Tybee Island is a classic East Coast vacation spot dotted with older beach homes, modern renovated estates, and tons of visitor rentals. Tybee Island is Georgia’s seaside playground showcasing beautiful beaches, exciting water sports, deliciously-fresh coastal cuisine, and a laid-back beachy vibe.
Tybee Island welcomes her weary guests to relax, have fun, and soak up the Georgia sunshine. Stay for a week and watch your work-a-day worries melt away.
Things To Do On Tybee Island
Tybee Island is a fun, family vacation getaway spot that, if you love the casual beachy vibe, will have you loving her relaxed zen-like ambiance.
Located just 30 minutes from Savannah, Tybee Island is home to miles of beautiful sandy beaches, casual restaurants that offer catch-of-the-day fresh seafood, and adventurous outdoor activities while enveloping you with gracious Southern hospitality.
Enjoy The Beach
The beaches on Tybee Island have beautiful semi-firm sand that is mixed with crushed shells. The shells provide stability that makes beach walking easy and pleasant. The invitingly warm water soothes and invigorates beachgoers seeking the ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation vacation.
North Beach, at the tip of the island, offers gorgeous water views and wide sandy beaches. South Beach is where the island action can be found. The pier is perfect for strolling and fishing. The beach is wide and inviting. The location is replete with shops and restaurants. The area offers plenty of parking. Download the Park TYB app for easy and reasonable parking payments.
Other beaches on the island include Mid Beach, Back River Beach, and Little Tybee Beach. Many of the entries to the beaches sport Mobi-Mats providing easy access to the beach.
Climb The Lighthouse
For the best view of Tybee Island, climb up the Tybee Island Lighthouse. The views are impressive, and it is the only way to see it all. There is no elevator; you must climb the 178 steps to the top. Your reward is a 360-degree view of Tybee Island, the sparkling water, and the landmasses beyond. There is a small entry fee to climb the lighthouse; however, it also includes entrance into the museum.
Find The Dolphins
Let your hair fly in the ocean breeze as you cruise about Tybee Island’s coastal waters in search of frolicking dolphins. Captain Derek’s Dolphin Adventure Tour will take you along the shore and breakwater in search of playful dolphin pods. Captain Derek’s small group tours create a personal approach while engaging the guests to be part of the dolphin spotting crew. The tour guide is part historian, part biologist, part comedian, and above all, ensures the guests are having fun. The young and young at heart will enjoy the dolphin antics as they dance around the boat, seemingly posing for photos.
Bike Or Golf Carts To Go
To avoid the island’s seasonal traffic, renting a bike or golf cart will give you the freedom to explore while avoiding the automotive gridlock.
Tim’s Bike and Beach Gear offers lots of options, including adult tricycles as well as single, children, and tandem bikes. The island is fairly flat and cruise biking is an easy mode of transportation. Bike in the morning, then relax at the beach in the afternoon knowing you had a morning full of exercise.
Getting around Tybee Island on a golf cart is too much fun. Bree’s Carts offers four and six-seater golf carts for you to explore the island. Golf carts are allowed on most roads on Tybee and will allow you to skirt around the summer traffic easily.
Biking or golf carting offers you the added enjoyment of getting lots of fresh air and sunshine.
Water Sports
Deep-sea fishing, kayaking, surfing, paddle boarding, boating, and all things water fun are available for your exploration.
Tybee Surf Lessons will help you check surfing off your bucket list. They offer beginner classes that will aim you at a “hanging ten” goal. Imagine the thrill of being able to ride your first wave.
For anglers seeking to experience the excitement of deep-sea fishing, Reel Em’ N charters will customize your fishing experience. Half-day, full-day, and long day charters are available. Planning your search and catch of various deepwater fish is an excellent vacation adventure.
Enjoy The Great Outdoors
Fort Pulaski National Monument is more than just a stop on the map. It is a hub of outdoor activities in the Cockspur Island area. Operated by the National Park Service, Fort Pulaski offers hiking and biking trails that skirt the Savannah River. With beautiful views along the sheltered island, outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy bird watching and fishing (a Georgia fishing license is required).
