Savannah vs. Charleston: Which Southern Destination Should You Explore?
Few cities in the USA rival the beauty of Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina.
Located just about two hours apart by car, these historic Southern jewels are often compared due to their charming similarities. If you're short on time, how do you decide which one to visit? In a friendly competition, we invited two travel writers to champion their favorite city. Let’s compare the highlights of both.
Charleston is overflowing with Southern charm. Photo by Ethan Payne for Dinogo PlanetSorry Savannah, but Charleston has the upper hand!
Jesse Scott, originally from Fredericksburg, Virginia, and currently residing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has explored Charleston countless times over the years. He has extensively written about the city and South Carolina for Dinogo Planet.
Charleston has been a beloved family getaway for me since childhood. Now at 38, my wife and I frequently return with friends whenever we can. The city's nickname, the 'Holy City,' reflects its skyline dotted with steeples, but more than 350 years later, it truly offers a heavenly experience on every cultural front.
In a playful nod to Savannah's baseball team, choosing the Georgia city over Charleston would be downright absurd. Fun fact: Charleston's RiverDogs are co-owned by the legendary Bill Murray, who also holds the whimsical title of Director of Fun. Charleston is just a blast (and nine times more fun than Savannah). It embodies the essence of a perfect college town where locals and visitors seamlessly blend, thanks to the vibrant atmosphere created by the College of Charleston. The city is alive with rooftop bars, a charming mix of historic and modern inns, cobblestone streets, swaying palmettos, and chic boutiques. This lively spirit shines brightest during the SEWE wildlife festival, where events like the DockDogs Competition feature adorable dogs leaping through the air into pools below.
Charleston is a vibrant college town bursting with Southern charm. f11photo / ShutterstockSure, Savannah is steeped in history, but Charleston boasts a wealth of notable firsts that make it truly exceptional. The first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter just off its coast, and the nation's first golf club was established at the Country Club of Charleston. Don’t miss the chance to walk or bike across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, the longest cable-stayed bridge in the United States.
And let's not overlook Charleston's incredible food scene, often dubbed the 'food capital of the South.' This city is where you’ll find the legendary she-crab soup and the refreshing Planters Punch, a delightful rum and pineapple drink that can brighten any day. While Georgia might be known as the Peach State, South Carolina actually leads in peach production. Enjoy a peach bellini (or three) at Carmella's Café and Dessert Bar or indulge in bourbon-soaked peach cobbler at Poogan's Porch; it’s always a peachy experience.
The variety within Charleston's culinary landscape is truly impressive. For a quick treat, the line at Callie's Hot Little Biscuit on King St for their handmade biscuits is well worth the wait. For a more upscale dining experience, Honeysuckle Rose offers exquisite eight-course tasting menus complete with wine pairings in a cozy house on the westside. It’s a shame Charleston doesn’t yet have its own Michelin Guide.
Yet, beyond all the sensory delights, it's the people of Charleston who truly enhance any visit. Expect to encounter a blend of twang, history, charm, and personality in every interaction. The contemporary Charleston is diverse, creatively vibrant, and captivates both locals and visitors alike – it’s the epitome of Southern city perfection.
Savannah exudes relaxed vibes and unique character at every corner. joe daniel price / Getty ImagesSavannah has an artistic flair that surpasses Charleston's.
Caroline Eubanks is a travel writer hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, and the author of This Is My South: The Essential Travel Guide to the Southern States. Although she spent some time in Charleston, her heart lies with Savannah.
Even though I lived in Charleston during my twenties, I now gravitate towards the artsy neighborhoods, vintage shops, and quirky cocktail bars of the Hostess City. My first trip was ages ago, and I still discover something new each time I visit. However, I always make it a point to enjoy the Forsyth Park Farmers Market and indulge in fresh seafood on Tybee Island.
Although both Charleston and Savannah are coastal cities, they have distinct characteristics that differentiate them. Savannah boasts a more relaxed atmosphere. While Charleston's King St features many national chains, Savannah's Broughton St remains predominantly local. You can explore shops like Mystic Apothecary for crystals and then create a personalized fragrance at the Story Fragrance Library. Don't miss the Paris Market and the unique offerings from Levy Jewelers, a local staple since 1900.
Charleston is renowned for its culinary scene, yet Savannah is home to equally outstanding restaurants. One standout is the James Beard award-winning the Grey, located in a historic Greyhound bus depot. Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room has earned the title of America's Classics, and Elizabeth on 37th is celebrated for its exceptional service. Numerous other establishments, such as Crystal Beer Parlor, Sea Wolf, and the Black Rabbit, also deserve recognition.
Savannah honors its heritage, particularly the rich history of the Gullah-Geechee communities that have lived on the Sea Islands for generations. The Pin Point Heritage Museum, housed in a former shrimp and oyster warehouse, showcases exhibits on the language, food, and history of Gullah-Geechee culture.
The city has a deep-rooted connection to the arts and is home to the Savannah College of Art and Design, a leading institution for the arts in the nation. The college features its own impressive museum and the renowned Telfair Museums, which includes the iconic Bird Girl statue from the cover of the famous book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, set in Savannah.
River St, nestled by the Savannah River, transforms into a vibrant scene in the evenings. Ethan Payne for Dinogo PlanetThe neighborhoods are the true gems of the city, offering access to unique local spots. The historic district is the most frequented, home to renowned museums and eateries, along with the open container district on River St, which Charleston lacks. The colorful Starland District features a record store, a pinball arcade, a Texas-themed bar, and Starland Yard, an open-air food market crafted from shipping containers. In the Victorian District, you can watch glassblowers at work, dine at Betty Bombers within an American Legion, and admire some of the city's most stunning homes.
I appreciate that you can enjoy a weekend in Savannah without emptying your wallet, a luxury that's hard to find in Charleston. Many hotels there start at $200, but Savannah offers stylish yet budget-friendly options like the Thunderbird Inn and the picturesque campground at Skidaway Island State Park. Staying in Midtown, Tybee Island, or across the harbor can also help you save.
Similar to Charleston, Savannah is best explored on foot, but it also boasts a well-organized bus system with two routes looping around the historic district and a ferry to Hutchinson Island. If you’re driving, keep an eye on the one-way streets; however, I usually manage to find street parking without spending a fortune on parking decks, unlike my experiences in Charleston.
While I still cherish Charleston, I find that Savannah resonates more with my personality these days.
Evaluation :
5/5