Tybee Island

Tybee Island: Savannah's Beach Destination

Tybee Island represents Savannah's premier beach destination, offering 3 miles of wide, sandy Atlantic Ocean coastline just 18 miles east of downtown. This barrier island combines natural coastal beauty with historic attractions, water recreation, and laid-back beach town atmosphere. For theatre visitors seeking respite from city exploration, Tybee provides perfect coastal escape—spend the day at the beach, enjoy fresh seafood dinner, then return refreshed for an evening performance.

The Beach Experience

Tybee's beaches stretch along the island's eastern shore, offering diverse beach experiences:

• South Beach: Main beach area with pier, pavilion, restaurants, shops nearby
• Mid Beach: Quieter residential beach area popular with families
• North Beach: Less crowded, more natural setting near Fort Screven
• Back River Beach: Calm waters ideal for small children and kayaking
• Wide Sandy Shores: Spacious beaches accommodating crowds without feeling cramped
• Gentle Waves: Generally calm Atlantic surf suitable for swimming and bodyboarding

Water Sports & Recreation

Beyond beach lounging, Tybee offers extensive water-based activities:

• Kayaking: Explore salt marshes, tidal creeks, and coastal waterways
• Paddleboarding: Stand-up paddleboarding in calm back river waters
• Surfing: Small wave surfing and bodyboarding along ocean beaches
• Dolphin Tours: Boat tours offering dolphin sightings in coastal waters
• Fishing: Pier fishing, surf fishing, and charter boat deep-sea fishing
• Jet Skiing: Rentals available for motorized water recreation
• Sailing: Sailboat rentals and sailing instruction available

Historic Attractions on Tybee

Tybee Island combines beach recreation with significant historic sites:

• Tybee Island Lighthouse & Museum: Georgia's oldest and tallest lighthouse (1773) with 178-step climb
• Fort Screven: Historic military installation with Battery Garland museum
• Fort Pulaski National Monument: Nearby Civil War era fortress on Cockspur Island
• Historic Beach Pavilion: Classic beach architecture and gathering place
• WWII Coastal Defense Structures: Remnants of wartime coastal fortifications

Tybee Island Dining

The island features diverse dining emphasizing fresh seafood and beach casual atmosphere:

• Seafood Restaurants: Fresh catch daily in casual beach settings
• Oceanfront Dining: Restaurants with direct beach views and outdoor seating
• Casual Beach Bars: Laid-back venues with drinks and light fare
• Breakfast Spots: Morning cafes and breakfast restaurants
• Ice Cream & Sweets: Beach town treats and desserts
• Food Trucks: Mobile vendors offering varied cuisine

Family-Friendly Beach Destination

Tybee excels as family destination with activities for all ages:

• Safe Swimming: Generally calm waters with lifeguard presence in season
• Marine Science Center: Educational facility with coastal wildlife exhibits
• Playground Areas: Beach playgrounds for children
• Tidal Pool Exploration: Natural areas for discovering marine life
• Beach Games: Volleyball courts and open space for activities
• Educational Programs: Nature programs and guided walks available

Laid-Back Island Culture

Tybee cultivates distinctive beach town personality different from Savannah's formality. The island embraces casual, colorful, eccentric atmosphere where visitors shed city constraints and embrace beach relaxation. Local businesses, quirky shops, and community spirit create welcoming environment valuing individuality and laid-back coastal living.

Seasonal Beach Planning

Tybee offers year-round appeal with seasonal variations:

• Summer (June-August): Peak season with warmest water, largest crowds, full amenities
• Spring (March-May): Comfortable temperatures, smaller crowds, ideal beach weather
• Fall (September-November): Warm water lingers, fewer visitors, pleasant conditions
• Winter (December-February): Cool temperatures, quiet beaches, excellent for walks and solitude

Coastal Wildlife & Nature

Tybee's coastal environment supports diverse wildlife:

• Dolphins: Commonly spotted in coastal waters and creeks
• Shorebirds: Numerous species feeding along beaches and marshes
• Sea Turtles: Nesting site for loggerhead turtles (May-October)
• Ghost Crabs: Evening beach visitors scurrying across sand
• Salt Marsh Ecosystem: Diverse habitat visible from island edges

Accessing Tybee Island

Tybee Island is easily accessible from Savannah:

• Distance: 18 miles (30 minutes) from downtown Savannah
• Route: US Highway 80 (Tybee Road) directly to island
• Scenic Drive: Causeways crossing salt marshes and waterways
• No Tolls: Free access to island via public roadway
• Public Transit: Limited; personal vehicle recommended

Island Accommodations

For those wanting extended beach stays, Tybee offers various lodging options including hotels, vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts, and beach cottages. Overnight stays allow for sunset beach experiences and leisurely mornings before returning to Savannah for theatre performances.

Pairing Beach Day with Theatre Evening

Tybee Island makes excellent day trip before evening theatre. Depart Savannah morning, enjoy full beach day, return late afternoon, refresh at hotel, then attend New Oak Theatre evening performance. The combination creates complete Savannah experience—coastal relaxation complementing cultural enrichment. The sea air and sunshine provide rejuvenating contrast to evening theatrical sophistication.