When deciding to visit one of these southern coastal towns, you might be wondering what’s the difference between Charleston vs Savannah? They seem pretty similar, right? The answer is yes and no. While, Savannah and Charleston are often considered sister cities, they do offer different experiences for visitors.
As a native to Charleston, I have been able to spend time in both neighboring cities throughout my life so I can offer you a true perspective from my in-depth knowledge.
Charleston, one of the oldest cities in America, is home to many historic sites, well preserved architecture, outdoor adventures, and a renowned culinary scene. On the other hand, Savannah is known for its well manicured squares, scenic vistas, and creative arts scene.
In this guide, we’re going to explore the key similarities and differences between Charleston and Savannah when deciding where to vacation for the first time.
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Charleston Overview
Wondering what Charleston is like? Founded in 1670, Charleston is known for its rich history, well preserved architecture, renowned culinary scene, and beach towns. Tourists love to visit for the great shopping, outdoor activities, pastel painted architecture, and endless southern charm.
The architecture in Charleston showcases a mix of Georgian, Federal, and Greek Revival. The historic district is known for its colorful homes, ornate ironwork and cobblestone streets. You’ll find blooming flowers and vines along with palm trees lining the streets. It is quite the backdrop!
Here’s a few things you can expect to find in Charleston, South Carolina:
- Fort Sumter
- Cobblestone Streets
- Rainbow Row
- Lowcountry Scenery
- Palm Trees
- Five Beach Towns
- Cultural Attractions
- Renowned Culinary Scene
- Great Shopping on King Street
- Beach Resorts
- Boutique Hotels and Luxury Resorts
- Nightlife
- Art Galleries
- Military history
- Historic Homes
- Several Plantations like Boone Hall
Savannah Overview
Founded in 1733, Savannah is a charming city known for its history, 18th century squares, and vibrant arts scene. Visitors love the picturesque scenery like oak trees covered in Spanish moss, beautiful Forsyth Park and the nearby beach towns like Tybee Island.
Savannah is considered one of the first planned cities in America with it’s well designed squares and grid layout. It is renowned for these picturesque squares marked by oak trees covered in Spanish moss which you will see throughout the downtown area. You will see various architecture styles including Victorian, Federal, Greek Revival and others.
Here’s a few things you can expect when visiting Savannah, Georgia:
- Forsyth Park
- Mercer Williams House
- Cobblestone Streets
- Rich History
- Dynamic Arts Scene
- Ghost Stories
- Vibrant Culinary Scene
- Tybee Island
- Oak tree lined streets
- Exciting Nightlife
- Picturesque Squares
- Beautiful landscape
- Antebellum Architecture
Charleston is bigger than Savannah with a population of 159,000 including many sub communities within the greater Charleston area. The downtown area consists of 8 square miles. Savannah has a population of 147,000 residents. Both are very fast growing cities with tons of people relocating to the South.
Best Times to Visit Charleston and Savannah
Charleston and Savannah both share a similar climate as they are only two hours apart. The climate is considered subtropical with warm, humid summers and mild winters. Both cities enjoy great weather throughout the year making them ideal destinations any time of year.
Savannah and Charleston are wonderful to visit year round, but the ideal time of year for each is the spring and fall. April, May, September and October offer comfortable temperatures to explore everything the cities have to offer without being too hot or too cold. In these months, you can expect average highs in the 70s and lows in the 60s.
How to Get There
Charleston and Savannah are both easy to reach by plane, car, or even boat.
Savannah
By Air: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) serves as the primary airport for the region and is located about 15 minutes from downtown Savannah. You will find plenty of flights in/out of SAV on carriers such as Delta, American, United, and Southwest.
By Car: Savannah is conevniently located by several major highways, including I-95 making it easy to reach from nearby cities like Jacksonville and Atlanta.
Charleston
By Air: Charleston International Airport (CHS) is the primary airport for the Charleston area and the largest in the state. CHS offers over 60 nonstop flights from cities around the country on carriers including Breeze, JetBlue, Delta, United, American, and more. In addition, CHS has one international flight on AirCanada direct to Toronto. Visitors often fly into Charleston, then drive to Savannah depending on origin destination.
By Car: Charleston is also accessible by car via several major highways. I-26 is the main route offering connection from Asheville, Charlotte, and Columbia. Highway 17 runs throughout South Carolina all the way to I-95 offering connection from Savannah and Jacksonville.
Charleston vs Savannah: Comparing these Two Southern Cities
Next, we’re doing a lightening style round to compare the similarities and differences between these two Southern cities, Charleston and Savannah.
