Driving from PA - Savannah or Beaufort for overnight stop?

[teeeera]

Hello We are driving for the first time in August to Orlando from PA. We are taking the scenic route through Virginia. Planning to stop in VA for one night and then in SC or GA the next night. We want to have a fun road trip experience, but we’ll only have the afternoon and evening to explore the cities we stop in.

I can’t decide whether to stop in Savannah, GA or Beaufort, SC. We have 2 kids, 13 and 3. I’m not super interested in metropolitan areas since I live in one. For lack of a better explanation, I want to go somewhere that has that Forrest Gump feel. We’ll probably take a tour or something and then have dinner.

Which town would you recommend?

 

[nkereina]

Savannah is about an hour south of Beaufort, which may make a difference if you think you'll get a late start driving from VA. Also consider traffic. I can't speak to Beaufort at all, but I have heard great things about Savannah. I think the "sightseeing" area is about 30 minutes east off 95, if that's the route you're coming from. I would expect there to be a decent amount of traffic in this area as well. My parents drove from NY to FL, and a stop in Savannah was perfect for them. Lots of hotels and dining right off 95 too.

 

[aml1676]

I've visited both - my brother and his family lived in Savannah metro for about 10 years, and we visited Beaufort a few times when I was there to visit. I would go to Savannah, personally; there are plentiful restaurants, the downtown area is extremely walkable and easy to drive in and out of, and there are lots of hotels off 95. I'd look at staying in Pooler or near the airport. Eat at Vinnie Van Go-Go's at City Market if you go! It's conveniently right next door to the Savannah Candy Kitchen

Note: this makes me a little sad - they moved down to Viera, FL late last year so I don't know when/if I'll visit Savannah again. But hey, they're closer to WDW now, so...

 

[disny_luvr]

Savannah! It’s such a beautiful place to visit. We are from PA, too, and when we drive to Disney, Savannah is where we like to stop. It isn’t a far drive to Disney from Savannah either.

 

[OKW Lover]

We've stopped in Savanah several times and really like the city. Interesting place. Good shopping and food. Spend a little time walking along the waterfront there.

 

[teeeera]

Thank you all so much! All of the replies are so helpful!

 

[nkosiek]

Hello We are driving for the first time in August to Orlando from PA. We are taking the scenic route through Virginia. Planning to stop in VA for one night and then in SC or GA the next night. We want to have a fun road trip experience, but we’ll only have the afternoon and evening to explore the cities we stop in.

I can’t decide whether to stop in Savannah, GA or Beaufort, SC. We have 2 kids, 13 and 3. I’m not super interested in metropolitan areas since I live in one. For lack of a better explanation, I want to go somewhere that has that Forrest Gump feel. We’ll probably take a tour or something and then have dinner.

Which town would you recommend?

I've done a souther road trip outta Philly and stopped in both SC and Savannah. Savannah may be my favorite place in America. Also, you said you wanted a Forrest Gump feel, well, Savannah is where they filmed the bus stop scenes. Totally worth a stop.

 

[ArielRae]

Driving down from South Jersey we have stopped at Florence, SC and we have stopped in Jacksonville, FL.

 

[Karl66]

If you want the "Forrest Gump" feel then go to Savannah. Visit Chippewa Square to see "the bench". There a hotels nearby in the downtown area within walking distance. For the best pizza anywhere, visit Vinny Van Go Go's at 317 W. Bryan St. (Franklin Square). Not fancy in the least but, oh my!

 

[loves to dive]

I'm from Georgia and have lived all over the states and the out of the country and Savannah may well be my favorite city of all. Having said that, keep in mind no one knows what will be open in August. Savannah is a great walking city if you are in the historic district but it's also somewhat crowded and restaurant/bar heavy. I love touring the old homes in the historic district but there is no way of knowing if they will be open. River Street is great but again, it's restaurants and bars so who knows. Georgia has opened up but a lot of retailers have decided not to. August will be hot and buggy and hot and humid and hot. If you do decide to stop there and the kids like history, there are a couple of great forts within driving distance we love to explore.

 

[kerry34]

Hello We are driving for the first time in August to Orlando from PA. We are taking the scenic route through Virginia. Planning to stop in VA for one night and then in SC or GA the next night. We want to have a fun road trip experience, but we’ll only have the afternoon and evening to explore the cities we stop in.

I can’t decide whether to stop in Savannah, GA or Beaufort, SC. We have 2 kids, 13 and 3. I’m not super interested in metropolitan areas since I live in one. For lack of a better explanation, I want to go somewhere that has that Forrest Gump feel. We’ll probably take a tour or something and then have dinner.

Which town would you recommend?

I have not stayed in Beaufort at all, but we have stayed in Savannah several times. We stay off the highway and it is about 25 min to the historic section which is lovely. We did a trolley tour one year and it was interesting. There are lots of hotels in the area. We usually stay in the Embassy suites right off the highway (technically Pooler) and the rooms are spacious 2 rooms and they have quite a few places right up the street to eat and plenty of stores around as well. Pre-covid they had a decent free full breakfast buffet and a complimentary evening reception with snacks, soft drinks, and a limited menu of beer, wine, and mixed drinks. We have always had a decent stay here but it is slightly pricier than some of the other places in the area.

 

[java]

For the best pizza anywhere, visit Vinny Van Go Go's at 317 W. Bryan St. (Franklin Square). Not fancy in the least but, oh my!

Oh yes we love that pizza and we are from NJ. We know pizza

 

[Carol_]

Savannah.
Trolley hop on hop off tour. (Pick it up at the Savannah visitor’s center, where parking is free.)
The Pirates House
The Riverfront:
Brunch at Huey’s on the River
Buy some freshly made Pralines
Watch the gigantic container ships slowly go up and down the river.
Take a ghost tour!

 

[keishashadow]

OP I applaud you in making the road trip an adventure vs a gotta make time ordeal. That said, i cannot see myself making that drive again with a bad back lol

When driving I-95 in the past, always made our overnight stop south of whatever nearby city to avoid any AM rush hour traffic. As an added bonus, Hotels were always less expensive

 

[OKW Lover]

Savannah.
Trolley hop on hop off tour. (Pick it up at the Savannah visitor’s center, where parking is free.)
The Pirates House
The Riverfront:
Brunch at Huey’s on the River
Buy some freshly made Pralines
Watch the gigantic container ships slowly go up and down the river.
Take a ghost tour!

All good suggestions! I'd add dinner at the Olde Pink House.

 

[PetePanMan]

I love both. Beaufort is much smaller with fewer dining and other options.

 

[Philsfan77]

We are considering a similar trip to yours in March...curious how you made out and where you ended up staying in Virginia?

We have Savannah locked in as of now driving down as our second night.

 

[JimMIA]

Charleston, SC is also another good option for sightseeing, history, etc. But I think I'd go with Savannah -- and it is certainly the choice for Forest Gump!

Charleston is about 6 hours from WDW; Savannah is about 4.5 hours.