Best Areas to Stay Around Tybee Island

Clock Icon 9 minutes read
Update Icon Nov 22, 2021

Located 18 miles from Savannah, Georgia, Tybee Island is popular for local and out-of-town tourists. This barrier island is home to three miles of beautiful beaches, family-friendly fun, oceanfront dining, and exciting nightlife.

The island features five distinct neighborhoods where you can find a wide range of accommodations. Wonder what area is right for you? We’ve put together this guide to the best areas to stay around Tybee Island for you.

Keep reading to learn more about Tybee Island and its neighborhoods.

South Beach

The southern tip is the focal point of the island. Here you’ll find great beaches, live music, frozen cocktails, free parking, and more. Tourists looking for a party should consider staying in South Beach.

Things to Do In South Beach

Tybee Island Marine Science Center (Photo Credit: florador Flickr CC2.0)

If you are looking for day and nighttime fun, you’ll find it in South Beach. The southern area of Tybee Island is home to Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion. The pier is home to the Tybee Island Marine Science Center where you can learn more about marine life in Georgia.

Staying in South Beach will put you right in the center of the action on the island. Grab a frozen cocktail as early as 9 am at the world-famous Wet Willie’s. They offer a diverse collection of frozen alcoholic cocktails.


Are you looking for live music and dancing? Don’t hesitate to stop by Fannie’s on the Beach. Fannie’s is a favorite spot for tourists to enjoy continental breakfast, lunch, dinner, and nightlife. You can even order cocktails to go at the walk-up window!

Stroll across to Tybrisa Street to find more fun and action. Two of our favorites locations include the Tybee Times Sports Bar and The Rock House. You’ll find karaoke, live sports events, dancing, and more on Tybrisa Street.

Downtown South Beach offers more shopping and dining as well.

Best Hotels in South Beach

Staying in South Beach means you’ll be within walking distance to many attractions. This makes it ideal for tourists who are always on the move or looking for a night out on the town. You’ll have great beach access and an ocean view here as well.

There are plenty of beachfront hotels, guest houses, historic properties, suites, and vacation rentals available for travelers in any price range. You’ll find locals from Savannah, Georgia and out-of-state tourists enjoying them.

North Beach

Interested in a relaxing vacation instead? This area is ideal for a beach vacation. The north of the island is home to many historic sites, shopping, fine dining, wonderful accommodations, wildlife, and deep-sea adventures.

North beach is ideal for tourists who love history and want a relaxing vacation. It’s also a great spot if you are an avid fisherman and want to rent a boat charter.

Things to do in North Beach

Tybee Island Museum: Fort Screven (Photo Credit: Mr.TinDC Flickr CC2.0)

Spend time learning the history of the island at Fort Screven or Fort Pulaski. North Beach is also home to Georgia’s tallest lighthouse and the Tybee Island Museum which chronicles the Tybee Island Museum400-year history of the island. Other attractions include Fort Pulaski National Monument, Cockspur Lighthouse, and Tybee Post Theater.

Do you prefer to spend your day shopping? North Beach offers premium shopping at The Shoppes at 1207. You can also find a wide range of unique jewelry shops, vintage antiques, art galleries, and souvenirs.

North Beach is also home to boat charters and other deep-sea adventures. You can find jet ski rentals, fishing charters, and airboat rentals. Kayak rentals are also available.

North Beach Vacation Rentals

North Beach features quaint bed & breakfast rentals, historic homes for rent, cottages, and inns. Enjoy continental breakfast, free wifi, and an ocean view at a beach house in North Beach.

Want to enjoy your nights in Tybee Island out in nature. North Beach is also home to campgrounds for RV and tents. North Beach is one of the first areas you’ll reach when arriving from Savannah.

Mid Beach

Right in the center of the island, staying in Mid Beach ensures you are close to everything Tybee Island has to offer. Great beach access and a convenient location make Mid Beach a great area to stay.

Things to do in Mid Beach

Mid Beach is known for its culinary delicacies. Enjoy freshly caught seafood at some of the finest restaurants on the island. As the island’s only beachfront restaurant, The Deck Beach Bar & Kitchen has some of the best fresh seafood on the island. Do you enjoy live music while enjoying dinner? Sting Ray’s Seafood has you covered. Enjoy their great atmosphere on Tybee’s main strip. Finally, we suggest enjoying world-class dining at Salt Island Fish and Beer.

