Tybee Island, GA

Travel Guide
Tybee Island showing a lighthouse, signage and a small town or village
Tybee Island, also known as Savannah Beach, has a laid-back Southern charm and entices visitors with its beach life, fresh seafood and heritage sites.

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.

Where to stay in Tybee Island

Tybee Island showing a sandy beach, skyline and a sunset

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.

Savannah Beach
Sea And Breeze Hotel And Condo
Sea And Breeze Hotel And Condo
2.5 out of 5
16 Tybrisa St, Tybee Island, GA
The price is NT$4,892 per night from Apr 9 to Apr 10
NT$4,892
per night
Apr 9 - Apr 10
Stay at this motel in Tybee Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 beach bars. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7/10 Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Great place to stay! Will definitely be back!"

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

Sea And Breeze Hotel And Condo
Hotel Tybee
Hotel Tybee
2.5 out of 5
1401 Strand Ave, Tybee Island, GA
The price is NT$5,417 per night from Apr 9 to Apr 10
NT$5,417
per night
Apr 9 - Apr 10
Stay at this beach hotel in Tybee Island. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a beach locale, and free bicycles on site. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,273 reviews)
"Very standard in every way; no extra Mile. I would have liked a restaurant in the premises. But it was clean and safe"

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

Hotel Tybee
Admiral's Inn on Tybee Island
Admiral's Inn on Tybee Island
2.5 out of 5
1501 Butler Ave, Tybee Island, GA
The price is NT$5,311 per night from Apr 9 to Apr 10
NT$5,311
per night
Apr 9 - Apr 10
Stay at this hotel in Tybee Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Modern update so shower was nice, bedding great."

Reviewed on 2024/3/28

Admiral's Inn on Tybee Island
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Georgianne Inn & Suites
Georgianne Inn & Suites
3 out of 5
212 Butler Avenue, Tybee Island, GA
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Tybee Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Tybee Island Beach and North Beach ...
7.6/10 Good! (227 reviews)
"My family of five stayed here over St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Was a wonderful experience, the only negative I can say is that there weren’t plates and cups in it"

Reviewed on 2024/3/26

Georgianne Inn & Suites
Savannah Beach Racquet Club
Savannah Beach Racquet Club
4 out of 5
1217 Bay St, Tybee Island, GA
Stay at this 4-star condo in Tybee Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a TV. Popular attractions Tybee Island Beach and Battery Habersham are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (17 reviews)
"Every thing was good great view pool was nice"

Reviewed on 2024/3/22

Savannah Beach Racquet Club
Lighthouse Point
Lighthouse Point
4 out of 5
85 Van Horne Ave, Tybee Island, GA
Stay at this 4-star condo in Tybee Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a TV. Popular attractions Tybee Island Beach and Battery Habersham are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (14 reviews)
"Wonderful trip. No problems at all."

Reviewed on 2023/9/18

Lighthouse Point
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Tybee Island

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
367
" "5 - Excellent 58.72%
4 - Good
205
" "4 - Good 32.8%
3 - Okay
41
" "3 - Okay 6.56%
2 - Disappointing
8
" "2 - Disappointing 1.28%
1 - Terrible
4
" "1 - Terrible 0.64%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 6, 2020

Perfect for a quick family get away

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 6, 2020

Looking for seashells was my favorite part

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 4, 2020

BEAUTIFUL. Relaxing .

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
May 26, 2020

Love visiting tybee often. We live out in Effingham county area.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
May 25, 2020

Seafood at several local restaurants was excellent, especially at Fannie’s. People we met we extremely friendly and helpful.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 18, 2020

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

Cities near Tybee Island