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Best Things to Do at Tybee Island: A Travel Enthusiast’s Guide

Best Things to Do at Tybee Island: A Travel Enthusiast’s Guide

Looking for a Southern vacation spot with abundant activities and stunning coastal views? Tybee Island, Georgia, should be high on your list! Twenty minutes from Savannah, Tybee is one of the Southeast Coast’s most popular beach destinations. From outdoor adventures and excellent restaurants to spectacular beaches—Tybee is sure to please all travelers. Ready to explore?

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Unwind at Tybee Island’s Stunning Beaches

A visit to Tybee Island wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its breathtaking beaches. North Beach offers a unique spectacle with passing cargo ships, while South Beach provides convenient access to its iconic Pier and Pavilion.

Restrooms and changing facilities are available at the pavilion, ensuring an Olympic-level beach day experience!

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Beachgoers will love Tybee’s easily accessible streets and plentiful parking. If you’re into surfing, local water adventure companies offer lessons and rentals for paddleboards, jet skis, and more.

Mid Beach, between North and South Beaches, offers fewer crowds for a more peaceful retreat, and Back River Beach provides opportunities to spot playful dolphins in its tranquil waters. I’ve seen dolphins playing close to this shore a few times myself!

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The quintessential southern city of Savannah is less than 30 minutes away. For the best things to see and do there, check out this post.

Savor Delicious Eats at Tybee Island’s Top Restaurants

After a day at the beach, treat yourself to some of Tybee’s finest dining spots. Begin your culinary adventure at Sundae Cafe, where you can enjoy artisanal cocktails and classic dishes like Double Cut Pork Chop or Pecan Chicken.

Head to A-J’s Dockside Restaurant on Back River for a laid-back vibe. Indulge in their seafood baskets paired with a cold beer, and start your meal with Hot Artichoke and Spinach Dip accompanied by crunchy tortilla chips. Main courses include Snow Crab Legs and fried combos packed with oysters, shrimp, flounder, and scallops.

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Finish your flavorful journey at The Original Crab Shack. This iconic eatery boasts waterfront views and live alligators lounging about its property.

The Crab Shack’s crab legs and shrimp are off-the-hook delicious, and their frozen Mudslide drinks are a must-try. With three bars and incredible dishes, The Original Crab Shack has become a true Tybee legend.

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For more restaurants within a 20-30 minute drive, here are 20+ Savannah, Georgia, options.

Reel in the Fun with Fishing Adventures

Tybee Island is a fisherman’s paradise! Cast your line for speckled trout, bass, catfish, Spanish mackerel, and other species at popular locations like Lazaretto Creek Pier or Fisherman’s Walk at Back River. For the more adventurous, take on a deep-sea fishing expedition.

Pro Tip: Watch for Spanish mackerel near the North and South End sand bars.

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Climb the Majestic Tybee Island Lighthouse

No trip to Tybee Island is complete without visiting the majestic 145-foot-tall lighthouse that overlooks Georgia’s coast. With 178 steps leading up to it, the climb is more accessible than most. Though the Tybee Island Lighthouse (light station) has been rebuilt several times since the 18th century, it remains fully functional.

The view atop this historical landmark offers breathtaking sights along Fort Screven’s 19th-century gun batteries.

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Explore Downtown Tybee Island

Need a break from the beach? Head to downtown Tybee Island for summer shopping and entertainment. Find adorable hermit crabs to take home and an arsenal of floats, rafts, and pool toys to enhance your vacation.

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Step into Java & Juice or Fannie’s on the Beach for refreshments or drinks, which offers a convenient walk-up window feature. After dark, check out Wet Willie’s and Doc Bar, two local favorites that add nightlife flair to your vacation.

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Surprise Shopping at its Finest

If you want more shopping, check out Highway 80, home to Seaside Sisters (which often host Mary Kay Andrews signings) and Latitude 32. These are some eclectic and fun shops with lots of goodies you can’t live without.

You’ll also find some eclectic boutique shops at The Shops at Tybee Oaks, with unique finds around every corner, surrounded by picturesque cottages!

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Attend Local Events and Festivals

Tybee Island hosts various events and festivals annually, celebrating everything from local culture to the arts. Participate in the Tybee Island Pirate Fest, a lively event featuring parades, live music, and pirate-themed activities.

Attend the Tybee Wine Festival to sample wines from around the world while enjoying the island’s beautiful scenery.

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Discover Outdoor Adventures and Water Sports

Tybee Island offers a wealth of outdoor adventures and water sports. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the island’s beautiful waterways. Guided tours are available for those who want to learn more about the local ecosystem and wildlife.

For thrill-seekers, parasailing and jet skiing provide an adrenaline rush and stunning island views from above.

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Visit the Tybee Marine Science Center

Visit the Tybee Marine Science Center for an educational and fun experience. The center offers interactive exhibits and programs that educate visitors about the local marine environment. You can learn about sea turtles, coastal birds, and marine life through hands-on activities and guided beach walks.

Plan Your Perfect Tybee Island Getaway

Tybee Island is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. From its stunning beaches and delicious eateries to its rich history and vibrant community, there’s no shortage of things to do and see.

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Read more of our other beach posts at:

Best Things to Do at Fernandina Beach

39 Fun Things to Do in the Palm Beaches, FL

A 5-Day Guide to Myrtle Beach, SC

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