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Itinerary

Classic Three-Day Tybee Island Itinerary

Tybee Island is filled with fun ways for visitors to explore history, art and culture.

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Take a long weekend and really immerse yourself into the island culture and experience everything this coastal paradise has to offer!


Day 1

FORT PULASKI

Kick off your tour to Tybee with a bang, or cannon fire, at Fort Pulaski National Monument, a beautifully preserved Civil War fortress. Rub shoulders with soldiers from long ago while admiring the beauty of the fort and surrounding marsh in peacetime. Stroll down the fort’s short nature trails and catch a glimpse of the Cockspur Lighthouse, the long-abandoned structure that stands alone in the channel.

LUNCH AT THE SHORE

Tybee’s seafood is locally caught and served fresh to order. Sit down for a relaxing island lunch at one of Tybee’s seaside eateries. Eat shrimp by the pound and watch the waves break along the shore. After lunch, take a stroll down the Tybee Island Pier for an unobstructed view of the shoreline and the Atlantic Ocean.

HOP ON A DOLPHIN TOUR

Dolphins are abundant in the waters surrounding Tybee. Get a closer look by taking a dolphin tour through the channels of the Savannah River. Catch a glimpse as their sleek bodies jump into the air and race alongside your boat. These friendly and curious creatures are the unofficial welcoming party for visitors to the island.

SUNSET DINNER

Wrap up the first day on the island by enjoying dinner overlooking the expansive salt marsh and Back River at sunset. Choose from an array of delicious dishes to delight even the pickiest of eaters. Come casually: Tybee’s unpretentious atmosphere means that flip flops and windswept hair are not just welcomed; they are encouraged.

Day 2

EXPLORE LITTLE TYBEE ISLAND

Get a taste of Little Tybee's uninhabited beaches for a change of pace. Little Tybee Island, a beautiful uninhabited island just south of Tybee, is accessible only by boat. Secure a charter or kayak and weave through the tidal creeks on your way to the beach. Spot bald eagles, dolphins and indigenous birds from the boat while being cooled by the soft, salty breeze. While on the beach, collect giant seashells as souvenirs to remind you of Tybee.

TOUR THE HISTORIC TYBEE ISLAND LIGHT STATION AND MUSEUM

Dating back to 1736, Tybee's historic lighthouse is one of only seven Colonial-era light stations remaining in America. Climb the 178 steps to reach the top of the lighthouse for stunning views of the island and the Atlantic. While at the top, wave in container ships from across the globe as they enter the Savannah River on their way to one of the nation's busiest ports.

ISLAND DINNER

After a full day of exploration, you'll be looking for something to delight your appetite. Tybee boasts several options to please taste buds, whether the mood is for a casual setting or something more formal. Select from seafood and hushpuppies, Low Country boil, steak, chicken, or almost anything else in-between. You'll finish up day two feeling full and looking forward to the next day's lineup.

Day 3

BEACH BUMMING

A stay at Tybee isn't complete without spending some time on the beach. No beach chairs? No problem! Beach chairs are available to rent and can be delivered to your spot on the shore. Tybee offers five miles of unspoiled, beautiful sandy beaches to enjoy. You can't go wrong with any beachside location, from quiet North Beach to bustling South Beach.

WATERSPORTS

Kayaks, jet skis, and paddleboards are all available to rent for those looking for more than a beach chair and some shut-eye. Take a personal tour through the Back River, the historic Cockspur Lighthouse, and even Little Tybee Island. Instructions are available for beginners so that everyone can be involved in the adventure.

COOL OFF WITH SOMETHING SWEET

If your group is craving something sweet and cold after a day at the beach or on the water, Tybee Island's ice cream shops will hit the spot. Get a cone or cup, or even a banana split to cool off after a day in the sun. Conveniently located at both ends of the island, a sweet treat is always within reach.

VISIT THE TYBEE ISLAND MARINE SCIENCE CENTER

Tybee is home to several species of marine wildlife, and the newly renovated Tybee Island Marine Science Center is the perfect place to go for a closer look. The center offers tanks filled with fish, turtles and crabs to view (and, in some cases, to touch), as well as beach walks and eco-tours for a more personal experience. The center also offers floating classrooms that explore the Savannah River, Tybee's creeks and rivers and a dolphin tour perfect for groups.

To download a print version of Tybee Island's Classic Itinerary, click here.

Plan Your Visit