What to Expect: Tybee Island Costs

Parking and Getting Around

Budget Level: $-$$

Tybee is beautifully compact and highly walkable, but if you’re bringing a vehicle, you’ll want to plan ahead for parking. Here’s what to expect: 

• Beach Parking: All public parking spaces on the island are metered. The current price to park on the island is $4.00/hour or you can purchase a 24-hour day pass for $25. However, rates can vary by season and location, so be sure to check our official parking page for the most up-to-date hourly and daily rates. 
• The Smart Way to Pay: The city no longer accepts coins or cash for parking payments, so you will either need to pay via an on-street kiosk or through the Park TYB app. The app lets you pay straight from your phone, extend sessions remotely, and receive reminders before time expires, allowing you to spend less time at the kiosk and more time with your toes in the sand. 
• Leave the Car Behind: Want to save on parking? Hop on the Tybee Turtle Transit, a convenient, eco-friendly golf cart shuttle service that makes getting around the island a breeze. The shuttle rate is $3/person and runs daily from 9 AM – 3:30 AM.

Activities & Experiences

Whether you want to fill your days with high-energy water sports or just sit back and watch the waves, Tybee has options for every budget. Here is how some of our top experiences stack up: 

Free Activities 

• Dolphin and Bird Watching at North Beach: Bring your binoculars and watch for dolphins offshore and migrating shorebirds along the dunes, especially in spring and fall. 
• Tybee Pier and Pavilion: A classic, no-cost way to take in ocean views, watch anglers cast a line, and soak up the island atmosphere.
• Back River Beach Sunsets: End your day on the island’s quieter side for a front-row seat to the most spectacular, golden sunset on the coast – zero admission fee required.  

Mid-Range ($-$$)

• Tybee Island Light Station and Museum: Climb Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse for panoramic views of the Atlantic. Tickets are budget-friendly and include access to the historic site and museum. 
• Tybee Island Marine Science Center: Perfect for families, this modern center offers a hands-on look at marine life, touch tanks, and guided beach walks for a modest admission fee. 
• Bike and Beach Rentals: Rather than lugging your beach gear through the sand, let a local outfitter like TIMS Bikes, Beach, & Disc Golf do it for you. TIMS will set up your beach chairs, umbrellas, beach games, and other essentials and then collect them at the end of the day. You can also rent bikes for an easy and fun way to explore the island. 

Splurge ($$$)

• Captain Derek's Dolphin Adventures: Want to get up close and personal with some of Tybee’s most beloved residents? Treat the family to an exciting cruise around the local waterways to watch the dolphins leap through the waves.
• Tybee Island Water Sports: Experience unforgettable adventures on the water with jet ski or pontoon boat rentals. For a more laid-back vibe, charter a Tybee Tiki Boat for a family-friendly tour or a serene sunset cruise. 
• Coast to Coast Beach Rentals: The ultimate way to cruise the island in style? A golf cart. Single or multi-day rentals in a variety of sizes and styles allow you to explore Tybee with the coastal breeze blowing through your hair.   

Island Dining

From ultra-casual beach snacks to fresh-off-the-boat seafood dinners, Tybee's culinary scene is laid-back and delicious. 

• Grab-and-Go Eats ($): If you prefer to eat with your toes in the sand, Tybee has plenty of quick service spots, sandwich shops, and casual walk-up windows. Budget a few dollars for classic local favorites like a handcrafted espresso and a breakfast burrito at The Tybean Coffee Bar, a street taco at Chamacos Tacos and Surf, a refreshing frozen daiquiri at Wet Willie's, and a scoop of ice cream at the Sugar Shack. 
• Sit-Down Restaurants ($$-$$$): Planning a relaxing evening out? Our sit-down establishments and coastal taverns offer incredible atmosphere and fresh seafood platters. Prices vary depending on whether you’re ordering a casual meal like a po-boy at Sting Ray's Seafood or a jerk chicken sandwich at North Beach Bar & Grill, or a more upscale entrée like the house cut filet at Sundae Café or an order of Alaskan king crab legs at The Crab Shack, but casual beach attire is always welcome. 

Seasonality: When Your Dollar Goes Further

When you visit Tybee Island can have just as much of an impact on your budget as what you do once you’re here, especially when it comes to accommodations.

• Peak Season ($$$): Late spring through summer brings gorgeous beach weather, lively events, and bustling crowds. Because demand is high, you can generally expect to pay higher accommodation rates for hotels and vacation rentals during these months. 
• Shoulder Seasons ($$): Many visitors consider early spring and fall sweet spots for a Tybee vacation. Temperatures remain comfortable, the ocean is still inviting, and visitors often find better availability and more favorable lodging rates. 
• Winter and Off-Season ($): If your ideal beach vacation includes quiet walks, uncrowded restaurants, and peaceful sunsets, winter may be Tybee’s best-kept secret. Visitors often find the lowest accommodation rates of the year while still enjoying the island’s natural beauty. 

Ready to Save on Your Stay? 

A spectacular beach vacation doesn’t have to break the bank. Before you finalize your travel plans, head over to our Deals & Specials page to find discounts on lodging, dining, adventures, and other exclusive offers from our local partners!