20 Things To Do On Tybee Island

Tybee Island in southeastern Georgia is a charming island that blends natural beauty, laid-back vibes and fun activities for visitors of all ages. Tybee Island has a mild subtropical climate, which means hot summers and mild winters. Situated just 18 miles (28 km) east of Savannah, Tybee Island is easily accessible and provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its proximity to the popular city gives the island the nickname “Savannah’s Beach”, and it’s a popular getaway for both locals and visitors. 

This small barrier island off the coast of Georgia is just over three square miles but packs plenty of fun into the small space. With its warm sandy beaches, charming historic sites, and outdoor recreation, it’s no wonder it’s a favourite destination. From relaxing in the sun to renting a fishing charter out to sea, these are the things to do on Tybee Island.

Tybee Island, Georgia

20 Things To Do On Tybee Island

1- Explore A Colonial-Era Lighthouse At Tybee Island Light Station 

Tybee Island Lighthouse is the state’s oldest lighthouse and was constructed in 1773 by General James Oglethorpe, Governor of the 13th colony.

It is even one of the last seven surviving colonial-era lighthouse towers in the United States.

An entry ticket will allow you to explore the lighthouse and museum, which allows visitors to learn about the lighthouse’s construction and the lives of the lighthouse keepers.

The technology used throughout its existence played an important role in guiding ships along the coast for centuries.

The Light Station and Museum is open every day from 9 am to 4.30 pm but it’s closed on Tuesdays. Tickets start at $12 per person.

Tybee Island Light Station & Museum is at 30 Meddin Dr, Tybee Island, GA 31328.

Recommended tour: Tybee Island, Georgia Scavenger Hunt

2- Encounter Dolphins At Tybee Island Marine Science Center

With Tybee Island surrounded by the waters of the Savannah River, the Atlantic Ocean and Tybee Creek, it’s no wonder they have a great marine education centre.

The Tybee Island Marine Center is the perfect place to get a closer look at the local marine life and coastal ecosystem.

It offers many interactive exhibits, educational programs and hands-on experiences, including guided beach walks and marsh treks.

An unusual feature is a floating classroom for dolphin encounters.

The Tybee Island Marine Science Center is open Wednesday to Sunday (9.30 am to 5 pm). Tickets start at $12 per person.

Tybee Island Marine Science Center is at 37 Meddin Dr, Tybee Island, GA 31328.

3- Walk The Trails At Jaycee Park

Jaycee Park is a great Tybee Island staple.

The beachside park offers a peaceful setting with gazebos, wildlife, and awesome outdoor recreation, such as a children’s playground, basketball courts, and lighted open fields for sports.

A .25-mile (.4 km) track through the area offers the perfect spot for walking, jogging, or bike riding.

The park is open daily from 8 am to 10 pm every day. 

Jaycee Park is at 30 Van Horne Ave, Tybee Island, GA 31328.

4- Hop Around The Bars On The Corner Of Butler And Tybrisa

You might think that a sleepy beach island lacks exciting nightlife, but when it comes to Tybee Island, you’d be wrong.

When you need an adult drink, this quaint bar-hopping district has got you covered.

On the corner of Butler Avenue and Tybrisa Street are a few unique cocktail lounges and dive bars where you can find locals and tourists.

Some of our favourites are Doc’s Bar, Wet Willie’s, Nicki’s 1971, and Benny’s Tybee Tavern.

• Doc’s Bar is at 10 Tybrisa St, Tybee Island, GA 31328.
• Wet Willie’s is at 16 Tybrisa St, Tybee Island, GA 31328.
• Nicki’s 1971 is at 1513 Butler Ave, Tybee Island, GA 31328.
• Benny’s Tybee Tavern is at 1517 Butler Ave, Tybee Island, GA 31328.
• Rock House is at 1518 Butler Ave, Tybee Island, GA 31328.

5- Tour A Historic Military Installation At Fort Screven

Fort Screven is part of a network of fortifications along the eastern coast established in the 19th century during the First World War.

This defence site played a significant role in protecting the area’s coast.

Today, visitors can explore the remnants of Fort Screven, which includes a museum and the Tybee Island Light Station.

It is also near the shore, offering scientific views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The former military post is open daily and has free admission, making it an awesome option if you are looking for budget-friendly activities.

Fort Screven is at Meddin Dr, Tybee Island, GA 31328.

6- Go Fishing On The Tybee Beach Pier and Pavilion

The Tybee Beach Pier and Pavillion is a picturesque hangout for locals and visitors.

