15 Things To Do In Tybee Island, GA

1. Tybee Island Marine Science Center

For the ultimate family fun on Tybee Island, take the entire gang to Marine Science Center. This museum offers plenty of educational programs and activities that may be enjoyed by the kids and kids-at-heart! There are Sea Camps where you can sign your little ones up. For a day adventure with the museum, check out their Walks Talks Treks events, including the Sift ’N’ Seine for kids, Turtle Talk, South Beach Walk, and Marsh Trek. Get to know the rich marine life of Tybee Island here!

Tybee Island Marine Science Center

Address: 37 Meddin Dr, Tybee Island, GA 31328, United States

Website: Tybee Island Marine Science Center

Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon - Wed)

2. Back River Fishing Pier

Whether you’re out in town to go fishing or you just want to enjoy the natural beauty of the island, a trip to Back River Fishing Pier is always a good idea. Walk the entirety of the pier as you snap and take a few selfies along the way! If you want to try fishing for the first time, this is a great place to start as you wouldn’t need a boat to find a good spot. No one is going to bat an eye if you simply want to take a stroll here too. The views from the pier are simply spectacular!

Back River Fishing Pier

Address: Fishermans Wk, Tybee Island, GA 31328, United States

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

3. Tybee Island Strand Cottages Historic District

The island has an extensive history of being a coastal resort, and as a result, the community has made great efforts to keep the historic district as authentic as possible. Tybee Island Strand Cottages Historic District is a series of structures, mainly cottages and walkways, that remain undisturbed and has preserved their original designs since construction. This area is what you may consider a “postcard” neighborhood because of its picturesque streets that look like they came right out of - you guessed it - a postcard! In 1999, this area was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Tybee Island Strand Cottages Historic District

Address: 2-38 13th St, Tybee Island, GA 31328, United States

4. South Beach

South Beach is located at the end of the main road that runs through Tybee Island, US-80. On a quiet morning, if you sneak out of your cottage and walk onto the soft sand, you’ll be swept away to a fantasy land of peaceful currents and gently lapping water.

During this time, it’ll only be you and the seagulls - and they’re great company. They’ll just trot along beside you, hoping a crumb or two will drop out of your pocket. If you really want to do this right, aim to go down at sunrise. And, whatever you do, don’t forget your camera. You’ll be very glad the sun rises in the east.

South Beach

Website: South Beach

5. Sea Kayak Georgia

Not only do these guys offer you the time of your life in Tybee’s sparkling ocean waters, their personalities sparkle and shine, too. With a super friendly staff to push you out into the sea, you’ll be glad you decided to spend your day here.

Take one of their tours, they’re equal parts fun and educational. The history in this whole area, from Tybee to Savannah, is an endless book. Depending on your level of adventure, I’d recommend you go “all the way” and sign up for one of their camping packages. If you paddle out to Little Tybee Island, you’ll never forget the experience. There, you’ll spend the night on an island with no human dwellings and listen to the Grammy-nominated artist known as nature. She hums gently to the tune of ocean waves. Her orchestra of crickets will entertain you in your fireside seat.

Come Monday morning, when you’re sitting at your desk and scrolling through those e-mails, this will be the kind of memory to get you through the day.

Sea Kayak Georgia

Address: 1102 US-80, Tybee Island, GA 31328

Website: Sea Kayak Georgia

6. Tybee Island Light Station

Where there’s a famous island, there’s sure to be a famous lighthouse. Tybee Island does not disappoint. Here, you’ll find Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse. Savannah is a very important harbor, so it seems only right.

Tybee Light was commissioned in 1732 by James Oglethorpe, the governor of this 13th colony. Just imagine how many ships it’s guided safely into Savannah’s ports of call. In 1861, Confederate troops burned Tybee Light’s wooden stairs, as well as 40 feet (12.1 m) of the tower. They did this to prevent Union troops from using the tower to guide their ships into port.

After the Civil War, a completely fireproof lighthouse was built and this is what you can visit today. Make sure you peek in the surrounding historic buildings, too. It’s really like dipping back in time.

This will be a nice feeling to carry with you as you head into downtown Savannah, where the rich history still blows strongly through those live oak trees.

Tybee Island Light Station

Address: 30 Meddin Dr, Tybee Island, GA 31328

Website: Tybee Island Light Station

7. Bull River Marina

Okay, so you’ve already kayaked with Sea Kayak Georgia. Now, it’s time to pack a cooler full of sweet tea and head out to Bull River Marina where you’ll pick up a powerboat for the afternoon. There’s literally no better way to watch the sun go down on your joy-filled days.

These guys are friendly, know their business, and will set you up with a nice rig for the day. Their prices are super affordable, too. You’ll be asked to spend ten minutes with them in training (only fair, right?) and then you’ll head into the same waters the men from the Civil War sailed through.

Bull River Marina

Address: 8005 US Highway 80 E, Savannah, GA

Website: Bull River Marina

8. The Shops at Tybee Oaks

One morning, perhaps after that sunrise walk on South Beach, you should head up to the Shops at Tybee Oaks. They’re every bit as cute as they look. You’ll find that, aside from the charming beach house rentals, nearby are also adorable little shops that sell everything from clothing and accessories, to aromatherapy oil, to hot sauce and spices.

Save a little bit of cash for the nearby coffee shop, Tybean. Enjoy a hot cup of fresh coffee or a cool, crisp smoothie. Their breves and banana nut muffins are equal parts fresh and delicious.

