Charleston to Savannah Itinerary! The Perfect Lowcountry Roadtrip
The Deep South is unlike anywhere else in the United States. With its endless natural beauty and authentic cuisine, cities like Charleston & Savannah are just brimming with sweet southern charm & appeal.
So if you’re looking to explore the highlights of Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia but don’t have a ton of time? Check out below the perfect Charleston Savannah Itinerary that hits all the best spots in just a few short days.
The best way to explore the south is by hitting the open road! The drive from Charleton to Savannah is roughly around 2 hours, so be ready to explore every area as there is no better time than now to make your very own quintessential southern road trip.
While I’ve highlighted some of the best places to see in this itinerary, a true road trip isn’t complete without adding some of your own personal stops along the way.
I’ve been using Roadtrippers for years and found it to be the best road trip planning tool for finding unique stops & detours.
Road tripping through the south? Don’t miss my ultimate Charleston Savannah Itinerary.
Charleston & Savannah Itinerary Ideas
2-day Charleston & Savannah Itinerary
Day 1: Downtown Charleston
Day 2: Downtown Savannah
3-day Charleston & Savannah Itinerary
Day 1: Downtown Charleston
Day 2: South of Broad & Boone Hall Plantation
Day 3: Downtown Savannah
4-day Charleston & Savannah Itinerary
Day 1: Downtown Charleston
Day 2: South of Broad & Boone Hall Plantation
Day 3: Downtown Savannah
Day 4: Wormsloe Plantation & Bonaventure Cemetery
Itinerary Overview
Before we get stuck into it, I just want to give a quick overview of the itinerary layout below. The main itinerary will consist of top things to do in both downtown Charleston & Savannah, which you can apply to any of the above itineraries.
The rest will consist of other major attractions outside of the downtown areas, such as plantations, suburbs, and beaches, which can help plan your remaining days.
At the end of the article, you can find all my top recommendations for restaurants and accommodation in each city, plus helpful tips that will make your trip-planning process more of a breeze.
Read more
The Ultimate 3-day Charleston Itinerary
Downtown Charleston
From beautiful cobblestone streets to horse-drawn carriages, it’s easy to fall in love with Charleston and its distinctive southern charm. Explore Charleston’s historic downtown area, which includes hot spots like its historic French Quarter, Waterfront Park, and more.
Charleston City Market
One of the oldest public markets in the heart of downtown Charleston, it offers visitors the opportunity to shop countless stalls containing local arts and crafts, fashion, souvenirs, and more.
The Slave Mart Museum
Formally known as Ryan’s Mart, this old building once housed Native American slaves that were once sold at public auctions. The museum documents the important stories & lives of the former slaves and the role Charleston played as a major slave-trading center during this time period.
Waterfront Park
Overlooking the Charleston Harbor sits Charleston’s iconic Waterfront Park. Visitors can enjoy the famous pineapple-shaped water fountain and soak up the park’s beautiful waterfront views.
King Street
Your visit to Charleston isn’t complete without stopping by King Street. With its remarkable history and diverse mix of boutiques, restaurants, and bars, King Street is a great place to grab a cocktail or wander the unique stores for gifts and souvenirs.
Charleston Museum
Considered one of the oldest museums in South Carolina, the Charleston Museum showcases the natural and cultural history of Charleston and its surrounding areas. Discover historic collections and exhibitions and the rich history of the South Carolina low country.
South of Broad
A prestigious neighborhood located at the tip of the Charleston Peninsula. Here visitors can find Charleston’s iconic Rainbow Row, thirteen pastel-colored homes all lined in a row. South of Board also includes some of Charleston’s most architecturally designed homes, with popular streets like Lagare Street, East Bay, and Lower King Street.
The Battery
Another highlight of downtown Charleston is The Battery. This distinctive landmark is a waterfront promenade that served as an artillery battery during the Civil War. Today The Battery is famous for its line of grand antebellum homes that face the waterfront, making it a wonderful place for sightseeing.
Historic Home Tours
Don’t miss the Aiken-Rhett House and Nathaniel Russell House tours. Each tour takes approximately 45 minutes and explores the colonial history and architecture of each estate. Check out Historic Charleston for tickets. Got time for both tours? Purchase a combo ticket here and get a discount.
Historic Walking Tour of Charleston
Take yourself on a self-guided tour of the city! All the above locations are within walking distance of each other, so grab your comfy shoes and explore Charleston’s historic sites firsthand. Want to drive deeper into the city’s history? You may enjoy this guided walking tour of Charleston.
