Tybee Island, Georgia, is located 18 miles east of Savannah. The area includes accommodations to suit every taste, from luxury condominiums, modern motels or hotels, and cottages and inns with a quaint beachfront flair. The atmosphere of Tybee Island, Georgia, is laid back and relaxing.
Tybee Island boasts a 3-mile long beach, perfect for swimming in the Atlantic, long walks or sunbathing. If you are walking along the beach at night during turtle nesting season, you might catch a glimpse of turtles laying their eggs along the sea oats-lined dunes. It is recommended that you not carry a flashlight during this time so as not to frighten the nesting turtles, which are protected on the island.
Fish off the pier or catch the ocean breezes as you walk along above the water. A large pavilion is located at the entrance of the pier, with drink machines, concrete tables for picnics, and restrooms.
If you love seafood, don't miss the opportunity to eat at the Crab Shack on Estill Hammock Road on Tybee Island. Shopping includes art galleries, convenience, souvenir and department stores, as well as art galleries and bait shops.
The Tybee Island Lighthouse, closed on Tuesdays, is Georgia's oldest and tallest lighthouse. First built in 1736, the lighthouse has been rebuilt several times after being destroyed by storms, fires and an earthquake. It has now been fully restored, and you can visit the Tybee Lighthouse Museum, the keeper's houses and a gift shop, or walk the 187 steps to the top of the lighthouse.
The Tybee Island Marine Science Center, which opened in 1988, is a nonprofit organization that "promotes appreciation, conservation and understanding of the marine ecosystem of coastal Georgia through education and service," according to the center's mission statement. Open daily, they have numerous exhibits and programs and sponsor "Discovery Beach Walks," "Marsh Treks" and "Tybee Turtle Talks." They also assist with volunteer beach cleanups and help for stranded sea creatures.
Named for General Joseph Screven, a Revolutionary War hero, Fort Screven's purpose when built was to be part of a system of coastal defense during the war. Besides a lot of military history, the area boasts sand dunes, beaches and a park.
View the dolphins around Tybee Island, Georgia, by going on one of the many dolphin tours offered around the island. Also, numerous companies offer deep sea fishing charters. Tybee Island offers visitors the opportunity to try parasailing, jet skiing and kayaking along Tybee's ocean and rivers.
