Tybee Island, Georgia: Where Fun Never Gets Tybee-red!

Tybee Island sits about 20 minutes from historic Savannah and is easy to reach. North Beach is the calm end and South Beach carries the waves and the crowd. The lighthouse can be climbed all the way up for the view over the island. Little Tybee Island is uninhabited and only reachable by boat from the main island. And Fort Pulaski runs campsites that sit right beside the sand and the water.

Are you planning a trip to Tybee Island, Georgia and wondering what fun things to do and places to visit? Tybee Island is a charming barrier island sitting just 20 minutes from historic Savannah. The picturesque beaches, the long history and the natural beauty cover most tastes.

To soak up some sun and splash around in the waves, Tybee Island runs several beaches. North Beach is the popular spot for families, while South Beach carries a lively atmosphere and strong surf. For more adventurous water activities, try paddleboarding or jet skiing. And watch for dolphins on a dolphin watching tour.

For history, Tybee Island runs several historical landmarks, the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum among them, which dates back to 1736. Nature lovers get the Tybee Island Marine Science Center and its hands-on exhibits and educational events, and nearby Little Tybee Island suits a kayaker. And on dining, Tybee Island runs culinary delights from fresh seafood through to classic Southern comfort food.

Key Takeaways

Tybee Island offers a variety of activities for all interests, including beaches, watersports, historical landmarks, and nature centers.
The island is home to several unique dining options, from fresh seafood to classic Southern cuisine.
With its proximity to Savannah and range of accommodations, Tybee Island is the perfect destination for a fun and relaxing getaway.

Splashing Around: Beaches and Watersports

The beach is the first thing that comes to mind with Tybee Island, and for good reason. The island runs some of the stronger beaches in Georgia, with plenty of swimming, sunbathing and watersports. Here are the beaches and watersports activities to check out during your visit:

North Beach

For a quieter beach experience, head to North Beach. This beach sits on the northern end of the island and is known for calm waters and long views. It suits a relaxing day in the sun, away from the crowds.

South Beach

For a more lively beach experience, South Beach is the place. This beach sits on the southern end of the island and is known for its waves and its busy atmosphere. It suits surfing, boogie boarding and people-watching.

Little Tybee Island

For a more secluded beach experience, take a trip to Little Tybee Island. This uninhabited island sits just south of Tybee Island and can only be reached by boat. Once you land, the pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters are the reward.

Swimming and Paddleboarding

To get in the water, Tybee Island runs plenty of swimming and paddleboarding. The Atlantic Ocean can be a bit chilly, and it is refreshing on a hot summer day. For something lower-key, rent a paddleboard and explore the calm waters around the island.

Dolphin Tours

A dolphin tour is one of the popular activities on Tybee Island. These tours take you out into the Atlantic Ocean to see dolphins in their natural habitat. It is fun and educational for the whole family, and other marine life turns up along the way.

Whatever kind of beach vacation you are after, Tybee Island has a version of it. Pack your sunscreen, grab your swimsuit, and go make a splash.

Historical Highlights

History buffs have plenty to explore on Tybee Island. Here are the spots to take:

Tybee Island Light Station

You cannot miss the iconic Tybee Island Light Station. This historic lighthouse has guided ships into the Savannah River since 1736. It is one of the oldest lighthouses in the country and earns the visit. Climb to the top for the view over the island and the ocean. And snap a photo for your Instagram.

Fort Pulaski National Monument

Fort Pulaski National Monument earns the visit for anyone interested in history. This colonial-era fort was built in the mid-1800s to protect Savannah from foreign invaders. During the Civil War it held Union soldiers as prisoners. Explore the fort now and its history comes with it. And do not miss the daily cannon firing demonstrations.

Fort Screven

Fort Screven is the other historic fort to explore. This fort was built in the late 1800s to protect the coast from enemy ships. The museum inside covers its history. And a stroll along the beach afterwards puts you in the boots of a soldier stationed here.

Tybee Island Museum

For a deeper dive into the history of Tybee Island, head to the Tybee Island Museum. This small museum is packed with exhibits on the island’s past. The Native American tribes who lived here, the island’s role in the Civil War and the growth of tourism in the 20th century are all covered. And do not miss the exhibit on the “Tybee Bomb,” a nuclear bomb accidentally dropped off the coast in 1958.

Tybee Island carries a long history waiting to be explored. Lighthouses, forts or museums, each has an answer here. Grab your sunscreen and your sense of adventure and go find the past of the island.

Nature’s Bounty

Tybee Island rewards a nature lover, with wildlife and scenic views in quantity. Here are the ways to take the natural beauty of the island:

Fishing

Grab your fishing gear and head to the Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion, where you cast your line and reel in some of the finer catches on the island. Or book a fishing charter and head out to deeper waters for a shot at bigger fish. And watch for dolphins swimming alongside your boat.