More Charleston Highlights
Looking for an afternoon getaway from Charleston’s bustling downtown? Here’s a quick list of places that can help fill in your remaining Charleston Savannah itinerary.
Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
Head to the Boone Hall Plantation for an incredible house and grounds tour. The Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant is one of America’s oldest working plantations. This stunning plantation features a house tour, a tractor ride of the entire grounds, history talks & demonstrations, and of course, its famous avenue of live oaks.
Magnolia Plantation
Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is known for its extensive history and lush gardens spread throughout the property. Enjoy the many tours on offer, including the main house tour, boat cruise, and the nature train ride that takes guests on a 45 minute journey through the property gardens.
Fort Sumter National Monument
Located in the middle of the Charleston harbor is Fort Sumter National Monument. This historic site is known for being the site where they fired the first shot during the Civil War. Explore the island and learn about how the American Civil War began all those years ago.
Folly Beach
Just minutes from downtown Charleston is Folly Beach. Known to the locals as “The edge of America”, Folly Beach is never short of fun activities. Top things to do include walking the beach pier, fishing, surfing, shopping & more.
Cypress Gardens
Just a short 20-minute drive outside of Charleston, you’ll find the stunning Cypress Gardens at Mocks Corner, a beautiful 170-acre nature preserve that is known for its blackwater swamp and tall cypress trees. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of canoeing through the swamp and soaking in the surrounding wildlife and nature.
Read More
The Ultimate 4-day Outer Banks Itinerary
Downtown Savannah
It’s now time to hit the open road and make your way to Savannah, Georgia. This beautiful, chic, and sophisticated city is home to some of the cutest boutiques, art galleries, period architecture, and, of course, one of the best dining destinations on the East Coast.
Much like Charleston, there are plenty of things to do in Savannah, whether you plan to eat your way around the city like a true foodie or embrace the historic homes and romantic ambiance. Whatever the reason, this sweet Georgian peach is sure to take your breath away!
Forsyth Park
Just like Charleston, Savannah is a very walkable city with most of its top attractions located downtown. Don’t miss Savannah’s famous Forsyth Park, located right in the heart of the city. The park takes up 30 acres of Savannah’s historic district and features its iconic water fountain, a beautiful gem all on its own.
River Street
A trip to Savannah wouldn’t be complete without stopping by River Street to admire the Savannah River. This gorgeous cobblestone stone road is a beautiful place to shop, dine, and soak up the waterfront views.
Chippewa Square
The famous spot where Forrest Gump sits on the park bench. Sadly, the bench was just a prop for the movie. However, the park is very recognizable and a beautiful spot to take a few photos.
Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
Nicknamed the ‘Sistine of the South,” the Cathedral of St. John is one of the most photographed landmarks in all of Savannah. With its French gothic exterior, detailed murals, and beautiful stained glass windows, this Catholic cathedral is a definite must-see when exploring downtown.
The Mercer Williams House Museum
Next, we have the famous Mercer Williams House. Completed in 1868, the Mercer house has a dark history and is reported to be one of the most haunted places in Savannah.
It was also the “scene of the crime” for one of Savannah’s most notorious shootings, which were later retold in the book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt.
Savannah City Market
City Market is a four-block open-air market where visitors can shop at boutique stores and surrounding cafes, like the popular Paris Market Cafe. Here you will find the perfect Savannah keepsakes to bring back home.
Telfair Museums
Located in the historic district of Savannah, the Telfair Museum was the first public art museum to open in the south. The museum consists of 3 unique sites. The Telfair Acadamy, Jepson Center, and The Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters.
Between the three, the museum currently contains a large collection of over 4,500 American and European paintings, unique exhibits, and sculptures.
Evening Ghost Tour
Finish off your Savannah itinerary with a guided ghost tour. Savannah is known for its dark afterlife. Experience Savannah’s creepy haunted locations at night and learn about the city’s most notorious murders and mysteries. Here are a few fun ghost tours that are offered around the city.
Explore Savannah by Trolley
Traveling by trolley is a great way to explore Savannah’s highlights. This hop-on hop-off trolley tour will take you past all the best spots. Another great option is the free DOT Express Shuttle. It runs seven days a week and will take you to many popular locations including visitor centers and main parking lots.
More Savannah Highlights
Got some extra free time? Experience even more of Savannah and its hidden gems! Venture out and explore more Savannah highlights, which include an old eerie cemetery, a colonial road, and a plantation featuring an avenue of live oaks draped with Spanish moss.
