Exploring Tybee Island from Savannah - A Complete Coastal Day Trip Guide

Getting to Tybee Island from Savannah

Quick Facts:

• Distance: ~18 miles (approx. 30 minutes by car)

• Route: Follow US-80 East from downtown Savannah straight to the island

• Transportation Options:

  • Car rental or ride-share (most convenient)

  • Tybee Island Shuttle (seasonal availability)

  • Bike rental for adventurous cyclists

Pro tip: Head out early to avoid traffic on weekends and holidays. The scenic drive along US-80 offers glimpses of salt marshes, shrimp boats, and sun-dappled creeks—a prelude to the island’s natural beauty.

1. Tybee Island Beaches: Find Your Slice of Paradise

Tybee Island is home to five distinct beach areas, each with its own personality.

North Beach

Peaceful and less crowded, North Beach is ideal for those who love a tranquil seaside setting. It’s also close to the Tybee Island Lighthouse, making it perfect for combining beach time with sightseeing.

South Beach

The liveliest section of the island, South Beach features the Tybee Pier & Pavilion, bustling boardwalks, volleyball courts, and beachfront bars. Great for people-watching, sunbathing, and catching live music.

Mid Beach

More residential and quiet, this spot is popular among locals and families looking for a laid-back escape. Pack a picnic and enjoy the uncrowded sands.

Back River Beach

A hidden gem for sunset lovers, this beach faces the Savannah River. It's a popular kayaking and dolphin-spotting area.

Savannah River Beach

Located on the island’s northern tip, it's a favorite for watching large ships drift past Fort Pulaski.

2. Visit the Historic Tybee Island Lighthouse & Museum

A Coastal Beacon Since 1736

Climbing the 178 steps to the top of the Tybee Island Lighthouse is a rite of passage. Not only is it Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse, but it also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the island and Atlantic Ocean.

The adjacent museum, housed in the former Head Keeper’s cottage, dives into Tybee’s maritime history and its role in coastal defense.

Fun Fact: The lighthouse you see today is the fourth iteration, having been rebuilt and restored multiple times due to storms and war.

• Hours: Open daily (except Tuesdays)
• Admission: ~$10 adults | $8 seniors/students | $7 children

3. Explore Fort Pulaski National Monument

Where History and Nature Collide

On your way to Tybee, stop at Fort Pulaski, a Civil War-era fort with moats, drawbridges, and walking trails through scenic marshlands. It played a pivotal role during the Union’s successful cannon assault in 1862.

Explore:

• Walking tours and exhibits

• Cannon-firing demonstrations

• 7+ miles of trails (great for birdwatching)

Pro tip: Arrive early to catch ranger-led history talks and spot bald eagles soaring above the fort.

4. Dolphin Tours & Water Adventures

Want to see playful dolphins gliding alongside your boat? Tybee is one of the best spots in Georgia for dolphin watching.

Top Tour Operators:

• Captain Mike’s Dolphin Tours

• Captain Derek’s Dolphin Adventure

• Sundial Charters (eco-tours)

Most tours last 60–90 minutes and cost around $20–$25 per person.

Other fun water activities:

• Jet skiing

• Kayaking through the marshes

• Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)

• Deep-sea fishing charters

Safety Tip: Always check the weather and tide forecasts before booking.

5. Discover the Quirky Tybee Island Marine Science Center

Located just steps from the pier, this compact but engaging educational center is great for families and curious minds.

See:

• Touch tanks with starfish, horseshoe crabs, and stingrays

• Rescued sea turtles

• Interpretive beach walks and ecology talks

It’s a great way to learn about the island’s delicate ecosystems and wildlife conservation efforts.

• Admission: ~$12 adults | $10 seniors/kids
• Hours: Open daily

6. Indulge in Coastal Cuisine

No Tybee trip is complete without savoring fresh seafood and Southern comfort food.

Must-Try Spots:

• The Crab Shack – “Where the elite eat in their bare feet.” Famous for Lowcountry boil, gator pond, and riverside seating.

• Coco’s Sunset Grille – Ideal for a sunset dinner with shrimp and grits.

• AJ’s Dockside – Hidden gem on the Back River with incredible margaritas.

• Fannies on the Beach – Quirky, colorful beach bar for tropical vibes.

Don’t miss: A basket of fried shrimp, hush puppies, and a slice of key lime pie.

7. Bike Around the Island

Tybee is bike-friendly, flat, and compact—perfect for exploring at your own pace.

Rent from:

• Fat Tire Bikes

• Tim’s Bike & Beach Gear

Top scenic routes:

• North Beach to South Beach Loop (~6 miles)

• Fort Screven area (historic bunkers and shady paths)

• McQueen’s Island Trail (on the way from Savannah)

Bonus Tip: Bikes are allowed on some parts of the beach during off-peak hours.

8. Enjoy Birding and Nature Trails

Birders and nature lovers will appreciate Tybee’s rich biodiversity.

Hotspots:

• North Beach Birding Trail – Spot terns, gulls, oystercatchers, and more.

• Jay Wolf Nature Trail – A peaceful trail through maritime forest and dunes.

• Little Tybee Island – An uninhabited island accessible only by boat or kayak; a haven for shorebirds and solitude seekers.

Bring: Binoculars, sunscreen, bug spray, and a sense of adventure.

9. Catch a Tybee Island Event or Festival

If you time your visit right, Tybee hosts several unique events throughout the year.

Popular Festivals:

• Tybee Island Pirate Fest (October) – Costumes, parades, and pirate-themed fun for all ages.

• Tybee Island Beach Bum Parade (May) – A wacky water fight parade down Butler Avenue.

• Fourth of July Fireworks – Launched from the Tybee Pier, drawing crowds from Savannah and beyond.

• Tybee Island Mardi Gras Parade – Yes, Tybee does Mardi Gras, island-style!

10. Extend Your Stay: Best Places to Stay on Tybee Island

Whether you're here for a day or a weekend, Tybee offers a range of cozy accommodations.

Top Options:

• Tybee Island Inn – Quaint B&B with garden views

• Hotel Tybee – Historic beachfront hotel with ocean-facing balconies

• DeSoto Beach Hotel – Great for families

• Vacation rentals & cottages – Ideal for larger groups and longer stays

Budget Tip: Weekdays and shoulder seasons (spring/fall) offer lower rates and fewer crowds.

Conclusion: Why Tybee Island Deserves a Spot on Your Travel List

Whether you're soaking up the sun on a quiet beach, kayaking through salt marshes, climbing the lighthouse, or dining on fresh-caught shrimp, Tybee Island captures the essence of coastal Georgia like no other destination.

Its close proximity to Savannah makes it an easy detour that feels like a world away. Rich in nature, history, and Southern charm, Tybee is a reminder to slow down, breathe deeply, and let the ocean set your pace.

So pack your flip-flops and sunscreen, grab a beach chair, and let Tybee work its laid-back magic.