Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (2024)

Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (1)

Wanderlog staff
Updated
• updatedMar 31, 2023

How long is the drive from Charleston to Savannah?

The direct drive from Charleston to Savannah is 108 mi (174 km), and should have a drive time of 2 hrs 18 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Charleston to Savannah, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Beaufort, North Charleston, and Folly Beach, as well as top places to visit like Mepkin Abbey and Cypress Gardens, or the ever-popular Old Santee Canal Park.

Visiting Charleston or Savannah? See our Charleston Trip Planner and our Savannah Trip Planner.

108 mi

Total Distance

2 hrs 18 mins

Drive Time

33 stops

Cities / Attractions

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Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (2)

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The top cities between Charleston and Savannah are Beaufort, North Charleston, and Folly Beach. Beaufort is the most popular city on the route. It's 2 hours from Charleston and 1 hour from Savannah.

1

North Charleston

Mentioned on

3 lists

North Charleston is a city in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties within the U.S. state of South Carolina. As of the 2020 census, North Charleston had a population of 114,852, making it the 3rd-most populous city in the state, and the 248th most populous city in the United States.

44% as popular as Beaufort

5 minutes off the main route, 8% of way to Savannah

2

Folly Beach

Mentioned on

3 lists

Folly Beach, situated on Folly Island in South Carolina just south of Charleston, is a popular summer destination. The area boasts the impressive Folly Beach Pier stretching over 1,000 feet into the ocean and Center Street lined with various surf and souvenir shops. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the scenic beauty of Folly Beach County Park with its picnic areas and pelican rookery.

37% as popular as Beaufort

17 minutes off the main route, 12% of way to Savannah

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Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (9)

3

Beaufort

Beaufort is a city on Port Royal Island, one of South Carolina’s coastal Sea Islands. It’s known for its antebellum mansions, especially in the downtown historic district. A notable example is the John Mark Verdier House Museum, an early-1800s Federal-style mansion, with period furniture and exhibits on area history. Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park overlooks the Beaufort River and the Woods Memorial Bridge.

Most popular city on this route

11 minutes off the main route, 61% of way to Savannah

The top stops along the way from Charleston to Savannah (with short detours) are Savannah Historic District, Charleston City Market, and The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. Other popular stops include Middleton Place, Coligny Beach Park, and Joe Riley Waterfront Park.

1

Old Santee Canal Park

Park

Nature & Parks

State Parks

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We enjoyed our visit to the park. I took my 7 year old and she enjoyed looking at the exhibits in the museum and walking on the boardwalk. We saw a black snake and several turtles on our walk. At the end of the day she enjoyed playing on the playground there as well. We spent about 2 hours there.

I’ve been coming to this historic location for years. There is so much to do and see. The museum is a must, and now the fairly new “Revolutionary War Fort Fair Lawn” with its inside exhibition and the outside trails and walking tour to see the fort. The Interpretive Center is fantastic, with so much to see and do. The outside trails are a must to walk or canoe. So many programs are offered. I highly recommend that you check out their informative website for much more information. So much nature to see.

It's a nice place with lots of mostly smooth level trails. They have a really nice interactive center and with live animals, a theater, and a boardwalk with canoe rental. It's got nice hiking trails, and the museum is nice. Some things in the museum were broke, but it had different stuff other than the typical historical stuff you see in a museum. There was also a shaded playground. The restrooms were very clean.I will be back to canoe and finish the canal trail.

Peaceful nature trails. This park is great if you need to get away from city noise. The wood trail is definitely for nature lovers.

My husband and I had our wedding at the Stony Landing House at Old Santee Canal Park on 03.18.23. We looked at countless venues and decided to take a chance on this location, and we are SO glad that we did! Upon our first time visiting the park and the Stony Landing House, we knew that this was absolutely the perfect place to celebrate our marriage.The staff here are some of the most hospitable and helpful people we have ever met. Cindy helped us with initial questions until the wedding coordinator, Beezie Fleming, took over. These women never hesitated to answer any questions we had and were always so nice and outgoing!It goes without saying that the park in itself is beautiful and VERY well taken care of. This is a location worth visiting if you are looking to take a trip to see wildlife, beautiful views, or even host your wedding!

I was really impressed by the .5 mile Alligator Loop/red trail - it was lined with nice signage, and the views are beautiful! Plenty of wildlife to look for. Boardwalks were a little slick, but I didn't notice any loose nails/boards like older reviews mentioned, and anywhere the boardwalk slopes, they've installed wood strips and mesh for better traction. 4 stars because after doing the red loop, I decided to go down the longer Woodland trail (green) that connects to the Canal trail (purple). These trails are not well maintained, especially Woodland, and I do not recommend a summer walk down there unless you really like the idea of whacking your way through a swamp. The first part of Woodland looks fine, but it quickly narrows to being muddy/super overgrown, and you'll get a face full of spiderwebs every 10ft unless you wave a stick around the entire time. The few planks that have been laid on the trail to help with mud are loose and you can lose balance easily. Being so miserable was my fault - I could've turned back - but I would hope for better maintenance from a park that charges $5/adult.I do like this park, but I'm not sure if I'll return as I'd like to get my money's worth of trails. If I do come back, I'll stay on the shorter loops that are closer to the buildings, and take time to go in the museum (it didn't appear to be open when I was there, but I didn't investigate as I was tired after the swamp-hike and wanted to leave 😅).

Old Santee canal park was Absolutely breathtaking!We loved the beautiful trails and loved seeing turtles, frogs and lizards galoreIt's definitely a Kid friendly hike (not all stroller friendly, as there are staircases to walk up and down)This is definitely one we will do a lot more!

This is a great park. Nice nature trails for an easy hike or relaxing stroll with a combination of natural foot paths and boardwalks that wander through the wetlands and along the canal with great lookouts for spying waterbirds. There are a number of very informative plaques throughout, a great educational element. Love this place, for a quick escape into nature. However, the historical site and the little museum located here is also a must, super educational, a great learning expedition for the family or for the history buff and the curious, rather local or tourist. And I have to congratulate the museum on such a thoroughly well put together little educational center they have, the exhibits are very well done and super interesting. They do a good job exhibiting and explaining archaeological evidence from the area, they cover the history and construction of the canal and the site, the development of a very primitive attack submarine used during battles off the coast of SC and the natural fauna as well. A charming little park where you can enjoy the outdoors and include some fun learning moments as well. I highly recommend it.

Beautiful place for a walk! We always see happy turtles sunning on logs and there are so many cool birds. The Interpretive Center is small but a cool little spot to explore. The kid’s play area is pretty small too, but just right for a bit of fun after a long walk.

My family and I really enjoyed the guided nature walk and tour given by Brad. The park is absolutely beautiful and we were excited to see so many different plants and animals. Brad was extremely informative and it was a pleasure to spend the day with him.

This park is a must for people who love birds and reptiles. All of the trails lead to some breathtaking views. The history of the project is very interesting. If I could give more stars I would!!!

This is a really awesome find. They have a house where Lord Colleton lived in the early 16 to 1700s. There is also a fort hidden in the woods. Lots of trails for hiking and right on the upper Cooper River. Great place for picnics and events. I suggest checking them out if you are in Moncks Corner and appreciate history.

4.8

(783)Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (10)

4.5

(82)Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (11)

900 Stoney Landing Rd, Moncks Corner, SC 29461, USA

(843) 899-5200

2

Mepkin Abbey

Monastery

Sights & Landmarks

Sacred & Religious Sites

Trappist monks at this abbey welcome the public for guided tours, retreats & gift-shop visits.

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This is such a calm, serene place, where you can get away from the traffic and the crowd. The oaks are grand and marvelous. The gardens are beautiful.

My time at the monastery this week was grand!!!I did not audibly pray the entire stay. No worship music (except an hour the final day before 7p). No sounds of nature to soothe me into sleep when I was restless. I wanted to get all my stuff "purely" sKraight from the source this week. ANNNDDDI liked it!I look forward to doing it again, even annually, except...I want to do it without a Spiritual Director involved next time.It was a great experience.However,

So beautiful and peaceful! We went a little after 5 on a Thursday and didn’t see anyone else there (except a man who kind of shooed us out at like 5:50). Worth going out of the way to get here (especially because it’s free!) Be aware that the gift shop closes at 4, while the rest of the area open to the public closes at 6.

Beauty, simplicity, and peace. These are the gifts of Mepkin. My favorite place to be on retreat.

Really enjoyed my visit to Mepkin Abbey. They have a tour or you can explore on your own, or better, do both. Learned a lot on the tour I would not have fully appreciated exploring on my own. Glad we were able to attend morning vespers. I am not Catholic, but that does not matter.

Peacefulness. We visited on a Sunday and it was quiet with only a couple of other visitors. We walked the gardens and labyrinth enjoying the quiet solitude. It's a lovely get away.

It is definitely a spiritual experience, in this place you can breathe so much tranquility and so much peace. 🙏

I never get tired of going out to this serene place. One of the most beautiful places to see in the lowcountry and off the beaten path for sure. Lots of landscape to have picnic or take photos. I absolutely reccomend taking the walking tour over to the chapel and sitting in on service. It was ver interesting to watch. You also get lots of great info on the tour. Drive back towards the river to see the tree sculptures of Christ...they are breathtaking. There's a labyrinth you can walk and a wonderful gift shop with unique pieces. It's all free except the walking tour and in think that's $5.

Mepkin Abbey is such a beautiful place to visit. We enjoyed the market, the gift shops and exploring the grounds. Definitely worth the drive!

This place is SO relaxing. The gardens are nice and refreshing. The maze is a nice added touch. The gift shop is very reasonably priced and goes to a good cause. I always enjoy our visits here.

4.9

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4.5

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1098 Mepkin Abbey Rd, Moncks Corner, SC 29461, USA

(843) 761-8509

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Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (14)

3

Cypress Gardens

Nature preserve

Nature & Parks

Swamp garden with giant cypress trees offering boat tours plus a butterfly house attraction.

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This place is absolutely beautiful! If you love the Notebook, you want to take this guided boat tour! So lovely and relaxing, even the gators didn’t bother us!! I never would have thought a black swamp could be so wonderful!!! A must do!!As far as the rest of the park, it is absolutely lovely too!! I wish for two things….. more butterflies in their butterfly pavilion and maybe a little place to get burgers and fries!! But honestly, this is just a wonderful place to visit!

Was a cute and interesting place to visit! Man made swamp with lots of history and allure, especially by Hollywood since many movies and TV shows have been filmed here. All this was shared in the guided boat tour, but you could also row yourself for free, and plenty of trails for hiking (just watch for roaming gators). Small live fish and reptile aquarium and a butterfly house were also included. Great experience overall! They also have holiday specific events like Halloween and Christmas!

Highly recommend! It's really hard to find this type of experience that is this cheap. You can take your own self guided paddle boat tour at no extra cost. We had a 6-8 foot long gator come out and lead around for a few minutes, that made my whole vacation. The playground is really nice and the nature exhibits are awesome. The employees were 10 out of 10. I have nothing negative to say about it.

This is an amazing place to visit. Loved everything about it. We had sixteenth age levels in our group from teenager to grandma, and we all loved it. There are self guided boat tours that you paddle, which have arrows to guide your trip. You can see alligators, butterflies, birds, reptiles, and more. There are cute trails to walk around and see the wildlife. It was very cheap and worth spending a day at. They have a playground for little ones, and you can bring a picnic lunch. We highly recommend it and would definitely go back.

Beautiful gardens with many walking trails of varying difficulty. Rowing a boat through the swamp is free and you get up and close with tons of gators, it's amazing. There is also a little aquarium and nice gift shop. The snow cone stand is a perfect touch on a hot day, too. Great value for the price of a ticket.

Amazing place to visit. Went early on a Sunday in July, timing was just right. Definitely do the swamp boat guided tour, it was amazing. They start the first ride at 10am, you have to buy the tickets in the gift shop, and they're $5/person. Make sure you buy the tickets early because the boats fill up and sell out. Staff was all friendly and helpful. The trails were very well maintained, with most of them as paved blacktop and some were a little rougher as you started to get farther out. I would say that they had trails for all abilities, if you have someone in your group that can't walk far, there's some short ones and there were plenty of benches on the trails. I would defintiely recommend that you bring water, it was very hot in late July! But the swamp boat ride was incredibly peaceful. Amazing how still the water is!

It's one of the absolute best hidden gems I've ever visited. No other place is like it for the price. We were able to take the boat tour, which takes about 45 min on your own without a tour guide. It will forever be a core memory for my family. We saw an alligator nest ( it was breeding season) and lots of turtles. It is an incredible little experience for all ages.

Cypress Gardens is a must-see! The scenery is gorgeous, and well kept. The boats are very fun, giving you a real-life notebook experience. We got there when it opened and there was no wait. The aquarium and other amenities were great to see as well, with a nice walking trail. Beautiful place!

This is a wonderful place for all ages. Walking paths, paddle-your-own rowboat through the swamp, large playground, swamparium, & butterfly house are all included in entry fee. There are also boat tours for a small fee and a gift shop. Great people to help you with the boat rides, too. I stayed for hours, enjoying every moment.

Honestly 10/10 would recommend. It was breathtaking, peaceful, and so much fun. Plus your $10 entrance fee gets you access to self-row a little boat around the swamp. We saw a baby gator and it was so gorgeous.

Took some friends from out of town. We had an absolute blast. I would highly recommend going in the row boats and seeing the sites. There are so many things to experience: LowCountry history, beautiful flowers, animals, and the biggest alligator I have ever seen in my life. Your kids will love it also.

Love this place! You can easily spend half a day here. We went as a group on a Sunday and added the guided boat tour option for an additional $5 per person and it was worth it. Our guide was very nice and friendly and very knowledgeable. If you do not want to do the guided option, you can still do the paddle boat option on your own and we saw many people doing that. Butterfly garden is nice too. Plenty of parking available.

This place was enjoyable. Really enjoyed the row boats to make you were apart of the Notebook. Got to see several alligators while on the self guided boats. Walked around the pink path to the green path which was fun. Plenty of shade throughout the park. For $10 per person felt it was definitely worth the cost. Last garden type place I visited was in Vegas was $17 per person and not nearly as beautiful or fun.

Great place to visit - probably one of the best value tourist attractions in the area. They have an awesome playground if you have kids as well as a butterfly house and some birds (including peaco*cks). Guided boat tour takes an hour which may be a bit long for the really little kids if you have them but they’ll still be able to have a great time at the other things that are available. Everyone that works here is super nice as well and the tour guide was knowledgeable and funny. Great place to take pictures at as well. Parking is free but you do need to pay to enter the park (aka there’s not an additional fee to park)

Cypress Gardens is an absolute dream. A hidden Gem located in Moncks Corner, it’s filled with serene views and breathtaking wildlife along with a friendly staff. The gorgeous grounds were part of the filming for “The Notebook” and my husband and I really felt like we got to live our own version of the boat scene. It’s so peaceful out on the water even with the gator population. They are majestic creatures and they were basking in the sun as we rode by. We also got to stop in to the butterfly room and the aquarium to see some other animals. The cherry on top of this whole trip is that this experience can be had for a low cost. Just pay a modest entry fee and the entire site is yours. We will definitely come back again before the year is out.

4.8

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4.5

(257)Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (16)

3030 Cypress Gardens Rd, Moncks Corner, SC 29461, USA

(843) 553-0515

4

Fort Sumter National Monument

Mentioned on

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Historical place

Museums

The fort at Fort Sumter was the site of the first shots in the Civil War, and it continues to be a popular tourist destination. The fort is only accessible by water, and daily ferries run informative trips back and forth. It's also a National Historic Landmark.

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The paddle boat ride was relaxing. The raising of the flag was really cool and the story that he shared was neat. Gave you a better appreciation for both sides of the civil war. It's amazing how much the enslaved people did in this part of the country to build this part of the country.

This starts with a nice relaxing ferry ride to the island. We loved sitting on the deck outside and looking at the water and the city. Once we arrived at Fort Sumter, we were giving a brief overview by one of the Rangers about the monument. The Rangers are extremely knowledgeable and can answer almost any questions. There is a lot of history there and it is interesting to learn. It’s well preserved a great addition to our Charleston trip. We probably would not go back again but we were glad we went once.