In case you’re looking for things to do on Tybee Island at night, why not dine here?

The Shops at Tybee Oaks

Address: 1213 US-80, Tybee Island, GA 31328

Facebook: The Shops at Tybee Oaks

9. North Beach

North Beach is another tidy little corner of Tybee Island where you can lay out for the day and wash your cares away. The entrance is located almost directly behind Tybee Light. So, after your morning spent in 18th-century history, why not pack your cooler, beach chair, and umbrella?

Seems to me like a historical romance novel set in Civil War times will make for a great read during your time in the sun.

North Beach

Website: North Beach

10. The Crab Shack

I’m not quite sure where to start here. This is such an experience, it’s hard to know if I should start with the setting or the menu. Let’s go with the setting.

Your host is going to walk you out onto an expansive deck overlooking the harbor, nestled under a gigantic oak tree that twinkles in the evening light. Then, you’ll be handed a menu with options including a low country boil and Captain Crab’s Sampler. We’re talking a platter toppling with shrimp, crab, mussels, crawfish, corn, potato, and sausage. This is definitely a t-shirt and jeans kinda place because you’ll be peeling all that delectable shrimp.

I wouldn’t be surprised if you come back here time and again. The catch is fresh. The views glimmer in the harbor. And the light absolutely dances amidst that gorgeous live oak tree.

The Crab Shack

Address: 40 Estill Hammock Rd, Tybee Island, GA 31328

Website: The Crab SHack

11. Gallery by the Sea

Perhaps, with your cup of Tybean coffee, you’ll head over to Gallery by the Sea. It’s a fun and eclectic treasure chest full of local goods and crafty finds that’ll leave you wanting a memento from this special island.

You never know what you’re going to find here. You’ll come across lovely little tea towels, art, jewelry, garden art, and so much more. For some one-of-a-kind shopping, be sure to swing by this local jewel throughout your stay.

Gallery by the Sea

Address: 1207 US-80, Tybee Island, GA 31328

Facebook: Gallery by the Sea

12. Tybee Post Theatre

Looking for a low-key date night? Take in a show at Tybee Post Theatre before heading over to The Crab Shack. Their actors are truly talented and the staff works hard to ensure everyone enjoys their time here.

Built in the 1930’s, it was originally constructed as a movie theatre for the soldiers stationed at the local Army base. So, again, we’re talking about current day festivities in surroundings steeped in American history and tradition. Check out their schedule before you travel to Tybee. Perhaps you’ll take in some live music, a comedy show, or an entertaining play.

If you’re a camper, there are some lovely campgrounds not far away. They’re clean, quiet, and well-maintained. You could park your RV and be within a stone’s throw to the theatre, the shops, and North Beach. Not a bad way to spend your week.

Tybee Post Theatre

Address: 10 Van Horne Avenue, Tybee Island, GA 31328

Website: Tybee Post Theatre

13. Captain Mike's Dolphin Tours

You know that quiet morning you’re planning to spend along the shorelines of South Beach? While you’re there, you’re likely to see dolphin fins popping out of the waves in the distance. They love Tybee beach as much as you and me.

But, to come in contact with the real deal, spend an afternoon with the folks over at Captain Mike’s. They offer dolphin tours, sunset cruises, and deep sea fishing. Once you pick your fancy, you’re all but guaranteed to have a spectacular time.

Captain Mike's Dolphin Tours

Address: 180 Old Tybee Rd, Tybee Island, GA 31328

Website: Captain Mike’s Dolphin Tours

14. Fort Pulaski National Monument

The Fort Pulaski National Monument on Tybee Island is a 19th-century fortification. The old fort takes you back to the Civil War era. Around mid-morning, you can listen to an explanation by a Parks guide of how it all worked. Visit the bunkers and earthworks, and more. They sometimes have live reenactments, and there are large numbers of old photos, plus old cannons.

The living museum also has trails around it where you may take a walk. Near to the fort, there’s a place to park and watch the ships sailing off. Take along some bug spray for the trails, and a camera for the photogenic setting.

Fort Pulaski National Monument

Address: Fort Pulaski Rd, Tybee Island, GA 31410-0757

Website: Fort Pulaski National Monument

15. Picnic and fish on Tybee Pier

Tybee Pier is free to enter and you can even rent fishing poles and tackle right there. Lots of people fish and it’s fun to watch them. Plus, there’s a nice covered area with picnic tables and ablution facilities. The kids will also enjoy the beach. The pier is everything you would expect with the waves and the seabirds around you.

There are vending machines and stores that sell food and drink. There’s also a cash bar in the Pavillion. The pier is a nice sort of place to spend some time during your vacation. If you go along late, you will see some nice sunset views. Sometimes they have festivals and events there. If you’re looking for things for kids to do in Tybee Island, come to this place!

Tybee Pier

Address: Highway 80, Tybee Island, GA

Website: Tybee Pier

Settle your soul

Tybee Island is such a special corner of the world. And it doesn’t hurt a thing that the lovely and enchanting Savannah is a stone’s throw away. Between the two, you’ll have a magical time, as you dip in and out of hot sandy beaches and colonial times.

There are plenty of mermaid cottages and vacation rentals with a private pool to choose from. The snapshots of your time here will make for a fabulous photo journal. Pack your Canon and your flip-flops, and enjoy your stay. I hope the sun warms your heart and settles your soul in ways you never even imagined. Happy sails to you!