Located off U.S. Highway 80 at the end of Tybrisa Street, the extensive pier stretches into the Atlantic Ocean, offering the perfect spot to cast a fishing line, take a stroll, or enjoy the fresh ocean breeze.

The closeby pavilion provides a shaded area for restrooms, relaxation, picnics, and live music.

This laid-back pier truly embodies the entire essence of Tybee Island.

The pier and pavilion are open daily and offer free admission.

You can also rent the Tybee Beach Pier and Pavillion for weddings, family reunions and parties.

Tybee Beach Pier and Pavilion is at Tybrisa St, Tybee Island, GA 31328.

7- Have A Picnic At Tybee Island Memorial Park

Tybee Island Memorial Park, or “Memorial Park,” as locals call it, sits behind City Hall between Butler and Jones Ave.

The spacious park includes a children’s playground, outdoor tennis courts, beach volleyball courts, a basketball court and a large soccer field.

This park is also a great place to host a picnic or large event, as it has plenty of shaded areas, picnic tables, barbecue grills, and multiple pavilions that can be rented out.

Tybee Island Memorial Park is open seven days from 8 am to 8 pm.

Tybee Island Memorial Park is at 4098 Center St, Tybee Island, GA 31328.

8- Spend The Day At One Of Tybee Island’s Stunning Beaches

You can’t vacation on Tybee Island without visiting one of the gorgeous beaches.

The island features several beaches, each with its own unique charm.

The most popular beaches are North Beach, Mid Beach, South Beach and Tybee Beach.

Each of the beaches is family-friendly, but you will find that South Beach is more popular and crowded, while North Beach offers a more tranquil feel with plenty of room to spread out.

Surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing are popular activities among any of the beaches, but you can also find visitors simply relaxing in their beach chairs and soaking in the sun.

Either way, you will have a great time at Tybee’s beaches.

• North Beach is at Railwood Ave, Tybee Island, GA 31328.
• Mid Beach is at 8th St, Tybee Island, GA 31328.
• Tybee Beach is at 1801 Strand Ave, Tybee Island, GA 31328.
• Recommended: Tybee Island Surf Lesson

9- Enjoy The Vintage Charm Of Tybee Post Theater

This historic theatre brings the excitement of the performing arts to this small island.

It was constructed in 1930 by the military for the residents of Fort Screven, which it is located close to.

The well-preserved Greek Revival style theatre offers classic and children’s films, live music concerts, comedy performances, lectures, dance and theatrical performances.

The Tybee Post Theater is available to rent out and also hosts community events such as Music Fest and Family Movies.

Check the calendar of events to enjoy a movie or live performance at this magical venue.

Tybee Post Theater is at 10 Van Horne Ave, Tybee Island, GA 31328.

Recommended tour: Tybee Island Ghost Tour

10- Eat Like A Local At The Crab Shack

The original Crab Shack in Tybee Island was created by a local couple, Jack and Belinda Flanagan.

The restaurant began with the first menu drawn on a sheet of plywood and hung on a wall where it could be seen from all six tables.

Today, The Crab Shack is known as the place “where the elite eat in their bare feet.”

Locals gather at the shack to enjoy fresh snow crab, crawfish, shrimp, and other Low Country delicacies.

The Crab Shack is at 40 Estill Hammock Rd, Tybee Island, GA 31328.

11- Hit The Open Waters On A Deep Sea Fishing Charters

With the warm Atlantic Ocean waters near the island, deep-sea fishing is a popular activity for new and expert fishermen visiting Tybee.

Plenty of fishing charter companies are located within the area, but Reel ‘Em In Deep Sea Fishing Charters is one of our favourites.

These guides will take you out on the open waters and tell you what’s biting during the season.

Be prepared for grouper, snapper, and plenty of dolphin sightings.

12- Visit The Tybee Island Museum At The Battery Garland

The Tybee Island Museum in Battery Garland is an awesome spot for history buffs and visitors who want to learn more about the area.

Exhibits at the museum include information about the native Euchee tribe, the history of Fort Screven, and Tybee’s Golden Era.

The museum is closed on Tuesdays but is open from Wednesday to Monday (9 am to 4.30 pm). Tickets can be purchased onsite; there are no online ticket sales.

The Battery Garland is at Fort Screven, Meddin Dr, Tybee Island, GA 31328.

Recommended tour: Historic Tour of Tybee Island

13- Check Out The Untouched Beauty Of Little Tybee Island

Little Tybee Island is located directly southwest of Tybee Island.

