Tybee Island Beach

Tybee Island is Savannah's beach — 18 miles east of one of America's most celebrated historic cities, easily accessible via US-80 over the salt marshes of Chatham County. The combination of proximity to Savannah (with its magnificent antebellum architecture, Spanish moss-draped squares, underground history, and world-class restaurants) with a genuine Atlantic barrier island beach experience is what makes Tybee unique on the East Coast. A visitor can spend the morning kayaking through Back River marsh watching bottlenose dolphins and loggerhead sea turtles, lunch on fresh Georgia shrimp in a Tybee cafe, and be in Savannah's historic district for dinner.

The beach itself is 3 miles long and Atlantic-facing — consistent surf, warm summer water (80-84°F at peak), and an atmosphere that mixes local island residents with Savannah visitors in an unpretentious, genuinely relaxed way. Tybee has resisted the high-rise condo development that characterizes much of the Southeast coast, preserving its beachside cottage character — bungalows and beach houses from early- and mid-20th century still line many residential streets. The surfing at the South End near the jetties is Tybee's best break; boogie board rentals are popular along the main beach area.

The Tybee Island Light Station and Museum is the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Georgia — first lit in 1736 and rebuilt multiple times, the current lighthouse dates from 1866. The climb offers extraordinary views across Wassaw Sound and the surrounding marsh and barrier island system. The Battery Garland historical site at the north end preserves Civil War and WWII coastal defense fortifications with excellent interpretive exhibits. Annual events like Beach Bum Parade (April) and various bonfire dinners on the beach celebrate Tybee's distinctly quirky and beloved community character.