Tybee Island is a charming beach town just outside Savannah, Georgia.
It’s known for beautiful beaches, historic sites, and endless outdoor adventures.
You’ll find soft sand, gentle waves, and plenty of sunshine here.
Explore historic spots like Fort Pulaski and climb the famous lighthouse for amazing views.
If you love nature, kayaking and dolphin tours offer unforgettable experiences.
This guide shares the best activities, eating places, and hidden gems.
Get ready for fresh seafood, relaxing beach days, and fun adventures perfect for the whole family!
1. Fort Pulaski National Monument
Fort Pulaski National Monument is a beautifully preserved Civil War fortress on Cockspur Island.
Built in 1874, it protected Savannah from foreign invasions.
Today, the fort offers guided tours, weapon demonstrations, and regular cannon firings.
Visitors can learn about its key role in Union victories during the Civil War.
Historical films and interactive exhibits provide deeper insights.
For nature lovers, there are trails for hiking and kayaking nearby.
Admission is $10 per person (card payments only).
2. Tybee Island Lighthouse
Climb Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse, originally built in 1736.
Rising 178 steps high, it provides panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Savannah River, and even Hilton Head Island.
It’s one of only seven surviving Colonial-era lighthouses in the United States.
The lighthouse offers stunning views of the island’s coastline and nearby areas.
Surrounding historic cottages enhance the charm.
It’s open every day except Tuesdays.
3. Fort Screven
Visit Fort Screven, a coastal artillery fort important to America’s defense.
Built to protect Savannah River’s entrance, it was used during the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II.
The fort closed in 1947, but visitors today can still explore its historic grounds and structures.
Some fort buildings have been converted into private homes or museums, but the historic atmosphere remains.
4. Tybee Island Museum
Discover nearly 400 years of local history at the Tybee Island Museum.
Located next to the lighthouse in Battery Garland, it opened in 1961.
Exhibits detail the island’s past, including stories of Fort Screven, the Euchee Tribe, and Tybee’s Golden Era.
Visitors learn through historical artifacts and informative displays.
Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for children.
Keep in mind that the museum is closed on Tuesdays.
5. North Beach
North Beach is a peaceful escape on the northern tip of Tybee Island.
It offers stunning views of the Tybee Island Lighthouse and is a great spot for sunbathing and birdwatching.
The calm waves make it an ideal location for families looking to relax.
Nearby, the Tybee Marine Science Center provides educational exhibits about local marine life.
Ship-watching is also popular here, as large vessels pass through on their way to the Port of Savannah.
6. South Beach
South Beach is the busiest and most vibrant part of Tybee Island.
It has a white sandy shoreline, gentle waves, and plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops nearby.
This area serves as the island’s downtown, offering a lively atmosphere filled with entertainment.
Festivals and concerts are often held here throughout the year.
The beach is also popular for shell collecting, fishing, and sunset strolls.
If you’re looking for good surf, head beyond 19th Street, where the waves are better.
7. Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion
At the heart of South Beach, the Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion is a must-visit.
Located at the end of Tybrisa Street, this spot is perfect for fishing, people-watching, and enjoying ocean views.
The pier extends into the Atlantic and offers breathtaking sunsets.
It’s also a great place for events, with the pavilion available to rent for weddings and gatherings.
Picnic tables and vending machines are available for visitors looking to enjoy a laid-back afternoon by the water.
8. Little Tybee Island
Despite its name, Little Tybee Island is actually twice the size of Tybee Island.
It’s an uninhabited nature preserve accessible only by boat, kayak, or jet ski.
The island features salt marshes, sand dunes, and pristine beaches, making it a great place for camping, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Visitors can explore the untouched landscape, hunt for fossils, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Be sure to check the tide schedule before heading out—tides shift dramatically every six hours.
9. Kayak Tours with Sea Kayak Georgia
Explore Tybee’s coastal waters with Sea Kayak Georgia, a great choice for guided kayak tours.
Owners Ronnie Kemp and Marsha Henson provide expert instruction, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced paddlers.
Their tours take you through salt marshes, tidal creeks, and scenic waterways, offering a mix of adventure and education.
Guided by naturalists, these trips highlight Tybee’s unique ecosystem and wildlife.
For those new to kayaking, beginner courses are available to help build confidence on the water.
10. Nature Tours & Dolphin Watching with Sundial Charters
Sundial Charters offers a variety of nature-based excursions, from fossil hunting to dolphin watching.
Captain Heidt leads personalized tours where visitors can search for shark teeth and even Megalodon fossils on Tybee’s remote beaches.
Fishing charters target species like trout, bass, and even sharks.
For a more relaxed experience, choose a sunset dolphin cruise or a scenic backwater tour, where dolphins often appear at dawn or dusk.
11. Dolphin Tours with Captain Derek’s Dolphin Adventures
For an exciting, high-speed boat tour, Captain Derek’s Dolphin Adventures is a must.
Their powerful 700 HP engines create waves that attract playful dolphins, making for an up-close and thrilling experience.
