Exuding Southern charm, these two storied cities rich in history, cultural heritage and tourism face off. Who wins in the Savannah vs Charleston match up?
ART
Savannah
Comprised of the Telfair Academy, the Owens-Thomas House and the Jepson Center, the Telfair Museums is the oldest public art museum in the Southeast — growing from a renovated family mansion into a cultural institution with over 4,000 works of art.
Charleston
As the city’s only visual arts museum, Gibbes Museum of Art is filled with collections that connect Charleston’s complicated history to a vibrant contemporary scene. The Charleston Museum preserves and interprets artifacts to educate visitors about the South Carolina Lowcountry.
BEACHES
Savannah
Five miles of warm gentle waves and wide stretches of sugar-white sand make up Tybee Island Beach. Visit one of its three public oceanfront beaches for a full range of resort-like amenities, or one of two river beaches for more unspoiled seclusion.
Charleston
Charming Sullivan’s Island Beach boasts a mix of expansive beachfront, tasty eateries, unique shops, and colorful history. Unspoiled Kiawah Island Beaches are trademarked for world-class golf — offering over 10 miles of pristine beach and preserved maritime forests.
HISTORIC LANDMARKS
Savannah
Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966, Savannah’s Historic District buzzes with over two square mile areas of preserved museums, churches, mansions and forts — including the Davenport House and Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.
Charleston
Step back in time at Fort Sumter and witness where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. As the oldest preserved plantation house in America, explore Drayton Hall where seven generations of history are preserved with the original architecture.
ICONIC EATS
Savannah
A Savannah staple, fried chicken ranges from traditional to contemporary. Savannah native Paula Deen serves up her down-home-style version at The Lady & Sons. Sample The Olde Pink House Restaurant and Tavern for unconventional pecan-crusted chicken breast with blackberry bourbon glaze.
Charleston
A bisque-chowder hybrid including crab meat, She Crab Soup is Charleston’s signature dish. Check out the swanky yet refined 82 Queen or Hominy Grill to savor this southern classic.
TYING UP YOUR BOAT
Savannah
Thunderbolt Marine, just off the ICW, is a full-service yacht repair and refit facility only minutes from downtown Savannah — offering fuel and a complimentary shuttle to nearby attractions.
Charleston
Covering over 40 acres of water, Safe Harbor Charleston City hosts comprehensive amenities, state-of-the-art facilities and the longest free-standing floating dock in the Southeast.
So, who wins in the Savannah vs Charleston match up? The lucky folks who have visited both of these spectacular travel and boating destinations.