Bird Watching

Tybee Island holds a variety of bird species, pelicans, herons, egrets and more among them. Take a walk along the beach or through the marshes and keep your eyes peeled for these creatures. For a more organized bird-watching experience, take the Tybee Island Birding and Nature Festival held annually in April.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle Spotting

Loggerhead Sea Turtles are a common sight on the beaches of Tybee Island during nesting season, which runs from May through August. Take a guided tour with a local expert for their nesting habits and the rest of the detail. Keep a safe distance and avoid disturbing the turtles or their nests.

Marsh Exploration

The marshes surrounding Tybee Island are teeming with life, crabs and shrimp through birds and alligators. Take a kayak or paddleboard tour to work through these unique ecosystems up close. Or head to the Tybee Island Marine Science Center for a guided tour of the marshes and a look at the creatures that call them home.

Tybee Island rewards a nature lover, with plenty of chances to explore the natural beauty of the island. Grab your gear, head out, and take what Tybee Island holds.

Outdoor Adventures

Ready to get your heart pumping and your adrenaline going? Tybee Island runs a ton of outdoor adventures. Biking, kayaking or camping, each has an answer here.

Bike Trails

Biking is the direct way to explore the island and get some exercise at once. Tybee Island runs several bike trails through some of the finer scenery on the island. The McQueen’s Island Trail is the popular route, taking you through marshes and over a historic railroad bridge. And for the adventurous, you can even bike toward nearby Little Tybee Island.

Kayaking

Kayaking is the other way to get close to the natural beauty of Tybee Island. Rent a kayak and explore the marshes and waterways on your own, or take a guided tour. One popular tour runs out to Cockspur Island, where the historic Cockspur Island Lighthouse stands up close.

Camping at Fort Pulaski

For a unique camping experience, consider camping at Fort Pulaski. This historic fort runs campsites right beside the beach. Give the days to exploring the fort and the nights to sleeping under the stars. And bring plenty of bug spray.

So grab your bike, your kayak or your camping gear and get ready for an adventure on Tybee Island.

Take North Beach if the point is quiet water and no crowd. Take South Beach if surfing, boogie boarding and people-watching are the plan for the day. Take Little Tybee Island if a boat is available and pristine sand is the goal. The marshes want a kayak or a paddleboard rather than a pair of boots. And the pier handles fishing without a charter or any planning at all.

Culinary Delights

On food, Tybee Island has an answer for most tastes. Fresh seafood through Southern comfort food, you will not be disappointed. Here are the places to eat on the island.

Crab Shack

For seafood, you have to take the Crab Shack. This iconic restaurant sits right on the water and serves some of the freshest seafood around. Their Low Country Boil is the safe order, a mix of shrimp, crab, sausage, corn and potatoes. And do not forget to feed the alligators.

Sting Ray’s Seafood

Sting Ray’s Seafood is the other spot for fresh seafood. The menu runs long, fried shrimp through oysters Rockefeller. And the real star is the fish tacos, made with fresh local fish and topped with a tangy slaw and homemade sauce.

Sugar Shack

For something sweet, head over to the Sugar Shack. This adorable little shop runs homemade treats of every sort, fudge through ice cream. And the standout is the pralines, made fresh every day and balanced between sweet and nutty.

Sunrise Restaurant

For classic Southern comfort food, you have to take Sunrise Restaurant. They serve all the classics: fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens. And the real star is the biscuits and gravy, which will have you ordering a second plate.

Whatever you are in the mood for, Tybee Island will satisfy the craving. Go ahead and indulge, because you are on vacation.

Retail Therapy

In need of some retail therapy? Tybee Island has it covered. Unique boutiques through souvenir shops, the shopping options here run long.

Shopping in Tybee Island

Tybee Market IGA is one of the popular shopping destinations on the island. This grocery store is not your average market, and it carries everything you need and more. Fresh produce through beach gear, it is all on the shelves. And the groceries can be delivered straight to your vacation rental or home, with weekly specials listed on their website.

For unique souvenirs to take home, take Seaside Sisters. This charming boutique runs a long selection of beach-themed gifts, jewelry and home decor. Something in there will catch your eye.

The Shrimp Shop is the other strong shopping option on Tybee Island. This local seafood market sells fresh shrimp and seafood, and the gift shop alongside it is full of beachy souvenirs and apparel. And grab a bag of their famous boiled peanuts while you are there.

For high-end shopping, a short drive to Savannah is always the option. With its historic downtown district and trendy boutiques, Savannah suits a shopaholic.

Whatever your shopping style, Tybee Island has an answer. Go ahead and treat yourself to a little retail therapy.

