6 Day Mother-Daughter Road Trip from Savannah to Charleston

6 Day Mother-Daughter Road Trip from Savannah to Charleston

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Lee's Highlights

I love Charleston, but have always wanted to explore more of the Southern Lowcountry that encompasses Georgia and South Carolina. After extensive research, I crafted an itinerary that included sightseeing, historical architecture, beautiful low-country beaches and, of course, amazing food! There is so much to see in Savannah and the surrounding Sea Islands and that is where we started. However, you can start in either Savannah or Charleston.

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Where to Stay

A contemporary hotel overlooking the river in Savannah with historic architectural elements and a modern twist.

Stylish Savannah hotel with luxury accommodations, an intimate cocktail lounge and unmatched city views from its vibrant rooftop bar.

An experiential, 5-star bed & breakfast offering curated stays in luxurious rooms right in the heart of Savannah, GA.

Hyatt Regency Savannah

The Drayton Hotel

Bellwether House

Things to do in Savannah & Charleston









looking up at trees and white statue on a column
Savannah
We flew into Savannah/Hilton Head Airport and rented a car. The drive to Savannah is about 20 mins. We checked into Bellwether House, which would be our home for three nights. An amazing inn!

Things to do in Savannah
Hop on Hop off Trolley – Bellwether booked my daughter and I on a tour with Old Savannah Tours, which was perfect! They offer a complimentary shuttle service to and from our inn. The guide was wonderful, and the convenience of being able to get off and explore certain areas and then hop back on was perfect.

Savannah historical sites you don’t want to miss
Forsyth Park – Beautiful any time of day and I enjoyed my morning walk there daily.

Colonial Park Cemetery

South Historic District – Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (beautifully lit at night)

Lafayette Square (beautiful fountain lit at night)

Savannah North Historic District

Day trip from Savannah
Tybee Island: There are so many Sea Islands to visit while in Savannah. While I wanted to try them all, we only had time for one and we chose Tybee Island as it was only 20 mins from Savannah. It was the perfect choice with parking and beach chair and umbrella rentals right on the beach. Additionally, Tybee is home to Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse, which dates to 1736.

Other Sea Islands worth visiting: Jekyll Island (Driftwood Beach) and Dafuskie Island (only available by Ferry).

Bluffton, SC: On our drive from Savannah to Charleston, we visited Bluffton, SC located between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, running along the winding May River. Bluffton is charming and has an upscale feel. Stroll down Calhoun Street to admire the historic homes, charming shops, and art galleries. Discover eccentric treasures at The Store, feast your eyes on local art at Pluff Mud Art or grab a bite to eat at The Pearl Kitchen and Bar. Across May River Road, visit Promenade street side for more shopping and to grab a light meal at Sippin’ Cow Caf, or enjoy local seafood at Toomer’s Seafood on Dr. Mellichamp Drive.

Charleston
We stayed at Hotel Bennett for two nights, which is an amazing 5-star hotel located in the heart of Charleston on King Street. Impeccable service and elegance. Highlights: Camellias, La Pâtisserie, the vision of renowned French Pastry Chef Rémy Fünfrock, Gabrielles, their in-house spa and rooftop pool.

Things to do in Charleston
Plantation Tour – There are several historic plantations in Charleston, but we chose the McLeod Plantation Historic Site. McLeod Plantation was built on the riches of sea island cotton - and on the backs of enslaved people whose work and culture are embedded in the Lowcountry’s very foundation. It is a living tribute to the men and women and their descendants that persevered in their efforts to achieve freedom, equality and justice.

Historical walking tour – Charleston is filled with amazing architecture and history, and a walking tour is one of the best ways to learn about Charleston. Check out Viator or Get Your guide for options.

Kayaking – The tidal marshes around Charleston are a hotbed for Lowcountry biodiversity. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of wildlife such as Loggerhead turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and more as you paddle down Folly Creek en route to the tidal creeks that wrap around the Hammock Islands.

Beaches – There are several beautiful beaches. Kiawah Island, Sullivans Island and Folly Beach are the most popular. Kiawah has the most to offer with miles of biking trails and beaches.

Places to eat & drink in Savannah & Charleston









Colorful houses next to street with cars during daytime
Savannah
The Olde Pink House – Rated one of the 10 most romantic restaurants by Open Table, this was our favorite meal in Savannah. Reservations are hard to come by, but we were told by a local to just show up at 5:00 when they open and we could get a wonderful table in the Tavern. We loved everything about this restaurant. We also got to tour the entire restaurant.

The Public Kitchen & Bar – I loved the warm atmosphere and service. I ordered the shrimp and grits, which is their most popular dish, and it did not disappoint.

Leopold’s Ice Cream - Leopold’s Ice Cream was founded in 1919 by three brothers from Greece. It is famous for a reason and must be visited while in Savannah (order ahead for pick-up to avoid an always present line).