Along with dolphin sightings, the tour includes historical insights about Tybee’s coastal landmarks.
The Sunset Dolphin Tour is especially popular, offering breathtaking views as the sun sets over the water.
12. Dolphin Watching at Back River
Tybee’s Back River is one of the best spots to see dolphins in the wild.
Many boat tours, including those by Captain Derek’s and Sundial Charters, offer routes through this quiet waterway.
For a closer experience, consider kayaking through the marshes or renting a jet ski with Tybee Jet Ski and Watersports.
13. The Sugar Shack
A Tybee Island staple since 1971, The Sugar Shack is the go-to spot for sweet treats.
What started as a simple walk-up ice cream stand has grown into a year-round favorite.
Their soft-serve ice cream is legendary, with flavors like pralines and banana pudding being top picks.
Malts, milkshakes, and frosty floats round out the menu, making this the perfect stop to cool off on a hot day.
Whether you’re craving a classic vanilla cone or a creamy hand-dipped treat, The Sugar Shack delivers.
14. The Crab Shack
For an unforgettable seafood feast, The Crab Shack is the place to be.
Once a simple fishing camp, this laid-back eatery has become an island icon.
Diners can enjoy waterside seating with views of the marsh while digging into platters of crab, crawfish, and shrimp.
Their famous Low Country Boil—overflowing with crab legs, potatoes, shrimp, and corn—is a must-try.
The casual, friendly atmosphere includes a baby alligator lagoon, making it a fun spot for families and groups.
15. Sting Ray’s Seafood
If you’re craving fresh seafood with a side of live music, Sting Ray’s Seafood is the place to go.
Known for its laid-back island vibe, this spot serves up favorites like conch fritters, fried alligator strips, and crab stew.
Their Tybee Island Gumbo is packed with flavor, while the steamer platters and fish tacos are perfect for seafood lovers.
With nightly live music and outdoor seating, Sting Ray’s is a great place to unwind after a beach day.
16. Tybean Coffee and Art Bar
For a morning pick-me-up, head to Tybean Coffee and Art Bar.
This cozy café is known for premium Dancing Goats coffee, espresso drinks, and fresh pastries.
Their Spicy Mocha, made with chili powder and cayenne, adds a unique kick to your caffeine fix.
Not a coffee fan? They also serve chai, matcha, and fruit smoothies.
The artistic decor and laid-back atmosphere make it a perfect place to relax before heading out to explore the island.
17. Wet Willie’s
Located near the Tybee Pier, Wet Willie’s is the go-to spot for frozen cocktails and nightlife.
With over 12 daiquiri flavors, plus shots and mixed drinks, there’s something for every taste.
Whether you’re sipping on a classic Call-A-Cab or trying their signature Attitude Improvement, this spot delivers a fun and casual drinking experience.
Pair your drink with fries or a burger, and enjoy the lively atmosphere just steps from the beach.
18. North Beach Bar and Grill
Located near Fort Screven and the Tybee Island Lighthouse, North Beach Bar and Grill brings a taste of the Caribbean to the Georgia coast.
This laid-back beachside restaurant serves Caribbean-inspired fusion dishes, blending tropical flavors with fresh seafood and classic beach eats.
The menu features creative options like Plantains and Salsa and the Thai Tuna and Spinach Salad.
Those craving bold flavors will enjoy the jerk-spiced dishes, while traditionalists can grab a classic hot dog for a quick, satisfying bite.
With its casual outdoor seating and ocean breeze, this spot is perfect for a relaxing meal after a day at the beach.
19. Deck Bar and Kitchen
For a dining experience that’s anything but ordinary, Deck Bar and Kitchen offers an eclectic mix of craft cocktails, fresh oysters, vegan specialties, and gourmet hot dogs.
The menu pushes creative boundaries, featuring unique items like Va Va Voom Oysters and Australian Wagyu hot dogs.
Drinks here are just as inventive.
Cocktails like the Recombobulator add a fun twist to the island’s bar scene.
20. Tybee Post Theater
Originally built in 1930, the Tybee Post Theater is a historic landmark that continues to bring live entertainment to the island.
Once a movie theater for soldiers stationed at Fort Screven, it now hosts a variety of live plays, concerts, comedy shows, and classic films.
This intimate venue is a hub for local arts and culture, making it a must-visit for visitors looking for a unique night out.
Special events, such as the Hitchcock Birthday Celebration, offer themed experiences for film lovers.
If you’re looking to catch a musical performance, a stand-up comedy show, or a throwback movie, the Tybee Post Theater is one of the island’s best entertainment spots.
21. Explore Tybee Island by Bike
Tybee Island is one of the most bike-friendly destinations in Georgia.
With flat roads, designated bike lanes, and scenic trails, cycling is one of the easiest ways to explore.
It allows visitors to avoid parking hassles while enjoying fresh air and ocean views.
Local shops like TIMS Bikes and Tybee Island Bike Rentals offer a variety of bikes, including beach cruisers with wider tires for riding on the sand.
Rentals can even be delivered to your hotel or vacation rental for convenience.
