Tybee Island Day Trip from Savannah

Not sure how to spend your time? Here's an easy half-day escape from Savannah.

• Start your Tybee Island escape by grabbing a coffee at Tybean Coffee Bar or Sand Cat Coffee before heading to North Beach. Spend the morning watching dolphins in the distance, strolling the shoreline and collecting seashells.
• Next, make your way to the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum. As the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Georgia, it's a must-see for first-time visitors. Be sure to stop by the gift shop to commemorate your 145-foot climb to the top.
• Now that you've worked up an appetite, settle into one of Tybee's waterfront restaurants. Depending on the season, you'll find fresh local shrimp, oysters and plenty of photo-worthy views.
• Before heading back to Savannah, take a little time to browse Tybee's locally owned shops. It's one of the few beach destinations where you'll find independent boutiques instead of national chains, making it easy to pick up a unique souvenir or keepsake.

Have the whole day? Here's how to get even more out of this wonderful island.

Arrive & Park

Start your day by parking near the beach or your first stop. Tybee offers convenient public parking lots and metered spaces throughout the island, including South Beach, North Beach and several beach access points. For the easiest experience, download the Park TYB mobile app before you arrive so you can pay for parking right from your phone.

Beach Time

No trip to Tybee is complete without spending time on the beach. Explore more than three miles of sandy shoreline, where swaying palms, sea oats and gentle waves invite you to slow down and embrace "Tybee Time." Whether you're searching for seashells, spotting dolphins offshore or simply soaking up the sunshine, every beach offers its own unique charm.

Lunch

After a morning by the water, satisfy your cravings with some of the freshest seafood on the Georgia coast. From waterfront restaurants to casual spots just steps from the beach, Tybee's locally owned eateries serve everything from Low Country shrimp and oysters to crafted cocktails and island favorites.

Choose Your Adventure

With a few more hours to spare, it's time to experience another side of Tybee Island. Whether you're drawn to history, wildlife or time on the water, there's no shortage of ways to spend the afternoon.

Tour the Tybee Island Light Station & Museum
The oldest and tallest lighthouse in Georgia rewards visitors with panoramic views after climbing all 178 steps. While you're there, explore the museum campus and browse the gift shop before heading to your next stop.

Head Out on the Water
See bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat with Captain Derek's Dolphin Adventure Tours, set sail with Compass Sailing, customize your own coastal adventure with Sweet Lowland Tours, or explore the waterways with Crab Creek Charters, Sundial Charters or Bull River Marina. Looking for something a little different? Join Tybee Shark Teeth Tours to hunt for prehistoric fossils along the shoreline or skim across the marsh with Tybee Island Water Sports.

Explore Tybee's History & Wildlife
Visit the Tybee Island Marine Science Center to discover the island's fascinating marine life, or make your way to Fort Pulaski National Monument, where history, scenic trails and impressive Civil War architecture await. For a guided experience, Tybee Tour Company offers historic golf cart tours, shopping excursions and pub crawls led by passionate local guides.

Shopping & Sweet Treats

Before heading back to Savannah, browse Tybee's locally owned shops for coastal keepsakes, artwork and one-of-a-kind gifts. From The Shoppes at 1207 to local galleries and boutiques, it's easy to take a little piece of the island home with you.

Then reward yourself with something sweet. Indulge in Pier 16's Peanut Butter Explosion Cake, Fannie's Killer Key Lime Pie, Sting Ray's Chocolate Mousse Pie and more before making your way back to Savannah.

As the sun begins to set, make your way back to Savannah, where the evening is just getting started. Whether you're in the mood for rooftop cocktails overlooking the river, live music, ghost tours or an unforgettable dinner, there's no better way to end a day on Tybee Island than with a night on the town.

Dinner & Drinks

Trade salty breezes for Savannah's lively waterfront. Head to Plant Riverside District for dinner before making your way to Electric Moon Skytop Lounge for live music and sweeping river views, or unwind at the garden-inspired Myrtle & Rose Rooftop Garden with a handcrafted cocktail in hand. For a more laid-back evening, stroll along River Street, where waterfront restaurants and open-air bars invite you to linger a little longer.

Entertainment After Dark

Whether you're catching a performance at the Savannah Theatre, listening to live music around City Market or joining one of Savannah's legendary ghost tours, the city's nightlife offers something for every kind of traveler. From historic theaters to haunted streets, Savannah takes on a whole new personality once the sun goes down.

One Last Stroll

Before calling it a night, take one last walk beneath the glow of Savannah's live oaks and historic squares. After a day spent exploring Tybee Island, there's no better way to end your adventure than with an evening in one of the South's most charming cities.

• Download the Park TYB app.

• Bring cash for cash-only businesses and vendors.

• Check the tide chart before choosing your beach or hunting for shells.

• Call the Tybee Island Visitor Center for seasonal recommendations.

• Review the Beach Safety page before your visit.