The Ultimate Tybee Island Guide
What to Do, Where to Eat, Which Beach to Choose & What I Wish Visitors Knew Before Going
If you’re visiting Savannah, there’s a pretty good chance someone has already told you:
“You HAVE to go to Tybee.”
And honestly?
I agree.
But I think visitors sometimes go to Tybee expecting this polished, sprawling resort beach town and that’s not really what Tybee is.
Tybee is small.
It’s casual.
It’s quirky.
It’s flip-flops, beach bikes, seafood baskets, colorful cottages, dolphins, locals who have been there forever, and sand absolutely everywhere.
And that’s exactly why I love it.
Tybee is Savannah’s beach, but it has a personality completely its own. Whether you’re spending one day there during a Savannah trip or making Tybee your entire vacation, here’s what I’d tell you before you go.
First: How Far Is Tybee Island From Savannah?
Tybee is east of Savannah at the end of Highway 80.
On paper, it looks VERY close.
And geographically, it is.
But here’s the part Google Maps can’t always prepare you for:
Traffic.
There’s essentially one main way on and off the island, so on a gorgeous summer Saturday, holiday weekend, or during a big event, traffic can seriously change your plans.
Don’t schedule brunch downtown, a quick Tybee beach visit, and then a 3 PM Savannah tour with no breathing room between them.
That’s how vacations become stressful.
If Tybee matters to you, give Tybee the time it deserves.
Do You Need a Car to Visit Tybee?
Personally?
I’d want one.
You can absolutely use rideshare services, but I wouldn’t build my entire beach day around assuming a Lyft or Uber will immediately appear exactly when I want one.
A car gives you the freedom to explore different parts of the island, leave when you’re ready, and bring all your beach stuff without looking like you’re moving apartments.
If you’re staying downtown and don’t want to rent a car, I’d look into current shuttle or transportation options before your trip.
Let’s Talk About Parking Because This Matters
Tybee parking is something you should understand before you arrive rather than figuring it out while circling the island with six cars behind you.
Paid parking is used throughout Tybee, and the island currently offers parking options including a 24-hour day pass. Rules and rates can change, so I recommend checking Tybee’s current parking information before your visit rather than relying on an old blog post, including mine!
Found Tip: On busy summer weekends, GO EARLY.
Not:
“We’ll leave Savannah around 11 and figure it out.”
Early.
You’ll have an easier drive, better shot at convenient parking, cooler beach weather and more of the day ahead of you.
Which Tybee Beach Should You Go To?
This is one of the biggest questions visitors have.
Tybee isn’t just one single beach experience. The island has beaches facing the Atlantic, Savannah River and Back River, and different areas have different personalities.
South Beach
If you want activity, South Beach is probably what you’re picturing.
This is the area around the Tybee Pier & Pavilion, with restaurants, shops and more happening nearby.
It’s convenient.
It’s lively.
It’s also generally going to feel more touristy and crowded.
If this is your first Tybee trip and you want beach + restaurants + walking around without moving your car constantly, South Beach makes sense.
North Beach
North Beach is much more my speed when I’m looking for a quieter beach day.
You’ve also got two of Tybee’s major attractions nearby: the lighthouse and Marine Science Center.
Tybee’s own visitor guide describes South Beach as the more energetic option and North Beach as the more tranquil one, which is a pretty good way to think about the difference.
Mid Beach
Think of Mid Beach as your middle ground.
You’re away from some of the activity around the pier but still on the Atlantic side.
If your goal is basically:
Put my chair in the sand and leave me alone.
You might be very happy here.
Back River
Different vibe entirely.
This side of the island faces the Back River rather than the open Atlantic and can feel much calmer and more residential.
It’s especially beautiful later in the day.
My Quick Answer: North Beach or South Beach?
Choose South Beach if:
You want action.
You want the pier.
You want restaurants nearby.
It’s your first visit.
You want to park once and walk around.
Choose North Beach if:
You want something quieter.
You want to visit the lighthouse.