The tour of Fort Sumter was the perfect length at approximately an hour. We took the first tour at 9:30 and I highly recommend it. It is cooler and better yet we rode with all the docents! Ranger Walter gave the history of the Fort and the area. It is mostly preserved in its mostly destroyed state. Restoring it imo would take away from the story.

This place had so much history. It is amazing to think of what the men stationed here went through, and what a big part of history it was. You get there by ferry which is fun(watch for dolphins which we spotted multiple). The ferry also has snacks for sale, but it is cheaper to just bring your own. The Fort has a small gift shop. They also have a guide that will spend some time talking about the fort. We had a group that ranged from a teenager to grandparents and we all enjoyed it. Highly recommend it.

Must do experience while in Charleston. I must admit spending time on the water to and from the island was half the reason I visited Fort Sumter. The views of the Battery, Ravenal Bridge, and Sullivan's Island from the ferry were stunning. Knowledgeable guides and a very well written brochure provided more background and history than could be absorbed for one day. Next time I'd like to go early and stay late, so I could spend more time in the museum. The sound system can't compete with the engine and the waves. More speakers on board are needed to be able to actually hear the park ranger clearly. Old and young alike catch just enough snippets to be tantalized without being informed. Also, the web site refers to a garage on the Charleston side without providing a map or the cost of parking, so we opted for Patriots Park on the Mt Pleasant side for $5. All in all, the excursion was well worth the time and money. I'll make time for a fourth trip when I can make a day of it. Fascinating, really.

This is a must do exhibit if you visit the Charleston area. You have a brief ferry trip to the monument. As you arrive, you can see the stations of where the cannons were pointing outward. The fort itself is well preserved and it’s history is very fascinating. Quick tip: You can take part in the “raising” and lowering of the American flag if you are on either the 9:00 or 4:00 tours. The overall tour was quite informative and pleasant.

While it was one of the hottest days, the Ferry ride and the Fort were amazing. Because we were on the first tour of the day, they needed help raising the garrison flag. I didn't hold the flag but I got to witness my family participating. Bring a water bottle, they have refill fountains at the fort.

The ferry ride to Fort Sumter is pleasant and relaxing. When we got to the fort, we had to wait almost 15 minutes for the ferry in front of us to load and depart before we could disembark and explore the fort, and our time was cut short because of it. My advice, please plan to get back to the ferry on time so others may have the same experience. Other then being rushed, it was a great experience, hearing the story of the history of the fort was fascinating, and the museum was packed full of information and artifacts.

Ft Sumter Is Beautiful a lot of cool history!I recommend you take the Last Ferry of the day you also will have a chance to take down the flag and fold it when arriving at the island for the last Trip!Very beautiful place and the museum is pretty cool!

A great and exciting monument of American history. We had a fun ferry ride to and from Fort Sumter. We were the last group for the day and the park rangers asked for volunteers to help lower the flag at the end of the day… such a wonderful experience. A great museum to walk through and learn so much about Fort Sumter. Allow 2-3 hours of time (1/2 hr ferry ride each way and about a hour in Fort Sumter).

Essential American history expedition. Park Rangers were knowledgeable and did a great job sharing both Union and Confederate viewpoints to give the complete story of one of the pivotal places in our nation’s history.

First, the 30 min ferry ride was relaxing and informational. We were able to spot dolphins several times during the ride. The historic Fort itself is wonderful to explore. They have a museum which explains the history of the Fort and displays historic artifacts. The flag raising ceremony (first trip only) was also very meaningful. Restrooms were clean and well maintained. There’s also a tiny gift store at the fort.

Nice relaxing and informative boat ride out. We were the first tour of the day so we got to see the raising of the flag. Amazing when coupled with the history of the fort. The young lady who gave us the history was amazing at her job. I teared up a couple times. (I'm like that with some history things I guess.) When arriving and going to the flag pole, and continued history, it knocks out 10-15 minute from the hour that you have, The only thing I would like to see is an extra half hour to tour the grounds more. Other than that it was well worth the time and ticket to get there!!

Great place to soak in history. Wish we had a bit more time to get around and read all the plaques and fully experience the museum.

As a history nerd, this monument literally makes me giddy. I spent several hours exploring this place boring my poor parents with every random fact I know. It is definitely worth the trip if you know the history. Even if you don't know the history, it is still pretty darn cool. I mean, who doesn't love old abandoned forts and cannons?

A great experience!! I wish the ferry options allowed for a longer visit, as it did feel rushed. You get about an hour to explore, however I would have probably wanted 2 hours to really immerse myself and read all the history. Also, the ferry will cost you $30+ per person just as a heads up.

Wonderful place, can feel the past come alive here. The ferry ride gives you a chance to see other ships too. Currently a ticket is $35.. Note to park in the lot for the ferry, is $5 same as it has been the last 10+ years.

4.7

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4.5

(5888)Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (20)

South Carolina 29412, USA

(843) 883-3123

5

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

Mentioned on

+70 other lists

Maritime museum

Museums

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is a museum in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina that celebrates American military history. This includes exhibits on the USS Yorktown, destroyer and submarine docked here year-round as well as exhibits on the Medal of Honor Museum aboard the USS Yorktown. The museum also features displays on the history of Charleston Harbour and the United States Navy.

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If you are visiting the Charleston area, this is a must do. Amazing to tour Patriots Point. Admission includes the Yorktown aircraft carrier, the USS Laffey Destroyer and the Vietnam Experience. If you want to see everything and take your time, you should plan on about 6.5 hours. You get to walk through many areas of the carrier and destroyer. Wear good, comfortable shoes. You will also be going up and down stairs that are sometimes more ladder than stair. There are also some spaces that are little tight. We thoroughly enjoyed our day at Patriots Point.

If Patriot’s Point isn’t at the top of your Charleston agenda, rethink it! This is the absolute, hands-down must-see thing in Charleston. You get to go inside navy ships - large and small and understand the lives of a sailor and other military personnel aboard these ships. It was my first experience on a navy ship, so it was very informative and eye opening. I will say, there are a lot of tight quarters, narrow halls, and dozens of steep ladders/stairs to climb as your tour up and down and across the ships. I walked about 3 miles in total across 3.5 hours that we spent. We had to hurry through - and it still took us 3.5 hours. We thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it. The Vietnam experience is unique and worth walking through. The self guided tours were pretty well labeled so you can navigate your way through. Plenty of hands on things you can touch and watch, too.

As an Italian visitor, my wife and I had the incredible opportunity to explore the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum just before a massive storm hit. It was an exhilarating experience, filled with American patriotism. The warships, especially the USS Yorktown, were awe-inspiring, and we felt lucky to witness them. The museum's dedication to preserving history was evident, and we were immersed in the lives of sailors through exhibits and artifacts. The sudden storm added to the adventure, emphasizing the indomitable spirit of the United States. A must-visit for a patriotic and immersive experience.

Took my grandson and he loved it. I just followed behind him and let him lead the way! Definitely have to go back to see everything. It's a huge place with lots of history to view! Highly recommend! But keep in mind it is HOT on those ships!

Combat veterans should have free admission to the USS Yorktown. I paid $19.00. Great carrier floating military museum. Asbestos fibers present, so do not make insulation friable. And do not put your fingers in your mouth, eyes, or other orifices after touching planes, deck, or other US Navy equipment from 1942-1945. Hellcats....awesome! Flight deck ..awesome. If you have no military background, you are at the mercy of the civilian tour guides at the info center on the vessel. Self guided tour is what I did...it was "smoking 🔥 hott" inside and top side of the vessel. Glad I went..

Loved it! I visited the USS Yorktown on June 28, 2008. It was awesome and our tour guide was actually a WWII veteran who was stationed aboard the ship! He was in his eighties, but still got around the ship quite well! The other ships (including a submarine) were fascinating as well! Finally, the Vietnam section was well worth visiting. This is a great site to visit if you love military history!

Tip: Buy the Friends of the Feet pass. You only need to go twice to save money. I have visited this venue five or six times and each time it does not disappoint. If you’re not a local, try to come during the week if it all possible. Can be incredibly busy on the weekends. Parking is five dollars. If you don’t want to pay to park there are places that you can put your car nearby and walk in to the museum site.Perfect for families, groups with children, or anyone of any age. I thought it was wonderful to see it lit up at night. Staff is always friendly and helpful.

We have visited a couple of times, and the museum is excellent. You can make this a quick trip and spend a couple of hours or an entire day. If you love military history, you could stretch this and make it a two-day trip if you want to see every little aspect, including the other ships.

This was an amazing experience. I’m a former Marine and worked in aviation for 11 years. They had CH-46 and AH-1W helicopters on display. These are both planes I worked with. The sound effects of the plane really took me back! It was a pleasure to be able to sit inside the 46.

The ticket to Patriots Point gets you into a few different spaces: the U.S.S. Yorktown, the U.S.S. Laffey, an exhibit on the Vietnam War (there is possibly more but we were exhausted from seeing those). There is a lot of information on the history of the Yorktown, exhibits on the life aboard the Yorktown, a metal of honor museum, and historic aircraft.The exhibit on Vietnam does have sound effects meant to replicate the experience of being in battle. They cannot be heard from the ships.Bring walking shoes, water, and sunscreen. If you're heat sensitive make sure to plan lots of breaks. They do have a few a/c spots on the Yorktown, as well as vending machines and snack spots. They also have plenty of benches.Those with mobility issues will be able to visit but need to plan accordingly.

This was incredible for the price. $27. I opted for the self guided tour of the USS Yorktown. The tour is broken into four sections and you can do any and all of your choice by following the designated (east to see/find) signs. They have done an amazing job of transforming an aircraft carrier into a museum from the very top down to the extreme depths of the ship. Extremely informative and quite interesting. It does have handicap access but I don’t think for the whole ship. (Call ahead to confirm). Things I wish I knew of feel people should know before going…. Sneakers would be great rather than sandals. If you are claustrophobic, there are some areas as you get lower into the ship that causes a little anxiety which is only amplified by the stuffy air. The “stair” access to get to different levels is very steep and very narrow (handrails are sturdy). If you are afraid of heights, some of these might cause anxiety. There are some narrow passages and I am a size 16 5’9” female. I didn’t have any issues but I imagine it would be a little difficult for someone large. Watch your head going down the stairs and through the compartment doors in the ship. I am afraid of heights and a little claustrophobic-I did just fine but had a couple sweaty moments. There is a destroyer, the Lafayette, you can tour as well. It’s a much quicker tour, as the ship is small compared to the carrier but still worth the peek. Last but not least, there is a Vietnam experience which is set up like an actual army base in Vietnam complete with sounds. This may be a little rigger if for someone with PTSD. All of the above have movies to watch throughout which were very informative. I highly recommend this excursion and would say to allow yourself 4 hours to do all of them in their entirety.

The ship is amazing. While large, there are 4 self-guided paths that take you through various points of the ship. They are well marked with many informative markers along the way. The flight deck and hangar bay are packed with representative aircraft that seved on the ship during its time of service.Be warned though. During hot days, the ship is also very hot, so stay well hydrated. Also the stairs/ladders are very steep and even those with knee issues may have problems.Excellent memorial ship and well worth the visit (or several).

This museum was super cool to see. Definitely recommend this as a must if you are visiting nearby. Going through the ship and seeing the real deal is awesome as well looking at all the cool planes.

I went for a Navy Graduation ceremony on this ship. This place was full of historical information. I learned so much about the history of this ship and it’s service. That had an elevator to the top of the flight deck. Restrooms are easily accessible. The gift shop had plenty of items.Well worth the money to visit and wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Their is a lot of ground to cover. Also the cool breeze of being there early in the morning is the best time to visit during the summer months.

Really neat experience. We had amazing weather the weekend we came here. I'm amazed at how big that ship is. My sister is on an amphibious ship so it was cool to tour and think of her. There were so many nooks and crannies, and by far, it had the best looking mannequins I have ever seen with lifelike faces. I only mention that, because I've never seen anything like it.I would recommend eating before you come because it's easy to spend a whole day there, and there isn't anywhere to get food. When you pay for parking, your ticket and parking are valid all day. We came here the night before, and it was neat to see the lights on the ship as the sun was setting. Very beautiful!After spending so much time on the USS Yorktown, we breezed through the other ship. That one doesn't have air conditioning so when the weather is warm/hot watch out. Don't miss the Vietnam experience. There's some cool aircraft and watercraft hidden back there.My family would recommend checking this out for sure!

Wonderful experience. Sets a very high bar for other museums.Limitless space to explore, content spans 3/4 wars, extremely knowledgeable volunteers, and high quality exhibits.I would visit again and highly recommend this experience if you’re in the area.

It’s a MUST visit in Charleston!! Am glad that I made the decision to stop by the patriots point museum in our vacation at Charleston.My husband love history and I thought he would be happy visiting the museum but ended up all of us loving it! Museum is super clean and neat although some areas still need more fans but overall we we were excited looking back at one ship been through the WWII. The ship is HUGE, we thought it’s about 2 hours but actually you can spend up to 5 hours if you like to go through all the 4 tours on the big ship and there is a small ship as well. Tour 1 was great to see the NAVY daily living and the engine room was exceptional for people who never been on ships and tour 2 was about flight deck,bridge and Captain’s cabin which was awesome!! I would recommend it for everyone!!

This was our second visit in 5 years, and we finally got to see some of the areas we hadn't didn't as much time on, such as The Laffy. New to us was the Vietnam experience, which was fascinating. I learned more about the Medal of Honor and some of the recipients. I love the way the museum brought personal experiences to life. I am thankful that they reinserted African Americans into the stories of WWII and their importance in serving our country.Make sure to ask about accessibility needs early so you can ask enjoy as much of the experience as possible.

4.8

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5.0

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40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USA

(843) 884-2727

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6

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge

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Bridge

Sights & Landmarks

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, completed in 2005, is a bridge that spans the Cooper River between downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. The bridge has a bike/walking lane and is illuminated at night. It replaced the Pearman Bridge and offers expansive panoramic views of the Charleston peninsula, Charleston harbor, and Mount Pleasant marina.

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Must-do for visitors and locals alike! This iconic bridge is Charleston. Either driving across (at night is magical), or walking/running/biking, or on a boat on the water below; you’ll never get tired of taking in the Holy City from this vantage point. If you want to cross without a car, free car park is beneath and a very short walk to get on the starting point. It’s very safe despite the cars whizzing by. It is very windy most of the time as a heads up. So a sun hat, or loose items are not recommended. You will not be disappointed making this stop on your list!

One of my best experiences during my visit to Charleston. The bridge itself is magnificent and an engineering marvel. If I lived here, I'd want to walk across it daily. Here are a few observations if you're planning to visit:Parking: I did a search for Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park on Google. There are a lot of parking spots located right under the bridge giving you easy access to the path. This is on the Mount pleasant side.Timing: The bridge is 2.5 miles long in one direction. There is an incline as you go up. Plan your timing accordingly based on your level of fitness and if you want to take a lot of photos.Weather: Three miles into the five mile trek, a massive storm blew in and I was soaked. There is nowhere to shelter (not a complaint...... This isn't something you'd expect on a bridge crossing). Check the weather before.The wind picks up very strongly at times so don't wear loose clothing etc.

Fantastic suspension bridge. Unique triangles dominate the horizon from every direction. See lots of people getting their walk or run in on the Mt Pleasant side of the bridge. Highly visible from the deck of the docked carrier vessel CV-10.

Very beautiful and scenic. Amazing views! This area has many treasures to explore. Be careful, it's a highly trafficked highway. Taking in the scenes can cause a10 car pile up.

Such a cool bridge to run or bike over! My kids and I ran ( ok they walked ) over it a few times. Lots of other people doing the same and super safe even with lots of traffic speeding past.Great way to get 5miles run in from one side to the other and back

This is an espectacular and cool bridge to run, walk or bike. The views and the scenery are amazing, I walked during sunset and it’s just a beautiful place to do your morning or evening routine. There are water fountains and the begging, mid point and the end of the route just in case you forgot your water bottle. If you’re in the Charleston area this is a must to do during your visit and it’s free !

Love driving over this bridge it always amazes me of the view of whole City of Charleston. Can’t wait for this years 2022 Bridge Run! See ya out there runners! Also anywhere you drive in Charleston you can see the big diamonds.

Fantastic bridge with even better views. Walking, running, jogging, or biking trail that's separated from bridge vehicle traffic. Fun place to run and catch great views.

What a great walk, run or bike! 2 1/2 miles one way, park and get your exercise in. Highly recommended.

