20 Best Things to Do in Tybee Island, GA: Beaches, History, Tours, and Easy Itineraries

Tybee Island is a barrier island and city approximately 18 miles east of Savannah. When people look for things to do in Tybee Island, they usually find a mix of Atlantic beaches, historic landmarks, fresh seafood, and salt-marsh scenery, coastal nature areas, wildlife viewing, and nearby walking trails. This guide helps you choose the right activities based on your travel style, budget, and schedule.

The Best Things to Do in Tybee Island

The best things to do in Tybee Island include visiting the historic lighthouse, relaxing on the Atlantic beaches, walking the ocean pier, taking a dolphin cruise, and exploring nearby Civil War history. Your ideal trip depends on whether you want a quiet nature walk or a busy beach day.

Choose the Right Tybee Island Beach

Tybee’s main public beach areas include North Beach, Mid Beach, South Beach, and Back River Beach. Little Tybee is a separate undeveloped island destination and should not be presented as a conventional walk-up beach. Each shoreline offers a different atmosphere, parking setup, and view of the water.

North Beach

North Beach runs from the mouth of the Savannah River to approximately First Street and is located beside the lighthouse. It is associated with wildlife viewing and shell collecting. North Beach is popular for quieter beach walks, wildlife viewing, and shell collecting. Official tourism information identifies a North Beach parking lot at 37 Meddin Drive and describes South Beach as Tybee’s busiest beach. The specific claims that North Beach parking “fills up quickly” and that it “tends to feel less crowded” are reasonable but unverified generalizations.

South Beach and the Tybee Pier

South Beach is the busiest beach district and is near the pier, shops, restaurants, and nightlife. The Tybee Pier and Pavilion anchor this stretch of sand, making it a favorite spot for fishing and people-watching. The official tourism source supports nearby restaurants, bars, hotels, shops, and dining in the South Beach district. The specific “ice cream shops” and “steps away” wording are unverified.

Mid Beach

Mid Beach is one of Tybee Island’s designated beach areas. This stretch provides plenty of open sand for sunbathing and swimming. Hotels, vacation rentals, and residential properties are located near parts of Mid Beach. Do not use “high-rise” unless independently verified for a specific property.

Back River Beach

Back River Beach faces the Back River and marsh-side waters rather than Tybee’s open Atlantic beachfront. Avoid identifying the water specifically as Tybee Creek unless a reliable map or official source confirms that terminology for the exact shoreline. Back River Beach is known for sunset views over the river and marsh. The official source identifies Back River as suitable for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, but “often launch small boats” is unverified.

Beach Comparison Guide

Hours, fees, parking rules, and tour availability can change—verify with the official provider before visiting.

Visit the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum

The Tybee Island Light Station and Museum is the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Georgia. The current tower dates to the 18th century, while the Tybee light station’s history began earlier. The light station has served as a navigational landmark near the mouth of the Savannah River for centuries. Visitors can permit visitors to climb the tower, but access can close during adverse weather.

The tower climb includes 178 steps. The lighthouse and catwalk may close during adverse weather. Children must meet height requirements or be carried safely by an adult. The ticket includes access to the light station grounds and associated museum/keeper’s-cottage exhibits, but the exact inclusion should be confirmed against the current ticket terms. Current adult admission is listed as $14, with senior admission at $12 and children age five and under free.

Explore Fort Pulaski and Tybee’s Military History

Tybee Island played an important role in American military history. Historic sites span both the main island and nearby Cockspur Island.

Fort Pulaski National Monument

Fort Pulaski National Monument is located on Cockspur Island near Savannah and Tybee Island. The National Park Service identifies its address as 41 Cockspur Island Road, Savannah, Georgia. Union forces besieged Fort Pulaski in 1862 and compelled the Confederate garrison to surrender. The siege was a landmark episode in military science because rifled cannon demonstrated the vulnerability of masonry fortifications. Visitors can explore the fort, its defensive features, and surrounding park trails. The National Park Service provides separate current pages for operating hours and fees. The current fee result lists a $10 per-person fee.

