Tybee Island is a barrier island and city situated 18 miles (29 kilometers) east of Savannah, Georgia. It’s the closest beach resort to Atlanta and connected to the mainland by the Islands Expressway. The original inhabitants of the island were the Native American Euchee tribe. Tybee is the Euchee word for salt. The area was discovered by Spanish explorers in 1520.Because of its 3 miles (5 kilometers) of beaches, Tybee Island has been a magnet for tourists since the late 1800s. Today you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here, something that is celebrated every May during the Beach Bum Parade. Find the quietest beaches at the city’s northernmost and southernmost points. Spot dolphins in the north or go surfing in the south. Getting around is easy by car, but most parking has a fee. The streets are flat, so renting a bike is a very good alternative. Alternatively, jump on the Tybee Island Beach Shuttle, which runs between the Savannah Visitor Center and Tybee Lighthouse.In 1763 the Tybee Island Lighthouse was the tallest structure in the U.S. Climb the 178 steps to the top for incredible views of the coastline and the Savannah River. While in the area, stop by the Tybee Museum at Fort Screven to learn about the city’s development from a tribal community into a thriving tourist destination. Don’t miss a visit to the Tybee Beach Pier and Pavilion, a popular fishing spot that also regularly hosts special events and performances, including the Independence Day fireworks display. Close to the pier, kids will enjoy the activities at Tybee Island Marine and Science Center.Be sure to enjoy the many restaurants on Tybee Island. At the more than 30 establishments, chefs combine traditional Southern flavors with freshly caught seafood. Take the kids to The Crab Shack to enjoy seafood platters while watching the alligator pond, and to sample Southern classics such as mac and cheese, and pecan pie.
Tybee Island, GA
![Tybee Island which includes a house](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/487000/487591-tybee-island.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
Where to stay in Tybee Island
![Tybee Island showing a sandy beach, skyline and a sunset](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/33000/33770-Tybee-Island.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Savannah Beach
Savannah Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Tybee Island Marine Science Center and Tybee Island Fishing Pier and Pavilion, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Tybee Island.
![Hotel Tybee](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/700000/693900/693869/6237ad86_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jul 25, 2024
![Sea And Breeze Hotel And Condo](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/860000/856300/856210/f7cdd0ff_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jul 22, 2024
![Admiral's Inn on Tybee Island](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/19000/18953/0556de89_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jul 25, 2024
![DeSoto Beach Gardens](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/8000000/7450000/7441500/7441430/f0871b6d_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jul 17, 2024
![Savannah Beach Racquet Club](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/84000000/83600000/83595300/83595290/e4b5ec9d_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jun 17, 2024
![Island getaway with private beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/90000000/89680000/89671400/89671342/4ba5d5f9_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jun 30, 2024
Popular places to visit
Tybee Island Beach
Dolphins frolic offshore and visitors dine by the sand at this small coastal community on a barrier island blessed with beautiful beaches.
North Beach
If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, North Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Tybee Island. Wander the seaside in this relaxing area.
Back River Beach
If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Back River Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Tybee Island. Wander the seaside in this relaxing area.
Tybee Island Light Station and Museum
Visit Georgia’s tallest and oldest active lighthouse for panoramic ocean views and a glimpse into the rich history of Tybee Island.
Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Enjoy an outing to Tybee Island Marine Science Center during your stay in Tybee Island. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Fort Screven
Find out about the history of Tybee Island when you spend time at Fort Screven. Stroll along the seaside in this family-friendly area, or check out its top-notch restaurants.
Things to do
Hilton Head Island: Sunset Dolphin Cruise
Hilton Head Sunset Dinner Cruise
1-Hour Bonaventure Cemetery Golf Cart Guided Tour in Savannah
Reviews of Tybee Island
5/5 - Excellent
Perfect for a quick family get away
5/5 - Excellent
Looking for seashells was my favorite part
5/5 - Excellent
BEAUTIFUL. Relaxing .
4/5 - Good
Love visiting tybee often. We live out in Effingham county area.
4/5 - Good
Seafood at several local restaurants was excellent, especially at Fannie’s. People we met we extremely friendly and helpful.
5/5 - Excellent
Love the island. Only local restaurants with the exception of Arby's. Majority of shopping had the samething in every shop. Beach was clean. Sherriff's Dept was great, main strip had officers patrolling to keep the few rowdy drunks in line. Felt safe
- Tybee Island Beach
- North Beach
- Tybee Island Fishing Pier and Pavilion
- Mid Beach
- Back River Beach
- Tybee Island Light Station and Museum
- Tybee Island Marine Science Center
- Fort Screven
- Battery Garland
- Tybee Island Memorial Park
- Jaycee Park
- Battery Brumby
- Battery Habersham
- Battery Fenwick
- River Street
- Forsyth Park
- Coligny Beach
- Savannah Convention Center
- Hunter Army Airfield
- SCAD Museum of Art
- Savannah College of Art and Design
- Palmetto Dunes Club
- Coligny Plaza
- City Market
- Sea Pines Forest Preserve
- Shelter Cove Harbour
- Savannah State University
- Enmarket Arena
- Savannah Civic Center
- Harbour Town Lighthouse
- Memorial Health University Medical Center
- Oglethorpe Mall