A short walk from either side of the bridge and your view is picturesque. Walk, run, bike, scooter, or skate the length of the bridge if you want a bit of exercise. We took a casual walk 1/2 way and back. Then spent the rest off the evening walking in the park and in the pier. You can definitely make an afternoon or evening out of a visit to the bridge.There is a visitor center, cafe, gift shop, lots of riverfront seating all over, open grass areas and a gated playground for the kiddos.

4.8

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Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge, Charleston, SC 29403, USA

(843) 577-1685

7

Joe Riley Waterfront Park

Park

Nature & Parks

Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Joe Riley Waterfront Park on the east side of Charleston provides sweeping views of the harbor and is a popular spot for people to relax, picnic, and take in the sights. There are drinking fountains scattered throughout the park and wireless Internet access.

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This park is set along the ocean and calls you to remember the history of the area as you walk along its paths.Flowers & Majestic Trees line the walking routes that eventually guide you to the the famous Pineapple fountain ⛲️ and the pier.Lots of restaurants and shopping close by.A relaxing way to spend a few hours or all day.

Such an amazing place to walk around and have a nice evening stroll. Lots of benches to sit down and take a moment to relax. Beautiful fountains (including the famous Pineapple fountain) down here! The boardwalk is right next to the water and leads all the way to the water taxi pickup. The grove of trees is like walking through a green tunnel, especially gorgeous close to sunset with the suns rays penetrating the leaves.

Here is a Google traveler review for Joe Riley Waterfront Park:Pros:Beautiful waterfront location with stunning views of the Cooper RiverLarge, open spaces with plenty of room to walk, run, or bikeSeveral playgrounds and splash pads for kidsPicnic areas with grills and tablesPublic restroomsFree parkingCons:Can get crowded during peak timesNo shade in some areasNot much shade for picnickingNo food or drink vendors on-siteOverall:Joe Riley Waterfront Park is a great place to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and get some exercise. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, so be prepared for crowds. If you're looking for a quiet place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, this might not be the park for you. But if you're looking for a beautiful, well-maintained park with plenty of activities to keep you busy, then Joe Riley Waterfront Park is definitely worth a visit.Rating: 4 out of 5 starsDate of visit: June 21, 2023Time of visit: 10:00 AMWeather: Sunny, 75 degrees FahrenheitOverall impression: I really enjoyed my visit to Joe Riley Waterfront Park. The views of the Cooper River are amazing, and there is something for everyone to enjoy. I would definitely recommend this park to anyone visiting Charleston.

A staple must do on your Charleston visit!Enjoy the park with trails under oaks or along the marsh, benches, swings on the dock leading to the marsh, a dock by the Tug Boats, and of course infamous Pineapple Fountain.One of the best views of the Charleston area bay and especially for sunrise!You can find me here occasionally doing my morning rucks or on the docks enjoying the sea!We hope you enjoy our beautiful city of Charleston!- The Pirate Hunter

Super cool cool park. We felt like we were in a Jane Austin book taking a turn around the gardens. It was incredible beautiful and well cared for. We wish we had more time to just come and chill. This is a must got for a quiet place to rest. It’s very peaceful. Now should be mentioned it’s not a park for kids to run or dogs to be walked etc. even a sign that says no running. It’s a tranquil park. Which is what brings some of it awesomeness.

Beautiful water front park with lots of trees, benches and great views. Check out the pineapple and other fountain. Kids should wear their bathing suits, and adults can dip their toes too! A few restaurants and an ice cream shop are nearby.

Nice walking area along the water. There are 2 fountains that the kids are allowed to play in and cool off, dont forget to bring a towel. I fountain is called the pineapple fountain which looks like a pineapple. The pier is nice, has a shaded area with a couple of swings. Grandchild was able to ride her bike along the path.

Beautiful waterfront location with stunning views of the river. The park is full of large, open spaces with plenty of room to walk. Although some of the sidewalks were under water today due to rain. There are several playgrounds and splash areas for kids. There are picnic areas with grills and tables,Free parking if you can find a spot.

AWESOOOOME! SUCH a gorgeous place to walk around and have a nice evening stroll. Beautiful fountains down here! And the boardwalk right next to the water…and the grove of trees is like walking through a tunnel. So beautiful, such a nice little pretty spot. If I lived in Charleston, I’d be down here every week! A MUST VISIT if you ever find yourself in historic Charleston! 👍👍

This park is a great place to take a break from the touring and activity of the city proper. There was a lovely breeze and shade so it was refreshing. It is a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy watching the sailboats in the harbor or the kids playing in the fountains.

Wow. What a beautiful park. The fountains are the main attractions in the park other than the view of Fort Sumter. Great place for kids to dip themselves in the fountains on a hot summer day. Had sail boats floating by. Plenty of shady places to cool off while walking the surrounding area. The swings on the dock are the best. So much to do here. You won't regret giving this beautiful part of Charleston SC a gander. Will definitely be back for more.

Joe Riley Waterfront Park is an easy walk from King Street and City Market. This beautiful and pristine park overlooks the Charleston Harbor. Stop at the Pineapple Fountain, slip off your shoes, and wade in the water. Stroll along the tree-lined pathway and enjoy the beauty of Charleston.

We had a beautiful day. October is a perfect time to visit. Nice place to take a break and rest. You can reflect, watch sail boats, and listen to street artists.

If you are looking to take an early morning or late evening stroll, this is the perfect spot. There are plenty of benches if you want to grab a book to read, have a picnic, or just take in the scenery and enjoy nature.

4.7

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4.5

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Vendue Range, Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

8

Charleston City Market

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Market

Sights & Landmarks

The Charleston City Market, a market complex located in downtown Charleston, South Carolina, has a rich history dating back over 200 years. Spanning four blocks, this historic market offers a diverse array of food vendors and artisans selling various crafts such as sweetgrass baskets. The Market Hall, an architecturally significant building that faces Meeting Street, serves as the centerpiece of the market. Stretching from Market Hall to East Bay Street are a series of one-story market sheds that complete the complex.

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I went to this beautiful gallery of art. I was told that Jonathan Green was one of the best artist in town. Great Customer Service. Willie was very nice, neat and charming. Great Prices too!!🙂

I loved visiting this market. It was fairly big for the area that it’s in. I was expecting a much smaller market and was pleasantly surprised. There was so much to see and buy. I bought some prints, little gifts, jewelry, candies and had to buy some of the beautiful grass woven art pieces. There is lots more to do outside of the market that is very close and I loved that aspect also. It was a tight squeeze but we went on a weekend so maybe it’s less crowded during the weekdays. You are going to love it, but pack your comfy shoes for sure.

The City Market is a must-stop if you are visiting Charleston. This market is packed with all different types of vendors and artisans. The handmade straw baskets are works of art, and the paintings are breathtaking. Different vendors vary throughout the week, so stop in several times.

Definitely a must see in Charleston. Although busier, it's probably better to go on a weekend when I would imagine more vendors would be out. But I am not exactly sure how that works. If you are really shopping, it probably takes about 2 hours to get through the entire market. There are plenty of public parking areas. The parking garage we parked at was $4 for 2 hours.

A must see when you visit Charleston! Packed with something for everyone. I bought a book, a few pieces of art, and post cards. Very welcoming. I felt comfortable with my mask on. I would visit here again. From grits, to baskets, to art there is so much to see! Such a beautiful experience. Truly a place worth stopping and experiencing. You can find parking, there are lots and street parking. Also there is a lot of food in the area. Enjoy!

This was my second time visiting the market while in the state. It was such a lovely time. So much beautiful art and good snacks! Of course, everything is surrounded by the beautiful city with so many different shops. The only downfall is the horse carriage rides, leaves horse poop in the ground in some areas with a fresh scent.I do recommend going during the week if you can, so it's a little busy.

We were looking for something to do before we had to head to the airport. This is an interesting market that has a huge variety of things to look at and shop. There are permanent stores and what appears to be less permanent stalls for local vendors. Most of it is in outdoor covered pavilions with one section indoors and air conditioned. It began to rain hard, which quickly flooded the streets. There were 7 to as much as 12 inches of water between the buildings. I had to take my shoes off and roll my pants up to escape. Would have like to see the whole thing. It was a very memorable experience.

Love the Charleston City Market.There are a lot of interesting shops. Some are handmade items, too.Wide variety of artworks,spices, etc.The high ceiling with fans and long 2 buildings are impressive. There are also bathrooms.Walking down the shops is sure a nice experience. ...

Marvelous public market in the middle of downtown Charleston. The place has different kind of vendors, from arts and crafts to local shoes designers. Even if you don’t buy anything, I encourage people to talk a walk inside to enjoy its architecture.

One of my top fave experiences while we were visiting Charleston. Really cool market with all sorts of local stuff to buy and eat. Also just fun to look around. They only have certain hours so make sure to check the site. We caught the tail end of the market so a lot of people were already packing up or gone already for the day. Still a unique experience to find touristy or less touristy m/more unique Charleston items. I bought some delicious pecans roasted in cinnamon sugar. I will say roads are really tight and smaller in this part of town so brace yourself and search for nearby parking.

This is definitely a must stop, whether during the day or at night. My friend and I loved walking through the market and perusing all the local vendors and shops. We purchased a couple of gifts for ourselves and for others. I loved some of the unique jewelry and basket shops, and other items like the freeze dried skittles I couldn't quite understand. There's a plethora of things to buy!

The barn was very clean and smelt nice, and had bathrooms, which we were not expecting. It was easy and fast to get into the wagon as they tell everyone where to sit. We had Jordan, who was a very good coach horse and clearly knew the route. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. We saw a lot of the beautiful back alleys and were told a lot of history.

A great place for unique gifts and souvenirs from the Low Country. Authentic, hand made items by local craftsmen, garments, soaps, etc. Sweet grass baskets too. Parking is a bear or the other "B" word. Garages and lots can be $20/day. Place floods during a heavy rainstorm. Closes at 5 with vendors taking all their goods with them. A must see.

Ok so it's getting an average review based on access and walking. Repeat of products and parking. Worth the shopping trip but if you have mobility issues just know it's going to be a challenge. The horse carriage is a mixed thoughts, really hard to get in for some, But such a nice way to hear stories and see the sights. Just wish they had a horses only lane .

4.5

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4.0

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188 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

(843) 937-0920

9

White Point Garden

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Park

Nature & Parks

Gardens

This public park in Charleston offers lovely views out over the harbor and is home to an impressive collection of cannons and mortars from the American Civil War.

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Great place to walk, bring your dog, stroll or just pick a spot and read or have a picnic. Views of the ocean, sidewalks everywhere. I highly recommend if you have some free time in Charleston

A beautifully landscaped old park in Downtown Charleston. SC. Opposite the park is the ocean. The homes along the park and just beyond are stunning.

Beautiful garden! Very peaceful place for you to just chill and relax. There are historical statues you can view and appreciate. It is next to the battery as well for you to enjoy the ocean.

If you don’t have a lot of money, and you need something to do, pack a basket lunch grab a blanket and good book to spend the day at Whitr Point Garden on the Charleston battery. And on the weekends, you’re guaranteed to catch a beautiful wedding ceremony or wedding party getting their portraits done. There’s also passing sail boats and beautiful sunrise and sunset. There’s no public restroom but a 15 minute brisk walk to waterfront Park and there is a bathroom there. There is however free two hour parking on the streets around the park

First time I came here was in 1998, I totally forgot about that trip. Glad I was able to see it again. Very well maintained. Beautiful scenery and peace here. Crazy to think what used to be there and what took place though.

White Point Garden Is Awesome! Beautiful place to go to see the trees, and water. Without doubt worth going to! Have a great day!

White Point Garden is a must-stop when visiting Charleston. Take King Street south, and it runs right into White Point Garden. Take a few moments and take in all the history. And make sure you loop around to Waterfront Park and wade in the pineapple fountain.

In March white point Garden is covered with lots of flowers and blooming trees.This garden in park is very stunning to walk around and take photos. It is right off of the water and you get a beautiful view of sunrise or the sunset.It is family friendly with easy, parking parallel parking along the curb. Definitely a beautiful place to visit.

4.7

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4.5

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2 Murray Blvd, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

10

Pirates of Charleston

Tours

Boat Tours

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This pirate cruise far surpassed my expectations! I expected fun for my son, but it was fun for all involved! The entire crew really brought this experience to life and made it extra special for the kids and for the parents to watch! You can tell that they love what they do and care about providing a quality experience. My 4 year old has not stopped talking about this all day, said it was his favorite part of our vacation and has called family members to tell them all about it. His treasure hunting dreams all came true today. We were so pleased with this experience and definitely recommend!!!

This was the perfect adventure for my energetic 5 year old grandson ! From beginning to end the kids were engaged in activities that were exciting and age appropriate. Instructions were easy to follow and delivered with enthusiasm. The information about pirates was accurate , so it was also a valuable learning experience. The “pirates” did an outstanding job of involving every kid in each activity. As a grandmother and former teacher, I highly recommend this experience !

If you have kids, you definitely need to do the Pirates of Charleston! I was so surprised by how much fun it was! These guys do an amazing job of including all of the kids, giving them fun tasks, being silly and creating a fun world of a pirate life. My kids are still talking about how much fun it was. The whole production is so much fun. And the best part, parents get to sit back and watch their kids have a blast.

We celebrated our son's 5th birthday with Pirates of Charleston and he absolutely loved it! "Best birthday party ever!" I highly recommend. The crew made the entire experience from booking to the day of activities so easy.

Great family adventure! Even though my grandson was not too happy at the start he was scared. The pirates on the ship were able to get him engaged and enjoying himself. I highly recommend this pirate cruise and we will definitely go again. The staff is amazing and great with the kids.

We loved this and highly recommend. Our two and four year olds had a blast. All of the kids on board had a fantastic time and it was a pretty impressive because there was a big spread in ages of the kids participating. We will without a doubt do this every time we come to town and tell all of our friends about it.

If you are looking for a really great time out on the water with your kids, then this is it. I decided to give this a shot on a whim and am so glad I did. This was such a fun experience for the kids and parents too. This is not a sightseeing cruise/tour, but is a really fun activity to get your kids engaged in the pirate experience. I definitely recommend adding on the pirate swag for the kiddos and be ready to take pictures, have fun, and laugh until your sides hurt.Every kid gets to be a pirate and help find the treasure and do pirate things along the way. The team running this do a great job engaging all the kids where they are and getting them involved, complete with their own pirate name. And lots of fun and excitement along the way to be had by all!!

This was definitely the HIGHLIGHT of our time in Charleston!! The kids ~ from 1.5 yrs-10 LOVED this experience and still saying it's the BEST thing we've ever done on vacation!! These guys are TERRIFIC~ it's obvious they LOVE what they are doing! They do a fantastic, amazing job of including every child!! They keep the action and suspense rolling; they know just how to keep kids entertained and focused on fun! As a little aside, loved how they reinforced cleaning up their messes!!! If you want to provide a truly memorable and totally FUN experience for kids, with a pirate theme, THIS IS THE BEST THERE IS!!!! KUDOS to these guys who are so creative, resourceful and FUN!!!!!!

5.0

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95 Ripley Point Dr, Charleston, SC 29407, USA

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11

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

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Garden

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is a historic plantation dating back to the early 1700s, with gardens which are popular with visitors for their lovely natural surroundings and fascinating history. Besides the garden itself, there are attractions such as an animal zoo and nature center. There's also a train that takes visitors around the grounds, as well as boat tours.

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This was our first plantation tour. We had a great time. We did not tour inside the big house, but went on the tram tour and the From Slave to Freedom cabin tour. I recommend both very highly. After the tours we went though some of the gardens and around the ponds. Great scenery and views. We were surprised to come upon two large alligators near a walking path alongside one of the ponds. We were told there were many alligators on the property, but did not expect this encounter and left expediently. They made no aggressive moves, but we did not hang around. The rest of our walk was very nice and relaxing.

My family had a lovely visit to Magnolia Plantation. We came early on a Wednesday, and were able to quickly purchase tickets and get started with exploring the grounds.The plantation’s massive Live Oak trees are picturesque, and the house itself is well maintained. While waiting for our tour, we visited the conservatory which was lovely. We ended our tour in the gift shop which had a wide assortment of lovely items.We chose to pay for the Nature Tram since we had folks in our group who couldn’t walk far. It was a great choice since we were able to see the grounds and gain some historical perspective without walking a lot. On the tram we were able to see the slave houses, several rice fields, and many wild animals including alligators, birds, and turtles!Although we didn’t go into the house or take the From Slavery to Freedom tour, I imagine these are as well done as the Nature Tram and well worth their money!