You want the Marine Science Center.
You’re looking for a slower beach day.
Neither is “better.”
They’re just different.
1. Watch the Sunrise
If you are willing to get up early…
DO THIS.
Tybee faces east, which means sunrise over the Atlantic can be absolutely beautiful.
And there’s something completely different about the island before everyone wakes up.
Quiet beach.
Cooler temperatures.
Fewer people.
Coffee in your hand.
Then once the sun is up, you’ve got your entire day ahead of you.
This is probably one of my favorite Tybee experiences.
2. Visit the Tybee Island Lighthouse
You can’t really talk about Tybee without talking about the lighthouse.
The Tybee Island Light Station is the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Georgia, and it’s one of those attractions that is actually worth making time for—especially if it’s your first trip.
And yes…
There are stairs.
A lot of them.
But the view is worth the workout.
Pair this with North Beach and you’ve got a really easy half-day itinerary.
3. Visit the Tybee Island Marine Science Center
If you’ve got kids—or honestly even if you don’t—this is such a cool addition to a beach day.
The Marine Science Center is located at North Beach and focuses on Georgia’s coastal ecosystem, with live-animal exhibits and educational experiences. They also offer programs like beach walks and marsh treks.
This is also GREAT for:
“Okay, we’ve had enough sun for a minute.”
Beach → science center → food.
Perfect.
4. Take a Dolphin Tour
THIS is something I’d recommend if you’ve got enough time.
Getting out on the water gives you an entirely different perspective of Tybee and the surrounding waterways.
And dolphins obviously make everything better.
Tybee has several boating and nature-tour options, so compare the experience you want rather than automatically choosing the first one you find. The official visitor guide lists dolphin cruises and nature/fishing tours among the island’s popular activities.
5. Explore Little Tybee Island
Okay, confusing name:
Little Tybee is actually not just a tiny extension of Tybee.
It’s an undeveloped barrier-island area accessible by water, which makes it a completely different experience from spending the afternoon around South Beach.
If you love kayaking, boating, fishing, wildlife or just getting away from crowds, look into excursions that take you over there.
This is much more:
Lowcountry nature day
than:
beach bar day.
Both have a place in my heart.
6. Rent Bikes
Tybee is small enough that biking can be such a fun way to explore.
Ride through the neighborhoods.
Look at the beach houses.
Stop for food.
Head toward the lighthouse.
Explore without constantly getting back into your car.
Tybee’s official tourism guide specifically recommends biking as a way to explore the island.
Just remember you’re sharing roads with cars and pedestrians, especially during busy periods.
7. Walk the Pier
If you’re at South Beach, walk out onto the Tybee Pier.
It’s simple.
It’s free.
It gives you a beautiful view back toward the beach and out over the water.
And it’s one of those things that just feels like a beach vacation.
No elaborate itinerary required.
Okay, But WHERE SHOULD I EAT?
This section is where I want you all over the final article.
Because I don’t want to give readers another:
“Top 10 Tybee Restaurants according to Google.”
I want:
Where Meaghan actually sends people.
I’d structure your recommendations like this:
For Seafood:
The Crab Shack
The vibes are immaculate. Order the sampler platter, you won’t regret it!
And make sure you make time to see the baby alligators.
For a Casual Beach Lunch:
Raw Ingredients
Make your own sushi bowl!
For Drinks:
The Deck
You can take your drink with you onto the beach!
For Pizza:
Huc-A-Poos
For Something Sweet:
The Sugar Shack
If I Only Had Time for ONE Meal:
The Crab Shack. No question.
My Ideal Savannah → Tybee Day
If I had friends visiting and only ONE day to show them Tybee, here’s roughly how I’d do it:
9:00 AM — Leave Savannah
Yes.
We’re going early. BUT before you leave the hotel place a pub sub pick up order at the Publix off of highway 80, you’ll pass it on the way.
Pro tip- pick up a $10 Styrofoam cooler, it’ll work for the day!
9:45 AM— Tybean Coffee Bar
Coffee. Cute vibes. Perfect start to the day!