Fort Screven and Battery Garland

Fort Screven is a historic district and former military installation in northern Tybee Island. Fort Screven was developed as a late-19th-century coastal-defense installation. Avoid implying that the entire fort was constructed in one specific year unless a historical source is cited. The former Fort Screven area includes residential properties and surviving military batteries. Do not imply that the entire former base is open as a visitor attraction. Battery Garland houses a local museum where visitors can learn about the soldiers who served here during the Spanish-American War and World Wars.

Get on the Water

The coastal waters around Tybee Island support activities including dolphin tours, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Local operators offer dolphin, fishing, and other water excursions, but schedules and departure points vary by operator and season.

Take a Dolphin-Watching Cruise

Bottlenose dolphins are commonly encountered in the coastal waters around Tybee Island. Some tours depart from Lazaretto Creek; confirm the operator’s current meeting point and schedule. Trip length varies by operator; check the current tour description. Advance booking may be advisable during busy periods; confirm availability directly with the operator.

Kayak or Paddleboard the Marshes

Paddlers can explore the calm tidal creeks, salt marshes, and hidden rivers that separate Tybee Island from the mainland. Back River and Lazaretto Creek are associated with paddling activities, but launch access, parking, tides, and permitted put-in points should be confirmed with a current local outfitter or city source. Beginners should check tide, wind, weather, route, and outfitter guidance; guided trips may be appropriate for visitors unfamiliar with local conditions. Little Tybee is an undeveloped nearby island and wildlife area. Verify its current access, ownership, conservation status, and landing rules before visiting. Visitors should use appropriate tidal and navigation knowledge or choose a qualified guided excursion. Do not state that an experienced captain is mandatory unless an authority requires it.

Go Fishing

Fishing is a popular way to enjoy the coastal waters. Fishing may be available from the Tybee Pier, subject to current access rules, fees, and operating conditions. Inshore charters target species that vary by season and local conditions. Confirm target species with the operator. Check current Georgia Department of Natural Resources rules rather than leaving the licensing requirement unspecified.

See Marine Life and Coastal Nature

The Tybee Island Marine Science Center sits right on the beach path and offers hands-on exhibits about local sea turtles, sharks, and marine invertebrates. The center may offer ecology walks and educational programs; check the current schedule. Stay away from marked sea-turtle nests and follow current Tybee Island and Georgia wildlife guidance.

Find Things to Do Beyond the Beach

Tybee Island offers plenty of culture and entertainment when you step away from the sand. The theater was built in 1930 and hosts concerts, movies, comedy, and other events. It is located in the Fort Screven Historic District. The word “restored” is supported by the theater’s history, but “classic movies” is not established as a regular current program. Tybee has local shops, galleries, and coastal businesses, including in the central commercial area. Identify Tybrisa Street only after confirming the current business concentration. Visitors can find seafood restaurants serving dishes such as shrimp, oysters, and Lowcountry-style seafood. Avoid implying that all seafood is locally caught or freshly harvested.

Best Activities by Traveler Type

Different visitors enjoy different parts of the island. Match your travel group to the best activities below.

Free and Low-Cost Things to Do in Tybee Island

You do not need to spend a lot of money to enjoy the coast. Here is a quick checklist of free or low-cost activities:

• Walk the public beaches and look for shells without disturbing wildlife or protected areas.
• Watch the sun set over the salt marsh at Back River Beach.
• Stroll the Tybee Pier if it is open and check current admission or fishing fees.
• Explore public parks like Jaycee Park or Memorial Park.
• Take photos of the historic lighthouse from the public sidewalk.
• Cycling is one way to explore Tybee Island; follow local traffic and bicycle-safety rules.
• Browse local art galleries and gift shops near Tybrisa Street.
• Fort Screven is a historic area, but visitors should respect private property and should not imply that all military structures are publicly accessible.