What a beautiful place! So glad we went to visit. The grounds were gorgeous! There was a wedding there yesterday, so the various vendors were there tearing down their set ups. Other than that, all areas were open. We spotted many gators, so be mindful when walking near ponds and waterways. Lots of turtles too. The magnolias were so fragrant while we were walking around. We just did the house tour, but they had other tours available too. Those can be booked ahead of time right online. Lovely visit.

Magnolia was one of the best experiences we had while visiting Charleston. The tour guides were all very knowledgeable about the plantation. We did the house tour, train tour, and the Slavery to Freedom tour. The tour guide for Slavery to Freedom was Vanessa and she was absolutely amazing. I would recommend more then 4 hours for the entirety of the plantation. We only were able to do our tours and visit the gift shop in the four hours we were there. We wish we would have had more time to explore the gardens because this place is absolutely amazing. They also have an app that was extremely helpful for navigating the grounds and location the tours and restrooms.

The plantation is absolutely gorgeous. The scenery and flowers were breathtaking and the farm animals made the experience so much fun for the kids. When walking the different gardens, the signs leading there could have been more clear. Most importantly, be prepared to be completely devoured by herds of mosquitos, so prepare accordingly. Otherwise, the experience was top notch! Highly recommended.

Nice grounds with an interesting history. We just bought tickets for the garden and joined the complimentary „from slavery to freedom“ tour. All in all the two of us stayed about 90 minutes on the grounds, spent almost 70 dollars (including tip for the tour) and could not even get into the main house (would have been another 15 bucks per person). Making that much money with such a topic does not seem right to me.

Such a nice way to spend the day. The house is smaller than you’d guess, but the tour was one of my favorites. Full of history and interesting facts. The Slavery to Freedom tour literally made my eyes tear up with emotion, the guide couldn’t have been more perfect, it is clear that she loves her job and takes the history seriously. The grounds are beautiful. And my favorite part - the wild gators were all out and sunbathing, not at all phased by the visitors.

Extensive gardens and large tracks of natural habitat. The Ashley river runs along the edge of the property providing beautiful views from the gardens. There are interesting trees to be found including redwood. There is a biblical garden as well as a conservatory. There are places with picnic tables and benches to rest at. There is a petting zoo. And children's garden. We did see little blue herons, great egrets, alligators and turtles. There is an excellent presentation "from slave to freedom" that takes about 30 minutes. Takes place at the remaining original slave quarters on the plantation. Gives a good snapshot of what life was through the decades from 1850s to 1990, they were still in use by the grounds people. All these can make for an entertaining and informative day.

Had a nice afternoon here with the family. It wasn't peak bloom for anything in late September but there were still plenty of flowers and the overall scenery with the Spanish moss draped trees was stunning.We did the rice field boat tour, which was very informative. The rice fields were given back to nature and are now just wetlands with a few remnants of the old farm. We saw tons of beautiful birds and alligators. The pontoon boat had a roof, so we were out of the sun.Definitely should be on your Charleston list. If you are a local, call ahead to learn about what's in bloom and what time of year is best to visit.

Beautiful grounds and rich in history. Great stop on way to Charleston for a bit of a walk and some lovely pictures! Bring bug spray and pack a lunch. Bit pricey but if you have more time it is well worth the money.

It's definitely a beautiful place filled with lovely flowers, plants and trees. The slavery to freedom tour and petting zoo are included in admission. Personally, I think for the price, everything should be included. There shouldn't be "add ons."The guide for the freedom tour was exceptional and he deserves a raise. He told the raw history which needs to be said.

I had an amazing time here, it was super beautiful and a really enjoyable experience overall. The "train" tour is nice because you're able to see a lot of the area with a lot of wildlife. The boat ride is also fun and you see a lot of gators. There are also many birds throughout the plantation along with flowers along various paths.

Our family had a great time here! It was so nice to get up close to so many animals. We enjoyed our train tour and learned a lot! I only wish it was easier to take pictures during the tour. The cafe had great options for food. The gardens were lovely! We didn’t have time to do the silvery to freedom tour, but we will definitely be back to do it.

Beautiful Plantation with so much to see and do! We loved going over to the “look out platform” and seeing over the whole area! We also saw SO MANY alligators in the ponds! SO cool!We also LOVED the zoo! It had the coolest animals and was so fun to walk around and see them all up close!We visited the last week of May and noticed that none of the flowers in the gardens were blooming (could’ve just been an off and cold year for the flowers).RECOMMENDATIONS:- Bring Bug spray! We were a little unprepared and got EATEN ALIVE- Look up the tour times! The grounds are beautiful, but each segment (ex: house, garden, train tour etc) costs money and most of the segments have specific your hours! Look up your times to get the most out of your experience

This tour provided real and accurate information about slavery. No sugar coating, Gone With The Wind, it wasn't that bad narrative. Beautiful and breathtaking gardens, swamp and scenery. We did the big house, train and "From Slavery to Freedom" tours. We spent 3.5 hours and could have walked the garden more but, the 🦟 🦟 🦟 were hungry so we left 😂 A great tour and educational experience!

I have been coming here for 10 years. I love it. I used to eat a handful of mushrooms and bring my dog out and have the best meditations. Now I attend sober and enjoy the farm animals. The workers are friendly. The gardens are ample. I loved the swamp walk bc I grew up on a swamp. The history y’all, not my favorite subject, but it’s there. They have a bamboo garden that is so peaceful. We saw about 25 gators during our trip.

The grounds are absolutely beautiful. To me, Magnolia is a must-see plantation because of the extensive naturalist gardens. The house and the stuff inside are not too special. The mansions downtown are much more impressive. I did all of the tours. It is a bit more expensive than the other plantations since each tour is not included. The slavery tour was the most interesting to me. The nature train was nice because we got to see more of the swamps than on foot, but we didn't see anything other than the swamps that was too interesting. Also, I loved the little area with all of the animals! The spiced cider at the café was delicious.

4.5

(7842)Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (62)

4.0

(7192)Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (63)

Charleston, SC 29414, USA

(843) 571-1266

12

Middleton Place

Mentioned on

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Historical landmark

Nature & Parks

Middleton Place, a sprawling rice plantation on the Ashley River dating back to the 1730s, is located about fifteen miles northwest of Charleston. Once home to the Middleton family, who played significant roles in South Carolina's colonial and antebellum history, this landmark suffered damage during both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Despite being ransacked by British troops and burned by Union soldiers, Middleton Place stands today as a National Historic Landmark District.

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We have visited four plantations in the Charleston area. This is our favorite setting and relaxing atmosphere. The grounds are exceptionally maintained. We spent two hours walking the grounds. It is the various buildings that tell the story. One stop shows a very large number of Middleton slaves. Depicted by each location and where they determined their value to the plantations.The house tour is self guided after a short synopsis of the Middleton family and furnishings.We had lunch outdoors in a very relaxed setting. Salad with baked chicken breast, green fried tomatoes with sauce and corn fritters with honey butter.

Lovely grounds. You pull into the gravel parking lot and there is a Cafe/market to the left. Please know that is not the only place to grab a bite. You can access this, as well as the gift shop, prior to your paid entrance. We opted for a tour of the house for an additional $15pp. Not sure if I would do that again. We were maybe in there 15 minutes....maybe. it's self guided but there are volunteers to tell stories or answer questions. If you are expecting a grand southern plantation mansion, this is not it. Its a small 2 story home. The first thing you see upon entering the plantation is the large reflecting pond. Very beautiful. The next thing you'll notice is the livestock running amuck. Namely sheep. So be careful where you walk. 😉 they do have a lovely dining room. It was a very nice plantation. Lots of grounds to explore. Everyone was very nice. Just not that grand southern home. Not sure the livestock gets the best care. Which is why I gave it 4 stars.

We visited Middleton in late September 2022. Granted, hurricane Ian provided atypical weather, but in general, it’s probably not the best time to visit. Little to nothing was in bloom. The grounds were well kept and people were friendly and helpful. There were a few animals freely roaming - a handful of sheep and some swans. They had horse stables but nothing super interactive. There are some small buildings to showcase how the enslaved lived, but it’s not very detailed. The grounds had easy walking paths - mostly sand-based so if you are wearing sandals, know you’ll get a littledusty. There’s a restaurant on site which is nice. The beyond the fields tour … wasn’t a tour. You gather around under a tree, sit on benches and listen to a historian explain the enslaved conditions. It was informative, but different than how it was presented. There is a restroom, gift shop and plant shop in the parking area. It’s not a must-see for me. We spent about 2.5 hours here.

Absolutely gorgeous location. The oak trees are stunning, the gardens are lovely to stroll through, and I love a history lesson. We went to the restaurant last week and enjoyed the drive out, delicious food and co*cktails and friendly and helpful staff. Shout out to Maggie who helped us make memorable dish selections. Looking forward to coming back later this fall for a wine stroll. I went last year and enjoyed it so much, I am coming back with girlfriends! I would recommend it as a date or as a nice evening with friends.

I have been to Middleton multiple times over the years. It has beautiful gardens that you can get lost in. Don't look at the pics here. Just get out and see it. I went to a Creative mornings event that was hosted here and didn't pay but there is usually a fee. There is a cute garden center where you can buy plants, but the big draw is the incredible southern landscape. Enjoy!

Restaurant had a very good steak, but the locally made cinnamon ice cream, I honestly cannot stop thinking about it. The view outside this restaurant, although "wild" not tamed, alligators were ALL OVER THE PROPERTY, was Southern thick farmland and just spectacular. The property tour was very neat and the history was rich and interesting. The Inn was very different and unique, rooms had ceiling to floor windows showing the lush grounds. An interesting property worth the visit.

Breathtaking! This place was the highlight of our honeymoon. The cured gardens and ponds were like a dream. The staff are all very helpful and know their stuff or will send you to someone who does. What a pleasant and enjoyable day. Give yourself a whole day to soak in the history and experience of this estate. Enjoy!

Beautiful grounds and house. Wonderful restaurant on property with absolutely amazing food. House tour was very informative as were the historical interpreters around the grounds. Very relaxing and serene surroundings.

Amazing plantation with knowledgeable guides and tons of history. We visited early October and the weather was spectacular. Did Beyond the Fields and Guided Garden Tour. Both were included in the admission price. Ate lunch in the restaurant which was wonderful. Our wait staff was engaging and attentive. (No tax on the bill!) Learned so much about slavery and history of the plantation. The trees alone were worth the visit. One was 1,000 years old! I highly recommend.

Great historical place to visit. Beautiful landscapes and the old buildings are amazing. Bring bottled water as it was hot a d humid and there is a lot of walking but, worth every minute of it.

Absolutely beautiful! Loved getting to walk around and explore the gardens- there were tons of free garden tours or other guides that you could listen to- to learn more information about. But overall it was such a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. It’s pretty far North Charleston- and tons of walking- we got there around 9:30am and didn’t get done until 12:45pm- so allocate for a good chunk of time here!

Absolutely loved it! Amazing grounds and scenery. The house tour was really cool, lots of history in the building. The restaurant waa nice, I didn't eat there, but it smelled amazing. Had a couple drinks at bar, beat Old Fashioned I have had in years! Huge shout out to Colby H.....kudos buddy!

We booked a tour van out to the estate which included transportation, tour of house and lunch. Self guided tour of grounds and gardens in between the timed tour and lunch.Beautiful place and well preserved house with interesting articles from the Middletons. Gardens are beautifully maintained. All of the staff were extremely helpful and kind. A must if visiting Charleston.

This is a lovely place to spend the day. We went specifically to see the Middleton Oak. The ticket agent was helpful with directions to get to the oak on the shortest route. The grounds are lovely with lots of wooded, shady paths. We saw swans in the reflecting pond and alligators in the flooded rice fields, which my daughter was very excited about. The two gift shops are very nice and well stocked with a variety of items of different price points.

Visiting from Georgia and this was such a fun outing! Bought student tickets online, quick and easy. The parking is good. The whole estate is very large and worth the price. There are some small trails around the swamp, some by the water, some around the garden. It is all well maintained and beautiful. We were not able to attend any of the tours but there are plenty scheduled throughout the day. The livestock here are very nice and obviously well taken care of. The chickens ran up to us expecting food, which kind of startled my partner. I loved the whole experience here. Though I do recommend coming when the heat of summer isn’t in full affect, we were dripping sweat by the time we were done here in July.

4.7

(2443)Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (67)

4.5

(4371)Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (68)

4300 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414, USA

(843) 556-6020

13

Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site

Mentioned on

7 lists

State park

Nature & Parks

Historical landmark

The Colonial-era settlement of Dorchester has been left to the surrounding forest, but still contains some architectural remains. Visitors can explore the settlement and learn about early Colonial life while spending a couple of hours there. The park is dog friendly, has plenty of parking, and offers grass to roam and socialize on.

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Great historical park to learn and spend a couple of hours! Plenty of interesting things to see and plaques to read. Nice area to bring a picnic. Dog friendly and fun for kids. Plenty of parking. Lots of grass to roam and sprawl out (and socially distance as needed).

Neat little state park to visit that you can tell is very well kept. This isn't somewhere I could imagine spending hours upon hours at, but it's good for a quick visit. There's an easy trail to follow which has several signs up with short educational reads. $3 for an adult to get in which you pay via cash envelope at the entrance. There are picnic tables available and trash cans. Plenty of parking available, dog friendly (on a leash). Bring bug spray!

Very cool place to stroll through and take in all of its historical facts! This place has remainence dating back to the revolutionary War that are still partially standing! There is also a quick little hiking trail that I would rate to be moderate in difficulty. Not very big as far as area and you could see what it has to offer in less than 45 minutes. There is parking, a restroom, and a small 3$ fee to enter.

What a great site, with a self guided walking tour available that explains the history along the various stops. It was $7 to take the whole family here which is quite reasonable. The tabby fort was amazing, as was the bell tower and graveyard. Just a great site to spend the afternoon exploring. Pack a picnic lunch; there are tables and facilities here, and ample parking. Very interesting history and a "must see" if you live in the area.

The self guided tour is straight to the point and easy to follow. It's important to learn about history, good and bad, and this park teaches you very well — with amazing scenery to boot! Would definitely recommend to anyone interested in either local history or beautiful historic scenery.Admission is cheap and pets are allowed, so bonus points there too.

A fascinating little area that features a self-guided walking tour through the remains of this 18th century settlement. The location itself is quite scenic and peaceful, being located right along the river - I noticed many of the people there (it was by no means busy when I went on a Saturday) seemed to just be there to enjoy the nature.A very worthwhile stopover if you're interested in the area's history. There was no gate or park ranger, although visiting here does cost $3 per adult, paid on the honour system via drop envelope.

Nice place to take a break, enjoy nature and learn some history. Bathrooms were surprisingly clean and maintained. There is a fee, go to the website to see more info.

4.7

(823)Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (69)

4.5

(216)Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (70)

300 State Park Rd, Summerville, SC 29485, USA

(843) 873-1740

14

Kiawah Island

Nature & Parks

Islands

Golf Courses

Kiawah is a sea island, or barrier island, on the Atlantic coast of the United States. Located 25 miles southwest of Charleston in Charleston County, South Carolina, it is primarily a private beach and golf resort.

4.5

(603)Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (71)

South Carolina, USA

15

Freshfields Village

Business center

Shopping

Shopping Malls

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This shopping village is important to know about if you are staying in the area. They have a food market (Harris Teeter) and other stores. Not inexpensive, but much shorter drive! Cantina 76 has good drinks and food!

If you need some clothing or groceries this is it on Kiawah. It's not cheap (duh) but it is here. I only have been in the grocery (standard Harris Teeter with some silly upscale stuff like duck eggs and ridiculous wine), but my wife loved every visit. Plenty of chairs and open areas for folks that don't enjoy retail stuff.

I recently stayed on the island and found Freshfield Village. There is a full grocery store, great shops, cafes and a good selection of restaurants. The village setting is pleasant to walk around or sit down by the water and chill. Luckily the weekend I was there they had a Jazz Festival on the green which was great! I highly recommend checking it out if you stay on the island.

