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Tybee Island

No trip to Savannah, GA is complete without spending time at Tybee Island, one of the area’s top attractions. Sitting less than twenty minutes from downtown, this local beach getaway pairs ocean views and marshlands with a friendly, laid-back atmosphere. It offers a great change of pace from city sightseeing. You can spend your mornings walking along the sandy beaches, try local dishes for lunch and dinner, and spend a whole day in the sun with your favorite people.

Drone shot of Tybee Island beach, wooden docks, and marsh waterways near Savannah Georgia

Discovering the Best Beaches and Coastal Views

Historic Views and Quiet Shores in North Beach

North Beach sits right across from the historic lighthouse, making it a great choice if you want a quieter day by the water. The sand here is firm and wide, which works great for a morning walk or watching massive cargo ships pass by on their way down the Savannah River. With gentle waves and dunes lining the shore, it is an easy spot to set up a chair and kick back.

Because this side of the island sees fewer crowds than the main strip, it is a fantastic spot for finding unique seashells and spotting local coastal birds. Families often love searching through the tide pools for small crabs and sea life at low tide. Parking is usually convenient near the lighthouse grounds, letting you unload your gear and hit the sand within just a few minutes.

Lively Atmosphere and Soft Sand in South Beach

South Beach is where you will find most of the action on the island. Built around the Tybee Pier and Pavilion, this wide stretch of sand draws plenty of swimmers and sunbathers every day. The sand stretches out pretty far here, so there is always plenty of room to lay out a towel, throw a frisbee, or build sandcastles with the kids.

What makes this spot so convenient is how close everything is to the water. You can walk right off the sand to grab an ice cream, get a cold drink, or find a restroom without losing your spot. Plus, hanging out on the pier near sunset is one of the easiest ways to end a day at the beach.

Serene Mid Beach for a More Peaceful Experience

Located in the middle of the island, Mid Beach offers a relaxed alternative to the typical tourist spot in Tybee Island. It feels much more residential, surrounded mostly by beach houses and quiet streets. It is an easygoing spot where you can set up a lawn chair and get away from the noise.

Parking can be a bit limited here, which actually keeps the crowds away on busy weekends. That makes it an ideal spot for couples looking for a quiet walk or families who prefer a stress-free day on the sand.

Fun Outdoor Activities and Island Adventures

Tybee Island offers you plenty of ways to stay active and enjoy the sun. Here are a few activities we recommend trying out:

Kayaking and Paddleboarding

Getting out on the water offers you a great way to explore the beautiful coastal landscape that surrounds the island. The local outfitters provide kayak and paddleboard rentals so you can glide through the nearby marshes and creeks. Navigating these waterways through your kayak or paddleboard gives you an opportunity to see local birds, fish, and the lush marsh grasses up close and personal.

Guided Dolphin Watching Tours

Cruising out into the bay on a guided dolphin tour is one of the most exciting activities for visitors of all ages. Local tour boats take you through the surrounding waters where wild bottlenose dolphins frequently swim, play, and hunt for food alongside the boat. It is a memorable adventure that combines incredible coastal views with a fun chance to see local marine life in its natural habitat.

Biking and Golf Cart Rentals

Getting around by bike or golf cart is the best way to see the town. The roads are flat, traffic moves slowly, and the neighborhood streets stay pretty quiet year-round. It is easy to park the car for the weekend, jump on a cruiser, and ride around to grab lunch, buy ice cream, or hit the beach.

Just spending your time sunbathing can get boring fast. Adding a few of these outdoor spots to your day makes a huge difference in how your trip feels, especially if you’re traveling as a couple or with your friends and family.

Historic Landmarks You Should Not Miss

Tybee Island Lighthouse and historic keeper quarters at night near Savannah

Savannah’s rich history doesn’t just stop in the Historic District. Tybee Island has some great historical landmarks worth visiting. The Tybee Island Light Station has been standing since 1736 and holds the title for Georgia’s tallest lighthouse. If you scale the 178 steps to the top, you get sweeping views of the island and Atlantic Ocean. The site also includes restored keeper cottages and a cozy museum filled with maritime artifacts.

A short drive toward the city brings you to Fort Pulaski National Monument. This massive brick fortification was a major battle site during the Civil War. Today, you can tour the interior courtyard, view historic artillery, and explore winding nature trails through the surrounding salt marshes.

Fresh Seafood and Casual Coastal Dining

You’ll definitely agree with us when we say, “No trip to the coast is complete without indulging in fresh local seafood”. The island is packed with laid-back spots like The Deck Beachbar & Kitchen and Bubba Gumbo’s, where you can dine right along the water in casual attire. Wild Georgia shrimp, steamed oyster buckets, and fried fish platters are staples on almost every menu. Sitting on an outdoor deck with a cold craft beer or a frozen cocktail while peeling fresh lowcountry boil shrimp is a true local tradition you will want to try.

If you are looking for something quick, the island also features charming breakfast joints, gourmet taco spots, and local coffee houses. You can grab a freshly brewed iced latte and a breakfast burrito at Tybean Art and Coffee Bar before heading to the sand, or grab fish tacos at Sea Wolf Tybee for a quick lunch. After dinner, treat the family to homemade ice cream or a classic waffle cone at The Sugar Shack. The dining scene here is completely unpretentious, focusing on fresh ingredients, big flavor, and friendly coastal service.

Plan Your Perfect Coastal Getaway

Taking a trip to this sunny coast adds the perfect beach day to your trip, combining rich history with pure seaside relaxation. Whether you spend your time climbing the lighthouse, paddling through salt marshes, or tasting fresh seafood on a sunny patio, Tybee Island stands out as a top attraction for anyone traveling through Savannah, GA. Adding a day on the sand gives your vacation a wonderful rhythm, leaving you refreshed and recharged.

View Our Savannah Vacation Rentals Here!

At Mighty Tree Properties, we make visiting Tybee Island and other key Savannah areas easy and simple. Our vacation rentals sit less than 20 minutes from the sand, giving you an easy drive to the shore and plenty of great amenities to enjoy when you get back home. Grab your bags, bring your favorite people, and start planning your next getaway with us.