Tybee Island

State: Georgia. Type: barrier island and beach city in Chatham County, about 18 miles east of Savannah and marking Georgia's easternmost point. 2020 census population: about 3,114. Home to the Tybee Island Light Station, first built in 1736 and billed as Georgia's oldest and tallest lighthouse, with 178 steps to the top. The historic Fort Screven district anchors the north end. Formerly called Savannah Beach from 1929 until the name reverted to Tybee Island in 1978.

Tybee Island is Georgia's easternmost point, a compact barrier island of wide Atlantic beaches, tidal salt marsh and maritime forest just an 18-mile drive east of Savannah. Long a summer getaway for Savannah residents, the island packs several distinct beach experiences into a small footprint: the lively, pier-anchored South Beach; quieter North Beach near the lighthouse; family-friendly Mid Beach; and the calm, sunset-facing Back River on the island's western side. Its signature landmark is the Tybee Island Light Station, one of the oldest and most complete light stations on the East Coast, whose 178 steps reward climbers with sweeping coastal views. The adjacent Fort Screven historic district, a former coastal artillery post, adds a layer of military history, while the Tybee Island Museum, housed in one of the fort's batteries, interprets the island's past. Beyond the beach, visitors kayak the back river and marshes, watch for dolphins, and eat their way through a casual seafood-focused dining scene. The island's small size and relaxed, unpolished character are central to its appeal, offering a low-key coastal counterpoint to nearby Savannah.

Tybee Island is a barrier island in Chatham County, Georgia, roughly 18 miles (about 29 km) east of Savannah at the mouth of the Savannah River. It marks Georgia's easternmost point. The island has a sandy Atlantic-facing beach on its eastern shore and tidal salt marshes to the west, with maritime forest in the interior. It is reached from Savannah via U.S. 80, which crosses a series of marsh causeways and bridges onto the island.

Tybee Island has a warm, humid coastal climate. According to summary climate data, temperatures typically range from about 45 degrees Fahrenheit in winter to about 88 degrees Fahrenheit in summer, rarely dropping below 33 or rising above 93. Summers are hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, while winters are cool and breezy. As a low-lying Atlantic barrier island, Tybee is exposed to the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs June 1 through November 30, so travelers in those months should monitor forecasts.

Late spring and early fall generally offer the best combination of warm, swimmable water and smaller crowds than the peak summer season. Summer is the busiest and hottest time, coinciding with school holidays, and also overlaps hurricane season. Milder shoulder-season months are comfortable for beach walks, lighthouse climbs and kayaking without the peak-season congestion, while winter is quiet and cool.

The island's name is generally traced to a Euchee (Yuchi) word meaning salt. Spanish explorers claimed the coast in the 16th century, and over the following centuries the island saw use tied to Savannah's maritime trade and defense. A lighthouse was first established on Tybee in 1736 to guide ships into the Savannah River; the current tower incorporates a lower section dating to 1773 with an upper portion rebuilt in 1867, and it retains its historic support buildings on a five-acre site. During the Civil War, Union forces positioned batteries on Tybee to bombard nearby Fort Pulaski. In 1898, the U.S. Army established Fort Screven on the island's north end as a coastal artillery post; its concrete batteries and roughly 70 surviving structures now form a historic district, with one battery housing the Tybee Island Museum. The island was marketed as Savannah Beach from 1929, reverting to the name Tybee Island in 1978. In a widely noted 1958 incident, a U.S. military aircraft jettisoned an unarmed nuclear bomb into the waters off Tybee during a training exercise; it was never recovered.

Beachgoing is the main draw, with distinct stretches for different moods: South Beach with its pier and pavilion and busier scene, calmer North Beach near the lighthouse, family-oriented Mid Beach, and the sheltered Back River known for sunsets and water outings. Visitors climb the 178 steps of the Tybee Island Light Station, tour the Tybee Island Museum in a Fort Screven battery, and explore the fort's historic district. Kayaking and paddleboarding through the back river and marshes are popular, as are dolphin-watching tours and fishing. The Tybee Island Marine Science Center offers hands-on coastal ecology exhibits. Cycling and beachcombing round out a relaxed island itinerary, and Savannah's historic district is a short drive away for a change of pace.