The Harris Teeter here is amazing. Check out their meat and seafood department. Also has some amazing sushi plates you can grab. Never had better pre-made sushi.

Freshfields is an upscale shopping and eating experience with places such as Lululemon, Southern Tide, Fuji and King Street Grille. Plenty of options for food and shopping and easy to walk around with a Harris Teeter supermarket within the complex.

This is a quaint little faux village on Kiawah Island. Shopping is geared towards the lady’s. There is a pleasant village square with comfortable seating for the guys. It’s clean and there are nice restaurants to enjoy. Only reason it’s not higher than three stars are the prices. They are, well, ridiculously high. Services the well off on the island to be sure.

Very nice place to visit. Great stores however they price resort style. To be expected for the type of shopper they look for.

Fresh produce. Excellent selection of seafood. Very nice customer service. Has a hot food section for easy grab and go items like chicken wings and rotisserie chicken

Beautiful shopping village directly across from the Andell Hotel. Games and evening movies for the kiddies. Live music as well. Pizza, pasta, burgers, beer, and Ben and Jerry's all in one place.Skin care and bookstores also in the village. Quaint, not too crowded. Decent parking. There's also a small parking lot in the back of the village, near the pond.

Love it! Wonderful shops and restaurants. Highly recommend visiting while you're on Kiawah or Seabrook.

I work here at Freshfields Village and I travel over an hour to get there each day because I love how I am treated by the people there. They make me feel right at home.

The only reason I gave three stars is bc Fuji and Hedges are awesome. Everything else is terribly overpriced and not worth it. That would be the King street Grill, The candle shop, Cantina 76, Harris Teeter, all the merch shops and the sports store.

This a great place to stop and walk around before hitting the beach. They have an old style pharmacy/soda fountain that makes you feel like you're in a "Grease" movie set. It's a charming and quaint American village.

4.6

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4.5

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165 Village Green Ln, Kiawah Island, SC 29455, USA

I'll never travel to Savannah without this trip planner again

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16

Botany Bay Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area

Nature preserve

Nature & Parks

Nature & Wildlife Areas

This 3,363-acre oceanside nature preserve features wetlands, beaches, sea turtles & other wildlife.

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Roads were washboard, whooped and sandy in spots. No restrooms or porta potty, no dogs allowed.I was expecting the beach to have just driftwood but its an entire forest washing into the sea. Was very impressive, the power of the sea. To erode the east coast by 1.5 inches year after year since the start of the Holocene epoch

I didn’t take a lot of pics this time as Ive been here before. The best time to go is during sunrise pr sunset - it will be less sunny and the area looks amazing. Please note that there are no restrooms in the area and the roads are rough. You can do the Botany Bay loop. Make sure you fill out the form at the Plantation entrance and leave one half of it at the booth. Display the other half on your car. This is the pass. Its free though. From the booth drive up and you will get to the beach parking lot in a mile or so. From the parking lot, its a short walk to the beach. The beach is super clean and pretty. Its miles of driftwood in either direction. There are so many shells, its illegal to pick any. Its an area susceptible to erosion, so make sure you don’t disturb anything. One you’re done with the beach you can continue the tour if you would like. There is a chart/map at the entry booth that explains all the locations.

One of the most spectacular places I've visited so far. I absolutely loved seeing the Driftwood on the beach. It was truly an amazing sight. I plan to visit again soon to spend a day exploring more.

We visited in May, 2022. It is an awesome historical look at local life 200+ years ago vs modern attempts at preserving nature. There is a motor trail around the plantation and foot paths to awesome natural views, including a beach preserved in its natural beauty without improvements.

Really enjoyed Botany Bay. You can tour in your car, so if you have mobility issues, you can still see and experience the area

My favorite place in Edisto. Place is a photographers dream. Plenty of landscapes, seascapes and wildlife opportunities to be had. The place is open sun up top sun down and closed on Tuesdays or for special hunting days. The bone yard beach is amazing just be sure to watch the tide times.

Must see for a un touched view of a beach. This place is a hidden gem. Enjoyed the day exploring the coast and beaches. Beautiful place for pictures. Picturesque drive there is just as good and the beach. Please take the time to visit.

Do. Not. Remove. Shells and other cool finds. Instead take a picture of them and then place them on the surrounding trees on the beach. The driving tour is informative and you might even spot an alligator! The half ish mile walk out to the beach is 100% woth it. Take lots and lots of pictures. Not something youd want miss. Remember, botany bay is closed on Tuesdays.

4.7

(325)Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (81)

4.5

(521)Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (82)

Botany Bay Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA

(843) 844-8957

17

Edisto Beach State Park

Mentioned on

1 list

State park

Outdoor Activities

Edisto Beach State Park spans 1,255 acres and features a one-mile-long beachfront that offers excellent opportunities for shelling. The park boasts marshland, tidal rivers, and dead trees on the beach that contribute to its unique beauty. Visitors can hike or bike along the trails or opt for camping in the furnished cabins available on site. It is important to note that taking anything from the beach is illegal but there are plenty of beautiful shells to admire.

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Beautiful beach! It is illegal to take anything off the beach so you will find all kinds of beautiful shells! Dead trees on the beach. Believe it or not, this is partly what makes the beach so interesting and beautiful! The ocean has claimed much of the land which has killed the trees. The walk from the parking lot to the beach is a beautiful and easy ten minute walk . Lots to see along the way. A truly unique place to visit. I highly recommend it!

Might be our fave this trip. Tropical plants separate each campsite. New bath/shower building. Some sites on the marsh front. Beach is a short bike/drive away. Lovely sand for miles

Enjoyed Edisto Beach State Park, recommend as a great destination. Two campground, one on the beach, the other has a nature center and fishing pier on the inlet. Both are beautiful. The beach was not crowded in May, and early morning I had the beach to myself. No-see-um gnats can be annoying near the inlet. Not a problem on the beach. Some good short trails that are fun to explore

Park was very nicely laid out but due to the Hurricane tons of cleaning up and some minor flooding in areas. Quite a few people on the beach, tide was way out lots of mud but everyone was having a great time enjoying the day. Will definately go back

I've been to the campground and beach. Great location. I booked a second trip. I had to cancel 7 days before arrival and was charged $55 administrative fee. Problem is 7 days later still no refund. I spoke to an employee and was told it can take 6 days and as many as 10. I complained that for $55 it should not take this long. Employee said he just works there. I had to tell him as an employee he needs to tell his employer customers are calling Bill and maybe they will improve their policies. After all, shouldn't this be about the customer?

Very nice camping area of South Carolina State Parks. Me and my wife visited this park last week. The camp sites had water and electricity. Very good showers and bathrooms facilities. Our site was next to the beach, with easy access to the beautiful Edisto beach. I suggest you book your stay early for the best spots. Close to Charleston and Beaufort SC. Some nice restaurants close by as well. Overall it was a beautiful, relaxing place to camp and relax. They have 2 camp sites close to each other, we stayed at the ocean front camp sites. Highly recommend going to check this area out for yourself and enjoy our beautiful South Carolina State Parks.

Incredible place for fishing, sightseeing, and general beach experience. This state park covers a lot of land, be prepared to spend some time exploring. You can hike a little, rent fishing gear, and maybe even see a bald eagle fly over as we did. There is also a museum type thing with displays and a retail area to purchase stuff, as well as make donations. Highly recommend!!

Beautiful beach RV park with level sites, water and electric hookups, picnic tables, and well maintained grounds. Our space was just steps from the beach dunes, and there was a paved walking path right to the beach. The landscaping is wonderful and your RV is close enough to the water to hear the waves in the distance as you relax and enjoy the sea air. The restrooms and shower house was clean and modern and had plenty of hot water. As a disabled person, I would've liked to have had a bench or chair in the shower, but other than that, they were very nice. The park ranger was nice enough to deliver a "loaner" beach wheelchair to our site for my use during our stay, which was much apppreciated. It made it much easier for me to enjoy the beach area. We stayed here in a 34' Class A.

Nice beach access park. Can get full early and easy. They have shelters and grills, bathrooms/changing rooms, showers at the beach edge and a gift shop by the beach. There is a wheelchair path to get to the beach. There is another area up the road that is the main park with walking trails and a nice nature center as well as camping areas in that wooded area and the have camping at the beach site available. Bring bug spray if camping at the wooded area. Camping at the beach part can be booked up a year in advance. And when the weather is nice in Sept early October, you take a risk of missing your campsite due to possible hurricanes.

We went on the night walk to see the loggerhead turtles. Leah was awesome and gave a very great presentation. She also answered all of our questions and helped us to find a turtle right off the bat. It was an amazing once in a lifetime experience. 5 out of 5 would recommend to anyone!!

Very nice park and campground. Very lush and green in the live oak camp area. Looks like you woke up in Durassic Park. Sites are sufficient for most camping. Staff very friendly. Very family oriented.If your into bright lights, big city, you may want to get a hotel room at Myrtle Beach because this is far from the bustle of hotels and shops. There are a handful of seafood restaurants with bars, a food lion, subway sandwich(in the gas station),a package store, and gas/convenient store.

Our family loves the coastline in this part of the state. The state parks is the way to go. It's usually not to busy and there are bathrooms nearby. Picnic tables and trials to explore. This spot was close to the touristy part but still had a lot of space on the beach. The waves were good today and there was some small spots sectioned off because it was a turtle's nest. There was. Gift shop nearby and a board walk with more shops close as well. You could walk the whole beach which was at least a mile both ways where we were. Love the state parks. Good investment of tax payer monies.

Always a bustling little island. However, it's still very laid back, "vacation" vibe, relaxed, friendly, and rarely crowded.

Access to the beach while camping was very convenient. Very quiet location.At night time the campsites are overrun by Raccoons. These raccoons are not afraid and will come up to your campfire. Even when you yell at them and shake a stick at their face, they're not afraid and stand their ground.

My first time staying at this campground. The facilities and campsites were clean, accommodating, and private. The restroom was always fully supplied and immaculate. The wifi worked all the time and the gate attendants were helpful and friendly. Even the abundant number of raccoons didn't create much havoc during the night. We will stay here again!

The beaches were fantastic. We used our R.V. In December , no crowds and the small town is very charming, not highly commercialized. They do need to put garbage receptacles at the dump station. We had an amazing weekend and will be back.

Great trails in the 'Live Oak" section of the park - wide, lush, hard packed dirt trails suitable for foot, bike and paw traffic, lush campsites. Beach campsites are wonderful - great beach from sunrise to sunset, dog friendly too. 1/2 mile bike path from Live Oak to the beach, Excellent grocery store and restaurants close too - walking/ bike distance.

Small beach with nice amenities nearby. However, the beach itself has a rough gravelly type of sand that can be uncomfortable to walk on barefoot. Definitely would recommend wearing sandals to this beach. Other than that I would recommend going here.

Nice park overall, but the facilities are really dated. When you pay for entrance to a state park and look for a place to change into your swimsuit, you expect something a little nicer than a dark shack with no lights inside. After swimming for the morning, we enjoyed a picnic lunch on the tables that were well-placed in the shady areas by the parking lot.

4.7

(2754)Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (83)

4.5

(412)Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (84)

8377 State Cabin Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA

(843) 869-2156

18

Shelter Cove Community Park

Mentioned on

3 lists

Park

Outdoor Activities

Hiking Trails

Shelter Cove Community Park is a popular gathering spot in the city that hosts frequent shows and festivals. In addition to its entertainment value, the park also features green space for sports and fitness activities. The park is well-designed for children to burn off energy, making it an ideal destination for families with young kids. Located in Hilton Head, the park is surrounded by great shopping options including numerous restaurants and small shops.

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Shelter cove has some of the best shopping in restaurants hands down. This park was so well designed for the kids. They were able to burn some energy off so they could behave well at the dinner table. We went twice in our week vacation down there in Hilton Head. Highly recommend stopping by here if you have kids. Let them burn some energy off so they don't act up at the store's while shopping lol

This is a awesome Greenway that goes put over the edge of the marsh area near shelter cove. There is open parking at the end, and there are two small parks that this takes you to.One is a veterans memorial park with pavers of some veterans of various wars. I am not sure how the featured veterans were chosen, but still a pretty stopThe 2nd park is behind shelter cove shopping center, and has a playground, and gazebo area as well as easy access to shops and restaurants.The whole trail is probably about a mile, but might be a nice excursion if you find yourself in the area

Shelter Cove Community Park is a beautiful park located adjacent to the Shelter Cove Towne Centre. It includes a large grassy area for recreation, a stage for concerts, and an area with playground equipment for children. Plus, it has a gorgeous view of the marshland. It's a beautiful place to run and play or simply to sit and relax.

It's a wonderful community park but there's very little shade along the boardwalk so pick your days carefully and wear lots of sunscreen. The views are absolutely beautiful

Have been here a couple times while visiting the area.. Nice park with good views. There are stores and small shops. Also a few nice restaurants and club located close by.

Love this park. It's close the restaurants and shopping and has the Memorial park. It's a great place to watch the sunset and to look at the amazing Memorial built for veterans. You can even purchase a brick for a veteran and they will have there name there for ever. They have done such a good job in building a beautiful park. It's a MUST visit while you're in HHI.

Cute little park with a community market on Sundays. Location was excellent to do extra shopping after the market. Playground was perfect for kids of different ages to explore and had good benches for parents.

This is new to us. Wonderful amenity. Well laid out paths, nice views, respectful of the natural environment. Nice veterans memorial. Perfect place for sunset pics. Connects to other Shelter Cove paths. Highly recommended

Shelter Cove Community Park is a very well-designed shopping center, community park for the whole family to enjoy. All of the photos were taken on our recent visit at Christmas and the park is just beautiful! The playground is great with rubber mulch and very cushioned for wild kids like mine:). Large grass area to run around or picnic with the family. Hilton Head puts on events there all the time such as movie nights under the stars, snow at the beach, 4th of July celebrations etc. Check with the community calendar to make sure you don't miss out on any of the great events going on there. This is a park we often take people that come to the beach to visit us. They always seem to maintain the park very well and we will continue to go there as it is just a great place to hang out, walk around, shop, eat, date night and of course go and see Santa Clause at Christmas!

4.7

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5.0

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39 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA

(843) 341-4600

19

Coastal Discovery Museum

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Museum

Specialty Museums

The Coastal Discovery Museum is a learning center situated on 68 coastal acres. It offers educational programs and guided walks through ancient buildings, trees, and wildlife habitats. The venue includes salt marsh boardwalks, open fields, gardens, trails, and a butterfly habitat spanning 1200 square feet. This habitat is home to around 13 species of native butterflies found in the Lowcountry region. Visitors can explore the natural history and cultural heritage of the Honey Horn property.

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This is a great spot to visit if you have an hour or two to explore the inner exhibits and the exterior trail. It's a very educational place and is great for all ages. We went in the rain which wasn't bad. We could still are our way outdoors with an umbrella and raincoat. We especially liked the history and lantern exhibit. Quite a nice treat.

We stopped in to the museum to check it out with our 8 and 1 year old daughter's. There is a lot to explore on the grounds and inside the museum. They have a scavenger hunt for the kiddos to do which involves hitting all of the checkpoints on the map. Great for a quick home school lesson if you're on vacation and playing hooky! This kept us busy for a good couple of hours while exploring and learning about the low country and all it has to offer, as well as the history of the land. We visited towards the end of March and I think with it being the off season, the grounds needed some attention and they could stand to update a few things but all in all, it wasn't bad. I would assume it's a little more lively during the peak season. There was no entry fee but they do accept donations. There was a kids room inside the museum with their pet turtle and some other fun things for them to play with. There's a lot to learn inside and out. I would compare it to a National Park welcome center and gift shop. We're glad it wasn't raining because the scavenger hunt and trail are all outside so be prepared and plan for a fair weather day!

so awesome!! visiting this museum was free (but they do accept donations!) and it is a beautiful area to walk around. there is a great butterfly garden that you can walk through, pretty trails, and they even had a little meet-and-greet with some animals (this was $7 a person, but it’s totally optional. i would absolutely recommend, though!!). we got to hold a corn snake, turtles, and baby alligators. the staff was super friendly and nice and i would love to go back.

We had such a great time! We spent the first part exploring the indoor museum and were treated with animals, history and an amazingly knowledgeable volunteer who helped us gain our bearings and truly made us feel so welcome.Then we explored every bit of outside! So much beautiful nature to explore and so much to learn. Great for kids, adults, couples, everyone!