This small barrier island is accessible only by boat, but charters and ferries are available if you don’t have your own.

The marshy island is home to several endangered species of birds and other exciting wildlife such as sea turtles, dolphins, deer, etc.

Fun Fact: the 1996 Summer Olympics yachting event was held off the coast of Little Tybee Island in the Wassaw Sound.

14- Rest Your Head At The Historic Surf Song Bed and Breakfast

Surf Song is a stunning 120-year-old Victorian beach house that puts you in the middle of all the action of Tybee Island in the prestigious Officer’s Row area.

The bed and breakfast offers great amenities such as private beach access, a wraparound porch, a swimming pool, and complimentary snacks and drinks around the clock.

This charming accommodation is something you won’t want to miss.

Surf Song Bed and Breakfast is at 21 Officers Row, Tybee Island, GA 31328.

15- Work Up A Sweat At The Tybee Island YMCA

Visiting the Tybee Island YMCA can bring some fun familiarity to your vacation.

The community-focused fitness centre offers classic gym equipment and specialty classes like spin, boxing and cardio.

There are plenty of programs and activities for the kids, such as sports leagues, gymnastics, swimming, and summer camp.

The Tybee Island YMCA offers membership options and single-day passes.

Tybee Island YMCA is at 204 5th St, GA 31328.

16- Get In Touch With Nature At Whitemarsh Preserve

The Whitemarsh Preserve is technically located on the outskirts of Savannah, but it’s a quick drive from Tybee Island.

The preserve offers visitors over 150 acres (60 ha) of maritime forest to explore, equipped with great trail loops perfect for hiking, biking, and observing wildlife.

The beautifully maintained Whitemarsh Preserve is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, so feel free to visit whenever nature calls. 

Whitemarsh Preserve is at 68 Johnny Mercer Blvd, Savannah, GA 31410.

17- Bike Around A Civil War Landmark At Fort Pulaski National Monument

Sure, you could visit a national monument, but have you ever biked around a military fort?

Fort Pulaski is located by the border of Savannah and Tybee and offers visitors a chance to see where the Union Army tested rifled cannon in combat during the American Civil War.

There are many interesting activities at Fort Pulaski, including biking trails, hiking, kayaking, a museum with educational films and hands-on ranger programs.

This is a great spot for the whole family to enjoy.

Fort Pulaski National Monument is at 101 Fort Pulaski Rd, Savannah, GA 31410. Rent a bike online here. 

18- Practice Your Put 

Bogeys Sports Bar and Mini Golf is the perfect spot for family fun.

After 9 PM, the entire venue turns into an adults-only party.

In addition to a full mini golf course, they have batting cages, an arcade, and classic bar games such as billiards, darts, and cornhole.

The bar and restaurant on-site serve up beer, wine, canned cocktails and bar food, including Pretzel Dogs, Cheese Sticks, and Bogeys Fries.

Pricing varies depending on how much fun you plan to have.

Bogeys Sports Bar and Mini Golf is open from noon to 2 am, with varying hours for the restaurant, adult golf, etc.

Bogeys Sports Bar & Mini Golf is at 7890 US-80 East, Savannah, GA 31410.

19- Stroll Around Bonaventure Cemetery

Bonaventure Cemetery is one of the top tourist destinations in the area.

The cemetery is between Tybee Island and Savannah in Thunderbolt, Georgia.

While you might feel wary about visiting a cemetery on vacation, Bonaventure Cemetery is truly spectacular.

This historic cemetery features over 100 acres (40 ha) of beautifully kept walkways and elaborate headstones.

Visit the sites and pay respects to local figures such as Gracie Watson, Johnny Mercer and over 500 Confederate soldiers.

You can even take a guided tour to get more information about those buried in Bonaventure Cemetery.

Bonaventure Cemetery is at 330 Bonaventure Rd, Thunderbolt, GA 31404.

20- Take A Quick Drive To The Savannah Historic District

Tybee Island offers a slower-paced atmosphere in contrast with the big city.

But, if you need a little excitement, you can head to the nearby Savannah Historic District, just 20 miles (32 km), or a 30-minute drive, from Tybee Island.

This city centre is known for its old-world charm, unique shopping boutiques, delicious restaurants, and easy-going bars that allow you to jump to the next destination with convenient open-container laws.

Step back in time as you wander through cobblestone streets lined with well-manicured squares filled with lush greenery and dreamy oak trees.

Savannah Historic District is a great addition to a weekend away at Tybee Island.

The Savannah Historic District is at 201 W Bay St, Savannah, GA 31401.