We’ll be considering many of the popular reasons to visit each city including: cuisine, history, landscape, beaches, arts, and more!
While Charleston is the more polished and charming older sister, Savannah is known to be more laid back and eclectic.
Which Has Better History: Charleston or Savannah?
CHARLESTON:
Founded in 1670, Charleston is one of the oldest cities in America and an original of the 13 colonies. So many important events took place right here in Charleston. To name a few: it is where SC ratified the Constitution, hosted President Washington on his Southern Tour, the first shots of the Civil War fired at Fort Sumter, the American Revolution, and more.
Thanks to preservation groups, many of these historic sites are intact to tour like the Old Exchange Building, Fort Sumter, and Fort Moultrie. Not only that, Charleston is always making sure to tell an authentic story and recently opened the all new International African American Museum sharing the impact of slavery on our country and the world and the important contributions brought from West Africa. The museum is incredible with stories from hundreds of years ago all the way to modern day.
Known as the ‘Holy City’, Charleston boasts hundreds of churches with steeples dotting its skyline.
SAVANNAH:
On the other hand, Savannah was founded in 1733 also offering years of rich history. Savannah shares in the Civil War and American Revolution history, but stands out for its haunted history.
The city has a reputation for its ghost stories with popular attractions like Bonaventure Cemetery, showcasing elaborate monuments and Victorian-era architecture.
You will also find Savannah’s historic district, the largest National Historic Landmark in the United States known for its 22 historic squares, 18th century architecture, and charming cobblestone streets.
Some notable historic attractions include: Telfair Museums, Wormsloe Historic Site, Savannah History Museum, and Owens-Thomas House.
THE VERDICT: Charleston and Savannah are both immensely historic cities characterized by well-preserved architecture. While both offer endless opportunities to discover their storied pasts, Charleston is the better option for history buffs if I HAD to pick one. It’s clearly an older city, but is also bigger so it offers TONS of historic sites to visit like Boone Hall, Middleton Place, the USS Yorktown, and the Charleston Museum.
Best Restaurants: Savannah or Charleston?
CHARLESTON:
Charleston is known for its incredible culinary scene and foodies will especially love this destination. With renowned chefs boasting James Beard Awards or nominations, the restaurants in Charleston are a big part of the reason to visit.
Charleston has long been known for it traditional Lowcountry cuisine that features ancient ingredients like Carolina Gold rice and fresh local seafood. You’ll find plenty of amazing seafood in Charleston at places like The Ordinary and Chubby Fish. However, there’s plenty of variety from asian-fusion, tex-mex, South Carolina BBQ, and even plenty of vegan friendly options. There’s an incredible tasting menu at Zero George, authentic Italian at Sorelle or you can go casual with fried chicken at Leon’s.
There’s truly an amazing restaurant everywhere you look that is sure to please even the most picky eaters. Plus, the city’s historic architecture provides the perfect backdrop to these restaurants!
SAVANNAH:
Savannah’s restaurant scene is thriving with many popular restaurants from Charleston opening up shop in Savannah like Sean Brock’s, Husk. Like Charleston, Savannah restaurants offer fresh seafood and many southern favorites.
In Savannah, you’ll find plenty of southern comfort food like fried chicken, biscuits, and shrimp and grits. Dine in an 18th century mansion at the Olde Pink House or in an old greyhound terminal at The Grey or al fresco along River Street.
You definitely will not want to miss the chance to eat at Mrs. Wilkes for family style southern food – just be sure to get there early!
THE VERDICT: Charleston is the hands down winner for best dining scene between these two. You truly can’t go wrong in either city, but Charleston has so many more restaurants and styles of cuisine. Not to mention, the award winning chefs. If you are really into food, visit for the Charleston Wine and Food Festival held the first weekend of March annually!
Best for Arts and Culture: Savannah or Charleston?
SAVANNAH:
Savannah offers a very vibrant and diverse arts scene thanks to places like SCAD, Savannah College of Arts and Design. The city is home to many creatives that contribute to their artistic community. There is something for every art enthusiast from craft shops, arts festivals, and traditional galleries. Savannah hosts annual events like the Art Walk and SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival which attracts both artists and tourists.
CHARLESTON:
Similarly, Charleston is home to a vibrant arts scene as well! It is known for the Gibbes Museum of Art and long standing Spoleto Festival USA, a two weeks long festival offering plays, operas, and visual arts. Charleston offers tons of performances throughout the year at places like the Dock Street Theater (America’s First Theater) and popular Gaillard Center.