Be prepared to walk.and bring bug spray. Very informative, nice walk-around to see the marshes and different plants/animals. Cute gift shop as well as some canned things for sale. Children's activities and live horseshoe crabs & a turtle!! Our kids loved it.

We had such a great day at the coastal discovery museum. The grounds are beautiful. There are so many things to see and learn about. We had an excellent tour guide who explained about Myrtle the turtle and horseshoe crabs. We spent about 2 hours in total there but easily could’ve taken longer! A great learning environment for kids and adults.

Great spot to visit and learn about the island wildlife. There is a museum (with lots of info about the birds, fish and turtles), a few outdoor (and partially shaded) exhibits including a butterfly house, two walkways into the marshland, and a couple small barns. It's free for the most part (you can leave a donation if you want) and there is a small gift shop if you want to buy a souvenir. Overall this was a fun and informative place to go.

The museum itself was delightful. But I paid full price for a ticket for the Gullah history tour, and I felt it was way overpriced. I would have liked more information about the history of the Gullah people and their culture here on the island and not just pointing out neighborhoods where they lived. There were very few butterflies in the butterfly house, and there were no carnivorous plants growing in the carnivorous plant exhibit.

We visited the museum July 5th. It was very spacious with air conditioning. It has very beautiful local art displayed along with information about local wildlife, and Hilton Head history. We also took a class in the Exploratory Laboratory. Amanda taught us lots of fascinating information about alligators, horseshoe crabs, and the environment. She was very friendly and deeply invested. Thank you for a fun and educational outing!

4.7

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4.5

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70 Honey Horn Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, USA

(843) 689-6767

20

Coligny Beach Park

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Park

Outdoor Activities

Beaches

Coligny Beach Park is an oceanfront recreational area featuring well-maintained walking and biking paths, as well as amenities like Wi-Fi, swings, and the option to rent beach equipment. It is a popular destination for families as it is conveniently located near a playground and the Hilton Head Island Children's Museum. Locals also frequent Islanders Beach, where they can enjoy grilling facilities and picnic pavilions in addition to swimming in the Atlantic Ocean.

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I love this beach park. The trees are so beautiful and the water was so clear. They have lots of pine trees and the bright green leave plants. I also love that parking was easy, at least when we went in December. They also have bathrooms and showers.

Free public access to the Atlantic Ocean in a Hilton Head Island, SC! Beautiful boardwalk bringing you into the heart of the park. Clean restrooms, rinse off area, changing rooms and lots of shaded seating stops. Wheel chair and scooter accessible mat also available. Beach with lifeguards is very clean with several umbrella chairs and prime seating for families enjoying the day at the beach. Would definitely return!

Beautiful beach with all amenities like washrooms, foot wash, changing rooms, showers, parking.Walk to the beach is a pathway with beautiful trees, you can take your carts along with beach chairs.During the day beach was quite jammed but when I went in the morning around 7am it was much less crowded and looking more peaceful and beautiful then the day.Water of the beach is very very salty so if you skin allergies take precautions.You get Chairs along with umbrella shed on rent but I did not take it so don’t know the rent.P.S- I would request to each of you reading the review not to leave your plastic cans/items near the beach( I saw many during the day visit). Also other request would be to minimize the use of plastic so that our oceans don’t get destroyed.

Wonderful beach! Very clean and well maintained. We loved the walk up to the beach. There is plenty of seating where you can just rest and admire the beauty of the park. Just a short ways from the main Coligny Beach Park entrance, there is tons of safe, free parking. People (tourists and locals) are very friendly and will guide you if you need help. We particularly loved the outdoor changing area because we visited the beach again on the day we had checked out of our hotel. We were able to let the kids get in the ocean and play in the sand, and then come and rinse off and change into dry clothes right at the park. This extended our trip and gave us another day to enjoy the beach as we still had a safe area to get dressed. The park is close to tons of restaurants and shops. Just leave your car in the free lot and go explore. It’s worth it!

I live in Atlanta and don’t mind driving here because it’s clean, family-friendly, has free parking, and it really is beautiful. I love this beach! Lovely place to spend the day with my family

Beautiful place, flat beach area, soft sand nice to walk in the area that close to the water, not crowded, there is clean station and toilets. Pretty nice and clean side walk. Ocean water is pretty cold right now. friendly wave all day long..

Cool beach, gets busy during hot days for swimming.Many people around so it's mostly safe.Nice sunrises over the Atlantic and decent sunsets.Oceans can be flat as pancake or have 4-5 foot choppers in the same day. High and low tides add about 20 yards to beach area.Fun place to people watch

This was our first time coming here. Making our way to Florida. This park is actually really nice & convenient! So many wash off showers, bathrooms are decent, swings to sit down and chill. The beach sand was so nice, there was some trash here and there. The waters are warm!! I've never felt the waters that warm before. I recommend this park though, it's a nice place to take the family.

FREE PARKING!HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE right down to the ocean! There are mats lining the path that wheelchairs can roll on easily.This place is stunning.Very little shells on the beach. It's nice to see a city put so much into public access. Restrooms, showers, water faucets and more! The water was good and cold from the fountain which is a surprise.The sunrise was pretty even if that one cloud blocked it a little.Plenty of restaurants within walking distance too!

A good beach access point for the public. It has all the necessary after beach clean up facilities. The restrooms were kept as clean as possible for a public restroom. There was good enough sanitations. The park had several shops and restaurants which were unfortunately all closed as I visited on Christmas day.

Coligny Beach Park on Hilton Head Island is a must-visit destination for both solo travelers and families alike, the boardwalk leading to the expansive beach offers an intoxicating blend of natural beauty and modern convenience.The crown jewels of this picturesque location are the enormous live oaks that shade the park's well-maintained boardwalk that transforms the park into a cool retreat even in the peak summer heat. They're not just functional – these age-old guardians of the island possess a rustic beauty that adds a unique charm to the landscape.The park's splash pads are a real delight, particularly for children. A fine mist keeps visitors cool under the South Carolinian sun, adding an element of fun to the soothing serenity of the beach. The area is kept clean and is perfectly safe, making it an ideal spot for families to create lasting memories.Adding to the park's tranquility are the numerous swings scattered throughout the park. There's nothing quite as relaxing as swinging gently under the protective canopy of the oaks, enjoying the soft sea breeze and the hypnotic rhythm of the nearby ocean waves.Coligny Beach Park is a harmonious blend of leisure and nature.

Best beach to spend an afternoon with friends. Very clean beach. Found sand dollars and starfish. Life guards and helicopter kept eyes on water for any potential threat of sharks. Warnings were given and everyone had to get out of the water. It was about 30 minutes. Then the all clear was given. Clean bathrooms. Definitely my favorite beach!

Beautiful beach, easy access and lovely rest area with water spigots to wash off your feet as well as showers to rinse off completely. Could use more parking but there isn't anywhere to add it - plus, it's walkable from many of the condos nearby. The sand was perfect and waterntemp was cold but bearable for an October sunrise.

The first time I had been there and it was very clean. It had a lot of added family touches. Share toys and clean up area for the beach. The changing rooms and the restrooms were very clean. I loved the porch swings as well.

4.7

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4.5

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1 Coligny Circle, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA

(843) 342-4580

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21

Sea Pines Forest Preserve

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Nature preserve

Nature & Parks

Nature & Wildlife Areas

Sea Pines Forest Preserve is a protected natural area that offers various activities such as walking paths, boat tours, and an archaeological site constructed with seashells. This wildlife habitat, known as the Sea Pines Shell Ring, has been designated as a historic place and boasts diverse landscapes like bridle paths, wetland boardwalks, bridges, and fishing docks. Visitors can also explore vast areas of untouched nature including rice fields and swamps while observing the local flora and fauna.

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We had a wonderful time at both the Walking & Driving areas of the Preserve. If you're not staying at Sea Pines or have a pass already, you will need to purchase one. The day pass was $9.00. The trails on the walking areas were well maintained and marked. The Rice Field Boardwalk was just teeming with wildlife. The Vanishing Swamp boardwalk didn't have much wildlife, but the foliage was gorgeous. The driving area was beautiful with the ponds and wildflower area. Very narrow roadway. Overall a very lovely, well maintained preserve.

FYI - $9 fee to get into Sea Pines. I’m from out of town and didn’t know this until I arrived at the gate.The forest preserve trails are very well maintained and you’ll hear and see tons of wildlife.There’s a warning sign for alligators but don’t forgot to keep an eye out for snakes too.

Really pretty location. Lots of easy trails to hike on for hours. We were here in the winter time, so we didn't see too many animals. I'd say the most lacking thing is the restrooms, there just weren't enough of them for the size of the park.

Day pass fee is 9 dollars per car, pretty reasonable I thought. We just did the preserve but there seems to be an entire world back behind that gate! Who knew?? The preserve is very nice, flat trails very well marked. The raised walkways through the swamps are in great shape, we saw tons of Anoles (small lizards), Heron, ducks and other birds and I'm sure in warmer weather there of lots of gators. Great place to walk the dog or kids!

Great place to visit, we even saw a few alligators. Small admission fee of $9 a car. Lots of other things to do in Sea Pines as well.

Really beautiful preserve. It was winter (January) but we saw some animals entering the preserve and in the preserve. Shell ring was interesting. It is $9 to enter this part of the island. Thought it was worth it for the day. Perhaps seeing animals made it all the more enjoyable.

The trails here are nice and flat and well maintained. Beautiful scenery. You will pay a $9 charge to enter this portion of the island unless you're a resident or renter in Sea Pines. Signs were very helpful when navigating the preserve. Highly recommend.

It's okay. $9 for a day pass to walk around a kind of average state park. Trails are well maintained and grounds are well kept. Saw a few turtles, a couple gators, a snake, and several cranes. But if you expect a lot nature, you should consider driving the 20 minutes to Pinckney National Preserve. I enjoyed it way more and it was free. Just get there early to get parking.

The trails were nice, but the weather wasn't so little to no critters out and about. Shell ring was not as expected. Several lakes and different types of trails. Dirt, sand, and boardwalk style.

4.5

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4.5

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Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA

(843) 842-1979

22

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge

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Wildlife rescue service

Nature & Parks

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is a coastal sanctuary that features salt marsh and tidal wetlands, providing habitats for various animals such as birds, deer, alligators and other wildlife. Visitors can spend several hours exploring the park on foot or bike while observing the stunning scenery and diverse fauna. The refuge offers ample parking space, but it can get crowded on pleasant days. It is an ideal place to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of wildlife in their natural habitat.

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We decided to come here on our vacation to Hilton Head and it was well worth it. It's pretty hot in some areas. The park path is like 14 miles and you can walk or bike..I would recommend biking and hopping off to check things out. We saw a corn snake, crabs thousands of tiny ones which was neat, lots of native birds and they are so majestic and beautiful. They don't even look real! We walked down to the next pond past the bird pond and down there we saw two baby alligators resting on the edge of the water with their nose buried in the sand and one giant one swimming around..you should definitely take a walk around that pond and the bird one we saw some baby ones there too. It was very nice and enjoyable for the entire family. Next time we are renting bikes for sure so we can see it all. Donation boxes outside. Very scenic.

We think we keep coming on off days. Once in the month of November and again in January. Very vast preserve and well set out trails. Plenty of parking. Never saw much. Beautiful trees.

Great walk along the shore, through the woods or both. Stunning scenery and abundant, varied wildlife. Certainly well worth a couple hours or more of your time.

So much to see, you’ll probably have to come here more than once! When you enter the trail to the main road after parking, there are maps to help you find your way throughout the refuge. The island is so big with such a diverse variety of wildlife. I would suggest bringing a bike with you to be able to travel more quickly around the islands trails. There are lots of informational posts throughout so you can identify the animals you may come across. The first major landmark you’ll come across is Ibis Pond and it is breathtaking. The pond and trees are full of different birds, and there is a gator that can be found there. I was only able to see a fraction of the island, but I will definitely be coming back, and I highly recommend this place.

Beautiful location to walk and bike. The ibis pond was really stunning to see hundreds of the beautiful birds nesting in the trees. Bikes are allowed on the trails, but I'd recommend sticking to the gravel for casual riders, because the grass and dirt trails require a lot more effort.

A great place to spend a few hours and connect with nature. Take time to stop along the way to look for birds and wildlife. The park has enough parking space and it can get filled up on a nice day. Good for both biking and walking. Plan to spend about half a day.

Pinckney Island was amazing. My wife, son, and a biked about 8 miles through several of the trails and saw so much wildlife and beautiful scenery. We saw deer, birds, crab, and an alligator. I’d definitely recommend bringing bikes to efficiently view the island. It is completely flat, and the trails are well-maintained, so it should be no trouble for someone who doesn’t regularly ride bikes.

4.7

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4.5

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(843) 784-2468

23

South Beach

Beach pavillion

Outdoor Activities

Public beach

Beaches

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BEAUTIFUL! Parking was easy. You do have to pay for parking. Every street had a walkway over the dunes that led to the beach. The beach wasn't overcrowded. Everything is clean and perfect!

I visited South beach in first week of March. It was very quiet and finding a parking was very easy.

Tybee long beach front was extremely windy today. The beach was accessible from a long ramp over the dunes. We weren't going to swim just look.

4.6

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4.0

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99-1 11th St, Tybee Island, GA 31328, USA

24

Bonaventure Cemetery

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Cemetery

Sights & Landmarks

The Bonaventure Cemetery is located in beautiful surroundings and is immortalized in the best selling novel "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." It has been popular with writers, poets, photographers, and filmmakers for years. The small family plot that formed the nucleus of present-day Bonaventure Cemetery became the plantation home of John Mullryne and his son-in-law Josiah Tattnall.

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It's a overwhelming feeling to see such majestic trees and beautiful landscaping surrounding the endless gravestones and statuary on the grounds. It helps us to remember when graveyards were places people left their truly departed , but in the past spent time walking on a afternoon. If you enjoy quiet places filled with a few ghosts ..then go see this and quietly tiptoe through the endless history...

This was a wonderful visual experience! Nothing much to stay other than I think it's important these types of places continue to be preserved for the coming generations to be able to see. Very wide range of history here and I definitely recommend taking a stroll through the Bonaventure Cemetery.- Take Care and Live Well - 🤙🤓

Bonaventure Cemetery sits along the river on the grounds of a former plantation. The spot where the older graves are is so peaceful and lovely. One may visit the Mercer Family grave site or other areas of this beautiful area with lovely massive live oak trees everywhere. We picked up a tour at the Visitor's Center in historic Savannah, or one may take a tour that begins right next door to the cemetery itself.

What a magical and beautiful historic landmark! The Sunday tour by the Historical Society was one of the best I have ever been on! An absolute must in Savannah to learn more about the fascinating history of this amazing city.Our guide was so informed and had researched local and US history so well. His insights into the links of the affluent elite buried in the cemetery and the horrifying history of slavery on which Savannah is built were eye-opening and deeply tragic.

Ever since we got to Savannah, every tour guide and local and told us to get our butts over to Bonaventure posthaste. We understand the hype now! This truly is the most beautiful cemetery out there. It is everything you would imagine in an old cemetery in the South. Beautiful Live Oaks covered in Spanish Moss line the roads. It is an incredibly peaceful place full of history. The cemetery is huge and extends all the way down to the river, which also has beautiful views. Highly recommend taking a tour here or, at the very least, a walk among the oaks and history.

We visited here as part of a tour. It gets chilly here (a few degree down than the city), so keep something warm handy.This place has rich history and legacy of graves. Rich families of Savannah still have places here amidst their ancestors.Do go with the tour guide, else you will feel lost. It’s the back stories of the graves and crypts that make the visit worth.Will recommend!

I enjoyed every minute. Every detail. It was so amazing learning about the history and historical history that this cemetery holds. I have so many memories and stories to take back home. My pictures are all amazing. I will definitely be back to visit. I’m sure there is much more to see and learn.

I recommend not taking a guided tour so you can see more of the cemetery and research ahead of time. It was a beautiful experience that was well preserved and an amazing piece of history. Its a must visit in Savannah. The phone app offered by Bonaventure was also very informative.

