Are you looking for things to do in Tybee Island? You are in the right place. In this article, we will walk you through Tybee Island activities, and places to visit, and all of the fun things to do!
Tybee island is a barrier island near Savannah, Georgia. It’s the closest beach to Savannah and is known for its incredible beaches. There is so much to do and see in Savannah and visiting this island in the south USA is a real treat.
Tybee Island, GA has coastal charm and beach vibes all mixed with history, shopping, and some great dining. At just 3 miles square you might be surprised at how much it has to offer.
Whether you like relaxing on the sand, swimming in the waters, exploring on a bike, or dining in one of the restaurants this small island will not disappoint.
The beaches here are wide, the water perfect for children and the atmosphere is vibrant. This is a place rich in culture, nature, and history.
So are you ready to see the things to do on Tybee Island we have chosen for you to do? Pull up a chair grab and drink and let me walk what to do in Tybee Island.
15 Best Things To Do In Tybee Island GA You Shouldn’t Miss
Relax On One of the Beaches.
When you talk about the beach on this island most assume there is just one main beach but that isn’t the case. You actually have five main beaches and each of them has a different vibe so choose the one that best suits you. Going to one of the beaches is definitely one of the best things to do in Tybee Island GA.
North Beach tends to be the most popular and it is from here you can watch the cargo ships coming in and out of Savannah. You are also likely to see dolphins too.
South Beach is where you will find the Tybee Pier and Pavilion. You will find most of the island attractions here. This beach is also the one that gets the most crowded.
Savannah River Beach has gentle waves and is perfect for small children. It’s not that easy to get to but you can access it from North Beach.
Mid Beach is the beach where the locals tend to go. It is the beach running adjacent to 1st St and 14th St.
Back River Beach curves around the bottom tip of the island and is the best place on the island to watch the sunset. This beach tends to be much quieter than the others and is a very relaxing place to be. You can also see Little Tybee Island from this beach. This beach runs from 18th Street to the Back River Fishing Pier.
And the best thing about the beaches is that is one of the free things to do in Tybee Island.
Go Kayaking
If you love kayaking and paddleboarding then this Island is the place for you. If you get into the waterways a whole different world of flora, fauna, and wildlife opens up to you. Tybee Island activities don’t get better than this.
There are places you can hire if you don’t have your own equipment and there are also tours if you want to get the best out of the experience.
Kayaking to Littel Tybee island or Horspen Creek is a great way to get a feel for this place. Obviously how much you explore will depend on your confidence and ability but there is so much to see from the kayak in this amazing place.
Go Looking For Dolphins
Chances are while at Tybee Island, GA you will see dolphins from the shore. However, nothing quite lives up to watching them close up swimming beside a boat. It’s one of the best activities in Tybee Island.
There are tours you can get on and even a sunset cruise if you are after a romantic experience. The tours also take you past Cockspur Lighthouse, Fort Pulaski, and the Tybee Lighthouse so you also get to see the sights.
The best time to see dolphins is in the spring and summer and while some can be spotted in the colder months there arent nearly as many.
This is one of the best things to do on Tybee Island.
Tybee Island Pier
The pier was established in 1891 by the Central of Georgia Railroad and is a must-visit while on the island.
It’s one of the free things to do in Tybee Island. While the breeze is a welcome relief during the day the best time to visit is in the evening.
In the evening the sunsets here are incredible and if you go early grab a picnic table and bring some food and drinks it will just be perfect.
This pier is an excellent spot for people watching and fishing. If you are looking for things to do in Tybee Island at night then this is it.
Tybee Island Lighthouse
Situated on the north end of the island next to the Savannah River entrance the lighthouse is a must-visit. It’s one of seven surviving colonial-era lighthouse towers. Visiting the lighthouse is one of the best activities in Tybee Island.
The lighthouse is the oldest and tallest in GA and is one of the most intact historical lighthouses in the whole of America. There has been a lighthouse on this spot since 1736 and the one you see today is the fourth dating from 1866.
The history of the lighthouse is long, varied, and really interesting. You can climb the 178 steps and the view from the top is amazing.
If you love history then this is one of the best things to do in Tybee Island, Georgia.
Fort Pulaski National Monument
Between Tybee Island and Savanah, you will find Fort Pulaski. This 260-acre site is part of the National Park Service and is one of the best National Parks in Georgia.
If you love history it’s the place for you. The fort was constructed in 1874 to defend Savannah. Daily they offer guided tours, weapon demos, and fort orientations.
It’s also in a beautiful location among lots of nature, Here you will find trails, marshes, and small beaches to hike around.
The fort was declared a National Monument in 1924 and was ranked as the “most spectacular harbor defense structure” in the United States during the Civil War era. Rooms within the fort are preserved with period fittings so you really get a feeling of what this place was like.
Definitely one of the top things to do near Tybee Island. It can rival any of the State Parks in Georgia.
Tybee Island Marine Science Center
If the weather isn’t in your favor when you visit then a visit to the Marine Science Center is a great rainy day activity. It’s one of the best things to do in Tybee Island with kids
The Marine Science Center is a not-for-profit educational center situated on Meddin Drive. There aim to inspire with informative hands-on and interactive exhibits.