Where to Stay

Looking for a place to rest your head after a long day of fun on Tybee Island? Here are a few options to consider:

DeSoto Beach Hotel

For a hotel right on the beach, the DeSoto Beach Hotel is a strong choice. With a prime location on the North Beach of Tybee Island, the sand and surf are steps away. The hotel runs room types from standard rooms to suites with full kitchens. And the on-site restaurant, the Beach House, serves delicious seafood dishes.

Hotel Tybee

To sit in the heart of the action, Hotel Tybee is the place. Located on Tybrisa Street, the hotel is a short walk from the beach, the pier and all the shops and restaurants in the area. The room types run from standard rooms to suites with balconies and ocean views. And for a break from the sun, the hotel runs an indoor pool and hot tub.

Admiral’s Inn on Tybee Island

For a more intimate stay, take the Admiral’s Inn on Tybee Island. This cozy bed and breakfast runs just 7 rooms, each with its own decor. The inn sits a block from the beach, and the friendly staff settle you in quickly. And in the morning, a delicious breakfast on the porch starts the day before you head out.

Wherever you stay on Tybee Island, the trip holds up. Pack your bags and get ready for some fun in the sun.

Fun for the Little Ones

Tybee Island suits bringing the kids along for some family fun. Plenty of activities here keep the little ones entertained and happy. Here are the things to do with your kids on Tybee Island:

Tybee Island Marine Science Center

The Tybee Island Marine Science Center earns the visit for families with kids. This educational center runs hands-on exhibits and interactive displays covering the local marine life. Live animals like turtles, crabs and fish sit there, and some of them can be touched in the touch tanks. The little ones take to learning about the ocean and its inhabitants this way.

Touch Tanks at the Science Center

The touch tanks are one of the highlights of the Tybee Island Marine Science Center. The kids get close to sea stars, horseshoe crabs and other creatures of the sea. They touch and feel the animals and pick up their habitats and behaviors along the way. It teaches marine conservation and the role these animals play in our ecosystem without feeling like a lesson.

The Tybee Island Marine Science Center is fun and educational for kids of all ages. It fills an afternoon with the family and teaches something new. Bring the little ones to the science center and let them explore the wonders of the ocean.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some activities that won’t break the bank on Tybee Island?

You are in luck. Plenty of things on Tybee Island will not break the bank. Take a stroll on the beach, visit the Tybee Island Lighthouse for a small fee, or rent a bike and explore the island on two wheels. And check the local shops and restaurants for affordable souvenirs and tasty treats.

What’s the most unique thing to do on Tybee Island?

After something out of the ordinary? Try crabbing. All you need is a crab trap, some bait and a little patience. You catch your own dinner and have a fun experience doing it. And it puts you right next to the local marine life.

Tybee Island is small and still runs plenty of options for a fun night out. Catch a movie at the Tybee Post Theater, grab a drink at one of the many bars on the island, or take a ghost tour if you are feeling brave. And stargazing on the beach is always there.

Is there an amusement park on Tybee Island?

Sorry to disappoint, but there is no amusement park on Tybee Island. There is still plenty of fun to be had. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the waterways, take a dolphin watching tour, or go on a fishing charter.

Tybee Island suits families with kids. Spend the day building sandcastles on the beach, working through the Tybee Island Marine Science Center, or taking a tour of the island. And grab some ice cream at one of the local shops.

When’s the best time to visit Tybee Island for a good time?

Anytime is a good time to visit Tybee Island. For the most fun, the summer months are the pick. The weather is warm, the water suits swimming, and events and activities run all season long. And the laid-back feel of the island suits a relaxing getaway.

Frequently asked questions about Tybee Island, Georgia

Which Tybee Island beach suits young kids?

North Beach, without much argument. The water there is calm, the views run long, and the crowds all stay well down at the other end of the island. South Beach is the one to take with the teenagers along instead. That end carries the waves, the surfing and all of the people-watching. Little Tybee Island needs a boat of some kind, so leave that one for another day.

Which Tybee Island fort is worth the family morning?

Fort Pulaski National Monument, comfortably. The colonial-era fort was built in the mid-1800s to protect Savannah, it held Union prisoners during the Civil War, and the daily cannon firing demonstrations settle any restless child. Fort Screven is the smaller one to take instead of that one. That fort went up in the late 1800s and runs a museum inside it. The beach beside it will handle whatever energy is left over afterwards.

Which Tybee Island museum keeps children busy?

The Tybee Island Marine Science Center, without much argument at all. The hands-on exhibits and the touch tanks put sea stars and horseshoe crabs within reach, which buys you a solid stretch of time indoors. The Tybee Island Museum is the quieter one to take instead of that. That museum covers the Native American tribes, the Civil War and the Tybee Bomb. The lighthouse next door handles the climb straight afterwards if they last.

Keep exploring Tybee Island, Georgia