Savannah, Georgia, may be famous for its cobblestone streets, moss-draped oaks, and antebellum architecture—but let me let you in on a local secret: the beaches near Savannah are just as unforgettable.
Whether you're chasing golden sunrises, craving laid-back beach vibes, or looking for dolphin sightings and seafood shacks, Savannah's coastal gems, especially Tybee Island, deliver the perfect beach escape. But there’s more beyond Tybee too—hidden barrier islands, serene state parks, and off-the-radar beaches await if you know where to look.
This guide is your local’s compass to discovering the best Savannah beaches, filled with firsthand tips, insider info, and genuine stories from Georgia’s coast. Let’s dive in, flip-flops first.
Tybee Island: Savannah’s Quintessential Beach Escape
Why Tybee Is a Local Favorite
Just a 20-minute drive from downtown Savannah, Tybee Island is the city’s go-to beach for sun and sea. Known as “Savannah’s Beach,” Tybee combines casual coastal living with enough charm and character to make every visit feel like a vacation.
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Distance from Savannah: ~18 miles
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Drive Time: 25–30 minutes
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Best For: Families, solo travelers, beach lovers, history buffs
What Makes Tybee Special
1. Multiple Beach Zones:
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North Beach – Quieter, more secluded. Ideal for peaceful walks and dolphin watching.
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Mid Beach – Less crowded, great for sunbathing.
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South Beach – Livelier, near restaurants and shops, and home to the iconic Tybee Pier and Pavilion.
2. Historic Sites:
Don’t miss Fort Pulaski National Monument and the Tybee Island Light Station, one of the oldest lighthouses in the U.S.
3. Water Activities Galore:
Paddleboarding, kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing—you name it.
4. Laid-back Vibes & Good Eats:
Places like The Crab Shack and Coco’s Sunset Grille serve fresh seafood with unbeatable views.
Local Tip:
Parking can be tight on weekends. Use the Park TYB app to pay for meters ahead of time and consider arriving early or later in the day.
North Beach on Tybee: Tranquility Meets History
If you love quiet stretches of sand and natural beauty, North Beach is where to go.
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Great For: Birdwatching, beachcombing, photography
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Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or weekdays
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Vibe: Calm, uncrowded, scenic
Nearby Attractions:
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Tybee Island Light Station – Climb to the top for panoramic views.
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Fort Screven – Explore military history with oceanfront views.
Local Pick:
Grab a cold drink and bite at North Beach Bar & Grill, a colorful shack right off the beach with local flair.
South Beach: Where Action Happens
South Beach is the most popular part of Tybee, known for its vibrant boardwalk energy and the famous Tybee Pier.
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Best For: Families, beach volleyball, nightlife, surfers
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Highlights:
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Tybee Island Pier & Pavilion
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Lifeguards on duty
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Surfboard rentals
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Nearby eateries and beachwear shops
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Pro Tip:
Want an iconic beach sunset shot? Head to the end of the Pier at golden hour.
Little Tybee Island: A Remote Natural Treasure
Looking for a truly off-the-beaten-path beach near Savannah? Meet Little Tybee Island.
The Adventure Starts with the Journey
This 7,000-acre uninhabited barrier island is accessible only by boat, kayak, or paddleboard. But if you're up for the trip, you’ll be rewarded with pristine beaches, wild marshes, and zero crowds.
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Great For: Camping, wildlife watching, secluded picnics
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Wildlife: Egrets, dolphins, bald eagles, turtles
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Activities: Kayaking tours, primitive camping (pack in-pack out), shell hunting
Note:
Bring everything you need—there are no facilities on Little Tybee.
Recommended Outfitters:
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Sea Kayak Georgia
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North Island Surf & Kayak
Back River Beach: Savannah’s Secret Sunset Spot
Tucked away behind South Beach is the lesser-known Back River Beach, sometimes called “Tybee’s Sunset Beach.”
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Best For: Quiet strolls, paddleboarding, dolphin sightings
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Why It’s Special: Faces the river instead of the ocean, offering calm water and epic sunsets.
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Facilities: Few—this is a more natural spot.
Local Love:
Fewer crowds and gentler tides make it perfect for families with small kids or romantic sunset picnics.
Wassaw Island: Untouched Wilderness Close to Savannah
Wassaw Island is part of the Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge, and it feels like stepping back in time.
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Access: Only by private boat or chartered tour
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Distance: About 10 miles south of Tybee
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Why Go: No development, no roads—just miles of undisturbed beach and maritime forest
For Eco-Lovers & Photographers
Wassaw is heaven for hikers, birders, and nature photographers. Loggerhead sea turtles nest here, and the dunes are dramatic and wild.
How to Get There:
Book a trip with local tour companies like Savannah Coastal Ecotours or Bull River Cruises.
Skidaway Island: Coastal Forest Meets Intracoastal Waters
Technically not a beach but worth a spot in this guide, Skidaway Island State Park is a serene place for nature trails, picnics, and salt marsh views.
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Best For: Hiking, family outings, RV camping
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Trail Highlight: Sandpiper Nature Trail—short, easy, and scenic
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Bonus: Close to the University of Georgia Marine Education Center & Aquarium
This spot shows off the quieter, inland side of Savannah’s coastal beauty.
Best Times to Visit Savannah Beaches
| Season | What to Expect |
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| Spring (Mar–May) | Warm, breezy, fewer crowds – perfect weather |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Peak beach season, hot, busy weekends |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Cooler, quieter, amazing sunsets |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Peaceful, great for long beach walks |
Local Insight:
Spring and fall offer the best mix of weather and elbow room. Avoid summer weekends unless you love a crowd.
Day Trips from Savannah: Other Coastal Escapes
Jekyll Island
About 90 minutes south of Savannah, Jekyll Island is full of wild beaches, biking trails, and historic ruins.
St. Simons Island
Part of Georgia’s Golden Isles, this beach town has great restaurants, golf, and wide beaches ideal for long walks.
Hunting Island State Park (SC)
Located just over the border in South Carolina, this stunning park features dense maritime forests, a historic lighthouse, and driftwood beaches.
Final Takeaway: Savannah’s Beaches Are More Than Just Sand
From Tybee’s sun-soaked shores to the hidden wilds of Little Tybee and Wassaw, Savannah’s beaches are full of personality, peace, and adventure. Whether you're a laid-back lounger, a shell-seeking explorer, or a sea-loving paddler, there’s a beach near Savannah waiting for you.
So pack your sandals, bring your sense of wonder, and go explore Georgia’s coast—one wave at a time.