Charleston
The Obstinate Daughter - Eclectic Southern Cuisine, Sullivan's Island. Great food and very reasonably priced.

Leon's Oyster Shop - Fried Chicken & Oysters in Charleston, South CC – I loved the atmosphere more than the food.

Magnolias – Has been serving up upscale southern cuisine for over 30 years.

Fig - Local Neighborhood Restaurant in Downtown Charleston, SC. One of the most popular restaurants in Charleston. Local farm-to-table food, homey atmosphere and great service.

We flew into Savannah/Hilton Head Airport and rented a car. The drive to Savannah is about 20 mins. We checked into Bellwether House, which would be our home for three nights. An amazing inn!

Things to do in Savannah & Charleston


Savannah





Hop on Hop off Trolley – Bellwether booked my daughter and I on a tour with Old Savannah Tours, which was perfect! They offer a complimentary shuttle service to and from our inn. The guide was wonderful, and the convenience of being able to get off and explore certain areas and then hop back on was perfect.

Things to do in Savannah





  • Forsyth Park – Beautiful any time of day and I enjoyed my morning walk there daily.
  • Colonial Park Cemetery
  • South Historic District – Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (beautifully lit at night)
  • Lafayette Square (beautiful fountain lit at night)
  • Savannah North Historic District

Savannah historical sites you don’t want to miss





Tybee Island: There are so many Sea Islands to visit while in Savannah. While I wanted to try them all, we only had time for one and we chose Tybee Island as it was only 20 mins from Savannah. It was the perfect choice with parking and beach chair and umbrella rentals right on the beach. Additionally, Tybee is home to Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse, which dates to 1736.

Other Sea Islands worth visiting: Jekyll Island (Driftwood Beach) and Dafuskie Island (only available by Ferry).

Bluffton, SC: On our drive from Savannah to Charleston, we visited Bluffton, SC located between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, running along the winding May River. Bluffton is charming and has an upscale feel. Stroll down Calhoun Street to admire the historic homes, charming shops, and art galleries. Discover eccentric treasures at The Store, feast your eyes on local art at Pluff Mud Art or grab a bite to eat at The Pearl Kitchen and Bar. Across May River Road, visit Promenade street side for more shopping and to grab a light meal at Sippin’ Cow Caf, or enjoy local seafood at Toomer’s Seafood on Dr. Mellichamp Drive.

Day trip from Savannah





We stayed at Hotel Bennett for two nights, which is an amazing 5-star hotel located in the heart of Charleston on King Street. Impeccable service and elegance. Highlights: Camellias, La Pâtisserie, the vision of renowned French Pastry Chef Rémy Fünfrock, Gabrielles, their in-house spa and rooftop pool.

Charleston




Plantation Tour – There are several historic plantations in Charleston, but we chose the McLeod Plantation Historic Site. McLeod Plantation was built on the riches of sea island cotton - and on the backs of enslaved people whose work and culture are embedded in the Lowcountry’s very foundation. It is a living tribute to the men and women and their descendants that persevered in their efforts to achieve freedom, equality and justice.

Historical walking tour – Charleston is filled with amazing architecture and history, and a walking tour is one of the best ways to learn about Charleston. Check out Viator or Get Your guide for options.

Kayaking – The tidal marshes around Charleston are a hotbed for Lowcountry biodiversity. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of wildlife such as Loggerhead turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and more as you paddle down Folly Creek en route to the tidal creeks that wrap around the Hammock Islands.

Beaches – There are several beautiful beaches. Kiawah Island, Sullivans Island and Folly Beach are the most popular. Kiawah has the most to offer with miles of biking trails and beaches.

Things to do in Charleston





Places to eat & drink in Savannah & Charleston 

The Olde Pink House – Rated one of the 10 most romantic restaurants by Open Table, this was our favorite meal in Savannah. Reservations are hard to come by, but we were told by a local to just show up at 5:00 when they open and we could get a wonderful table in the Tavern. We loved everything about this restaurant. We also got to tour the entire restaurant.

The Public Kitchen & Bar – I loved the warm atmosphere and service. I ordered the shrimp and grits, which is their most popular dish, and it did not disappoint.

Leopold’s Ice Cream - Leopold’s Ice Cream was founded in 1919 by three brothers from Greece. It is famous for a reason and must be visited while in Savannah (order ahead for pick-up to avoid an always present line).

Savannah




The Obstinate Daughter - Eclectic Southern Cuisine, Sullivan's Island. Great food and very reasonably priced.

Leon's Oyster Shop - Fried Chicken & Oysters in Charleston, South CC – I loved the atmosphere more than the food.

Magnolias – Has been serving up upscale southern cuisine for over 30 years.

Fig - Local Neighborhood Restaurant in Downtown Charleston, SC. One of the most popular restaurants in Charleston. Local farm-to-table food, homey atmosphere and great service.

Charleston




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