Tybee Island is the classic "old school" beach with modern restaurants and hotels. There are no high-rise hotels here, but there are a lot of quaint small operations where you can chat with the owner. This island has been a vacation spot for over 100 years. The beach is east of Savannah and 104 miles from Millen.
Fort Screven is a Revolutionary War-era fort and you won't want to miss the lighthouse built here in 1773. Tybee Island is also a residential area, so you may see someone's house next to a hotel or restaurant. The island's development goes back to the days before zoning came into vogue.
Coastal South Carolina and Georgia is made up of barrier islands. Many of these are developed tourist areas and many are not. The Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge, south of Savannah and 95 miles from Millen, has Pine Island and Wassaw Island, both of which are protected wildlife areas.
These beaches are unspoiled and you can only get there by boat. There are no roads, no development and no services. Marinas around Savannah can provide a launching point for you to take a boat to these islands, and some boat services will take you there. These beaches look like they did hundreds of years ago and access is limited to keep them that way.
Hilton Head Island is a highly developed area with several gated private communities. Most of these gated communities cater to retirees who have built nice homes on or near the beach. There are still plenty of public areas, and public access points to get to the beach. Nice restaurants are off the beach, as well as top-of-the-line hotels for a luxurious vacation.
Tennis and golf are huge here, with 20 professional-level golf courses and hundreds of tennis courts. The island is well manicured. There are no lighted signs allowed after dark, so finding your way around at night can be a challenge. If you want luxury and comfort, with the beach thrown in, this is the place. The island is north of Savannah and 105 miles from Millen.
There are a few state parks along the beaches that provide a middle ground between developed areas and wilderness. Hunting Island, north of Hilton Head Island, is 120 miles from Millen. This island was once a getaway for the very rich, but now is a state park.
There are modern campgrounds with full hookups on the beach. Cabins are also available, and there is a park office open at all times. The area retains some of its wilderness feel, as there is no development actually on the beach, and there are large spaces of wilderness.
