Charleston/Savannah Itinerary

Question

The two of us (in our 60's) will be renting a car in PA and heading to Wilmington, NC . We are staying with friends for two nights, then driving south to either Charleston or Savannah. We have 7 nights between the 2 cities and then will fly home from Charleston. We will be spending one day at the RBC Heritage golf tournament on Hilton Head.

I'm thinking 3 or 4 nights in Savannah, 1 night near Hilton Head and 2 or 3 nights in Charleston before flying home. Based on reading comparisons, I'm leaning on 4 nights in Savannah, 1 night near Hilton Head and 2 nights in Charleston. Does this sound about right? Any tips on attending the golf tournament would be appreciated too. We been to many tournaments in the past, but this is our first time to Harbour Town.

Answer

Your itinerary sounds fantastic! Spending time in both Savannah and Charleston, along with a stop at the RBC Heritage golf tournament in Hilton Head, will give you a well-rounded experience of the best of the Lowcountry. Here are some thoughts and suggestions for your trip:

3 or 4 nights in Savannah?

Since you have 7 days between Savannah and Charleston, allocating 4 nights to Savannah seems like a great plan. Savannah offers plenty of charm, history, and beauty, and having an extra day will allow you to explore at a relaxed pace. With 4 nights, you'll have enough time to take in some key sights like:

Forsyth Park and the iconic fountain
The Savannah Historic District with its beautiful squares and oak-lined streets
River Street and the waterfront
Visit Bonaventure Cemetery or Wormsloe Historic Site for a bit of history and nature
Take a riverboat cruise or a walking tour to get a deeper feel for the city's history

As you're in your 60s, Savannah is a perfect city for leisurely walks and scenic views, but also offers plenty of shaded areas if you need to take it easy. It’s great for strolls, and the food scene in Savannah is fantastic too.

1 night near Hilton Head?

Spending 1 night near Hilton Head for the RBC Heritage tournament is a good choice, as it's a quick drive from Savannah (about 45 minutes to 1 hour). The RBC Heritage is a fun, laid-back tournament with a friendly atmosphere, and Harbour Town is beautiful. Make sure to:

Arrive early to avoid traffic, as the tournament can draw large crowds.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the course, as Harbour Town can involve quite a bit of walking.
If you're there for more than one day, try to catch the practice rounds, which can be a little less crowded.

Hilton Head is a resort area, so after the tournament, you can enjoy a relaxed dinner at one of the local seafood restaurants or along the beach. Make sure to visit the Harbour Town Lighthouse if you have time!

2 or 3 nights in Charleston?

Charleston is a charming, historic city that’s definitely worth 2-3 nights. If you’re interested in both history and culture, 2 nights will give you enough time to visit its main attractions. Some of the must-sees include:

King Street for shopping and dining
The Battery and White Point Garden, where you can see historic mansions and Civil War-era cannons
Tour the beautiful plantations nearby, like Middleton Place or Boone Hall
Explore the historic district and the Waterfront Park with its famous pineapple fountain
Take a boat tour around the harbor for a different perspective of the city

If you prefer to have a more leisurely visit, especially after your busy time in Savannah and at the golf tournament, you could consider adding a third night. Charleston has a more relaxed vibe compared to Savannah, and a third night would allow you to explore without feeling rushed. If you have to choose, 2 nights will still give you a nice taste of Charleston.

Final Thoughts on Your Itinerary:

4 nights in Savannah: Perfect for exploring the city and surrounding areas. Savannah has a lot of charm, and with 4 nights, you can explore at your own pace.
1 night near Hilton Head: A good amount of time to experience the RBC Heritage tournament and the beauty of Harbour Town. It’s a short drive from Savannah, so no need to rush.
2 nights in Charleston: Ideal for seeing the highlights of Charleston, including the historic district and plantations.

Overall, your itinerary sounds great. The pace seems just right with a good mix of history, nature, and relaxation. Enjoy your trip to the Lowcountry, and have fun at the RBC Heritage tournament!

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