Best Restaurants On Tybee Island
Hungry for some casual grub? Want to pair a day in the sun with cold libations and fresh, crispy fried seafood. The multitude of options provided by Tybee Island restaurants will make your mouth water.
The Deck Beachbar And Kitchen
Off the main drag, heading down to the beach is The Deck Beachbar and Kitchen. The casual atmosphere and the seaside menu is a winning combination. Grab a seat on the deck and enjoy the warm sun, sparkling sand, and water views as you refresh with an ice-cold drink. The menu includes staple fair and interesting twists like the Red Fish Tacos, blackened and served with poblano mayo, cabbage, and marinated onions. You also can’t go wrong with their classic Fish N Chips or Grilled Salmon BLT.
Coco’s Sunset Grille
Tucked away down a dirt road on Lazaretto Creek is Coco’s Sunset Grille. They offer an amazing array of fresh seafood. You can watch the shrimp boats unload their day’s catch as you munch on the freshest Lazaretto Steamed Shrimp paired with a bowl of bisque-style Crab Stew. If you still have room, add on some Shrimp Cakes and wash it all down with one of their signature cocktails. The Monkey Mule made with banana rum, ginger beer, and key lime juice will bring on the island vibe instantaneously.
Tybean Art And Coffee Bar
Great coffee is the key to the beginning of a great day. At Tybean Art and Coffee Bar, it is all about a perfect cup of coffee. If you love an expertly brewed cup of coffee or tea, make Tybean Art and Coffee Bar your first stop of the day.
Where To Shop On Tybee Island
Tybee Island shopping is fun and kitschy. You will find one-of-a-kind souvenir gifts for you and all your family.
The Shoppes at 1207 offer handcrafted goods that are quite unique and offer interesting island flair. It is a fun spot to spend time window shopping or searching for that perfect souvenir.
Seaside Sisters is a fun shop for finding must-have treasures. They focus on all things that women need and want.
To satisfy your vacation sweet tooth, visit Savannah Praline Company. Their specialty is Tybee terrapins, a handcrafted caramel turtle with Georgia pecans and rich chocolate. It is the perfect afternoon treat or late night dessert.
Best Places To Stay On Tybee Island
Accommodations on Tybee Island run the spectrum from classic, casual beachy hotels to one-of-a-kind over-the-top rentals.
Mega Star Retreat
When money is no object and you want a beachfront rental property owned by a megastar, check on the Elbaroda Hideaway. Set back from the beach, but with absolutely stunning views of the bay, is actress Sandra Bullock’s Tybee Island home. Not only is it available to rent — it is also for sale. This grand 4-bedroom property sleeps 12. The rent is steep, but the dream is real.
Classic Beachy Stay
Georgianne Inn and Suites offers guests the quintessential beach accommodations. The rooms are reminiscent of casual beachy style paired with updated enhancement. The Inn is centrally located, allowing guests the luxury of walking to restaurants, nightlife, and the beach. It is the type of stay that will bring your blood pressure down and raise your relaxation mojo.
Condo On The Beach
Brass Rail Villas on
Southern Charm
The Tybee Island Inn exudes Southern charm. From the wide front porch hidden by the trees draped in Spanish Moss to the sumptuous Southern breakfast, you will be wrapped in grace and antique charm. Your cares will melt away as you embrace the laid-back Southern way of life.
Pro Tip
The streets that run down to the beach from the main drag can be confusing, requiring the navigator to pay close attention. The street names are numbers; however, you will see names like 11th Street, 11th Terrace, followed by 11th Place all in a row. It could make for a funny, or not so funny, mishap if you attempt to get into a rental on 11th Place when you should be on 11th Street.
Tybee Island is one of many lovely destinations in Georgia. If you’re looking for other adventures in sunny Georgia, read up St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island!