Tybee Island

Just 18 miles east of Savannah, Georgia, Tybee Island greets visitors with sea breezes, warm sand, and a sense of community that’s hard to forget. This small barrier island has been drawing summer crowds since the 1800s, and its appeal only grows with time. Tybee is where the rhythms of the ocean meet the calm of a tight-knit coastal town, offering a quintessential beach experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new.

A Coastal Community Built for Connection

Tybee Island’s charm begins with its people. The island exudes the character of a place shaped by generations of locals, welcoming newcomers with the casual ease of a community that thrives on friendliness. Here, flip-flops are the unofficial dress code, and no one thinks twice about salt-dusted hair or sand-covered feet.

The island is divided into distinct beach areas, each offering its own pace and personality:

• North Beach: A peaceful stretch with gentle surf, historic landmarks, and uncrowded sands. Ideal for long walks, quiet reflection, and dolphin sightings.
• Mid Beach: A balanced zone that mixes convenience with calm. Mid Beach sits between North and South and features easy access to lodging and casual dining.
• South Beach: The liveliest area on Tybee. Restaurants, bars, shops, and the bustling Tybrisa Street district keep energy high and beachgoers entertained.
• Back River Beach: A lesser-known spot tucked at the island’s edge. Its calm waters and sweeping sunset views make it a favorite for evening strolls.
• Little Tybee Island: Just offshore and only reachable by boat, this protected nature preserve is double the size of Tybee itself and remains untouched by development.

Where to Stay: Laid-Back Luxury and Family Comfort

Tybee Island’s lodging scene caters to every kind of traveler. From oceanfront hotels to family-run bed and breakfasts, options are abundant and welcoming. For many, vacation rentals are the standout choice. With over a thousand properties available, visitors can find cozy beach cottages, sleek condos, or expansive oceanfront homes with private pools and fully equipped kitchens.

Top places to stay include:

• DeSoto Beach Hotel Oceanfront: The island’s only beachfront hotel, offering comfort and convenience steps from the shore. With a heated and cooled pool and central location, it’s a popular choice for both families and couples.

• Southern Belle and Tybee Vacation Rentals: These collections of rentals provide flexibility and variety, including pet-friendly options and high-end homes.

• Oceanfront Cottage Rentals: Ideal for those who want direct views of the Atlantic, these homes range from charming to luxurious, all designed with island life in mind.

Coastal Cuisine with Character

Tybee’s culinary scene is as relaxed as its beaches. More than 40 locally owned restaurants serve everything from classic Southern dishes to international flavors. Seafood takes center stage, with shrimp, crab, and oysters appearing across menus in creative and satisfying ways.

Dining here is casual and inviting. It’s common to see families sharing plates on breezy patios, couples sipping cocktails at open-air bars, and fishermen recounting the day’s catch over platters of steamed shellfish. Whether it’s a quick lunch in a bathing suit or a long dinner under string lights, meals on Tybee are meant to be enjoyed without rush or pretense.

Playtime on the Water and Beyond

The island’s location on the Atlantic makes it a playground for aquatic adventure. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and Jet Ski rentals are available at several points along the coast. For those interested in wildlife, ecology tours offer the chance to spot sea turtles and explore Tybee’s marshlands.

Dolphin cruises are among the island’s most popular attractions. Captain Derek’s Tybee Dolphin Adventure adds an adrenaline kick to the traditional boat tour, offering a wave-making ride that invites dolphins to surf the boat’s wake.

Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty to love too. Tybee features piers for casual casting, deep-sea charters for bigger pursuits, and surf fishing right along the beach. The thrill of reeling in a flounder or red drum is all part of the experience.

Events and Celebrations by the Sea

Tybee knows how to mark an occasion. From weddings and anniversaries to birthdays and babymoons, the island makes celebrating milestones feel effortless. Many visitors return year after year to relive the joy of past trips and create new memories with family and friends.

The island also hosts events throughout the year that reflect its personality. Community festivals, beach clean-ups, and art shows bring locals and tourists together in a shared love of the island. Each season brings its own reasons to return.

The Soul of a Summer Destination

There’s something magnetic about Tybee Island. It’s found in the laughter of families building sandcastles on North Beach, in the golden light that reflects off Back River at dusk, and in the shared sense of ease that settles over visitors as they walk barefoot to dinner after a day in the sun.

Tybee is timeless in the best ways. It offers the kind of summer experience that stays with you. Whether you’re coming for a weekend escape or a long-awaited family vacation, Tybee welcomes you with open arms, warm waves, and a sense that this is exactly where you’re meant to be.