The island's quiet end
North Beach gets a fraction of the foot traffic of the pier area. Morning beach walks are often solitary, and the neighborhood streets stay residential even in peak season.
Tybee Island · North end
North Beach: quiet sand, a working lighthouse, and room to breathe
The north end of Tybee Island centers on the Light Station and the old Fort Screven district — the island's calmest, most scenic beach area, with oceanfront condos, cottage streets, and sunsets over Back River.
The area
The neighborhood
North Beach sits at the top of Tybee Island, where the Atlantic meets the mouth of the Savannah River. The Tybee Island Light Station — one of the most complete historic light stations in the country — anchors the area, and the streets around it preserve the Fort Screven military district: early-1900s officers' housing turned into cottages and small inns. The beach here is wider and less crowded than the south end, the pace is slower, and many of the island's most sought-after condo communities — Lighthouse Point, Savannah Beach and Racquet Club, Bay View Villas — sit within a few blocks of the sand. It is the side of Tybee travelers pick when they want the beach to be the vacation, not just a day trip from the city.
History in the foreground
The 178-step lighthouse climb, Battery Garland, and the Fort Screven district give this end of the island a distinct sense of place — you can see it in the architecture from the beach path.
Two waters, one stay
This is the only part of Tybee where you can watch sunrise over the Atlantic and sunset over Back River in the same day. Several condo communities face the river side.
On foot
Walking routes from North Beach
Lighthouse and Fort Screven loop
Climb the 178 steps of the Tybee Island Light Station for the full island-and-ocean view, then walk the Fort Screven district past Battery Garland and the officers' cottages.
45–60 minutesEasy, with stairs at the lighthouse
North Beach shoreline walk
From the beach access at the lighthouse, walk the wide, firm sand north toward the jetty rocks. Terns, pelicans, and dolphins are common; bring shells home from the section near the river mouth.
1 hour round tripEasy beach walking
Back River sunset walk
On the western edge of the north end, the Back River shoreline faces the marsh and the Savannah shipping channel. It is the island's best sunset spot, and it is a short walk from most North Beach rentals.
30–40 minutesEasy, flat
Practical details
Coffee, groceries, parking, and transit
Coffee
Morning options on the north end are limited to a couple of casual counter-service spots near the lighthouse; most North Beach travelers make coffee in the rental and save restaurant visits for later in the day.
Grocery
The island's main grocery store sits near the south end of Tybee, a five-minute drive from North Beach. Plan a grocery run on your way in from Savannah rather than after you settle.
Parking
Tybee enforces paid parking island-wide, including North Beach. Many condo communities include a parking pass with the rental — confirm this before booking, because daily fees add up over a week.
Transit
There is no public transit on Tybee. Visitors rely on a car for the 30-minute drive from Savannah, plus bikes and golf carts on the island. Downtown Savannah is close enough for day trips but not for walking.
Honest trade-offs
What to know before you book
North Beach is the calmest, most scenic end of Tybee Island. It is also the farthest from the island's restaurants and from Savannah. These trade-offs help you decide if it is the right fit.
Dining is thinner here
The north end has a few casual favorites, but the island's bigger restaurant cluster is around the pier at the south end. Most nights means a five-minute drive or a long walk for dinner.
You are far from Savannah
North Beach to downtown Savannah is a 30–40 minute drive plus parking. If your trip is city-first with a beach day or two, a Historic District rental may fit better than a full week here.
Condo stairs and elevators
Many North Beach condo buildings are three stories with beach gear in tow. Ground-floor units book first; ask which floor your unit is on and whether the building has an elevator.
Season closes options
Some north-end restaurants and pools operate seasonally. A February stay is beautifully quiet, but verify which amenities — pool heat included — are actually open during your dates.
Before you book
Questions to ask about any North Beach rental
Does the rental include a Tybee parking pass, or is parking paid daily?
Which floor is the unit on, and does the building have an elevator for luggage and beach gear?
Does the view face the ocean, Back River, or the street — and is it a direct or angled view?
Is the pool heated and open during my dates, or seasonal?
How far is the nearest beach access path, and is it a walkway or soft sand?
Nearby areas
Other areas to consider
Fort Screven
The historic district next door — the Light Station, quiet streets, and the same wide north-end sand.
Read guideBack River
The sunset side of the north end — waterfront homes and paddling water on the river.
Read guideSouth Beach
Tybee's lively pier end — restaurants, shops, and the busiest beach, all within a few blocks.
Read guideMid Beach
Tybee's central beach — cottage streets, quiet sand, and the middle of everything.
Read guideTybee Island
The full island guide — beaches, character, and practical stay advice.
Read guideTybee condo communities
All eleven condo communities profiled — including three on the north end, with pools and parking passes.
Read guideHistoric District
City-first trip? The walkable core of Savannah, 30 minutes away by car.
Read guideAll areas
Compare every Savannah and Tybee area side by side.
Read guideAsk us about North Beach condos and cottages.
Tell us your dates and how many travelers, and we will follow up with North Beach options that fit — including which communities have pools, elevators, and parking passes.