Your Perfect Georgia Getaway: Two Days on Tybee Island

Tybee Island is a beautiful barrier island located just 18 miles from Savannah, Georgia. It has been a beloved destination since the 1800s, anchored by its historic Tybee Island Lighthouse.

If you're considering a visit to this gorgeous island, pack your camera and sunscreen and prepare for an amazing weekend getaway. Here’s how to spend two days fully experiencing everything Tybee Island has to offer.

Tybee Island Attractions

While the stunning beaches are the main draw, the attractions on Tybee Island offer wonderful diversity. Beyond the sand and surf, you can explore rich history, abundant wildlife, and unique coastal activities.

The Tybee Island Lighthouse

A visit isn't complete without seeing the iconic Tybee Island Lighthouse. Built in 1736, it is one of the oldest and most complete lighthouses in the United States. Climbing to the top rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the entire island and the Atlantic Ocean.

Kayaking and Dolphin Tours

You can’t go to Tybee Island without getting out on the water! Kayaking is a fantastic way to explore the calm marshes and rivers, with tours and rentals available for all skill levels. For a truly memorable experience, join a dolphin tour. Services like Captain Mike’s Dolphin Tours offer close-up encounters with the playful dolphins that call these waters home.

Events and Festivals

Tybee Island is known for its vibrant events and festivals, which happen throughout the year. From seafood festivals to live music on the pier, it’s always worth checking the local calendar to see what unique events you can experience during your stay.

How Far is it From Savannah to Tybee Island?

Tybee Island is conveniently located just 18 miles from the heart of historic Savannah. This short drive makes it incredibly easy to pair a serene beach vacation with the cultured elegance of one of the South's most famous cities. The trip typically takes about 30 minutes by car, making Tybee the perfect day trip or a complementary part of a longer Savannah-based holiday.

The ride out to Tybee is always a fun one! The road connecting Tybee to the mainland was built back in the 1920s, and I always love to spot the sea turtle crossing signs!

Is Tybee Island Walkable?

Yes, Tybee Island is very walkable, especially in its main areas. The island is only about three miles long and two miles wide, creating a small-town feel that is perfect for exploring on foot or by bicycle.

The South Beach area, where you’ll find the Tybee Island Pier and a concentration of shops and restaurants, is particularly pedestrian-friendly. For longer distances, a car or bike is helpful, but you can easily enjoy the core beach and downtown areas by walking.

NOTE: Parking isn't always easy to come by on Tybee (especially in the hotter months.) Your best bet is to park where you can and travel around on foot! Most side streets offer paid parking, just be sure to pay or you will wind up towed.

Tybee Island Vacation Rentals

When considering where to stay, you'll find a fantastic range of Tybee Island hotels and vacation rentals to suit any preference.

For those seeking a home-away-from-home feel, Tybee Island vacation rentals are an excellent choice. Cozy cottages around the quiet Back River area are often affordable and pet-friendly, offering a peaceful retreat that’s still conveniently located.

Charming inns and resorts like the Sandcastle Inn provide a comfortable and often more intimate alternative to larger hotel chains, adding to the relaxing atmosphere of your stay.

I usually stay in Savannah because Tybee is only part of my trip to the area!

Where to Eat on Tybee Island

It would take hours to list all the amazing places to enjoy local cuisine, but here are some fan favorites.

The Crab Shack: This spot lives up to its motto, “Where the elite eat in their bare feet,” offering a quintessential, casual Tybee experience. Menu items include crab (obviously), oysters, and crawfish by the pound.

The Deck Beach Bar and Kitchen: For the only oceanfront restaurant on the island, head to The Deck Beach Bar and Kitchen, where a diverse menu meets stunning beach views. The menu is pretty stacked, but you can't beat the shrimp nachos.

AJ’s Dockside Restaurant: This is the place to go for a memorable dinner; try to arrive in the late afternoon to secure a spot for one of their famous, breathtaking sunsets. You'll find delicious options like conch fritters, crab burgers, and gumbo at AJ's.

Tybee Island Beaches

The coastline welcomes you as soon as you arrive, and each of Tybee's beaches has its own unique charm.

North Beach covers a huge chunk of the island and is home to historic attractions like the lighthouse, and it is a paradise for nature lovers thanks to its rich wildlife and trails like the McQueen’s Island Trail.

