Wide, uncrowded beaches
Tybee's main beach is broad and accessible, with a pier, public parking, and a relaxed atmosphere that suits families and couples equally.
Savannah area guide
Stay on Tybee Island
Eighteen miles east of downtown Savannah, Tybee Island is the Georgia coast at its most relaxed — salt air, wide beaches, and a small-town pace that makes it easy to stay longer than planned.
Why stay here
Savannah's beach town, close enough to do both.
Tybee Island sits at the mouth of the Savannah River, connected to the mainland by a single causeway that crosses tidal marshes and salt creeks. The island is small — about three miles long — with a main beach strip, a lighthouse dating to 1736, a handful of seafood restaurants, and a laid-back culture that has resisted the overdevelopment that changed other Georgia barrier islands. Vacation rentals range from beachfront cottages and stilted beach houses to quieter homes tucked into the island's residential streets. Many Savannah visitors split their trip between a few nights in the city and a few nights on Tybee, using the easy drive to get the best of both.
Island character
What Tybee offers.
The Tybee Lighthouse
One of the oldest and tallest lighthouses in the Southeast, the 1736 lighthouse is a short walk from the beach and worth the climb for the coastal views.
Fresh seafood and low-key dining
The island's restaurants lean toward shrimp, crab, and fish tacos eaten at picnic tables with a view of the water. Reservations are rarely required.
Tybee's beaches
Where to find the beach.
Tybee Island has several distinct beach areas, each with its own character. All are accessible by car from the island's main road.
North Beach
Near the Tybee Island Lighthouse at the island's northern tip. Popular for wildlife viewing, watching container ships navigate the Savannah River channel, and a quieter stretch of sand away from the main pier crowd.
Mid Beach
The oceanfront stretch between North Beach and South Beach. Residential in character, with beach access points along Butler Avenue. A good choice for a quieter day on the sand.
South Beach
The island's main beach hub, near the Tybee Pier and Pavilion. Restaurants, shops, and public parking are all within easy walking distance. The most active stretch of the island.
Back River Beach
On Tybee's southern end, facing the Back River rather than the open ocean. Known for its sunset views and a calmer, more sheltered shoreline.
Savannah River Beach
A quieter river-facing beach on the island's northern end, where the Savannah River meets the Atlantic. Less visited than the ocean-facing beaches and good for an unhurried walk.
Beyond Tybee
Boat access required — no road connection.
Little Tybee Island
An undeveloped barrier island just south of Tybee with wild, undisturbed beaches and natural coastal scenery. Accessible only by kayak or boat — no bridges, no facilities, no crowds.
Wassaw Island
Seven miles of undeveloped beach within Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge, accessible only by boat. One of the least-visited barrier islands on the Georgia coast and worth the effort for the solitude.
Rental types
Tybee Island stay styles.
Beachfront cottage
A classic Tybee stay: a painted cottage steps from the sand, with a porch for morning coffee and a rinse station for sandy feet.
Stilted beach house
Elevated homes with ocean views and open decks are popular for groups and families. Look for properties with outdoor showers and covered parking below.
Quiet residential rental
Away from the main beach strip, residential-street rentals offer more privacy and lower rates while keeping the beach a short bike ride away.
Planning a Tybee stay
The drive from Savannah
The causeway takes about 25–30 minutes from downtown Savannah in normal traffic. It is a scenic drive across the marsh.
Best months for the beach
May through October offers warm water and reliable sun. Spring and fall bring smaller crowds and comfortable temperatures.
Combining city and coast
Many visitors split a week between Savannah and Tybee. A rental in each location, or a Tybee base with day trips into the city, both work well.
Keep exploring
More area guides
North Beach
Tybee's quiet north end — the lighthouse, Fort Screven, and the island's widest sand.
Read guideSouth Beach
The lively pier end — restaurants, shops, and the busiest beach within a few blocks.
Read guideMid Beach
The central beach — cottage streets, quiet sand, and the middle of everything.
Read guideFort Screven
The historic district at the top of the island, built around the old fort and the Light Station.
Read guideBack River
The sunset side of the north end — waterfront homes and paddling water on the river.
Read guideTybee condo communities
All eleven condo communities profiled, from oceanfront resorts to small villa courts.
Read guideThunderbolt
The working waterfront village between downtown and the islands.
Read guideAll areas
Compare every Savannah and Tybee area side by side.
Read guideExplore all Savannah area stays.
Tybee Island is one of several distinct settings near Savannah worth considering for your trip.