Tybee Island is an island and city located near the city of Savannah, in Chatham County, Georgia. The area was populated by the Euchee tribe long before the Spanish arrived in 1520, and Tybee is the Euchee word for “salt”. During the time of Spanish occupation, pirates would use the island to hide from their pursuers. In the late 19th century Tybee Island found popularity as a beachside retreat for various ailments such as asthma. Nowadays this is a popular family vacation destination thanks to the beautiful natural landscape of marshes and Atlantic shoreline along with plenty of activities and relaxation opportunities for both young and old. Tybee Island has a lot of visitors in the summer but can also be a great place to stay in winter, when the milder weather is perfect for biking, fishing, kayaking and walking. The island is only about 3 miles long so it is very easy to get around either on bike or on foot.
Fun Facts
- The Painted Bunting is the official bird of Tybee Island.
- Tybee Island has had six different nation´s flags flying over it over its history.
- Endangered sea turtles nest on Tybee Island and return here every year from May to October to lay eggs.
- Tybee Lighthouse was first built in 1736 out of wood and bricks and was the tallest structure in the country at the time.
- The first “Days Inn” in the world was opened by Cecil B. Day on Tybee Island in 1970.
Things to Do
1) Visit the Tybee Island Marine Science Center to learn more about sea turtles and view the marine life indigenous to the area. Touch tanks give especially the kids a great hands-on experience of the local wildlife.2) Take a boat tour to see the bottle-nosed dolphins that live in the area. The tour with Captain Mikes Dolphin Tour lasts 90 minutes and is good value for money.
3) Visit the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum and not only learn more about the interesting history of one of America´s oldest lighthouses, but also get a great view from the top.
4) For a trip back in time, Fort Pulaski is a must-see. The fort took over 18 years to build and was used by both Republicans and Federates in the Civil War. The castle-like structure has a moat filled with alligators, a portcullis and a drawbridge.
5) Last but not least, grab some food and drinks, a blanket and a sun umbrella and head down to the beach. Tybee Island Beach is clean with beautiful views, and perfect for relaxing or a long walk.
Tybee Island´s Food Delights
Tybee Island has plenty of affordable and good-tasting food on offer, especially seafood. Start out with breakfast at the Breakfast Club, a eatery that specialises in a variety of breakfast dishes.
If you want to head somewhere on Tybee Island for a great coffee, lovely scones and local art work to take home as a souvenir, go to the Tybean Art and Coffee Bar. For lunch or dinner, the Crab Shack and Geralds Pig and Shrimp make a great stop-off point for barbecue and seafood delights. StingRay´s on Tybee is another good location to get fresh and delicious seafood and especially shellfish.
Accommodation and Rentals on Tybee Island
For such a small island there is a surprising array of accommodation on offer here. Choose from hotels, motels, vacation rentals or campsites. You could get cosy in a bed and breakfast or be right by the beach in a self-catering apartment, another option that will allow you the freedom of cooking up your own meal when you´ve had your fill of restaurants and diners. Also, if you stay in a Wimdu rental, your friendly host may well have some great insider tips on the area.