The Tybee Island Light Station and Museum is the marquee site, combining a climbable historic lighthouse, keeper's cottages and a summer kitchen with a museum housed in Battery Garland at Fort Screven. Fort Screven's historic district, with its concrete gun batteries and roughly 70 surviving buildings, anchors the north end. The Tybee Pier and Pavilion at South Beach is a hub of activity, and the Tybee Island Marine Science Center focuses on local coastal and marine life. Little Tybee, an undeveloped island accessible only by boat, appeals to paddlers and naturalists.

Tybee Island is about a 25- to 30-minute drive east of Savannah via U.S. Highway 80, which crosses the marshes and river channels onto the island. The nearest major airport is Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), which connects to the island by car or rideshare. Most visitors arrive by car; there is no passenger rail to the island, so a vehicle or rideshare from Savannah is the practical option.

The beaches are open daily. The Tybee Island Light Station and Museum, as of research, sells tickets from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with the grounds closing by 5:30 p.m., and is closed on Tuesdays as well as major holidays and Savannah's St. Patrick's Parade Day. Other attractions such as the Marine Science Center keep their own posted hours. Confirm current hours on tybeelighthouse.org and individual attraction sites before visiting.

Public beach access is free, though paid parking applies across the island. For the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum, ticket prices as of research (2025) were $14 for adults, $12 for seniors 62+ and children 6-17, and free for children 5 and under; discounted $12 tickets for military (with ID) and groups of 10+ with reservation, and free admission for Coast Guard with ID. Tickets cover both the light station and the Tybee Museum in Battery Garland. Confirm current pricing before visiting.

A day trip is enough to enjoy the beach and climb the lighthouse, but many visitors stay a long weekend or more to sample the island's different beaches, kayak the marshes and take a slower pace. Pairing Tybee with time in Savannah can stretch a visit to several days.

Lodging on the island ranges from beachfront vacation rental homes and condos to a handful of small hotels, motels and inns, many within walking distance of the beach. Vacation rentals make up a large share of overnight stays given the island's small size. For a wider selection of full-service hotels, many visitors base themselves in Savannah, about a half-hour drive away, and day-trip to Tybee. Rates and availability peak in summer and around major events.

Tybee's dining scene is casual and heavily seafood-focused, with beach bars, seafood shacks and waterfront restaurants clustered around the South Beach and Back River areas. Fresh local shrimp and Georgia-coast seafood are common highlights. Because the island is compact, most restaurants are a short walk or drive from the beaches; Savannah, a short drive inland, adds a far broader range of dining for those wanting more variety.

Savannah's celebrated historic district, with its squares, architecture and dining, is about 18 miles west and is the most popular pairing with a Tybee visit. Fort Pulaski National Monument, a well-preserved 19th-century masonry fort, sits on Cockspur Island along the drive between Savannah and Tybee. Little Tybee Island, undeveloped and boat-access only, appeals to kayakers and naturalists.

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is the nearest airport, reached from Tybee by car or rideshare. There is no passenger rail service to the island. Once on Tybee, the compact layout makes walking and cycling practical, though a car is useful for reaching different beaches and for the drive to and from Savannah.

Ocean swimming carries rip-current risk; heed posted flags and lifeguard guidance, and if caught in a rip current, stay calm and swim parallel to shore rather than against it. Use sun protection and stay hydrated in the summer heat and humidity. During hurricane season (June-November), monitor forecasts and follow any local evacuation guidance, since the low-lying island is exposed to coastal storms. Watch footing on the lighthouse's 178 steps, which have rest platforms but no elevator. For any emergency, dial 911.

Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and plenty of water are beach-day essentials. Water shoes help with shells and hot sand, and a light layer is handy for breezy evenings and the Back River sunsets. Note that the Tybee Light Station prohibits backpacks, large camera bags, tripods and non-water beverages inside, so pack light if you plan to climb the lighthouse.

Parking on Tybee is paid across the island, so budget for it and consider arriving early on busy summer days when lots fill. If you want to climb the lighthouse, check that it's not a Tuesday (its regular closed day) and arrive before the 4:30 p.m. last-ticket cutoff. Pairing Tybee with Savannah, and a stop at Fort Pulaski along the way, makes for an efficient coastal itinerary. Kayaking the back river and marshes is best planned around tides.

Dial 911 for any emergency. For visitor questions about the lighthouse and museum, the Tybee Island Light Station's phone number is (912) 786-5801, per its official visitor information.

Tybee Island Light Station & Museum - https://www.tybeelighthouse.org ; Visit Tybee (official tourism) - https://visittybee.com

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.