Author: 
A vacation getaway is supposed to be an enjoyable experience packed with tons of fun, and here at Tybee Island, you will be getting just that! Tybee Island is a barrier island and a small city near Savannah, Georgia, not too far from Atlanta. This location is renowned for its sandy beaches, which are impressive in size and view.
This place is not only home to tons of beach fun, but it also has a rich history for you to delve into as you enjoy the island. Tybee is replete with everything that you need to have the perfect vacation. Continue reading to discover Tybee Island things to do near your vacation rentals!
Fun Tybee Island Things To Do
Discover the location of the many fun things to do before you have to go back home. We’ve taken the liberty of giving you a cheat sheet so you can do less discovering and more enjoying as you visit the following sites.
Tybee Beach
Tybee Beach has been a southern vacation magnet for almost 160 years. The Tybee Island beach is conveniently only 100 feet away from the nearest hotel in the area, making it the perfect place to kick off the adventures that you’ll embark on in the Atlantic Ocean.
You can take a tour of dolphins, learn how to kayak, or you can grab your beach gear and pitch an umbrella and take a load off while sipping a refreshing beverage to cool you down.
Sea Turtle Nesting
During the day, you are bound to see the sunshine, sandcastles, and people bathing in the sun. But at night, sea turtles will meander their way out of the Atlantic ocean to start nesting.
On Tybee Island, sea turtle nesting is a special time on the island. Crawling onto the beach, the Loggerhead sea turtles will grace the beach with their presence to lay their eggs to prepare for the arrival of their offspring.
Tybee Island Light Station
30 Meddin Dr, Tybee Island, GA 31328, United States
The Tybee Island Lighthouse houses the tallest and oldest lighthouse in the entire state. It even has 178 steps, to be exact.
While there, you’d be more than inclined to climb the steps to the top of the lighthouse to take in breathtaking views of the Savannah River. Moreover, when the visibility is good, you can see Hilton Head. However, this only happens occasionally.
The purchase of your ticket not only grants you admission, but it allows you to see the 1899 Military Battery. That structure houses the Tybee Island Museum. The exhibits cover swaths of time, such as the history of Fort Screven, Tybee’s Golden Era, the Euchee Tribe, and much more.
Fort Pulaski National Monument
US-80, Savannah, GA 31410, United States
Located on Cockspur Island between Tybee Island and Savannah is the Fort Pulaski National Monument. The Confederate garrison retreated inside Fort Pulaski when forced by the Civil Union Army. This caused them to surrender during the American Civil War.
You can also take a tour of the massive land, which covers 5,600 acres. While on tour, observe a museum, a decommissioned lighthouse, and daily historic weapons demonstrations.
Kayak on the Sea
1102 US-80, Tybee Island, GA 31328, United States
You can Kayak on the sea while on Tybee Island. Just take a trip to Sea Kayak Georgia, to satisfy your thirst for adventure. This place has guided kayak tours all surrounding the Georgia coastal areas.
At Sea Kayak Georgia, you can find rentals if you are familiar with kayaks or you’ve successfully taken classes. What’s more, if you don’t know kayaks, instructions are offered every day. They teach fundamental and advanced skills as well.
Tybee Island Fishing Pier and Pavilion
Tybrisa St, Tybee Island, GA 31328, United States
The Tybee Pier is an attraction that you can’t miss. While on the fishing pier, you can enjoy deep-sea fishing, festivals, and fireworks! This pier is home to fishers and riveting seasonal festivals.
The Tybee Island pier is more than just a place where you can catch fish. Visitors have a convenient place where they can observe dolphins playing, near a dance floor where you can enjoy dancing as well.
Tybee Island Marine Science Center
37 Meddin Dr, Tybee Island, GA 31328, United States
While on the island, you can take some time out to learn about the unique island and the natural residents of the land. There’s an educational center ready to give you some assistance in this endeavor of learning.
There are live animal exhibits about marine life, a hands-on touch tank, and a dedicated and knowledgeable staff awaits you at the Tybee Marine Science Center. All the fees for admission, talks, beach walks, and tours go toward preserving the Georgia Coast and helping the wildlife.
