Georgia and S. Carolina

[Gladie]

We haven't seen much of the east coast around Hilton Head Island, Charleston or Savannah and giving serious thoughts to visiting the area this spring. We can go the month of April or May. We like sightseeing, history, nature photography, beach combing and riding our bicycles. Sounds like Hilton Head has lots of bike trails. Which month would you chose....taking into consideration weather and traffic? Want to avoid "peak" season. Thanks!

[bsirby]

Peak season doesn't start until June when the kids are out of school. I would go either month. The weather will be nice.

[wildtoad]

Late April early May will be great. Better get busing making reservations.

[wahoonc]

Go BEFORE Memorial Day and you should be okay. Both cities are great to explore on bicycle, IMHO Savannah is more bicycle friendly than Charleston but that may be because of the way Savannah is laid out. I have worked in both if you need any local knowledge just ask.

Aaron

[jfran304]

With all the things you like to do, beach combing, history, bike riding, photography and all you might want to consider Jekyll Island State Park in GA.

Jekyll Island - Georgia Beach Family Vacation Destination

Jon

[Jupiter]

Hilton Head has excellent and plentiful paved bike trails and bike riding on the beach, too, by waters edge. (don't forget to rinse that bike each night) If you visit Savannah, I can say that we much enjoyed the narrated trolley tours in the historic district. You can hop on an off all day at different stops on the tour loop. Awesome historic district!

We stayed at the Hilton Head Motorcoach Resort and could safely and easily ride bike to the beach from the resort. We were there in early February and the area was not nearly crowded.

cheers,
Joopy

[USMCRET]

We make two treks to the Carolinas each year on the shoulder seasons, usually early-mid May and again in early-mid Oct. The weather is pleasant and crowds aren't an issue. The summer months can be smotheringly hot and humid.

[Gladie]

Thank you all for the great ideas. Looks like leaving mid April will work for us. The best way for us is route 95 south over the GW bridge but don't want to do that! Any suggestions for an alternative route?

[jfran304]

Originally Posted by Gladie

Thank you all for the great ideas. Looks like leaving mid April will work for us. The best way for us is route 95 south over the GW bridge but don't want to do that! Any suggestions for an alternative route?

I must have missed the post you made about where you are leaving from?

Jon

[Gladie]

Oh yeah, that would help! Leaving from the Providence, Rhode Island area.

[twinboat]

Cross the GWB late night or 10:30 in the morning for your best chance.

Cross the Hudson anywhere besides the GWB, in the Bronx, if you don't like traffic.

Out of the way route, but I 84 to I 87 to I 287 then on to I 95 in NJ will loop you around NYC.

[Justwinginit]

When is Spring break in SC? I would consider that too

[Nana25K]

Once you get south of DC get on US 17. At Fredericksburg , VA


. Follow it south thru the "Northern Neck" in VA. Get on I-64 south of Williamsburg and follow that thru and around VA Beach using the Monitor Merrimack bridge tunnel ( turn off you propane before going thru). Get back on US 17. Yoyull wander thru the Great Dismal Swamp area etc. You may want to route around the Myrtle Beach area on the interstate as well

This is just beautiful , easy drive. You'll see wonderful scenery, option to go thru small great small town or take the bypass. So much less stressful than 95. 99% is 4 lane divided and the places its not are still great. It is the only way we travel that area
When in Savannah be sure to go to Hardeeville, SC and go to the Savannah National Wildludw Refuge. Its a lovely place with a great visitor center right on 17