Bonaventure Cemetery
Located on Scenic Bluff, Bonaventure Cemetery is a public burial ground for the city of Savannah. It gained worldwide popularity when it was featured in the book and 1994 movie “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”
This unique cemetery is one of the largest in the area covering over 100 acres of ground, and features beautiful ornate tombs and intricate headstones.
Wormsloe Plantation
Take yourself on a guided tour of the plantation and grounds. Wormsloe Plantation is one of Georgia’s oldest plantations. The onsite museum shows a glimpse into the lives of the Jones family and the long history of the plantation.
Wormsloe also features a colonial life area representing the typical 18th-century outbuildings and crops that would have been grown at the estate. Also, before you leave, be sure to take a few snaps at the entrance of the plantation. The beautiful avenue of live oaks is truly something else.
Tybee Island
Located on the east coast of Savannah is Tybee Island, a 3-mile stretch of pristine beach. Tybee Island is popular amongst locals as it’s still relatively close to the city of Savannah. The island offers a large variety of experiences, so you could easily spend a full day here exploring all the highlights.
Where to eat & stay in Charleston
Charleston Dining Recommendations:
– Leon’s Oyster Shop
– Husk Charleston
– Charleston Crab House
– Camellias
– Harken Cafe
– The Black Door Cafe
– Ellis Fish Camp
– Dukes BBQ
– Bagel Nation
Where to stay in Charleston:
Charleston has many boutique hotels & historic properties spread throughout its city. To experience real Southern hospitality at its finest, check out my top hotel recommendations below. Traveling on a budget? Find lodging for all budgets here.
– Hyatt Place North Charleston
Where to eat & stay in Savannah
Savannah Dining Recommendations:
– Husk Savannah
– Six Pence Pub
– Mirabelle Savannah
– The Ordinary Pub
– The Collin’s Quarter
– Franklin’s
– Cotton & Rye
– Leopold’s Ice Cream
Where to stay in Savannah:
Georgia’s oldest city has plenty to see & do and, of course, many awesome places to stay. For first-timers visiting Savannah, I highly recommend staying downtown in the historic district. It’s the prime location. Tourists can explore many of the city’s famous sights right from their doorsteps.
Charleston & Savannah Travel Tips
While I’ve packed this post with top things to do and where to eat, there are still a few things you should keep in mind when visiting these incredible cities. The below tips were super helpful when planning my own trip.
Rent a car
While most of the favored attractions are located downtown and within walking distance, I still recommend hiring a car and venturing further out of the city.
Some of the best locations, like Wormsloe and Cypress Gardens, do require a car to visit. Plus, renting a car is a good backup if it starts to rain.
A true road trip isn’t complete without snacks! So remember to bring plenty of water and snacks to enjoy on the road.
Patience is key
If crowds aren’t your thing, then it’s best to plan your itinerary around weekdays rather than on the weekend. Both Charleston and Savannah are small cities, and crowds can sometimes be unavoidable.
However, you can still enjoy many of the above activities if you plan accordingly and be patient with the crowds.
Book in advance
As I mentioned in my 3-day Charleston guide, booking activities, restaurants, and tours in advance will save you a lot of time and future disappointment.
Some restaurants can be booked out months in advance, so if there is a particular restaurant you wish to experience, then I suggest making reservations asap.
Parking can be tricky!
Finding free or cheap parking in Charleston and Savannah, especially in the downtown areas, can be quite challenging.
Booking accommodation close to all the action is best in this scenario so you can walk around or leave your car at your hotel and catch the trolleys.
Watch out for gators
Now, this may be a no-brainer for some however, gators are very common in the south, so much so that Hilton Head Island residents share their roads with anywhere between 2,000 – 4,000 alligators. That’s crazy!
Gators can be found thriving in shallow swamps, marshes, and lakes, so take care when entering any body of water, use common sense, and don’t entice or feed the alligators.
Whew, that was ALOT! I hope you found this guide helpful. Let me know below which Charleston Savannah itinerary you think is best. Overall I had a blast visiting both cities and found that three days was more than enough to explore the highlights. I would love to go back to explore more offbeat attractions sometime in the near future.
Safe Travels ☺️
Just a heads up! This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission that helps support this blog. You will not pay more when you buy through these links. All opinions are my own, and I would never recommend anything I don’t personally love.
Remember these items!
Pin this for later!
