- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
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Why Visit Tybee Island
Tybee Island's identity is rooted in maritime history. The Light Station, Georgia's oldest lighthouse, has operated since 1736. Explore Fort Screven's historic district, with coastal defenses like Battery Garland. Many original Tybee raised cottages were built with salvaged shipwreck wood.
Experience over three miles of Atlantic beaches when visiting Tybee Island. Kayak the Back River's salt marshes, a key part of the local estuary. For a unique view, head to North Beach to watch massive container ships enter the Savannah River channel.
The island's cuisine revolves around fresh, local seafood, especially Wild Georgia Shrimp. Enjoy a classic Low Country Boil at a casual pier-side eatery. Many restaurants source their catch directly from the shrimp boats you see docked at Lazaretto Creek.
- Tybee IslandUnited States
- Tybee IslandUnited States
- Tybee IslandUnited States
- Tybee IslandUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octpleasant weather, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot, peak tourist traffic
- Wintermild, cooler temperatures
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #Swimsuit
- #Hat
- #BeachTowel
- 3-4 days for main highlights
- 5-7 days including beaches & day trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #TybeeIslandBeach
- #FortPulaskiNationalMonument
- #TybeeIslandLightStation
- #DolphinTours
- #CockspurIslandLight
- #BonaventureCemetery
- Sunset at Tybee Pier
- Dolphin watching tour
- Kayaking in the marshes
- Explore Fort Pulaski
- Visit the Tybee Island Lighthouse
Recommended Hotels in Tybee Island by Experience
Things to do in Tybee Island
Discover
Discover top Tybee Island attractions, from Georgia's oldest lighthouse, the Tybee Island Light Station, to the historic Fort Pulaski National Monument. Explore the vast shoreline of North Beach and the pristine marshes of Little Tybee Island.
Experience
Kayak through the salt marshes, take a dolphin-watching tour, or fish from the Tybee Pier & Pavilion. Experience local culture at seasonal events like the Tybee Island Pirate Fest or browse the weekly Farmers Market for regional crafts.
Tybee Island Light Station & Museum
Georgia's oldest and tallest lighthouse with panoramic views.
Fort Pulaski National Monument
Civil War-era brick fort with trails and cannon firings.
South Beach
Popular, wide sandy beach with a pier and calm waters.
North Beach
Quieter beach known for birding and seashell collecting.
Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Educational center with local marine life and touch tanks.
Dolphin Watching Tour
Boat excursion to see Atlantic bottlenose dolphins play.
Kayaking Little Tybee Island
Paddle through tidal creeks of an uninhabited nature area.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Savannah/Hilton Head Int'l Airport (SAV). The journey from the Tybee Island airport to city center is a ~45-min drive via shuttle, taxi, or ride-share. Note, there is no train to Tybee Island; road travel is your only option.
Getting Around
Once here, golf cart rentals are the preferred transport. A seasonal Tybee Island shuttle bus runs during peak months. The island is compact, making walking and biking popular. Taxis and ride-shares cover the area, but public transport is limited.
Local Essentials
Here are some Tybee Island travel tips for first-timers: parking is metered island-wide, payable via kiosks or the Park TYB app. Driving in Tybee Island has low speed limits (max 35 mph). Always check local rules before considering car rental.
Where to Stay in Tybee Island
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore traditional food in Tybee Island by tasting fresh steamed oysters and Lowcountry boil. The local dining culture is pure island time, so relax on a deck with a cold drink and eat at a leisurely pace. No need to rush here.
Enjoy
Taste the island at The Crab Shack for rustic seafood vibes, feed gators. Drink at Huc-A-Poos, a divey spot for pizza, order slices. Grab breakfast at The Breakfast Club's classic busy diner, expect lines.
The Crab Shack
Sprawling shack known for seafood platters and gators.
Sundae Cafe
Upscale Southern fare in an unassuming location.
A-J's Dockside Restaurant
Casual waterfront dining with great sunset views.
North Beach Bar and Grill
Caribbean-inspired menu next to the lighthouse.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Tybee Island's spirit through its heritage events. The Irish Heritage Celebration Parade floods Butler Avenue with green. The must-see Pirate Fest, inspired by local history, features a parade, costumes, and family fun.
Enjoy
Discover Tybee Island cultural activities at the Tybee Post Theater, which hosts concerts and performances. Enjoy live music daily at various restaurants and bars, creating a lively atmosphere across the island.
Tybee Island Pirate Fest
October festival with a parade, costumes, and live music.
Beach Bum Parade
May parade known as the island's largest water fight.
Irish Heritage Parade
A festive St. Patrick's season parade held in March.
Fourth of July Fireworks
Annual fireworks display over the pier and ocean at dusk.
Labor Day Beach Bash
End-of-summer celebration with live music on the pier.
Christmas Parade of Lights
A festive nighttime parade with illuminated floats in December.
Such a Relaxing Spot
Tybee Island is just what we needed. It's a low-key place to unwind without huge crowds. The beaches are wide and clean, perfect for long walks. We spent a lot of time just hanging out near the Tybee Pier, watching the waves. Simple and perfect.
Great for the Kids
We brought our young children and felt very comfortable. The waves at North Beach were gentle enough for them to play safely. It's a super casual place, so we didn't feel out of place at restaurants. Everything is close by, which makes it easy with a family.
More Than Just a Beach
Tybee Island has some serious history. We spent an afternoon at Fort Pulaski and were really impressed by how well-preserved it is. It adds another layer to the trip beyond just sun and sand. A must-see for anyone interested in American history.
Quiet Off-Season Getaway
Visiting in the off-season was a great choice. The island was so peaceful. We took a dolphin tour and saw so many of them playing around the boat. It was the highlight of our stay. A beautiful, calm place to recharge your batteries.
Awesome Seafood and Easy Living
Loved the laid-back feel here. It's not pretentious at all. The local seafood is incredible, especially the fresh shrimp. We found some great little spots to eat that were casual and delicious. Just a real easygoing sort of place to be.
Easy to Explore by Bike
This place is perfect for biking. The island is small and flat, so you can get everywhere easily. We rode our bikes up to see the Tybee Island Light Station and all along the coast. It's a great way to see everything without needing a car all the time.