A Day on Tybee Island, Georgia: Lighthouse, Beaches, and the Best Things to Do
Just 20 minutes from the cobblestones of Savannah, the road runs out at the Atlantic and you hit Tybee Island. It is Georgia's beach town, the spot where Southern charm meets sandy shores, and it makes the perfect day trip if you are already in Savannah (or a laid-back getaway all on its own).
We spent a day here climbing a very old lighthouse, walking an old coastal fort, hitting the beach on a busy Labor Day weekend, and eating our way through some good seafood. Here is everything worth doing on Tybee, and a few honest notes from our visit.
What are the best things to do on Tybee Island?
Climb the Tybee Island Lighthouse for the views, explore Fort Screven and the Tybee Island Museum for the history, spend a few hours on the beach, eat fresh seafood downtown, and take the kids to the Marine Science Center. It is an easy, do-it-all day trip from Savannah, about 18 miles east on US-80.
Getting there: an easy trip from Savannah
Tybee sits about 18 miles east of downtown Savannah, a roughly 20 to 30 minute drive straight out US-80 East. Fun fact we learned: US-80 is a long-haul highway, and Tybee is its eastern end. So you really can follow that same road a very long way west. For most people, though, it is simply the easy, scenic route from Savannah to the sand.
Climb the Tybee Island Lighthouse
Start with the icon. The Tybee Island Lighthouse is Georgia's oldest and tallest lighthouse, first ordered by General James Oglethorpe back in 1732, and it has been guiding ships into the Savannah River for more than 270 years. It is also one of the most complete light stations in the country, with all of its original support buildings still standing on the grounds.
Now the part your legs will remember: it is 178 steps to the top. We counted every landing on the way up (somewhere around "two more flights left" the talking stopped and the breathing took over). Climb it in the morning like we did, before the heat, and pace yourself. The landing at the top is small, so it is not built for a crowd, but the payoff is a full panoramic view of the coast that makes the burn worth it.
Save time for the grounds, too. The Keeper's Cottage and the surrounding buildings take you back to when life out here ran on the rhythm of the tides. The whole site is part of the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum, so your ticket covers more than just the climb.
Explore Fort Screven and the Tybee Island Museum
On the north end of the island, Fort Screven tells Tybee's military story. From 1897 to 1947, the fort was part of America's coastal defense system, with low-profile concrete gun batteries guarding the Georgia coast from the Spanish-American War all the way through World War II. Walking among the weathered batteries, it is easy to picture the soldiers and the lookout duty that once filled these walls.
The best part is Battery Garland, the old gun battery and magazine that is now home to the Tybee Island Museum. The room that once stored heavy artillery shells now holds exhibits covering more than 400 years of island history. It is a quick, worthwhile stop that pairs naturally with the lighthouse right across the way.
Hit the beach
Of course, you do not come to Tybee without spending time on the sand. The beach is the heart of the island, with room to sunbathe, swim, or fish off the pier. We came on Labor Day weekend, and the place was alive. There was a big family reunion going on, live music playing, and everyone just having a good time. Vendors and shops line the beach area selling everything from chairs to souvenirs, so it is easy to roll in light and grab what you need.
Whether you want a full beach day or just a couple of hours of toes in the sand, this is the spot to slow down and relax.
Eat at Pier 16
After the lighthouse climb, we were starving, so we headed into downtown Tybee for brunch at Pier 16. It is a family-owned seafood restaurant just a block or so off the beach, and it hit the spot. You can dine inside with great service or sit outside and catch the sea breeze, which is exactly what you want after a hot morning of stairs. Fresh seafood, an easy walk from the water, no complaints.
From there it is a fun stroll through town, past more shops, restaurants, and the vendors set up along the way.
Take the kids to the Marine Science Center
If you are traveling with kids, do not skip the Tybee Island Marine Science Center. It is part aquarium, part conservation mission, and it is genuinely great for families. We got a crash course on the megalodon (the largest shark ever to swim the ocean), saw sea turtles, including one that was getting released back into the wild soon, and checked out alligators, crabs, and more.
The touch station is the kid magnet. Little ones can reach in and touch starfish, sea urchins, and other critters. But what we liked most is that it is not just about looking. The center leans into a real message about protecting wildlife and understanding our impact on the coast, which is a good thing to send the kids home thinking about.
More to do nearby
If you have extra time or you are a history and stamps person like us, Fort Pulaski National Monument sits right on the way between Savannah and Tybee. It is a Civil War fort and a National Park Service site, so it is a great add-on and a chance to grab a passport stamp. Out on the water, Tybee is also known for dolphin sightings, kayaking, and paddleboarding, and the island's nightlife brings live music and beach bonfires once the sun goes down.
Tips for visiting Tybee Island
Climb the lighthouse early. Beat the heat and the crowds. Those 178 steps are no joke midday.
Pack light for the beach. Vendors sell chairs and gear right there, so you do not have to haul everything.
Make it a combo. Tybee pairs perfectly with a Savannah trip. Do the city one day, the beach the next.
Bring the family to the Science Center. It is the easiest win with kids on the whole island.
Grab the Fort Pulaski stamp if you collect National Parks passport stamps.
FAQ
How far is Tybee Island from Savannah?
About 18 miles, or a 20 to 30 minute drive east on US-80.
Can you climb the Tybee Island Lighthouse?
Yes, all 178 steps. It is Georgia's oldest and tallest lighthouse, and the view from the top is the reward.
Is Tybee Island good for families?
Very. Between the beach, the Marine Science Center, the lighthouse, and the history, there is plenty for all ages.
Where should I eat on Tybee?
We had a great brunch at Pier 16, a family-owned seafood spot a block from the beach with indoor and outdoor seating.
Is Tybee a good day trip or should I stay overnight?
Either works. You can hit the highlights in a day from Savannah, or settle in for a few days of full beach mode.
The Verdict
Tybee Island packs a beach day, a 270-year-old lighthouse, a coastal fort, fresh seafood, and a kid-friendly science center into one easy stop just outside Savannah. We climbed the stairs, walked the history, ate well, and soaked up that holiday-weekend beach energy, and we left already thinking about coming back. If you are anywhere near Savannah, give Tybee a day. Just maybe stretch before the lighthouse.
Pair this with our Savannah weekend guide for the full trip. Want to see Tybee for yourself? Watch the video on YouTube: Best Things to Do on Tybee Island, Georgia, and subscribe to Finding Our Forte for more.
