10 Must-Do Tybee Island Activities for First Time Visitors
First-time visitors to Tybee Island will quickly discover that there’s more to explore beyond the beach. From coastal landmarks to easygoing island experiences, Tybee offers plenty of memorable ways to soak in its charm—on and off the shoreline.
Here’s the inside scoop on the activities you won’t want to miss during your stay on Tybee Island.
Tybee Island Light Station.
Dating back to 1736, the Tybee Island Light Station is Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse. The surrounding lightkeepers’ cottages and nearby military battery help bring the island’s layered history to life, from the time of the Euchee tribe to Fort Screven and Tybee’s Golden Era. Climb to the top for sweeping coastal views, then explore the exhibits that make this landmark a must for first-time visitors.
Fort Pulaski National Monument
Located on Cockspur Island between Savannah and Tybee Island, Fort Pulaski National Monument preserves one of the most significant sites of the Civil War. It was here that Union forces used rifled cannon fire to breach the fort’s walls, forcing the Confederate garrison to surrender—a moment that changed the future of military science. Today, visitors can explore the grounds, walk through the fort and gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal chapter in American history.
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The Sugar Shack has been an island staple for more than 30 years and now serves a full menu daily. Best known for its hand-dipped Jersey ice cream, this Tybee favorite offers classic and creative flavors—from banana pudding to pralines and cream—making it a sweet stop for visitors of all ages.
Spot lively dolphins on Tybee Island.
Wild bottlenose dolphins are often spotted just offshore around Tybee Island. Captain Derek’s Dolphin Adventures offers unforgettable close-up views through dolphin tours, sunset cruises and fishing charters—giving visitors a front-row seat to Tybee’s coastal wildlife.
Dive into The Crab Shack's legendary Lowcountry Seafood Boil.
Fresh-caught seafood is a Tybee Island specialty, with plenty of restaurants to choose from. A longtime favorite, The Crab Shack is a go-to for lunch or dinner, offering waterfront views, a lagoon of alligators and famous steamed seafood samplers. After a day at the beach, Sting Ray’s Seafood is another great option for fish tacos, cold drinks and relaxed island vibes.
Courtesy of eBird - Tricolored Heron, Luke Seitz, photographer
Located where the Savannah River meets the Atlantic Ocean, the North Beach Birding Trail is a favorite spot for wildlife enthusiasts. During the fall and winter months, seabirds and shorebirds migrate from the Arctic tundra to Tybee’s shores, making North Beach one of the best places to spot sanderlings, plovers, knots, willets and other coastal birds. It’s a peaceful way to experience Tybee’s natural side—binoculars encouraged.
Climb aboard with Sundial Charters Nature Tours.
For those looking to stay active while enjoying Tybee Island’s serene surroundings, fossil hunting offers a fun, hands-on adventure. Head out with Sundial Charters Nature & Fishing Tours to search for shark teeth and prehistoric bone fragments while learning about the island’s estuaries. Prefer to stay shore-based? Tybee Shark Teeth Tours leads guided beach walks that help visitors uncover ancient treasures while exploring Tybee’s coastal landscape—perfect for curious minds of all ages.
Make aquatic connections at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center.
Make memories while learning, interacting and exploring at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center. Located on peaceful North Beach, this hands-on facility is home to a variety of aquatic animals, including baby alligators, horseshoe crabs and loggerhead sea turtles. Interactive exhibits help visitors better understand marine biology and the vital role coastal ecosystems play in sustaining Georgia’s barrier islands.
Spend the night under the stars on Little Tybee Island.
Just south of Tybee Island lies Little Tybee Island, a pristine, uninhabited nature preserve that often flies under the radar. Nearly twice the size of Tybee Island, this protected landscape is ideal for exploring, picnicking and camping. While there are no roads or bridges to Little Tybee, guided tours and water access make it possible to experience this secluded coastal paradise.
Explore Fort Screven by bike.
Tybee Island is a biker’s paradise, with bike-friendly roads and scenic paths that make getting around part of the fun. Rent a ride from TIMS Bikes, Beach Gear & Disc Golf and pedal through colorful neighborhoods, cruise along the shoreline or bike your way to a sunset dinner. It’s one of the best ways to explore the island at Tybee's relaxed pace.
