I'm planning a trip in May. Thinking about flying into Atl and going to Savannah for a couple of days before heading into SCar. Looking for recs about what to do. It's not a beach or golf trip but we definitely want to see the best sights so wouldn't mind going to Hilton Head. Probably based out of Charleston and Columbia, and want to go to Congaree National Park.

Questions I have:

• Can we do all of that in 5 or 6 days?
• What are the can't-miss restaurants?
• Best museums, shopping and sights?

TIA!

Charleston and Savannah make a great trip pairing together. Neither are particularly close to Atlanta, so I would recommend flying into one or the other if possible to minimize drive time. If you can arrange a separate trip to North GA/Upstate SC/West NC, that can be a great itinerary on its own (Atlanta, Greenville, Asheville, etc.).

Charleston and Savannah combined alone would be plenty to fill 4-5 days. Also, note that there are few places in Hilton Head open to the general public, almost all require some type of reservation even just to access a beach, so it is not necessarily the best place for a day visit. I know that there is awesome golf in the area.

If you make it to Savannah, make the drive out to Tybee Island and check out the Crab Shack, it is awesome! In Charleston, drive over to Mount Pleasant for Page's Okra Grill.

Great recommendations, hijakeroo, thank you!

Hijakeroo is right, that is a LOT of traveling for a relatively short vacation. Atlanta isn't all that close to either of those locations. Between the two, I would spend more time in Charleston, especially in May. The downtown is very walkable, and there is an amazing amount of history there, both Revolutionary War and Civil War. If you go to either place with kids, ghost tours are really enjoyable. Savannah has carriage tours and cemetery tours that are also great. Whenever I have enough time in Charleston, I like to book walking tours. Maybe it's because I'm getting old, but I always forget so much that I re-learn with the next guide. Plus, the food is amazing in Charleston. If you do decide to go to North Georgia, Tallulah Gorge is a must see. Greenville SC is a pretty cool city which isn't all that far off the beaten path if you end up driving from Charleston or HH (wouldn't recommend) back to Atlanta.

I lived in Dalton, outside of Chattanooga for a stint. It's on the other side of the mountains from where you are going but I visited the area quite a bit. Go to Dahlonega if you get a chance, and ride the train. And definitely spend a night or two in Helen, GA.

If you make it to Chattanooga, go to Lookout Mountain.

It's an amazing area.

Since you're that close you might as well visit Pigeon Forge and Dollywood!!