Mid Beach is a great area for activities as well. You can try surfing, paddleboarding, and canoeing here. There’s also a YMCA. The YMCA offers activities for kids and adults. Memorial park provides plenty of opportunities to have fun. Join a basketball game or play a tennis match in the park.

Mid Beach Vacation Rentals

Staying in Mid Beach makes navigating the island easy and convenient. You’re never too far away from anything while staying in Mid Beach.

The area is ideal for all types of travelers including couples, families, or solo travelers. You’ll find luxurious resorts, quaint vacation rentals, and the best hotels with rooms available in Mid Beach. No matter what type of accommodation you choose, you’ll have plenty of access to stunning beaches while staying in Mid Beach.

Back River

Back River (Photo Credit: Stephen Warshaw Flickr CC2.0)

From Savannah, Back River is the first neighborhood you’ll encounter while on your beach vacation. The Back River neighborhood is Tybee Island’s secret beach. Nestled at the end of highway 80, you’ll experience a wonderful beach that is peaceful and quiet. You’ll find the most beautiful sunsets on Tybee Island Beach as well.. If you want a chance to relax while visiting Tybee Island, this neighborhood is your best bet.

This area is also ideal for travelers who own boats. There are many public docks, restaurants with docks, and rental properties with water access available in Back River.

Things to do in Back River

The dining in Back River is just as impressive as the rest of the island. Here you can find dockside restaurants where you can dock your boat after a long day on the water. A-J’s Dockside Restaurant and The Crab Shack are two of our favorites in Back River. Experience stunning sunsets while enjoying drinks and fresh seafood on their decks.

Some of our other favorite restaurants in Back River include Coco’s Sunset Grille and Bubba Gumbo’s.

If you’ve ever wanted to go deep-sea fishing, you should visit Back River. This neighborhood is home to a wide range of boating activities. You can book fishing charters, airboat rides, jet skis, and more at Lazaretto Creek Marina. From sunset cruises to deep-sea fishing, there’s a boat hire for all types of tourists.

Where to Stay in Back River

Back River offers tourists an opportunity for relaxation. You can find a wide range of the best hotels, apartments, homes, and bed & breakfast rentals in Back River. Boat owners can find homes for rent with private docks and water access as well.

You’ll find couples, families, and solo travelers enjoying their stay in Back River.

Little Tybee Island

Do you enjoy nature? Little Tybee Island is an ideal location for nature lovers, hikers, and campers. South of the barrier, Little Tybee Island is uninhabited. Enjoy nights under the stars while visiting Little Tybee Island.

What to do on Little Tybee Island

Bull River Marina (Photo Credit: Butch Petty Flickr CC2.0)

Accessible only by boat, Little Tybee Island is an uninhabited paradise. To reach the island, you can rent a boat, jetski, or kayak at Bull River Marina or Tybee Jet Ski & Watersports.

While on the island, you’ll be able to enjoy its natural beauty. Try fishing, hiking, fossil hunting, and more. Or spend your day relaxing on the oceanfront and the pristinie beaches. You’ll also have plenty of bird-watching opportunities while visiting Little Tybee Island.


Many charter boats offer day trips to the island. You’ll get to experience beautiful sunsets and picnics on the Atlantic. You can also find charters that offer dinner cruises to the island.

Staying on Little Tybee Island

Little Tybee Island is uninhabited. There are no lodging options available. Camping is allowed and can be an amazing experience. There is plenty of room to pitch a tent under the stars on the island. Choose from beachfront camping or venture into the forests for more privacy. Camping is free and you will need to provide all your supplies during the trip. Always pack up and remove your trash once leaving Tybee Island.

If you’re up for an adventure, staying on Little Tybee Island can be fantastic. Prepare your picnic, pack your tent, kayak to the island, and enjoy nature. Spend a romantic night under the stars or spend days hiking around the island enjoying nature.

The Best Areas to Stay Around Tybee Island

As you can see, there is plenty to do and see on Tybee Island. Each neighborhood offers a unique way to enjoy the island. From couples dancing at beach bars to families enjoying a boating holiday, it’s easy to find the best area to stay around Tybee Island.

Everyone on Tybee Island has something to do, from romantic beachfront getaways to family-friendly deep-sea fishing vacations. Tybee Island is close to Savannah and is great for local and out-of-town tourists. Ready to book Tybee Island hotels for your next trip? Don’t hesitate to contact us today.