Additionally, King Street is home to several traditional art galleries. The best way to enjoy is on the Art Walk held each first Friday of the month.
THE VERDICT: If you are really into the arts, I would recommend visiting Savannah first. The overall vibe in Savannah feels very artsy and eclectic compared to Charleston thanks to the influence of SCAD. There is something for every type of arts enthusiast in Savannah.
Better Hotels and Resorts: Charleston or Savannah?
CHARLESTON:
Charleston is bursting with hotels of every type. You’ll find plenty of options for any budget, from quaint inn to luxury resorts.
In the historic district, there was a moratorium on hotel rooms which resulted in tons of charming boutique hotels that are under 50 rooms. Many are housed in old homes and historic building making it feel so unique. Some of my favorites are The Spectator, Zero George, The Palmetto, and The Loutrel. In addition, there are several larger, luxury properties like The Charleston Place, Hotel Bennett, Emeline, and The Dewberry. Four Seasons recently announced plans to open a property in Charleston as well!
Once you spend time downtown, you can head out to the beach resorts and stay in the 5-star Kiawah Island Golf Resort or head to Isle of Palms’ Wild Dunes Resort.
SAVANNAH:
Savannah while much smaller than Charleston, has quite an impressive hotel scene. They have seen rapid growth over the past several years resulting in some big opportunities for accommodations – they are even getting a Ritz Carlton soon.
Many of the hotels in Savannah offer ample meeting space which is great for large groups, but there are plenty of boutique options as well. Many are housed in historic mansions making for an authentic feeling stay. Some of my favorite luxury hotels in Savannah are The Perry Lane Inn, The Bohemian Hotel, the Bellwether House, Hotel Bardo (overlooking Forsyth Park) and the Alida!
THE VERDICT: This one is tough! Charleston wins for the variety of hotel options from boutique hotels to beach resorts and many family friendly options. However, Savannah is not far behind it with an impressive and high end hotel offering.
Best for Outdoor Activities: Savannah or Charleston?
CHARLESTON:
Charleston is a peninsula surrounded by marshes and waterways. It is a very coastal town with plenty of outdoor activities, especially on the water. In addition, Charleston has 5 area beaches where you can soak up the sun or take a surf lesson.
There is plenty of things to do in Charleston like boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, and sailing opportunities. You will probably find yourself on a boat in Charleston vs Savannah.
Charleston is also known for its golf courses with tons of private and public courses around the area. Kiawah Island was home to the recent 2021 PGA Championship and it will return in 2031 to the Ocean Course! You can book a tee time to experience this incredible course.
In addition, there are many parks, walking paths, and other reasons to enjoy the outdoors. Take a walk up the Ravenel Bridge, dine al fresco, or enjoy a walking tour of the historic city.
SAVANNAH:
Savannah is set a bit more inland along the Savannah River. It is one of the biggest ports on the East Coast with a river that run right through downtown where you can watch the container ships come in and enjoy the riverwalk.
There’s plenty of outdoor adventures in Savannah like spotting wildlife, kayaking, and golfing.
The riverfront is a great spot to enjoy lunch or dinner outdoors and enjoy this lively area. In addition, Savannah is known for its gorgeous squares which makes for a beautiful way to enjoy the outdoors.
Savannah’s main beach it Tybee Island which is about 30 minutes from the historic downtown area so you could easily spend a day there. It is also close to Hilton Head Island which is known for its beaches and popular golf course.
THE VERDICT: You could spend all of your time outside in Charleston or Savannah as they are such walkable cities. They are both very much outdoor destinations with their prime locations along the coast and mild climates. I would go with Charleston for the best outdoor activities. You are literally surrounded by water anywhere in the area and there’e plenty to do!
Which has Better Nightlife: Savannah or Charleston?
CHARLESTON:
Charleston’s main area for nightlife is on upper King Street. There are tons of bars and night clubs to meet any preferences. With the college presence, there are always plenty of young people out and about with the bars open until 2am.
There’s Uptown Social which always has a great band on the weekends attracting a younger crowd. Or there are swanky bars like The Belmont which is a great place for more low-key cocktails.
There are also fun jazz clubs, comedy shows, and performances going on around the city!
During the day, Charleston locals definitely enjoy a day party so you can always find fun places to imbibe throughout the afternoon.
SAVANNAH:
Savannah is known for its nightlife especially along River Street. There are plenty of offerings like Abes on Lincoln which is very causal, Pinkie Masters, or O’Connell’s Irish Pub – these places have been around for years. You can also indulge in frozen drinks at the iconic Wet Willie’s or catch live music at one of the many bars on River Street.
