Savannah to Hilton Head & Beaufort, Charleston and Georgetown

Savannah, Georgia

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Soak up the sun in the vibrant city of Savannah, set on the uppermost corner of Georgia, and spend an unforgettable and scenic weekend cruising up the southernmost part of South Carolina. Walking around downtown Savannah feels like taking a step back in time. Scattered throughout the city are 22 historic squares, all unique, fully restored and shaded by abundant oak trees covered with swaying Spanish moss. Savannah is known for its lively arts scene and many festivals. Sip locally brewed beer while listening to oompah bands during Oktoberfest (Oct. 4-6), or spot the many famous movie stars and producers who flock to town for the Savannah Film Festival (Oct. 26 to Nov. 2).

If you're ready to shop till you drop, you'll find dozens of fantastic boutiques along Savannah's Broughton Street. If a day of relaxation is what you need, visit the gorgeous beach on nearby Tybee Island. The light station, a historic landmark built in 1732, is one of the few remaining lighthouses still functioning today. For some Southern-style comfort food, stop by Paula Dean's restaurant The Lady & Sons (912-233-2600). With three floors of dining, you'll be sure to snag a table, but first, you must wait outside for the dinner bell to ring. Dock at the world-class Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa (westinsavannah.com, 912-201-2021), within walking distance of downtown.

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Day 1: Hilton Head, South Carolina & Beaufort, South Carolina

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Head about 20 miles north of Savannah to Hilton Head. This island destination is filled with breathtaking beaches, golf courses galore, and endless amounts of family activities, including bike riding and zip lining. Dock at Harbour Town Yacht Basin (seapinesresort.com, 843-671-2704) or Skull Creek Marina (theskullcreekmarina.com, 843-681-8436) to make the most of your Hilton Head adventure.

For a short day trip from Hilton Head, cruise north up the Beaufort River to the town of Beaufort, the second-oldest city in South Carolina. This charming Southern town has been a popular site for famous movie productions, including Forrest Gump, G.I. Jane, and Something to Talk About. Sail up to Beaufort on the first Friday evening of every month to enjoy live music, crafts for kids and stalls selling locally grown produce in Habersham Marketplace. For a tranquil evening, dock at the Downtown Marina of Beaufort (downtownmarinabeaufort.com, 843-524-4422).

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Day 2: Charleston, South Carolina

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Charleston is just 60-miles north of Hilton Head, along the Atlantic shore. Known as the oldest city in South Carolina, Charleston is packed with traditional Southern charm. Explore historic Boone Hall Plantation, still actively producing crops today. Charleston has an incredible selection of restaurants, from the wellknown Magnolias (843-577-7771), where you can indulge in fried oysters and blackened catfish, to Fig (eatatfig.com, 843-805-5900), a local favorite known for seasonal specialties such as fish stew with white shrimp, mussels, squid and, of course, grits!Dock at Charleston City Marina (megadock.us, 843-723- 5098). If you can, plan to be in town for the Billfishing Tournament ( July 10-13). This is the biggest fishing event in South Carolina you don't want to miss it.

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Day 3: Georgetown, South Carolina

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The last 50-mile stretch of the trip brings you to Georgetown. Located on Winyah Bay, Georgetown has one of the largest seaports in South Carolina. Dive in with one of Captain Sandy's tours (843-527-4106). The Georgetown-born historian will help you navigate ghost stories, gators, campfire cooking and a plantation and swamp tour. In the mood for some fresh seafood? Stop at the waterfront River Room Restaurant (843-527-4110) set in the historic J.B. Steele building. To step back in time, visit Mansfield Plantation, a preserved 1,000-acre rice plantation.Tie up at Georgetown Landing Marina (georgetownlandingmarina.com, 843-546-1776) and venture out to explore this area that occupies a unique place in American history.