Vacation choice: Tampa, Savannah, or Charleston?

In My Humble Opinion
1

I’m helping my Aunt move from Ohio to Florida, and will have the opportunity to spend some time in the south on my drive back home. I’m trying to choose between the three spots mentioned in the title, so I’m looking for pros/cons, places to see, etc…

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

2

We honeymooned in Savannah 9 years ago and LOVED it. I haven’t been to either of the other places, but Savannah is lovely! There’s plenty to do, but it’s a nice, slow-paced place. And the food is fantastic, too. Highly recommended! (When we win the lottery, we’re going to buy a winter home there. :slight_smile: )

3

Another vote for Savannah, with Charleston second. Tampa is kinda meh IMHO.

4

Savannah or Charleston, they’re enough to hold your interest for a few days.

Tampa… why? I know the place is apparently renowned for its strip clubs, but other than that, what’s the point? I’ve been to Tampa and it’s never struck me as a place that has a lot to offer casual tourists. There’s Busch Gardens, but why go there when Orlando is an hour away?

5

Another vote for Savannah.
Charming, historic town, reasonably priced restaurants.

6

With Tampa even on the list, I assume your aunt is moving to Sun City, Sarasota, Fort Myers or another spot on the gulf.

Choice of vacation spot:
(After deciding whether a straight shot up I-75 is better or a run up 95 and crossing the Appalachians is preferable)

  1. Nature
    West Coast Florida is loaded with a few as yet unadulterated areas from the Peace River near Sarasota to the Suwannee River, and a lot of Red neck trailer villages in between. Beer and fishing and beaches.
  2. Theme parks
    As mentioned, the only one in Tampa is Busch Gardens once a lovely garden cum brewery tour, now just a jumble of roller coasters.
    Orlando–jumble of roller coasters.
    3 History/partytime
    Charleston and Savannah have oodles of both. Charleston seems much too impressed with itself and admissions to “museums” and garden plantations are almost double Savannah.
    Savannah would be my choice, but I am getting on in years and the energy level (and booze tolerance) is fading. Have fun.
7

I’ll toss in my vote for Savannah. I’ve been there a couple of times, and it’s a wonderful place. Didn’t much care for Tampa the last time I was down that way, and haven’t been to Charleston yet.

8

Savannah or Charleston.

9

Savannah. Hands down.

10

If you enjoy traffic jams, give Tampa a try. Otherwise, either of your other choices.

Fort Myers is not on the Gulf; Fort Myers Beach is on the Gulf. Good luck with parking or getting close to the water.

11

Thanks for the great replies everyone!

Tampa is only on the list because that is where my aunt is moving. I have no idea what it’s like, but it sounds like we won’t be there too long.

Savannah looks to be dominating the debate, so Savannah it is!

If anyone would care to throw out specific places there to visit, places to eat, which beach is best, etc… I would appreciate the suggestions.

12

Some food for thought. Ar-Ar

13

Tampa guy checking in. Go to the Pirate place (forget the name) in Savannah and get the fried chicken.

What time of year are you talking about. Charleston is way out of the way of everything. Have a good trip.

14

If you’re in for a slightly odd tour there is a ghost tour in a hearse. The ghost stories are fun, but the tour itself was really well done and I learned some new stuff about my much beloved home town.

You most likely mean the Pirate House. Can’t think of anywhere else.

15

Pirate’s House, indeed.
Also try the Chart House.

16

I lived in Tampa and the immediately surrounding area for 40 years. Tampa blows.

Go to Savannah!