The touch tanks are one of the great things to do here, kids will love them. And you could while away many hours staring at the stock aquariums.
The place is all about teaching responsible stewardship of coastal resources. There is so much more to do here than you think and it is a great way to spend some time.
If you are fun things to do in Tybee Island then a visit here is wonderful.
Get On Your Bike
If you fancy exploring the island in a different way then get on a bike. Either bring your own or rent one when you get here. If you are wondering what to do in Tybee Island renting a bike is a great option.
The island is small and easy to navigate so adventuring on the bike is fun and you’ll get to see some of the more remote spots. It’s also very flat you will be pleased to hear with no real traffic issues.
Getting out on a bike is a great way to really enjoy the island and go at your own pace. This is one of the Tybee Island activities that everyone will enjoy.
Go On A Fossil Hunt
Fancy taking your family out to search for fossils while Tybee Island is the place. The waters around the island were home to the Megladon 2 million years ago.
Huge fossils relating to this beast have been found on TI so you never know what you might find.
Head out on the beach yourself or go on one of the organized fossil hunts. Sounds like a great way to spend some time and imagine how great it will be when you find something. This is one of the things to do in Tybee Island with kids.
North Pier Nature Trail
If you want to get away from the busy areas and out in nature how about the North Pier Nature Trail. There is more to see on this island than you might first think.
The trail gives you opportunities to see wildlife and some interesting flowers and fauna. It will take you past picnic spots, beaches, and marshlands.
If you are after some peace and quiet then this is perfect. Hiking this trail is one of the best activities in Tybee Island, GA.
Tybee Post Theater
If you have time then grabbing a show at the Tybee Post Theater is one of the fun things to do in Tybee Island. The theatre was constructed in 1930 and provides some great evening entertainment.
The shows here are engaging and entraining. They put on live music, plays, and comedy show here. A visit here is one of the best things to do in Tybee Island for adults.
Go On A Ecology Trip
If you want to learn about the island beaches and the local environment then perhaps an ecology trip on the island is for you.
You can explore sandy beaches, tidal pools, and rocky inlets with marine scientist/biologist Dr. Joe Richardson. You will learn all about the unique coastal habitats in this area on one of the Beach Ecology Trips.
The trips cater to pretty much everyone and you explore tidal pools, collect specimens, and generally learn about the ecology of the area.
A really interesting and informative adventure and one of the Tybee Island activities that all the family will enjoy.
Cockspur Island Lighthouse
Cockspur Island is within the boundaries of the Fort Pulaski National Monument. It is in the south channel of the Savannah River near Lazaretto Creek.
It’s home to the Cockspur Island Lighthouse and while the island is closed for preservation efforts there is an overlook trail that offers visitors the best chance to get a closer look at the lighthouse today. The best viewpoint is on the Lighthouse Trail.
The lighthouse dates from 1854 and one of the most interesting facts are that it survived the bombardment of Fort Pulaski, despite being directly in the line of fire.
It is one of five surviving historic lighthouses in Georgia. You can also view the lighthouse from a boat on the water. This is one of the places to visit in Tybee Island
Battery Garland
Located in Fort Screven is the historical landmark Battery Garland. The old gun battery is now converted into a museum that features artifacts and exhibits related to the local history. It’s one of the best attractions in Tybee Island, Georgia.
Created in 1897 Fort Screven was an integral part of America’s Coastal Defense system. The museum charts the importance and this and other historical landmarks in the area.
And as a bonus, the views of the ocean from here are as great as you would expect. If you are wondering what to do in Tybee Island we can highly recommend a visit here.
Visit The End Of US Highway 80
US Highway 80 terminates in Tylee Island. The final stretch follows Butler Avenue across Tybee Island.
The highway’s end is marked by a small monument at the intersection of Butler and Tybrisa Street and the highway terminates at 19th Street, a few hundred feet from the Atlantic Ocean.
If you are someone who loves to get photos with this kind of stuff then now is your chance.
US 80 was among the original 1926 routes and was once part of the early auto trail known as the Dixie Overland Highway. it was originally a cross-country route, from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, and went to San Diego. It now runs from Texas to Tybee Island.
This is definitely one of the things to do on Tybee Island for those who like a great photo opportunity.
Grab An Ice Cream Downtown
The South Beach area is considered downtown on Tybee Island. It’s full of shops restaurants bars and attractions. It’s a great place to wander around and even better with ice cream in hand.
The Sugar Shack seems to be the place that everyone flocks to. Its been here for 30 years and this family-run business serves incredible ice cream. Seaweeds are also another great ice cream shop with lots of choices. Jimmy’s Seaside Sweets also claims to have the best ice cream in the world.
Ice cream seems to be somewhat of a tradition on this small island and when you taste one you will see why. One of the best things to do in Tybee Island especially if you have a sweet tooth.
As you can see when it comes to things to do in Tybee Island Georgia there is so much to choose from. Whether you are looking for things to do in Tybee Island at night or wondering which are the best activities in Tybee Island we hope this article has helped you.
Tybee Island is a wonderful place to visit and we know you will have a great time. There are so many things to do on Tybee Island so I am sure you will find something that is a great fit for you. Have a great vacation and come back and let us know how it went.
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