Southern Charm: A 7-Day Road Trip from Bonita Springs, FL to Barefoot Beach, SC Itinerary

Depart from Bonita Springs and head north to Savannah, Georgia. Enjoy a hearty Southern breakfast at Clary's Cafe, a local institution known for its delicious pancakes and omelets. After breakfast, take a guided walking tour of the Historic District of Savannah to admire the city's beautiful architecture and learn about its rich history.

For lunch, savor the flavors of the South at The Grey, a renowned restaurant housed in a restored Greyhound bus terminal. After lunch, visit the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and take a stroll through the picturesque Forsyth Park. If time allows, explore the charming shops and art galleries on Broughton Street.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Southern dinner at The Olde Pink House, a historic mansion with a charming ambiance. After dinner, take a ghost tour to explore Savannah's haunted history and mysterious legends. End the evening with a nightcap at Top Deck Bar, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Depart from Savannah and head to Charleston, South Carolina. Start your day with a classic Southern breakfast at Hominy Grill, known for its iconic shrimp and grits. After breakfast, embark on a guided bus tour of the city's historic highlights, including the Charleston City Market, The Battery and White Point Garden, and Rainbow Row.

For lunch, enjoy Lowcountry cuisine at Husk, a celebrated restaurant that focuses on local and seasonal ingredients. After lunch, take a leisurely cruise on the harbor to learn about Charleston's maritime history and spot dolphins in the wild. If time allows, visit the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon and explore the city's colonial past.

In the evening, experience Charleston's haunted side with a ghost and dungeon walking tour. After the tour, enjoy a seafood dinner at Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar, a waterfront restaurant with stunning views of the harbor. End the evening with a visit to a secret speakeasy for a unique cocktail experience.

Start your day with a visit to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, one of the oldest public gardens in America. Explore the lush gardens, the plantation house, and the wildlife exhibits. After your visit, enjoy a picnic lunch in the gardens or at the nearby Charleston Tea Garden, where you can also take a guided tour and taste some of the finest teas.

After lunch, take a guided bus tour to Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens, known for its picturesque Avenue of Oaks and rich history. Explore the plantation house, the gardens, and the Gullah Culture exhibit. If time allows, visit the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum to learn about the USS Yorktown and other historic ships.

In the evening, enjoy a wine tasting and tour at Deep Water Vineyard, located on Wadmalaw Island. After the wine tasting, savor a farm-to-table dinner at The Obstinate Daughter, known for its creative and seasonal dishes. End the evening with a stroll through the Charleston Waterfront Park and enjoy the views of the harbor.

Start your day with a food tour to savor the flavors of Charleston. Sample local specialties and learn about the city's culinary history. After the tour, visit the Charleston Museum to explore the city's rich heritage and culture.

For lunch, enjoy a seafood feast at 167 Raw, a popular oyster bar known for its fresh and flavorful dishes. After lunch, take a leisurely stroll through the historic French Quarter and visit the Heyward-Washington House to learn about life in the 18th century.

In the evening, embark on a luxury harbor dinner cruise to enjoy a gourmet meal and breathtaking views of the sunset. After the cruise, head to Prohibition, a stylish bar with a speakeasy vibe, for craft cocktails and live music. End the evening with a walk along the waterfront and take in the city's magical night lights.

Start your day with a visit to the Gibbes Museum of Art, home to a diverse collection of American art. After the museum, take a guided walking tour to explore the city's historic architecture, including the St. Michael's Church, the Circular Congregational Church, and the St. Philips Church.

For lunch, enjoy a casual meal at Leon's Oyster Shop, a laid-back eatery known for its raw bar and fried chicken sandwich. After lunch, visit the Middleton Place, a National Historic Landmark with stunning gardens, a house museum, and a stableyard. Take a guided tour to learn about the plantation's history and the lives of the enslaved people who lived and worked there.

In the evening, take a sunset harbor cruise to enjoy the golden hour and the city's skyline. After the cruise, enjoy a seafood dinner at 82 Queen, a historic restaurant housed in a 19th-century building. End the evening with a walk through the Charleston City Marina and admire the yachts and sailboats.

On your final day in Charleston, start with a hearty breakfast at The Darling Oyster Bar, known for its delicious seafood dishes and oyster bar. After breakfast, take a guided walking tour to explore the city's hidden alleys, secret gardens, and historic homes.

For lunch, enjoy a farm-to-table meal at The Macintosh, a restaurant known for its innovative and seasonal cuisine. After lunch, visit the Aiken-Rhett House, a preserved antebellum townhouse that offers a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy families of the 19th century.

In the evening, take a sunset carriage tour to explore the city's historic district and learn about its fascinating past. After the tour, enjoy a farewell dinner at Halls Chophouse, a classic steakhouse with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. End the evening with a nightcap at The Ordinary, a seafood restaurant with a lively oyster bar and a great selection of cocktails.

Depart from Charleston and head to Barefoot Beach, South Carolina. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at The Wicked Tuna, a waterfront restaurant known for its fresh seafood and ocean views. After breakfast, spend the morning relaxing on the beach, swimming in the ocean, or taking a walk along the shore.

For lunch, enjoy a beachfront meal at The Flying Fish Public Market & Grill, a casual eatery with a diverse menu. After lunch, visit the Alligator Adventure to see a wide variety of reptiles, including alligators, crocodiles, and snakes. If time allows, explore the nearby Barefoot Landing for shopping and entertainment.

In the evening, enjoy a seafood dinner at Greg Norman Australian Grille, a restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and a diverse menu. After dinner, take a sunset walk on the beach and reflect on your journey from Bonita Springs to Barefoot Beach.