Hotels in Tybee Island

Tybee Island is a much-loved summer retreat some 20 minutes from the town of Savannah, Georgia. Earning its old 1950’s name of "Savannah Beach," Tybee’s appeal lies not only in its three miles of idyllic sands, but in monuments to colonial and maritime history like Fort Pulaski and Tybee Island Light Station. Taste those famed Georgia oysters in waterfront diners, trek around the birding trails in search of rare woodstorks, or just admire the salt marsh panoramas all the way to nearby McQueen Island.

Things to do

Beaches

The five beaches of Tybee Island may be some of the most laidback spots on the southeastern coast. Enjoy a slower pace of life as you keep a watchful eye out for loggerhead sea turtles; they are known to make an appearance in the water and even on the shore during certain times of year. Fishing enthusiasts enjoy casting off from the numerous piers, taking a charter or casting directly into the surf.

Entertainment

Tybee Island's chilled beach atmosphere grows more lively at night, with the biggest concentration of bars found along the island’s eastern shore, providing live music from local bands. Check out the 90s-revamp of the old Tybee Pavilion on the Pier for arts events and festivals.

Love to shop? Unusual souvenirs abound here; Tybee Island has plenty of talented artists that sell jewelry, paintings and other gifts in shops scattered throughout the island.

Historic attractions

Tybee Island Lighthouse and Museum runs one of the most beautiful beacons in the country, shining here for over 270 years. Climb to the top for the island's finest ocean views, or book yourself into a sunset tour for those enviable vacation photos. The museum, located in an old gun battery, has exhibits on the Spanish-American War, as well the chance to learn about Tybee's colonial and buccaneering past.

Dining

Tybee Island's seafood is some of the best on the East Coast. The Crab Shack provides a creek-side view, so diners can work up an appetite watching local fisherman bring in supper. Elsewhere, along the Black River, try AJ's Dockside Restaurant for the divine deviled crab and Georgia buffalo shrimp, or head inland to cheerful joint Sting Ray’s Seafood for the generous Tybee fisherman's platter.

Where to stay

Many Tybee Island hotels are small, independent properties, with plenty of Southern charm on offer, but you’ll also find a good few ocean -side chain hotels catering to a range of budgets, with the center of Savannah only a short drive away. If you want a bit more independence, self-catered condos are also in abundance, with prices around $150 depending on how many bedrooms you need. For hotel suites, you’re looking at prices of around $100 at one of the beachfront resorts.

Special events

The locals on Tybee Island love to have fun and host annual parties throughout the year. The Beach Bum Parade is the highlight of spring. This is a water war of epic proportions, as floats are filled with water-throwing arsenals to battle onlookers with squirt guns, hoses and buckets of water. In the fall, Tybee Island Pirate Fest takes over the island. Pirate lovers travel from all parts of the country as both younger swashbucklers and Jack Sparrow wannabes get involved in the parades, puppet-shows and pirating demos.

Best time to visit

Summers at Tybee Island are typically humid with temperatures in the upper 80s, making this a natural high-point for the sunbathing set. If your interests lie elsewhere, visit in spring and fall when temperatures cool to the 70s—this more subdued time of year is ideal for tackling the nature trails and swimming because the water remains warm.