10 Reasons to Visit the Tybee Island Lighthouse

Originally constructed in 1736, the Tybee Island Lighthouse was built to guide mariners safe entrance into the Savannah River. The tower stands at 145 feet tall and has three Light Keeper Cottages nearby.

Lace up your sneakers and make the climb to the top of the Lighthouse for stunning 360-degree views of Tybee Island. It’s only 178 steps to the top!

Not too many attractions can offer remarkable sunrises and sunsets from one location. The Tybee Island Lighthouse opens its doors during the summer months to small groups at sunrise and sunset. Winter visitors are encouraged to travel back through time and experience Christmas at the Lighthouse. Witness the warm glow of this historic structure dressed in its holiday attire.

With every ticket purchase, visitors have full access to the grounds surrounding the Lighthouse. Did you know? Tybee Island's History dates all the way back to the Native Americans and Pirates that once roamed Tybee Island, all housed in a historic 1898 Endicott Period Battery built for the Spanish-American War. After the lighthouse of today was constructed in 1773, a staff of three keepers operated the lighthouse until electricity came into play in 1933, reducing the staff to one. Walk through the Light Keeper Cottages for a real look into the lives of those who served as the Lighthouse Grounds Keepers. Then, take a short walk to the Tybee Island Museum, where you can uncover over 400 years of history.

Sitting in the center of the quiet North Beach neighborhood, the Tybee Island Lighthouse is surrounded by beautiful homes, delicious restaurants and none other than the beach. Rent bikes or a golf cart to really experience North Beach's ‘island-style’!

Any Tybee Island local will tell you that the massive ships navigating through the Savannah River are a sight to see! With a bird’s eye view from atop the lighthouse, these massive ships will look even cooler from up above.

Exhibiting the history of the Euchee tribe, Fort Screven, Tybee’s Golden Era and more, the Tybee Island Museum is located just across the street from the Lighthouse.

The Lighthouse was initially constructed using brickwork and cedar piles. This monumental beacon has weathered various storms and has been reconstructed numerous times, and it still stands today with its 1916 daymark​ — all 145 feet of it.

Constructed before America's founding, the Tybee Island Lighthouse has stood watch since 1773 — making it older than the country itself. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, this enduring beacon is a powerful reminder of history, resilience, and the path forward.

In search of the perfect Tybee Island gift or souvenir to take home with you? Be sure and stop at the Tybee Island Lighthouse gift shop for great finds!