(Updated Feb 2023) If you’re looking for a southern vacation spot with abundant activities and stunning coastal views, then Tybee Island, Georgia, should be high on your list! As one of the most popular beach destinations near Savannah (twenty minutes away) and along the Southeast Coast, Tybee has something to offer for everyone. From outdoor adventures and excellent restaurants to spectacular beaches—Tybee is sure to please all travelers. Read on for our top 5 things to do at Tybee Island!
1. Enjoy Tybee Island’s Beautiful Beaches
Experience the stunning beauty of Tybee Island’s beaches! From North Beach, where you can watch passing cargo ships, to South Beach with access to its iconic Pier and Pavilion – it’s never been easier for folks to take in breathtaking views.
And if that wasn’t enough, why not enjoy a beach day knowing that restrooms and changing facilities are available at the pavilion? An Olympic-level experience awaits on gorgeous Tybee Island!
Tybee Island is the perfect destination for beachgoers. Easily accessible streets and plentiful parking make soaking up some sunshine a breeze! Surf aficionados can take lessons or rent paddle boards, jet skis, and more from local water adventure companies.
For those looking to experience peace on their vacation – Mid Beach between North and South Beaches offers fewer crowds, while Back River Beach provides guests with good chances of spotting dolphins in its tranquil waters. I’ve seen dolphins playing close to this shore a few times myself!
2. Enjoy Fresh Coastal Seafood
After spending time at the shoreline, discover delicious eats likeSundae Cafeand A-J’s Dockside Restaurant. Then, play to visit The Crab Shack, Tybee’s most well-known eatery, where you’ll savor your meal surrounded by stunning waterfront views! Guests have been visiting the Crab Shack since 1940.
Get ready for a gastronomic adventure with three of the best spots on Tybee Island. Start at Sundae Cafe, where you can sip and savor artisanal co*cktails while enjoying classic dishes like Double Cut Pork Chop or Pecan Chicken. Don’t forget to try their amazing Oysters Rockefeller!
A-J’sis more laidback in vibe but no less delicious thanks to seafood baskets paired with cold beer along Back River. Begin your meal here by indulging in Hot Artichoke & Spinach Dip accompanied by crunchy tortilla chips before diving into main courses such as Snow Crab Legs and fried combos packed full of oysters, shrimp flounder and scallops.
Finish off this flavorful journey atThe Original Crab Shack. This iconic local legend boasts waterfront views, plus live alligators lounging about its property.
Crab Shack’s crab legs and shrimp are off-the-hook delicious, as are the frozen drinks, namely the Mudslide. The Original Crab Shack is unmissable; it has become a true Tybee legend for its three bars as much as for its incredible dishes!
3. Go Fishing From the Pier
From South Beach to Tybee Island, a fisherman’s paradise awaits! Here you can cast your line for the abundant speckled trout, bass, catfish, Spanish mackerel, and other species at popular locations like Lazaretto Creek Pier or Fisherman’s Walk at Back River.
And, if you’re feeling adventurous, take on a deep-sea fishing expedition, one of the best things to do in Tybee Island.
Pro Tip:Watch for Spanish mackerel near the North and South End sand bars.
4. Visit the Iconic Tybee Island Lighthouse
A trip to Tybee Island would only be complete with visiting the majestic 145-foot tall lighthouse that overlooks Georgia’s coast – with 178 steps leading up to it (an easier climb than most!).
Though the Tybee Island Lighthouse has been rebuilt several times since the 18th century, it is still fully functional.
The view atopthis historical landmarkallows visitors to take in breathtaking sights along Fort Screven’s 19th-century gun batteries. So come soak up the sun while casting your line, or lace up those hiking shoes and explore South Beach like never before!
5. Explore the Downtown District and Shopping
Need a break from the beach? Head to downtown Tybee Island for all your summer shopping and entertainment needs. You’ll find adorable hermit crabs to take home with you and an arsenal of floats, rafts, and pool toys to enhance your vacation.
For refreshments or drinks, step into Java & Juice orFannie’s on the Beach– don’t forget about their convenient walk-up window feature too. After dark, check out Wet Willie’s and Doc Bar, two local favorites that add some nightlife flair to your vacation.
If you want more shopping, check out Highway 80, home to Seaside Sisters (which often host Mary Kay Andrews signings) and Latitude 32. You’ll also find some eclectic boutique shops at Tybee Oaks, with unique finds around every corner, surrounded by picturesque cottages!
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Read more of our other beach posts at:
Best Things to Do at Fernandina Beach
41 Fun Things to Do in the Palm Beaches, FL
A 5-Day Guide to Myrtle Beach, SC