Enjoy the quiet before the island really wakes up.
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Lighthouse + North Beach
Visit the lighthouse, explore the area and spend some time on the beach.
12:30 PM — Lunch
Now is time to enjoy that pub sub I made you get!
3:00 PM — Pick Your Adventure
Dolphin tour.
Marine Science Center.
Bike ride.
More beach.
6:00 PM — Drinks + Dinner
The Original Crab Shack- a MUST.
Sunset
Here’s the fun part:
Because Tybee’s Atlantic beaches face east, sunrise is the ocean-view moment.
For sunset, look toward the Back River side or get out on the water.
Then head back toward Savannah.
THAT is a great Tybee day.
Tybee Island Beach Rules You Should Actually Know
Please don’t be the visitor who finds these out from a ticket.
Current Tybee beach rules prohibit things including dogs, glass containers, fires/fireworks, smoking/vaping, and vehicles/e-bikes on the beach.
Also:
Respect the dunes.
Clean up after yourself.
Don’t mess with wildlife.
Tybee is a real coastal ecosystem and a residential community—not just a vacation backdrop.
For the latest rules before your trip, use the City of Tybee Island’s official beach-rules page.
Can You Bring Your Dog to Tybee Beach?
No.
Dogs are not permitted on Tybee’s beaches. The island does have designated dog parks, but don’t show up expecting your pup to spend the afternoon running along the shoreline.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Tybee?
Honestly?
Depends what you want.
Spring
Beautiful weather.
Great for combining beach time with Savannah sightseeing.
Can get busy.
Summer
Full beach mode.
Hot.
Busy.
Great for swimming and water activities.
Go early, especially on weekends.
Fall
Underrated.
Still beautiful.
Potential beach weather earlier in the season.
Less of that peak-summer chaos.
Winter
Not necessarily swimming weather.
But peaceful beach walks?
Absolutely.
If you’re visiting Savannah in winter, I still think Tybee can be worth a half day.
Can You Stay on Tybee and Visit Savannah?
Absolutely.
But think about what you want your vacation to feel like.
Stay in Savannah if:
Your priority is restaurants, history, nightlife, walking and sightseeing.
Then make Tybee your beach day.
Stay on Tybee if:
Your priority is BEACH.
You want slow mornings.
You want to wake up near the ocean.
You don’t mind driving into Savannah when you want the city experience.
Split the Trip if:
You’ve got enough days…
This is secretly my favorite option.
A few nights downtown + a couple nights at the beach gives you two completely different vacations in one trip.
What People Get Wrong About Tybee
I think visitors sometimes expect Tybee to be:
Perfectly manicured.
Luxury.
Huge resorts.
Rows of fancy beach clubs.
That’s not Tybee.
Tybee is a little funky.
A little worn-in.
Very casual.
And very loved.
Don’t go expecting 30A.
Don’t go expecting Hilton Head.
Go expecting Tybee.
That’s the charm.
My Biggest Tybee Advice
Don’t rush it.
I see people treat Tybee like another attraction:
Forsyth at 9.
Tybee at 11.
Lunch at 12.
Back downtown by 2.
Ghost tour at 3.
WHY ARE WE DOING THIS TO OURSELVES?
If you’re going to the beach…
Go to the beach.
Take your shoes off.
Eat something fried.
Have a drink.
Sit there longer than you planned.
Tybee runs at a different speed than downtown Savannah.
Let it.
Final Thoughts
Savannah and Tybee are close enough that people tend to lump them together, but I think they’re two completely different experiences.
Savannah is historic squares, architecture, restaurants, cocktails and wandering.
Tybee is salt air, bare feet, bikes, seafood, boats and slowing down.
And that’s exactly why they work so well together.
If you’ve got enough time during your Savannah trip, give yourself a day on the island.
Watch the sunrise.
Climb the lighthouse.
Eat seafood.
Get on the water.
And then…
do absolutely nothing for a while.
That’s Tybee.