antebellum architecture and charming cobblestone streets. The horse and carriage tours in Charleston will take you through this district while providing insights into the city’s history, culture, and architecture. The tours are very informative and often cover areas not easily explored by foot.
Savannah's Carriage Tours – Savannah is equally beautiful, with its stunning squares and oak-lined streets. If you're more interested in the history of the South, Savannah's tours delve into the city’s role in the Civil War, its founding history, and its haunted past. Both cities offer excellent tours, but Charleston has a more compact historic district, making the carriage tours a bit more picturesque.

As for the “don’t miss” spots, consider the following:

Jekyll Island, Georgia – This is one of the most picturesque spots along the coast. You can take a bike ride through the island’s historic district, rent a golf cart, or simply relax by the beach. The Jekyll Island Club Historic District is a must-see, where you’ll find the winter homes of wealthy families from the Gilded Age.
The Angel Oak Tree in Charleston – This awe-inspiring tree is estimated to be over 400 years old and is one of the oldest living things in the country. It’s an iconic and peaceful place to visit and photograph.
Hunting Island State Park, South Carolina – Located just south of Beaufort, this is one of South Carolina’s most beautiful state parks. It has a stunning lighthouse, great wildlife, and miles of beach. It's a perfect place to walk, bike, or relax on the beach, far away from the crowds.

If you’re interested in local food, particularly seafood, the following places are perfect for a casual, laid-back experience:

The Shrimp Boat, Darien – A great local spot for fresh seafood and southern dishes. It’s laid-back, with a friendly atmosphere and great views of the water.
The Crab Shack, Tybee Island – This spot is a bit more touristy but still very much local, and offers a great seafood experience right on the water. It's perfect for casual dining with a beautiful view of the marsh.
Fleet Landing, Charleston – A wonderful seafood shack-style restaurant located right on the Charleston harbor, offering fresh seafood and fantastic views of the water.

For a true local experience, look for waterfront bars and seafood shacks with outdoor seating, where you can enjoy your meal with a beer in hand while chatting with locals. Most coastal towns have these types of casual spots where you’ll feel right at home, away from the tourist crowds.

Since you enjoy antiquing and vintage shopping, I recommend checking out the charming local shops in Beaufort, Savannah, and Charleston. Both Beaufort and Charleston have excellent antique stores, and Savannah’s Historic District is filled with independent shops that are perfect for browsing.

For activities like fishing, crabbing, and wildlife spotting, consider visiting one of the many nature reserves or state parks in the area. The Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge near Savannah is a great place for birdwatching and wildlife observation, while the Hunting Island State Park is perfect for outdoor activities. You can also find local outfitters who will take you out for a day of crabbing or fishing along the marshes.

In conclusion, your trip sounds fantastic, and with a focus on local experiences, smaller towns, and authentic southern hospitality, it’ll be a memorable one! Take time to explore the unique coastal beauty and immerse yourself in the local culture – this is the real heart of the South.