Tybee Island, 20 miles from Savannah, is home to approximately 3,000 people and is the easternmost point in Georgia. The location is known for its wide, sandy beaches, including South Beach, with a pier and pavilion.
Tybee Island is located just east of Savannah, Ga. (Photo by Geoff L Johnson Photography)
And in case you’re wondering, it’s pronounced “Tie-Bee” Island. Many of the local shops even sell clothing with a reminder, just so you don’t forget.
The Savannah River empties into the Atlantic Ocean just north of Tybee Island, placing the island in a historically strategic location and giving visitors a chance to dip their toes in the water.
Just south of the beach town lies an uninhabited nature preserve called Little Tybee Island. The island is only accessible by boat and offers a number of activities, including beach-combing, fishing, picnicking, bird watching and camping.
There's a number of wildlife learning opportunities for families at Tybee Island as well. (Photo courtesy of Visit Savannah)
In addition to taking in the sights, sounds and tastes of the ocean, Tybee Island visitors can learn about history at Fort Pulaski. The fort, declared a national monument in 1924, has been rebuilt and restored to the same state as in its heyday, according to the island’s visitors bureau website. One damaged wall on the southeast corner of the fort remains to exhibit the craters from Union cannon fire during the Civil War.
Rooms housed within the forts are preserved with period furnishings, including old lanterns, chests, cast iron frying pans and quilts.
On the island’s north side, Fort Screven has 19th-century concrete gun batteries and the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum.
The city recently was named one of America’s Most Underrated Beach Towns by Jetsetter.com and was included in Points Guy’s top 15 Gorgeous U.S. Beaches to Visit This Summer.
Many go to visit the beaches during the summer, but it’s also a good spot to take a spring break vacation in March or April.
Reaching the island is fairly easy. People can fly to Savannah and head straight over to Tybee Island, or they can make the long drive down from Columbia, S.C. and hit other area attractions in Charleston, S.C.
