Tybee Island, Georgia is a refreshing beach resort with a spirit all its own. The northernmost of the Georgia beaches, Tybee (pronounced TIE-be) is a small but lively barrier island community not far from Savannah. All of the beaches on the island are public beaches.
Perfect for family vacations or a place to retire, Tybee Island is also considered a top choice for romantic getaways, weddings and honeymoons. It's home to a diverse group of beach lovers ranging from celebrities, true islanders, and people who've discovered Tybee and didn't want to leave.
The Bed and Breakfast owners will greet you warmly when you arrive. The island has a knack for festivities and homegrown fun to help you get away from it all.
With wide white sands and gentle surf, the 3 miles of beachfront is just right for swimming, sunning and relaxing. And everyone watches over the sea turtles.
Tybee Island Hotels and Vacation Rentals
You'll find that the Tybee Island hotels and inns are a cut above when it comes to personal, friendly service. There is lodging to suit every budget, with oceanfront hotels such as the DeSoto Beach Hotel, and excellent B&Bs like the Atlantis Inn. Many hotels that don't claim to be "oceanfront" are just a short walk to the beach.
Need room to spread out? Tybee Island vacation rentals are available everywhere on the island. Rentals range from beach homes, cottages and condos. Most are privately owned and well maintained, and are the perfect vacation spot for large groups and families. If you look, you can rent splendid old historic Tybee Beach cottages restored from the 1930's!
Campers can enjoy the River's End Campground & RV Park. This is a very nice facility just off the beach. The area is actually owned by the Island, and the park is top notch. They even have cabins to rent - the prices are unbeatable and it's a terrific way to experience the entire island and save money.
Life on Tybee Island, Georgia
Of all the Georgia beaches, Tybee Island offers a unique change of pace. Tybee is all about fun - and it doesn't matter if it's winter or summer! Year-round activities are organized by Tybee Fest, a non-profit, all volunteer organization that brings events and enjoyment to fun-loving islanders and vacationers. Very cool!
In January, there's the Annual Polar Bear Plunge - a Tybee tradition where hundreds plunge into the cold Atlantic surf on New Year's Day. February brings on the merriment of Mardi Gras Tybee, complete with parades, street parties and live entertainment.
In May, vacationers can experience the annual Beach Bum Parade. Unlike most parades, the floats are sources of creative water-throwing gear... while spectators are armed with hoses and water guns. The result? A community water fight for festive beach bums from near and far!
The Tybee Kayak Race takes off in June, and the 4th of July brings fantastic fireworks to Tybee's Pier & Pavilion. September features the Labor Day Beach Bash with live music and more oceanfront fireworks.
In October, the Tybee Island Pirate Fest takes over the island with costumes, parades and entertainment. The list goes on, right through the winter!
Map of Tybee Island
Things to Do and See on Tybee
The beaches, of course! At low tide, the beach is hundreds of yards wide. Tybee Island features 3 main beaches:
The North Beach area is the least "crowded" beach. The Tybee Island Lighthouse and the Tybee Museum are found here. The North Beach is actually on the mouth of the Savannah River, making the sightseeing superb. You can watch ships sailing to and from the Port of Savannah, and visit the Fort Screven historic district.
The Mid Beach area is also less congested, with fewer restaurants and hotels. You can reach the beach from numerous public access points.
The South Beach area is where you'll find the majority of Tybee's hotels, restaurants and shops, plus the Tybee Pier and Pavilion.
You can also spend the day at Savannah River Beach, and Back River Beach, which are a bit more obscure and not as easy to get to - but absolutely worth the trip for fishing, dolphin spotting, and nature walks.
The restaurants and nightlife on Tybee Island are some of the most fun and delicious places to go. Try The Crab Shack, "Where the elite eat in their bare feet!" The Dolphin Reef is a good place to eat because it offers two different venues: the Oceanfront Restaurant for superior steaks and seafood buffet; or enjoy the laid-back ambiance of the Seaside Sports Bar & Grill. Lots more restaurants and taverns to enjoy on Tybee!
Other Great Stuff to See on Tybee Island
The Island is rich in history, and the community has preserved it well for all to see.
One of the favorite attractions is the Tybee lighthouse and museum. This is the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Georgia, and is fully operational. Completely restored to capture its original authenticity, the Tybee lighthouse has survived 4 renovations to overcome storms, tides and the Civil War.
On the north end of Tybee Island is historic Fort Screven. From 1897 to 1947, this fort played an important role in America's coastal defense. Fort Screven was an active military post through the Spanish-American War, and World Wars I and II.
The Marine Science Center features outstanding aquariums and exhibits of sea life. It's located right by the Tybee Pier and Pavilion.
Captain Mike's Dolphin Tour is a must-do! 60 to 90-minute cruises are fantastic fun for kids of all ages – educational, too. Watch the dolphins play up close and really get to know them in their natural surroundings. It's a sightseeing tour you don't want to miss, as you'll also have a superb view of the scenery of Cockspur Island Lighthouse and the historic Fort Pulaski, as well as Tybee's North Beach and the Tybee Island lighthouse. Very affordable at $8.00 for kids and $15.00 for adults.
Kayaking is one of the most popular water activities. You can rent kayaks for your own use, or take a guided tour. Rev up your fun and see Tybee’s coast by jet ski. The entire family can zip through the ocean waves or glide along the Savannah River.
The fishing is good year-round. There are several designated areas on the beach for surf fishing. In addition to the Tybee Pier and Pavilion, you can reel fish in at the Tybee Fishing Pier on the backside of the island and at Lazaretto Creek Pier. For charter fishing and sport fishing, Tybee Island is fully equipped with charters for inshore and offshore and Gulf Stream fishing.