Savannah also throws a huge Saint Patrick’s Day party every year that attracts a big crowd.
The bars in Savannah are open until 3am and there is not an open container law so you can carry your drinks outside with you.
There’s also plenty of family friendly things to do in the evening like some of the haunted ghost tours in Savannah!
THE VERDICT: Cleary, both cities have a vibrant nighttime scene. However, I would recommend Savannah for great nightlife. They are open later and you can easily bar hop thanks to the laws that allow outside drinks. It feels more like a New Orleans in that regard, but much classier.
Charleston has a lot of fun things to do at night, but if you are trying to get into a bar, the lines are often long with big crowds. If you are going out for cocktails somewhere swanky or to an evening performance, I think Charleston would be best for that experience.
Either way, both cities offer great nightlife making it ideal for bachelorette parties.
Best Shopping: Charleston or Savannah?
CHARLESTON:
Charleston is known for its popular shopping district on King Street. It is a charming area to shop with many boutiques housed inside historic buildings lending to a special atmosphere.
Plus, the lamp posts have gorgeous flower baskets hanging and there are palm trees up and down King Street.
Aside from the beauty of it all, the shops are great. King Street blends local makers and many national retailers. Charleston now has a Loveshack Fancy, Reformation and Veronica Beard.
There is a whole area on lower King with antiques and art galleries that host an Art Walk that I mentioned earlier.
Some of my favorite local shops are Beckett Boutique, Lake Pajamas, Croghan’s Jewel Box, and Candlefish.
SAVANNAH:
Savannah is a great place to shop as well with their Savannah City Market, a popular open air market with art, retail, and dining outlets. You can also checkout the Starland district for vintage items and artsy finds.
Savannah has all kinds of shops like home goods at Brick House, shopSCAD for one of a kind art work, and Sara Jane’s for children’s clothing!
THE VERDICT: Charleston is the best city if you are planning to shop! With King Street’s mix of local and national retailers, plus fabulous art galleries, you are sure to find something to love.
Should I visit both Charleston and Savannah?
Absolutely! Yes, you should definitely visit both Savannah and Charleston. These sister cities are only two hours apart so you could easily spend a few days in both for a week long trip to the South!
I would visit Savannah over the weekend, and then Charleston during the week. You will likely find better hotel rates in Charleston on a weekday and it will be less busy!
Savannah and Charleston Itinerary for First Timers
Use this itinerary to plan or inspire your trips to Charleston and Savannah. This is a leisurely itinerary, embracing slow travel and of course, focused on a luxury experience!
Day 1: Charleston
A taste of the holy city!
- Arrive to Charleston International Airport
- Check in to The Dewberry
- Drinks at The Citrus Club for rooftop views of the holy city
- Dinner at The Ordinary
Day 2: Charleston
Exploring the best of Charleston!
- Take a Walking Tour of the Historic District
- Lunch at Basic Kitchen
- Shop on King Street following lunch
- Enjoy a cocktail at Bar 167
- Freshen up at hotel before dinner
- Dinner at Sorelle
Day 3: Charleston to Savannah
A day of relaxation!
- Morning treatments at The Dewberry Spa
- Rent a Car to drive to Savannah
- Check in to The Perry Lane Hotel
- Drinks at the hotel bar, Peregrin for rooftop views (always)
- Dinner at Husk
- Drinks on River Street
Day 4: Savannah
A history-filled day followed by haunted ghost stories.
- Morning stroll to Forsyth Park and explore Jones Street (prettiest spots in Savannah)
- Brunch at The Collins Quarter
- Stop for Ice Cream at Leopold’s Ice Cream Shop
- Tour the Owens Thomas House
- Dinner at The Grey
- Evening Ghost Tour
Day 5: Savannah
Squeeze in a little fun before you depart!
- Golf Cart Tour of Bonaventure Cemetery
- Lunch at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
- Depart Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport
Charleston and Savannah Map
Use this map to see some of the highlights in both Charleston and Savannah.
Which is better? Charleston or Savannah for Vacation?
Finally, we are presented with the ultimate question of which is better: Charleston or Savannah for vacation? While Savannah and Charleston have many of the same characteristics including history, culture, and charm, their differences is what sets them apart . Each city has a unique appeal which attracts visitors from around the world.
As a Charleston native, I will always have a deep love for Charleston, but also enjoy and admire everything that Savannah has to offer. You may feel differently, so the answer lies with you 🙂
Save this Charleston vs Savannah guide for later!
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