Savannah, Georgia, and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, are two of the South’s most popular vacation spots — so if you’re debating between these stunning destinations for an upcoming trip, you’ve narrowed down your list to two great options!
Despite their proximity, Savannah and Hilton Head Island offer visitors a completely different vibe and atmosphere. While Savannah charms guests with its stunning historic architecture and top-tier dining scene, Hilton Head Island offers unspoiled natural beauty, perfect for laid-back relaxation. Before deciding which destination is best for you, read our full breakdown of Savannah vs. Hilton Head below!
Key Takeaways
- While Savannah and Hilton Head Island are both popular vacation destinations in the South, Savannah is a better choice for travelers searching for culture, cuisine, and charm, while Hilton Head Island offers laid-back luxury, beautiful beaches, and outdoor adventures.
- Spring and fall are the best times to visit both Savannah and Hilton Head Island. Spring is the peak season for Savannah due to its balmy weather, beautiful blooms, and seasonal events, while Hilton Head Island experiences a summer surge of tourists ready to hit the beach.
- Aside from the beaches, Hilton Head is known for its world-class golfing at championship courses, while Savannah’s historic homes and stunning architecture are the city’s main draw.
Best Times to Visit Savannah vs. Hilton Head Island
Savannah
While there is something to do in Savannah at all times of the year, the best times to visit Savannah for mild weather and popular seasonal events are spring (March – May) and fall (September – November).
Plan a spring trip to Savannah for beautiful blooms and to experience some of Savannah’s most popular holidays and events, including St. Paddy’s Day in Savannah and the Savannah Music Festival. Fall is a gorgeous time to visit for stunning foliage and thrilling ghost tours during “spooky season” in Savannah, which is known to be one of the most haunted cities in the country!
Hilton Head Island
Like Savannah, spring and fall are the best seasons to visit Hilton Head Island. The summer months are also a popular time to visit, but the days are hot, and the beaches are packed with summer tourists.
Spring brings beautiful blooming flowers, crisp mornings, and warm afternoons to Hilton Head Island, but April also brings crowds for the RBC Heritage Golf Tournament. In the fall, crowds generally thin out from the summer, and the weather and ocean remain warm well into October.
Top Attractions & Things to Do in Savannah and Hilton Head Island
Savannah
Some of Savannah’s most iconic attractions and best things to do include:
- Touring Savannah’s historic homes to learn more about the city’s rich history and beautiful architecture, including Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters, the Mercer Williams House (from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil), and the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum, where the founder of the Girl Scouts was born.
- Appreciating Savannah’s natural beauty at Forsyth Park or Wormsloe State Historic Site, and wandering through Savannah’s beautiful squares and cobblestone streets.
- Shopping and dining at City Market and on River Street, and embarking on a steamboat river cruise on the Georgia Queen down the Savannah River.
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head offers several great things to do for outdoor enthusiasts, including:
- World-class golfing at more than two dozen championship golf courses — Hilton Head Island is one of the country’s top golf destinations and home to the RBC Heritage Golf Tournament.
- Hiking, biking, birdwatching, or nature tours on the nature trails at popular outdoor destinations, such as Sea Pines Forest Preserve and Shelter Cove Community Park.
- Getting out on the water — kayaking, paddleboarding, dolphin-watching tours, and swimming are all popular ways to enjoy Hilton Head Island’s spectacular beaches and other sights.
Beaches in Savannah vs. Hilton Head Island
Savannah
While Savannah isn’t technically a beach destination, it is less than a 30-minute drive from one of the most popular beaches in Georgia — Tybee Island!
Tybee Island makes a excellent day trip from Savannah and offers tons of great things to do, including climbing to the top of the Tybee Island Light Station, hanging out at the beautiful beaches, shopping and dining at the many restaurants near the Tybee Island Pier & Pavilion, renting bikes to cruise around town, and other outdoor activities, such as kayaking and dolphin-watching tours. Sure, you won’t be staying on the beach, but a trip to Savannah promises all the beach fun just a short drive away!
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island is the perfect choice for travelers who want to wake up right next to the beach each morning and hear the sound of the waves crashing on the shore from right outside their door.
Hilton Head is known for its pristine beaches, including Coligny Beach Park and Driessen Beach Park, and, unlike Savannah, the beach itself is the destination’s main draw rather than a separate attraction. The beaches on Hilton Head are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and beach walks — perfect for beach lovers who want a laid-back and low-key vacation!
Dining & Nightlife Scene in Savannah and Hilton Head Island
Savannah
If you’d consider yourself a foodie, Savannah is a can’t-miss travel destination in the South. Known for its Southern classics and Lowcountry cuisine, Savannah’s restaurant scene offers a well-rounded mix of traditional and innovative dining options, catering to a wide range of tastes. Some top restaurants to try in Savannah include The Olde Pink House, Alligator Soul Restaurant, and The Grey.
In addition to a spectacular dining scene, Savannah offers a wide range of nightlife options, from scenic rooftop bars and secret speakeasies to craft breweries and live music venues. Check out Honky Tonk South, one of the hottest new music venues in Savannah, which is bringing the energy of Nashville’s Broadway Street to Savannah’s Historic District. This three-story venue also houses two other nightlife venues: Seed and PALMA.
Hilton Head Island
Compared to Savannah, the dining scene on Hilton Head Island is much quieter, with the majority of popular restaurants offering waterfront views and fresh-caught seafood, including Skull Creek Boathouse and Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks.
There isn’t much of a nightlife scene on Hilton Head Island — vacationing here is all about quiet evenings and sipping a drink (or two!) while admiring a beautiful ocean sunset.
Think Savannah’s Historic District Is Right for You? Book Your Trip to Downtown Savannah with South Key Management
While Hilton Head Island is a fantastic place to visit for beach bums or golf enthusiasts, Savannah is a better choice for travelers who want to experience a little bit of everything — historic architecture, art and culture, fantastic food, and a jam-packed calendar of seasonal events. And, not to forget,Savannah has several incredible golf courses and beautiful beaches nearby as well!
If Savannah sounds like the right destination for your upcoming vacation, consider staying right in the middle of all the action in a comfortable vacation rental, hosted by South Key Management. Our chic condos, townhomes, and houses are well-located and thoughtfully furnished with historic charm and modern upgrades to provide you with a warm and welcoming stay in Savannah!