South Beach is the vibrant downtown hub, where you can immerse yourself in Tybee’s culture with the widest variety of nightlife, restaurants, and the famous Tybee Island Pier.

Mid Beach is chart-topping for its convenient, central location, offering a mixture of everything the island has to offer.

For those looking to escape the crowds, Back River is considered a more secluded "secret" beach, perfect for a calm and quiet vacation.

For those wanting a little seclusion, Little Tybee Island is an uninhabited preserve accessible only by boat, ideal for camping, kayaking, and disconnecting completely.

Your Two-Day Itinerary

Two days is the perfect amount of time to get a taste of Tybee. It can be tacked on to a longer Savannah itinerary or be the sole destination for a weekend getaway. Let's go!

Day One: Arrival, Beach Time, and a Sunset Lighthouse View

Start your first day by settling into your accommodations. Drop your bags, slather on some sunscreen, and head straight for the sand.

For your first beach experience, make your way to South Beach. This is where the energy of Tybee comes alive. The famous Tybee Island Pier stretches out into the Atlantic, and the surrounding area buzzes with shops and cafes. Spend the late morning simply being. Spread out a towel, listen to the waves, and take that first deep breath of salty air. If you want to ease into the water, the gentle slopes here make it perfect for wading.

By lunchtime, you have earned a proper meal. Walk over to The Deck Beach Bar and Kitchen, the only oceanfront restaurant on the island. Grab a seat with a view, order something fresh, and watch the beachgoers while you recharge.

Once you have eaten, it is time for one of Tybee's most iconic experiences. Head to the Tybee Island Lighthouse. This historic structure has stood since 1736, making it one of the oldest and most complete lighthouses in the United States. Climb the 178 steps to the top, and yes, it is a workout, but the reward is a panoramic view that stretches for miles over the island, the marshes, and the endless ocean. Take your time up there. The breeze is worth it.

As the sun begins to set, you have a decision to make. For a relaxed dinner, drive over to AJ's Dockside Restaurant. Arrive in the late afternoon to snag a good spot, because the sunsets here are legendary. Watch the sky turn shades of orange and pink while you enjoy fresh seafood. Alternatively, if you want something more casual, head to The Crab Shack. Either way, end your evening with a quiet walk along the beach under the stars.

Day Two: Dolphin Tour, Historic North Beach, and a Leisurely Farewell

Wake up early on your second day. Not too early, but early enough to beat the heat. Grab coffee and a quick breakfast from a local spot like Tybean Art & Coffee Bar, then make your way to the marina. Today you are going on a dolphin tour.

Services like Captain Mike's Dolphin Tours offer unforgettable trips into the waters surrounding Tybee (book this in advance). These intelligent, playful creatures are abundant here, and there is something magical about watching them swim alongside the boat, surf the wake, and pop up unexpectedly near your bow. The captain knows exactly where to find them, and the tours usually last about ninety minutes. Bring your camera and maybe a light jacket, because the breeze on the water can be cooler than you expect.

After your dolphin encounter, drive over to North Beach. This area covers a huge chunk of the island and offers a completely different vibe from South Beach. It is quieter, more natural, and home to some of Tybee's most historic attractions, including that lighthouse you visited yesterday.

But today, focus on the beach itself and the nature around it. North Beach is a haven for birdwatchers, with over two hundred species migrating through, some all the way from the Arctic tundra. Spread out a blanket, take a stroll along the shore, or simply sit and watch the pelicans glide overhead.

If you are feeling adventurous and have a little time, consider renting a kayak for an hour. The marshes behind North Beach are calm and teeming with wildlife. It is a peaceful way to see a side of Tybee that most visitors miss.

For lunch, try something low-key. Pack a simple picnic and eat right on the sand at North Beach, or grab a bite at North Beach Bar and Grill.

Then, use your remaining afternoon however you wish. Maybe you want to browse the boutique shops near South Beach. Maybe you want one last swim. Maybe you want to walk out onto the pier and just watch the waves for a while. There is no wrong answer.

It's Tybee Time!

If it wasn’t obvious already, Tybee Island truly has something for everyone. You can spend two magnificent days taking advantage of all the features that make this barrier island a timeless and popular destination. Just remember to pack the sunscreen, the Georgia sun is strong even when it does not feel that hot!

Backpack Wanderings

Because everyone deserves to travel

Connect

Get travel updates and more:

© 2025. All rights reserved.

This blog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.