Looking for some vacation advice: Savannah or Charleston?

Would likely fly into Jacksonville -- cheapest flights from DTW and don't mind a 4 hour drive.

Want to do a 6-7 day trip combining beach/resort time (3-4 days) with a side trip to either Charleston or Savannah.

Looking at HHI (expensive!) or even northeast Florida (Amelia Island or St Augustine) for the relaxing beach time, tiki bar, walkable area, with a nice pool plus 3 days in a city.

What are the pros and cons of each? -- we'd have a 19 and 17 year old with us -- so even looking at AirBnbs with multiple bedrooms (for the beach time) but can do a hotel within Charleston or Savannah as the second stop. Is there enough to do in each for 3 days? Charleston seems "nicer" but the main attractions don't seem to be on the water - which is important to us.

Trying to avoid the tourist trappiness of Myrtle Beach. But would even consider NC (Wilmington/Carolina Beach) but I'm not sure there's enough action up there.

What say you? Thanks in advance. Any specifics on hotels or rentals would be awesome as well.

Follow Ups:

• Savannah was crazy on St Patrick's Day but I didn't see much else to do except walk the chain of parks. - EPBuck [14:04:39 04/16/24]
• I've been to both and enjoyed them each in their own way. When I was in Charleston though, it flooded - 1flybuckeye [14:00:05 04/16/24]
• Amelia—>Savannah (Shorter drive, lots to do downtown,big enough) * - ziggyzoomba [12:23:13 04/16/24]
  • If beach time is most important considering kids, 2 days/nights drive to either city is enough - ziggyzoomba [08:54:19 04/17/24]
• Pawleys Island is a great option. Many rentals are weekly only during peak times, but there are options.* - CD Buck [11:33:51 04/16/24]
• Live in Tampa and have family in Jacksonville area and have been to Savannah and Charleston a handful of times (m) - P Money [10:03:38 04/16/24]
  • Agree on Charleston. Much nicer city. * - sykobuck [08:27:04 04/17/24]
  • Charleston has better Oyster bars too. * - Porsche [11:31:26 04/16/24]
  • Thank you! * - Ivo Shandor [10:56:29 04/16/24]