Note that while these activities are free, you may still need to pay for public parking or equipment rentals.

One-Day Tybee Island Itinerary

If you are visiting Tybee Island as a day trip from Savannah, follow this simple schedule to see the highlights without rushing:

1. Tybee Island is approximately 18 miles from downtown Savannah and typically takes about 30 minutes by car, with longer travel times possible during busy summer weekends.
2. Walk the nearby shoreline or visit the Marine Science Center.
3. Eat a casual seafood lunch at a restaurant near central Tybee.
4. Spend the afternoon swimming at South Beach or walking the pier.
5. Head to Fort Pulaski in the mid-afternoon if park hours allow.
6. Finish your day watching the sunset at Back River Beach.
7. Sit down for a relaxing dinner before driving back to Savannah.

Two-Day Tybee Island Itinerary

A weekend stay lets you slow down and explore the island’s natural side.

On day one, explore the historic North Beach area, climb the lighthouse, walk the pier, and enjoy a nice seafood dinner near the ocean.

On day two, take a dolphin cruise or kayak if the operator is running and weather, tides, and conditions are suitable. Spend your afternoon exploring Fort Pulaski and wrap up your trip with a quiet sunset walk along Back River Beach.

Practical Tybee Island Planning Tips

Good planning prevents common vacation frustrations. Keep these practical tips in mind before you arrive:

• Parking: Official tourism information confirms paid parking in municipal lots and metered spaces, with payment options including kiosks and the TYB App. Exact locations, rates, and payment methods should be checked on the current parking page.
• Tides and Weather: Tides and currents affect kayaking, boating, fishing, and beach conditions. Check current tide predictions, wind, weather, and advisories before going on the water.
• Getting Around: Bicycles and golf carts are available ways to get around parts of Tybee Island, but visitors should verify rental rules, roadway restrictions, parking, and safety requirements.
• Reservations: Restaurant and tour availability can be limited during busy periods; reservations or advance booking may be advisable.
• Sun Protection: The coastal sun is strong. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of drinking water.

Tybee Island FAQ

Is Tybee Island worth visiting?

Tybee Island is worth visiting for travelers who want a classic beach experience combined with rich coastal history. It offers a relaxed alternative to larger resort towns and sits approximately 18 miles from downtown Savannah and about a 30-minute drive in typical conditions.

What is Tybee Island famous for?

Tybee Island is famous for its historic Tybee Island Light Station, sandy Atlantic beaches, fresh seafood, and proximity to historic Savannah. It is Georgia’s oldest public bathing beach.

What should you not miss?

Do not miss the chance to climb the Tybee Island Light Station, watch the sunset from Back River Beach, and take a boat tour to see wild bottlenose dolphins in the local creeks.

Which beach is best for families?

South Beach is a convenient family option because it has nearby restrooms, restaurants, the pier, and seasonal lifeguard coverage. North Beach is a quieter option associated with wildlife viewing and shell collecting.

What are the best free things to do?

The best free activities include walking the sandy public beaches, watching the sunset over the marshes, strolling down the ocean pier, and exploring the historic neighborhood streets.

Can Tybee Island be visited as a day trip from Savannah?

Tybee Island is approximately 18 miles from downtown Savannah and typically takes about 30 minutes by car, with longer travel times possible during busy summer weekends. You can easily experience the beach, the lighthouse, and a nice lunch in a single afternoon.

What can you do on a rainy day?

If it rains, you can visit the Tybee Island Marine Science Center, watch a show at the historic Tybee Post Theater, explore local art galleries, or enjoy a long indoor seafood lunch.

Is Fort Pulaski on Tybee Island?

Fort Pulaski National Monument is located on Cockspur Island near Savannah and Tybee Island. The National Park Service identifies its address as 41 Cockspur Island Road, Savannah, Georgia.

Your Next Action

Choose one or two activities from the list above that match your travel style, check the official operating hours online, and book any required dolphin tours or parking apps before you leave home.

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