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.
All Savannah area stays
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.
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.
Explore all Savannah area stays.
Tybee Island is one of several distinct settings near Savannah worth considering for your trip.