Tybee Island is a must-see if you are visiting Savannah. It’s just a short drive outside of the city, and it’s a great destination with lots of activities. It’s a perfect spot to visit on your own or with your friends and family. Kids especially love the long stretches of beachfront where they can play all day. There are many exciting things to do.
Summer temperatures come early to Savannah and Tybee Island, with beach lovers often enjoying the sun, sand and water as early as March. Savannah’s beach is a throwback to beach towns of the past, with very few hotels or high-rises to block the ocean views. Chain restaurants do not dot our beach; instead, many of the local joints have been operating for decades in true Slo-vannah fashion. There’s not a lot of hustle and bustle, and even on the busiest days, you can find a place to put your beach towel.
Here’s our recommended itinerary for a great day exploring Tybee when you visit Savannah.
Morning: “World Famous” The Breakfast Club
Opening in 1976, The Breakfast Club has reached “legendary” status among locals and visitors alike. The small, greasy dive serves up heaping breakfast options including make your own or specialty omelettes and house specials including Egg Florentine and Helen’s Solidarity, nicknamed “The Grill Cleaner’s Special” with potatoes, Polish sausage, onions, and peppers scraped off the hot griddle and topped with eggs and cheese. Being cheeky with their service is kind of their jam, and you might even hear the cooks picking fights or yelling out the occasional rude comment. It’s all part of the vibe at The Breakfast Club, and it works as you’ll often see a line wrapped around the corner, so avoid peak breakfast times if possible.
Mid-Day: Kayak to Little Tybee
Mid-Day and Afternoon:
There is a wealth of fun things to do on and around Tybee Island once the weather starts heating up! Just to name a few:
Tybee Island Marine Science Center: The Center is home to sharks, turtles, fish and other local critters. The kids will love the touch tank where they can get up close and personal with some sea creatures like anemones and sea sponges.
Go Surfing! Whether you’re a pro or have never been on a board, there are options to enjoy the waves. There are surf shops in town that offer beginner’s lessons, plus you can rent all of your equipment at the same time. The best surfing areas are at the North Jetty where you can rock the waves.
Rent A Kayak: Don’t have a kayak of your own? Since we’re talking about water, renting a kayak is another fun and family-friendly way to enjoy the ocean. Enjoy watching otters frolic while you navigate the beauty of the marshes and inlets.
Check Out A Lighthouse: The area is home to two historic lighthouses, the Cockspur Lighthouse and the Tybee Island Light House. Both offer great insight into the colonial and civil war era, and the Tybee Island Light House has an interesting museum.
Do Some Beach Combing: The Island has many awesome beaches to explore, like Back River Beach where you can fish, look for treasure or simply relax.
Take A Tour: There are several tour boat operators that will take you into the heart of Georgie’s diverse marshes, inlets and rivers from the Island. You’ll see dolphins, turtles and birds in their natural environment.
Between main Tybee Island and deserted Little Tybee is Tybee Creek, which takes around an hour to reach depending on the tide from AJ’s Dockside, where you can rent kayaks (and grab a drink or snack if you’d like since it’s a full-service restaurant, too). I’ve kayaked this area several times, and have seen at least one dolphin on every outing. When you arrive to Little Tybee, pull up your kayak and enjoy some time on the beach—you’ll often have it all to yourself! There’s not much to do on the actual island as its mostly protected wetlands, but the view, peace, and privacy make for a great adventure. Perfect place to have a picnic and a couple of cold local beers, too.
Dinner: Fresh seafood galore!
Check out 80 East Gastro Pub, a casual spot hidden next to a gas station featuring surprising gourmet pub food. Think lobster and shrimp fondue, fried chicken and sweet potato waffles or steak Chimi Churri. You could also hit up Tybee Island Social Club for a slightly more upscale experience with craft cocktails and tasty fish, seafood or orange pork tacos. They have a killer Bluegrass Brunch on Sundays, too.
Late Night
Several dive bars/restaurants and live music venues dot the island like Huc-a-poos, Fannie’s on the Beach (great pizza for late night cravings too!), Tybee Time with 10 ready-to-pour frozen daiquiri machines, and North Beach Bar & Grille. Flip flops and beachwear welcomed any and everywhere–actually preferred! Enjoy!
There’s so much to do in Tybee Island that it’s hard to pick just one activity. Whether you hit the waves, have a picnic or enjoy nature, you will want to come back again soon.