When I visited Bonaventure Cemetery, it felt like stepping into a garden more than a graveyard. This place is famous for being one of the first garden cemeteries in America, which means instead of just having rows of tombstones, it has beautiful trees and flowers everywhere. It's like a park where you can learn about history and see some really old and interesting graves.Walking around, I noticed that it wasn't just a place for people to be sad about those who had died; it was also a place for the living to enjoy nature and think about the past in a peaceful way. The big oak trees with Spanish moss hanging down gave it a kind of spooky but cool look, like something out of a movie.First of all volunteer Susan was very helpful and do take the time to stop in the visitor center for advice and any bathroom breaks.I learned that garden cemeteries started because people wanted cemeteries to be more like comfortable parks for families to visit and remember their loved ones. Bonaventure definitely has that vibe. There are lots of paths to walk on and benches to sit on. Some of the gravestones are really artistic, too, not just the usual ones you see

The Bonaventure Cemetery is often billed as the most beautiful cemetery in America, and it is. There's something about the historic graves, skyward thrusting monuments, overhanging oaks and Spanish moss, and nearby river that makes this place something special and unique. This is worth the 15 minute drive if you're in nearby Savannah, Georgia visiting. The more historic graves and interesting headstones and monuments are near the back by Johnny Mercer's Gravesite.

Very ominous and uneasy feeling leaving a review for a cemetery. I’ll do my best to respect those buried there to include their living relatives. I went as a tourist and often visit darker places as I enjoy the history and learning about the people that lived before my time. I spent a few hours walking around and reading the dates and names of people laid to rest there. The grounds are very well maintained and I didn’t see anybody there disrespecting the area and I’d be inclined to ask the same of you on your visit. There was a police officer parked up front at night and the cemetery is closed at night so don’t waste the gas. I’d recommend this to anybody into visiting cemeteries in towns like Savannah.

A trip to Savannah would not be complete without visiting Bonaventure Cemetery. There are tours or it's very easy to drive-in and wind your way through the cemetery visiting different sites. There's a bench overlooking the river and it's peaceful and serene! I always get a good feeling when I visit Bonaventure.

Lovely cemetery mainly for the Gothic charm of the Spanish moss-covered trees and stonework. We didn't bother with a paid tour and strolled on our own. Mosquito repellent recommended!It's no Lakeview Cemetery but it is big.

4.7

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4.5

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330 Bonaventure Rd, Thunderbolt, GA 31404, USA

(912) 651-6843

25

E River St

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Notable street

Sights & Landmarks

Points of Interest & Landmarks

The picturesque River Street in downtown Savannah, Georgia is famous for its quaint shops, cafes, and bars. The street runs along the banks of the Savannah River and is a popular spot to eat and relax.

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Beautiful area to explore in Savannah

Lovely place, kid and dog friendly.. cute little boutique shops. A nice view of the river and you get to read about some of our war heroes.

Spooky place at night. Cobblestone makes for tricky walking so be careful. Leave the heels at home boys and girls. Put on a good pair of boots or sneakers. I promise you'll turn an ankle and/or end up barefoot otherwise. Lots of neat old haunted places through this section of Savannah. Must see at night in my opinion. Stay alert though. It's not terribly dangerous but you can easily find yourself trapped if you take the wrong stairs or wander too far by yourself. You can take your car on River St but I wouldn't do it . In fact avoid your car altogether in Savannah if possible. The city itself is razy confusing. And historically speaking I can only imagine the horror River street had experienced for hundreds of years present day for the most part excluded. If those bricks could talk I don't think I could bare to hear their voice. Chilling to think that you actually might just hear River St talking to you if you're walking along at night. In fact I was certain River Street was speaking but then I realized that it was a homeless guy and he was talking to nobody about "needing his damn sunglasses" . So maybe River Street and this man were having a conversation. Not sure, I did not try to join the back and forth. So keep your heads up at night somehow while also looking at your feet so you don't fall and look like an a$$.

Lots of stuff activity going on over here.

Parking $1.50 per 30 mins. Beautiful view of the river, all kinds of bars, restaurants, gift shops with t-shirts, magnets, etc. Couple pan handlers out there.

Love e river side. A lot of things to do around. Restaurants, shops, bars, creamery stores…. Don’t miss it 💖

Well kept historic street full of shops, bars, eclectic restaurants all following the river. Bonus:.lots of friendly cops everywhere. You'll feel safe

Cool place to see with restaurants and a variety of shops and things to see

Was difficult to find and using Google maps wasn't completely helpful. But what a cool area!!! I didn't realize shops were on both sides at first. Was a little tough getting down the stairs so on the way back up we found a set a little less steep. Having a directory would have been helpful. That way we could have seen what was down there, where bathrooms are, etc.Wish we had more time.This is along the river, across from the convention center but on outside of downtown historic area. It's pretty, lots of little shops (loved the candy store, five and dime, and marketplace). 5 and Dime has restrooms. There is a pub type place down there, too. Just a cute area, separate from the stores,.restaurants, etc. In downtown. Cobblestone and treed, very historical looking.

Iconic strip with shops and food scene. Pralines and seafood are something you have to try. Nice get away for a weekend trip.

4.8

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4.5

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Savannah, GA 31401, USA

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Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (116)

Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (117)

Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (118)

Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (119)

Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (120)

26

The Olde Pink House

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$$$$expensive

Southern restaurant (US)

This Savannah restaurant is popular for its romantic setting and gourmet Southern cuisine, served in an elegant 18th-century Colonial mansion. guests can choose to dine in one of the ornate dining rooms or down stairs in the tavern, where live music is provided.

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This was our favorite meal in Savannah! The outside is absolutely beautiful with the greenery, arbor and ivy! And the inside is even more stunning with beautiful rooms and a wonderful menu! We got the shrimp and grits. It’s been voted the best shrimp and grits in GA for the last 6 years in a row and there’s definitely a reason for that. The country ham gravy over the cheddar grit cakes with the fresh local shrimp was exceptional!! My husband got the pork tenderloin and he enjoyed that! I had The jumbo sea scallops and added shrimp to it! Delicious! Our girls each had the butter noodles with cucumbers. The chef was very accommodating to add sliced cucumbers to their meals! We were celebrating our sweet girl turning 4 and they brought our a chocolate torte with “happy birthday” written in chocolate with a special candle she blew out. Her face lit up and it was a moment I will never forget! My husband got the pecan pie with a black coffee and said from start to finish this was one of his favorite meals he’s ever had! We already can’t wait to go back!

Fantastic Southern food. Blue crab beignets were light and flavorful. The crispy flounder special was so unique and one of the best fish dishes I’ve ever had…I would return and order that again and again. The fried chicken was worth the hype and the cheddar grits were perfect. The praline basket was a delicious and light finish to the meal. Service was a little slow and they were out of the co*cktail I wanted, but otherwise was a great experience in a beautiful historic house.

There is a reason why this place is so popular and that’s because the ambience and food make it such a desirable location to dine at.This was my second time eating here first time for dinner. There are obvious price differences.This time around I got to try the she crab soup I thought it was good but had gotten crab soup at another place that I thought was better. That being said my friend got a BLT tomato salad and this has got to be the best salad I have ever had. Buttery dressing on top of buttery spring mix I believe it was had us wanting more if we hadn’t already split the soup and salad between my friend and I.For the main course I got fried lobster which was very decadent and rich especially those potatoes. I just wish it would have had a sauce that was a little spicy but again that’s just me and my preferences when it comes to my food. For drinks I got a sweet Muscato, which was definitely what I was wanting. I wasn’t really wanting a co*cktail. I will say the only disappointing thing was I wasn’t able to get a reservation any later than 10 and so by the time that we were done with dinner, the kitchen was already closing, so there wasn’t an option for us to get dessert which we were both fine with but just so you know if you do a 10 o’clock or later reservation the likelihood of you getting dessert is probably not very high but I understand the staff wants to go home, and I am not mad about a hard-working staff being tired and wanting to go home. I will say I think dining downstairs was the best option for us. We had a smaller private room and I can say without a doubt it was the most beautiful place I have ever dined in. I will definitely be returning because I thought over all the ambience, and the food was amazing and our server was around just enough, but without being over bearing.

We sat in the "Tavern" at The Olde Pink House. The atmosphere was wonderful with real candle light. Our server John was attentive and communicated extremely well. He made sure we knew what to expect with everything from the flavors I could expect from my IPA, to the order the food would arrive at our table. He made no assumptions, got plenty of clarifications and ensured our evening meal was flawless.The pecan chicken with collards and sweet potato was incredible, as was the flounder.Surprisingly, the strawberry arugula salad with goat cheese and pecans was one of the most delicious things I've ever eaten. This is surprising to me because I'm definitely more of a meat guy, but this salad was just that good!

Based on all the good reviews that I read prior to my visit, I had very high expectations. I have to say that this restaurant absolutely met them. The service was super friendly and attentive. Our server Savannah was very knowledgeable about the menu, wines and co*cktails and made excellent recommendations. The food was just delicious and we enjoyed every single bite. My favorites were goat cheese stuffed artichoke fritters, mac qnd cheese jalapeno poppers and crispy scored flounder.I definitely recommend dining at this restaurant, but make sure to make a reservation way ahead of time.

A must-go-to restaurant in the heart of Savannah. The building is 250 year old and the decor is elegant. We went in without reservation on Saturday afternoon. We were lucky that they found us a table in the bar area. If you want to sit in the formal dining area of if you come for dinner, make sure to make a reservation. We ordered the shrimp gumbo and shrimp 'n grits. Both are classic Southern cuisine and they are delicious. However, we were disappointed with the Pink Lady co*cktail. We couldn't taste the rum in it, and it tasted like some kind of manufactured syrup, not the freshly squeezed lemonade they advertised. The service was very attentive.

Our experience at the Pink House was amazing. The fried green tomatoes, chicken fried steak, and she crab soup tasted incredible. Felt like a very fitting southern meal to have while in Savannah.Our server was extremely friendly and accommodating and gave us some great recommendations. She encouraged us to explore the building after we finished eating and we’re very glad we did. The building itself has a dozen dining rooms with each one being unique and beautiful. The tavern in the basem*nt is the most interesting.

The best of the best! Great experience, great food! Live music! The best fried green tomato salad I have EVER had. The best biscuits I have ever had. It was such a great experience. We sat next to the piano player and he talk to us in between songs. He was so entertaining. We didn’t have reservations but was able to get seated downstairs. It took about 20 minutes for us to get in. We didn’t get a table but we sat on the couch and it was a fun comfortable experience. A lady was singing next to us and she let me and my group be her backup singers. It was such a great time and boy could she sing. Great experience. I can’t wait to visit this place again!

I’d say this place is a must for visitors! The atmosphere is unmatched, as this is a 1771 building, holding all the original charm. The food was great and some what different. The drinks were outstanding (not something I’ve been able to say in the south yet). Kaitlyn was an amazing server and had such a bubbly and fitting personality. The staff was working very hard and all made sure we were having a memorable experience. Definitely make a reservation ahead of time!

We enjoyed our dinner here last Saturday night! We did make a reservation and I believe you would have a hard time getting in without one so plan ahead. The staff showed excellent southern charm. We were checked on multiple times by the manager of the evening as well as multiple wait staff. They do a great job of telling you the history of the building and even the exact room you sit in! The food and drinks were all amazing as well. Highly reccomend!

100% one of the best! We ordered the fried chicken (AMAZING), the flounder (awesome and enough for 2), and the mac and cheese (fantastic). Make sure you make a reservation early because they really don't have space for walk ins. One of our best meals we have ever had. The service was the so fantastic; Jodie had so much knowledge of the building and was so warm and welcoming.

Rating: Killah!This is a dining experience. The restaurant served as a home in the past. Excellent environment with the feel of old Victorian feel/Southern charm kind of thing. Service was great. My only complaint was that the Chicken Pot Pie dish looked very big from the outside BUT the actual contents maybe took about 3/4" in the bowl it was served in. I don't think it was normal. Barely had any filling. See photos. The BBQ sliders were exceptional as an appetizer! The previous visit my wife had a Ravioli with pecan sauce and she loved it.

Gorgeous historic building. For us, the laid back atmosphere of the Tavern below was more our speed. We were told it would be an hour wait but it ended up being only 5 minutes. We sat at the bar and the bartender was very attentive, not the best Moscow mule I've ever had, but the best cornbread fried oysters both of us have ever had. So good in fact that we ended up ordering another serving. I'd go back again just for them. This building is a must see whether you eat there or just take a look around in the afternoon before they open like we did.

This was recommended to us and even though we didn’t have a reservation we got in to the bar downstairs, was still a little wait but they have a good system for people without reservations. The bar was pretty awesome, the ambience was really cool and dark, like we were in some kind of secret club or something. The bartenders were fantastic and would go back just for them alone. The drinks we got were great but the food was excellent. When I came here they had a duck breast special which was really good, also recommend the she crab soup. Overall this place was really cool and would definitely recommend anyone try and get a spot here, I didn’t see what the top level looked like but I don’t even think I want to because the lower bar area was that cool.

Our dinner was good. We were seated in a dark room on the top floor, I would have liked to sit in the bigger beautiful dining rooms. I'm not sure why anyone would want to sit in the dark "office". The food was good, nothing worth noting. The service was minimal, fine I guess, but not much attention. The other server in our room was much more engaging. There wasn't a dessert that I liked, which is saying something! I was also amazed that so many men wore shorts. Not that it has to be formal, but this is an elegant place and the ladies were dressed well but many guys were very, very casual with shorts and tshirts. It is just an observation, but it does take away the "specialness" of having dinner in this elegant house. We did make our way to the tavern and what a cool place! Had drinks and listened to the pianist, very cozy and dimly lit, friendly service.

A fantastic experience! We spent over 2 hours enjoying the ambiance and touring the whole house, it's very beautiful and unique. We enjoyed the appetizers, salad and fritters. For entrees we got the fried chicken, lobster tails and the crispy flounder. The fish was a surprise, so crispy and the sauce was delicious! The sides were very good as well and you have to try the praline basket desert with ice cream..so simple yet gourmet and delicious!

Wow!! The food was really good. Max’s fried chicken as well as the shrimp and grits. But what we really loved was the service! Our server and bartender were beyond incredible. Friendly and knowledgeable. What I also loved was the fact they encourage you to walk around and see the rest of the restaurant. So many rooms and levels all quite beautiful and incredible

An exquisite dining experience. All the food was superb. I especially loved the chicken pot pie with fresh ingredients and golden crust, and the raspberry pear sorbet. Delicious! Kiara, our waitress, was incredible -attentive to our every need. And Amy, the manager checked on us twice. Obviously the standards of service at The Olde Pink House are above and beyond excellent. Definitely worth coming all the way from Washington state to dine at The Olde Pink House.

4.6

(7445)Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (125)

4.5

(15377)Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (126)

23 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA

(912) 232-4286

27

City Market

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Market

Sights & Landmarks

The City Market in Savannah, GA is a four-block open-air market that has been in operation since the 1700s. The market houses retail stores, restaurants, and art galleries within restored warehouses, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

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A must place to visit in savannah. Place with lot of pubs, eateries and live music. McDonald's and Walgreen are also present in this location. There is also a souvenir shop and there are many souvenir available at affordable rates. This place was very crowded during our visit. A visit we will always remember for people with hospitality.

Savannah trip for you was real fun. The City Market is one of the buzzing places over the weekend (empty weekdays). There are pizza joints, ice-cream shops, restaurants etc.The underground and rooftop bars are the highlight. You can hop around from one to another. Each has a unique vibe and ambience.

City market is an area not one individual business. It's lined with shops and eateries and also serves as a center point o Savannah for both locals and tourists alike. It is currently undergoing a social and physical transformation as town is trying to wean the area of its bottle, literally. A concerted effort is being made to change the image of the area being known for drunkeness and debauchery. So it's a bit more tame than in years past. I am sympathetic, but I feel as a reviewer I should let you that historicly that the surrounding areas are gathering spots for the homeless. No encampments or such but I find it difficult to get though the area without being approached for money or some scheme...I still love Savannah, but I'm sure some with different comfort levels might not think so.

Cool place to visit while in Savannah. Lots of shops and restaurants with outdoor seating. A very nice place to walk and explore. Also you can walk around with a drink. A big plus!

Pretty. Lots of stores with all kinds of niches. Public restrooms were out of order but other locations were accommodating. Not enough time in the day to see everything. It was wonderful.

Easy to walk and shop. We bought lots of candy! Visited the Prohibition museum and caught the trolley tour right there. This is City Market. A shopping area in historic Savannah. Not a hotel.