Captain Mike’s Dolphin Tour
1 Old US Hwy 80, Tybee Island, GA 31328, United States
Dolphins are a sight to behold, and Captain Mike’s Dolphin Tours is the best way to ensure that you don’t leave the island without seeing dolphins. Moreover, the unique location where the Atlantic ocean meets inland Savannah allows you to historical landmarks, exotic birds, and more!
East Coast Paddle Boarding
Paddleboarding is one of the most thrilling and invigorating in the world of watersports. It’s no surprise that it continues to grow in popularity. Paddleboarding caters to various skill and age levels.
Tourists can count on the East Coast Paddle Boarding company to deliver paddleboard lessons at affordable rates, as well as guided tours in Tybee Island.
The dedicated staff is not only helpful, but they’re friendly and experienced. They will ensure that you have a memorable experience, whether it’s your first or hundredth time paddleboarding.
Try Bird Watching
At the end of the Savannah River, the North Beach Birding Trail lies near the Atlantic Ocean. Tybee Island beach is filled with shorebirds and seabirds that come from the Arctic Tundra during the winter and fall.
The North Beach gives you a spectacular sight with the western sandpipers, turnstones, sanderlings, dunlin, black-bellied plovers, and many more exotic birds. This activity is excellent for nature lovers both young and old, and what’s more, it doesn’t cost a thing, but you sure will learn a lot.
Try the Cuisine
There is nothing like the fresh seafood that comes on daily, which is the specialty of Tybee Island. With so many great restaurants to choose from, you won’t be disappointed!
One of the most popular places to dine is the Crab Shack, most popular for its lunch and dinner options. Get lump crab meat, tender lobster, fried shrimp, and more.
Pair that along with the lagoon of alligators that’s nearby and the beautiful view from the restaurant. You may also want to take a break from the beach and visit Sting Ray’s; they serve cold drinks and signature fish tacos.
Go Fossil Hunting
Searching for fossils is as fun as it sounds when visiting the island. If you take a tour with Sundial Charters, you’re sure to get a pleasant day out doing something new.
Collect special keepsakes from the estuaries like shark’s teeth or even bone fragments from the prehistoric period. This is another activity that both adults and children would enjoy as they explore and gather artifacts.
Explore the Tybee Post Theater
10 Van Horne Ave, Tybee Island, GA 31328, United States
Fort Screven houses the Tybee Post Theater, a historical landmark not far from Hotel Tybee. Initially constructed in 1930, the Tybee Post was a movie theater for the army soldiers that lived on base.
After being closed thirty years after its birth, the Tybee Island Historical Society saw fit to raise the money with the help of citizens for restoration. Now a notable movie and performing arts venue, guests can enjoy classic and new movies, live music, and even comedy performances.
See What Little Tybee Island Has to Offer
Little Tybee Island is south of the barrier island, and it is known as a hidden gem amongst the tourists and locals alike. Surprisingly, Little Tybee Island is double the size of its big brother Tybee Island. You can enjoy camping, biking, and exploration, but remember, there aren’t any bridges or roads that connect.
It is only possible to get to Little Tybee by taking a boat or kayak, which you can visit Bull River Marina to obtain. You can also enjoy beachcombing, hiking, and fossil hunting on Little Tybee Island.
Visit Historic Savannah
Take a self-guided tour throughout the historic Savannah district. The architecture of the 18th and 19th century are still intact; not only this, but you get to behold the magnificent tree-lined streets to the local markets and parks.
The City Market
This attraction is a part of the historic district and has been the home of traders and farmers from the 1700s. The open market spans four blocks and has a nice collection of entertainment, shopping, and dining establishments.
You can also take the time to enjoy special events, taste different foods, check out the local artists and their work, and get maps of the city from the visitor center!
Cockspur Island Lighthouse
The Cockspur is the smallest lighthouse located in all of Georgia. It hasn’t been active since 1909, but from 2007 it was lit again because of its historical significance. Tourists say it’s a beautiful place to stop by if you’re traveling by boat or kayak.
Plan Your Tybee Island Getaway
Tybee Island is truly a special destination that’s not only rich in American history, but it’s a cultured city that is fun to visit.
With all of the options for water activities, the food, the music, outdoor activities, the fresh air, and the friendly inhabitants, you can’t go wrong when finding something to do during your Tybee Island vacation.
Featured Image Credit: By Sean Pavone