City market is a great place to find about anything you would want, with all the vendors, shops, cafe's, bars, candy facilities, and other apparel. Fun just to walk around and sight see and I heard at least 7 different languages.

City Market is a fun little touristy spot with a wide selection of shops including places such as an exotic meat jerky store, some old time-y candy shops, a prohibition museum, several gift/souvenir shops, and a restaurant or two. Overall, a fun little stroll before or after walking along the river, but mostly just overpriced, inauthentic tourist merch. The candy and jerky shops are really what push up the stars on this review, the rest of the shops were really just a dime a dozen and can be found just about anywhere.

One of my favorite spots in Savannah- relaxing and time for shopping, eating, and enjoying company while you stroll through the many shops and eateries.Wear your walking shoes and experience a Savannah kind of day!

Fun spot. Lots of bars, restaurants and neat little shops. Trolleys, pub crawl, carriage rides! A good stop on the other side of Bay St. The Prohibition Museum is here also with a gift shop. Worth your time to take it all in.

I loved to walk down this street. Had many amazing shops and loved their decor. The buildings were amazing!!!

Very good and quick food. We ordered a house salad w/grilled chicken and BBQ pulled pork sandwich. Salad was excellent and chick cooked perfect. Pulled pork was very juicy to the point it didn't stay on the bun, but it tasted great.

Great outdoor market where the food and entertainment options are a plenty, the buildings are cute and the fun isn't limited to just the day. Evening bars and nightlife is active and welcoming.This market doesn't feel like it's built just fir tourists to come spend money, but like even the local community enjoys it as well. It was a nice change of pace from other markets.It could use easier to find bathrooms though!

It used to be better. There's a few stores gone now and it's always crowded at night with the restaurants. But not really any cute shops. There's a great pizza restaurant and finer dining restaurant called Belmont, I believe? Both are good. There's quite a few art stores, pet store, but it's kind of expensive to shop there. There's a Byrd cookie store and knick knacks store. It's a short walk around if you're interested.

4.6

(8852)Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (129)

4.0

(2297)Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (130)

219 W Bryan St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA

(912) 232-4903

28

The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

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Catholic cathedral

Sights & Landmarks

The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist is a neo-gothic Catholic church with elaborate stained glass windows, and music recitals are often held there. It was almost entirely destroyed by a fire in 1898, but was rebuilt the next year and restored to its former glory.

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In the heart of Savannah's historic neighborhood, a really well historic church. Some of the stained glass windows are quite lovely. Beautifully constructed church. The church is well-maintained and has a large seating capacity. In Savannah, there is a spot you should go. This church is both cold and peaceful, making it ideal for prayer. It's free to walk in with a suggested donation of $3. The photographs do not do it justice, and the rush of emotion I felt as I went in was unrivaled.

Stunning architecture in the middle of Historic Savannah. Well-kept grounds and interior pristine. One of the beautiful places to visit that should be added to your list.

A must see if you’re in this town, a true piece of history. This Cathedral is absolutely massive in size and so beautiful. The stained glass is gorgeous and so detailed. The wood work is stunning with an insane organ. A very unique place to visit.

Historical cathedral with a beautiful stained glass windows and expansive alter. It’s a suggested $3 donation to go in. They offered a free tour where the presenter explained the cathedral’s history and pointed out some interesting features. It took about 20 minutes overall and was very informative. It is an active church so do be mindful about people praying. I would recommend coming here for a first-timer to Savannah and spending half an hour!

If you've never experienced such an amazing and heavenly place, then you should come here. It is amazing, and the artwork was breathtaking! Even if you are not Catholic, it is wonderful, and it is totally free they only ask for donations. Also, they still have services there as well! I loved this place, and so did my grandkids they were amazed at the grandeur of the church. Now, you might not want to bring kids who are a bit loud, for it needs to be quiet. It's still a church, after all. But really and truly amazing.

This Cathedral is Massive and absolutely STUNNING!! 100% worth the stop! They have visiting hours so that you can actually go inside and tour the area and take photos of all of the beautiful stained glass. Beware though: there is no public restroom.

There are no words good enough to describe this experience... a must see to know!! The outside is spectacular, but the inside is miraculous! Your mere presence is altered by the surroundings as you sit in reverence!!!

This Cathedral is stunning. I was here for Mass on Mother's Day, and I was in awe of everything, the liturgy, the music, the atmosphere. The church was decorated with I don't even know how many dozens of roses, giant roses. The choir sounded celestial. The bishop celebrated the Mass - and delivered a wonderful homily. The windows are stunning, especially the Ascension and Immaculate Conception windows. I am a little perplexed by the lack of wounds visible on Christ's hands, but a gorgeous image. As usual, so many details. I especially liked the "Communion of Saints" images around the ceiling.

Beautiful place. Hard to imagine the hours of work in all of the intricate details throughout. Soaring ceilings, beautiful stained glass and extremely detailed carvings throughout. If there is a red sign out front that says worship in process - not the time to go. Usually between 12:30 - 4:30 on weekdays is ideal to visit.

The cathedral was beautiful! We were there about 20 to 30 min before a service and there was a lady in the back of the church yelling at anyone that wanted to take pictures. I absolutely get it and was respectful and didn't make a peep. Apparently, the cut off walking around the church and taking pictures 30 min before services.... so plan accordingly! I was able to snap a few when she was yelling at others.🙂 It's absolutely worth the trip to see!

OH MY GOODNESS! This is GORGEOUS! No matter your beliefs, you should check out this BEAUTIFUL cathedral! The architecture is breathtaking and well, just go see for yourself. 💕I remember thinking it's donation only.

Absolutely Breathtaking.Eye candy for the soul.No matter what religion you are, the beauty inside is undeniable, the energy is peaceful and employees are knowledgeable and willing to share.Definitely take the opportunity to venture inside if they have the doors open.I've been there 3 times to view and appreciate the outside, but this time was the first time I was able to enter.It was worth every moment spent there.It is free, but there is a sign asking for donations.

4.8

(5576)Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (133)

5.0

(9795)Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (134)

222 E Harris St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA

(912) 233-4709

29

Savannah Historic District

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Historical place

Sights & Landmarks

The Savannah Historic District is an area of the city of Savannah that was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966. It is one of the largest urban historic districts in the United States, and it contains a wide variety of architecture from the 18th century through to the early 20th century.

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We had some time to check out this historic district in Savannah while staying near bye for a conference. The homes here are historic and the architecture is very nice. My favourite part of this historic district was Forsyth Park and the fountain there as well as the Spanish moss trees all over. The park is a nice place to walk around as well as the area as we walked everywhere.After seeing the homes and Forsyth Park we enjoyed River Street where there’s lots of restaurants and bars to enjoy something to eat and walk along the river where there were vendors selling things. I would definitely come back if ever in the Savannah, Hilton head area again

I visited the Savannah Historic District last summer and had a wonderful time! It is such a beautiful area with a plethora of options for food, shopping, and entertainment. Many of the roads or paths I encountered were brick or cobblestone, which are beautiful but can pose issue to those who use wheelchairs or a blind person using a cane. Overall though, the brick walkways were very well kept and didn't seem to pose much of a risk at the time of my visit and there was not a lot of cobblestone. The main roads are paved. There is an area by the riverfront that utilizes a fair amount of stairs spread out, so if someone is in a wheelchair there will need to be a bit of a re-route to get to that specific area of the riverfront. It is a very lively and fun area with a lot of music and lights which is very fun, but if you are someone who struggles with sound sensitivity I would suggest bringing earplugs or your choice of aid to help damped that. Overall, a beautiful, must see area in my opinion, and has few inaccessible areas from my point of view in my visit.

Went for a girl's trip & stayed at the Marshall House! It is Gorgeous! We also went on a tour where we learned about the history of this beautiful area & how everything came about! The driver & his crew were very nice & knowledgeable! They made the tour exciting!! In conclusion, I recommend seeing this Beautiful part of GA. Too amazingly gorgeous to miss.

Did trolley tours with two different tour companies; two different days (Thursday and Monday) and experienced many different guides and saw wonderful landmarks. If your a tourist visiting Savanah historic district I highly recommend using a trolley tour. There is so much to see and hear about.

What a beautiful city steeped with so much history. We took a 90 minute tour with Old Savannah tours (our tour guide was Hampton- he was fantastic). This is a place we definitely need to come back and spend some time in but if you've got 90 minutes to spare, you should make the detour!

I'm a huge history buff. The wealth of information and history here was worth the visit alone. Everyone must go to Savannah at least once in a lifetime.

This was my first visit to historic Savannah. I only stayed two days, but I had a good time. I used a company called Kelly Tours to get an overview of Savannah. They take everyone through a 90-minute tour first. We had an excellent guide. Then you pick where you want to next. For example, you could call and say I'm at stop 9, I would like to go to stop 5. I called them three times. Each time, it took less than 5 minutes for them to get to me. Some stops were about a 10 minute walk, the weather was nice so I walked some. I feel like I saved so much time, and I saw everything that I wanted to see. I didn't get a lot of good pictures because there are lots of trees and greenspace.

We had a great time visiting the historic district. Many beautiful ancient buildings (build in 19th century) with great architecture, good parks, famous restaurants, beautiful tree tunnel, good river walk, museums, greenery and finally Church with beautiful architecture are the specialities of historic district. If you are visiting for one day, we recommend using old Town trolley tours of Savannah. Based on our experience this trolley service runs at good frequency and have hope off and on facility at major tourist attractions. For an extensive tour, a 2 day visit is needed for covering all the places. If you are coming by car, one major problem will be parking availability.

Great place to spend a beautiful day walking and taking photos.With dozens of shops and restaurants to keep anyone entertained. LotTo do lot to see.

Savannah has a great town with lots of interesting history. We enjoy walking around for a couple hours seeing all the amazing homes and parks/plazas.

It's a most see from squares and Forsyth Park, to the cemetery and the basílica of St John and not forget the riverside and all what it has to offer and the waving girl, a lot to see and to enjoy, must visit and the Spanish moth.

4.8

(5544)Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (135)

5.0

(14367)Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (136)

301 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401, USA

(912) 944-0455

30

Forsyth Park

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Park

Nature & Parks

Forsyth Park is a 30-acre urban public park in Savannah's historic district and is internationally known for its Forsyth Fountain. The park also includes an outdoor theater, cafe, children's playgrounds, tennis courts, soccer fields, and a Confederate memorial.

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This park is the home to the most photographed fountain in Savannah.This is a large park with a sense of peace and deep history.The sidewalk circles the outer edge of the park and then cuts through towards the fountain.Lots of people from all.walks of life visits here and simply hang out just to enjoy the energy it emits.Definitely worth the visit.

The park was beautiful and a lovely stroll down the center under the canopy of trees.Playgrounds were available, tennis courts, plenty of grass to place a blanket and relax.On our Sunday afternoon there were many homeless and at one end of the park they were having an event offering food and water for the homeless. It got a bit rowdy by a few attendees. A bit of yelling, pushing, throwing of water bottles. But the rest of our visit was pleasant.We walked down the center as well as on the outside parameters to enjoy the architect of the older homes.Be smart and be aware of your surrounding while visiting.

Loved this park! Easy to walk through and had so many cool things to look at! People were friendly and the architecture was just amazing! If you think you don't have time, you do! It really does not take long to walk through, we walked it before we were able to check in to our hotel, maybe 30 min tops! And we saw a lot in that time frame!

Such a beautiful park. Complete with its historic fountain and huge open green fields we didn't want to leave. It's a must stop for anyone who takes a trip to the shining jewel of the south, Savannah GA.

An absolutely beautiful park to visit, relax, exercise, or whatever you decide to do at that time. Trees are spectacular in their beauty, with lovely old homes surrounding the perimeter. There’s even a restaurant (Collins Quarter) available for eating or an outside coffee/drink window to order beverages. Definitely a “must visit” place while in Savannah.

Great park in Savannah. We got there in the morning and it was fairly crowded. Has historical statues. Has a lovely fountain. Has public restrooms and a restaurant and Leopold's ice cream parlor. The one at Broughton st usually has a long queue, so this might be a better option for you if you don't want to wait that long. People were enjoying themselves in the park and it was well maintained. I had a good time!!!

Great park in Savannah. I frequent visit this park due to it’s attraction. This time I visited in the late morning time and found very less people so feel comfortable to have family photograph.Don’t forget to buy painting or handmade ornaments (as a memory of park visit) sold by street vendors. You are supporting locals by buying some products .Park is clean and have public restroom. If you are with kids, they can enjoy in kids zone too

Park was absolutely beautiful! An early morning stroll was magical on this beautiful morning. The park was very clean and I loved looking at the fountain and reading all the statue plaques. I love history and this park is full of it. Statues prompted me to immediately go to google and find out more about the people they were erected for. Early morning is great because not a lot of tourists. Most were runners and walkers which lest the fountain wide open for pictures.

This is the one place I wanted to visit on my trip to Savannah and it did not disappoint. Beautiful park! Amazing fountain! It is set up perfectly from the minute you set foot in the park to see the fountain. Trees offer shade everywhere (good thing because we went in July and it was 98), benches for resting were too. It even has a snack bar/restaurant with outdoor seating. I’m not sure if there was indoor since we did not go inside and I have to say the cleanest public park restrooms I have ever seen in my life anywhere….seriously. A park is never complete without playground for kids which it has. It made me wish my Granddaughters were with us, they would of LOVED it! Great place to see, do not skip it and do not forget to take your picture in front of the fountain.

What a beautifully maintained park! This is quintessential Savannah and an absolute must see for locals and tourists far and wide.The city has cultivated it and continues to keep it refreshed, sanitary and thriving. There is a rich tapestry of historic origin here as well. A gorgeous place. Highly recommended!

Park with an area of 10 Acres. Beautiful and well maintained. This park has a beautiful fountain. We enjoyed our time here. There are many vendors selling paintings, souvenirs etc. This park has children's play area. This park has many seats to sit and relax. The park was crowded during our visit as it was saint Patrick's weekend.A must place to visit in Savannah for a cool atmosphere.

Stunning park that is safe and always well kept. The Farmers Market on Saturdays is great, has tons of food and fresh produce. There are always fun events in the park and Collins Quarter has done a great job with the concessions area. Great to just walk around, it's huge and you'll always find something new. Great to sunbathe and relax as well. The botanical garden is a hidden gem. 2 playgrounds for the kids and at least 2 football fields worth of open grass for sports or exercise. Beautiful full trees provide shade and ombiance.

This is an amazing park!. It has so much history and the water fountain is phenomenal to watch and enjoy the view. Nice place to come and sit and read a book or have a picnic with your love one's.

Very well-maintained beautiful park. Good place for a get-together. Play area and Splash pad are available for kids. I think it's difficult to get a car parking on weekends. The restroom is very clean, but there was a big queue in the ladies rest room.

This has to be one of the most beautiful, peaceful and idyllic places in all of Savannah. The park has lush grass and beautiful walkways lined with ancient trees that are dripping in Spanish moss. Different artists were stationed on one path selling sundries and at the end of the path was a gorgeous fountain. There is a small botanical garden in the park and surrounding the area were rows of gorgeous homes with tall ceilings and wrought iron, long shutters and inviting porches that remind you of the South.

My experience here was awesome! The environment was super cool and relaxed. Lots of interesting history around the area. The houses along the park are beautiful and amazing to look at. Overall the park was great and I’d highly recommend stopping by whenever you’re in Savannah!

4.8

(15864)Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (140)

4.5

(9028)Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (141)

Savannah, GA 31401, USA

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Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Savannah?

Get inspired for your trip to Savannah with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive from Charleston to Savannah?

Yes! You can drive from Charleston to Savannah.

How far is Savannah from Charleston by car?

The drive from Charleston to Savannah is 108 miles (174 km).

How long does it take to drive from Charleston to Savannah?

Driving from Charleston to Savannah should take you 2 hrs 18 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Charleston to Savannah?

Gas from Charleston to Savannah would cost around $10 to $24, depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Charleston to Savannah?

You could check out Mepkin Abbey and Cypress Gardens, or the always popular Old Santee Canal Park!

What are the best cities to visit between Charleston and Savannah?

People love visiting Beaufort, North Charleston, and Folly Beach, among others.

What's the weather like in Charleston?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

What are some other road trips from Charleston?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Charleston.

Stops and things to do on Charleston to Savannah drive or road trip (2024)
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