If you’ve ever traveled to Savannah and its beach, Tybee Island, you know this tiny barrier island-oasis is a big gem on Georgia’s coast. I’ve been vacationing at Tybee every year since I was four years old, and what’s so cool about it comes down to three words — it doesn’t change. My family has owned a place here since 1991. It’s a slice of heaven somewhere situated between the “Redneck Riviera” and “Where the Elite Eat in Their Bare Feet.”
Sure, it’s progressed some, but in many respects, it’s maintained its simple ways. It’s a no-pretense paradise where you can go almost anywhere in your flip-flops and shorts and feel like you’ve captured the right vibe.
Just 20 minutes from the cobblestone streets of downtown Savannah, Tybee feels like another world. Tourists quickly fall in love with Tybee’s sandy beaches, dolphin tours, and colorful, funky beach cottages. But what truly makes Tybee Island one of the best vacation spots on the Georgia coast isn’t just what visitors see — it’s the side most never discover.
In this blog, I’m sharing why Tybee Island is a must-do vacation destination and giving you a peek into the secret side locals know and love.
Why Tybee Island Georgia Is So Special
Tybee Island has no high-rise hotels and chain restaurants like Savannah. It’s delightfully unpolished, with just enough grit to remind you it’s real. Here, you’ll find quirky mom-and-pop shops, weathered fishing piers, and bike paths shaded by oaks and palmettos. For decades, every time I’ve driven over Lazaretto Creek, I’ve kissed the inside roof of my car and declared, “Tybee Time!” because the moment you cross that little tidal river, life instantly slows to a crawl.
That sense of authenticity is what makes Tybee special. It’s an island that feels lived-in and loved, not manufactured for tourism. Even in the busiest summer months, there are hidden corners where the only sounds you’ll hear are seabirds and waves lapping the shore. It’s perfect for families and I love to suggest it for girls getaway trips.
Exploring Tybee Island’s Hidden Gems (Tourists Often Miss)
So, what’s behind the curtain? Here are a few of Tybee’s best-kept secrets that locals don’t always share with the tourist crowd.
Discover South Beach: Tybee Pier Area
If you like to be where the action is, I recommend you park near the Tybee Pier and enjoy this part of the Island. This area of the beach is often the most crowded because Tybrisa Street has tons of souvenir shops, restaurants and places to get ice cream. Plus, if you love big waves and boogie boarding, the south end of THE place to be at high tide. But, be warned, the undertow can be strong at times!
North Beach Tybee Island: Georgia’s Quiet Coastal Escape
If you are looking for a more secluded day at the beach, drive to the north end, you’ll discover a quieter stretch of sand where dolphins often play in the inlet where the Savannah River meets the ocean.
You can park for the day by North Beach Grill Restaurant and have direct access to the beach. Take a golf cart historic tour and see Fort Screven and the Tybee Island Lighthouse which stands 145 feet tall. If you choose to climb the 178 steps leading to the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Savannah River, and the charming cottages that dot the island — making it one of Tybee’s most iconic and photo-worthy experiences. Although Tybee is laid back, you’ll definitely need the right kind of shoes for this vacation spot. I suggest sports sandals that you can wear all day long.
Locals love North Beach for its quiet shorelines, smaller crowds, and prime views of cargo ships sliding past on their way to Savannah’s port.
Why Biking Tybee Island Is the Best Way to Explore the Coast
Personally, I prefer to do Tybee on a bicycle! Exploring Tybee Island by bike is one of the most enjoyable ways to see this beautiful barrier island. Just three miles long and one mile wide, Tybee is the perfect size for cyclists of all ages and abilities. With flat roads, scenic beachside paths, and plenty of bike racks around restaurants and shops, it’s easy to pedal from the Tybee Island Lighthouse on the north end to the quiet Back River beaches on the south side. Along the way, you’ll pass colorful cottages, coastal marshes, and local favorites like the Sugar Shack and Chu’s Department Store. Whether you’re renting a beach cruiser or bringing your own, biking Tybee Island lets you soak up the ocean breeze, skip the traffic, and experience the island’s laid-back coastal charm at your own pace.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding on Lazaretto Creek
Sunbathing is only part of the Tybee experience. The real magic is on the Back River, where kayaks and paddleboards glide through a maze of tidal creeks and salt marsh. At low tide, sandy spits appear like hidden islands, perfect for picnicking. If you’re lucky, you may spot an osprey fishing or a pod of dolphins hunting in the shallows. This is one of the most underrated things to do on Tybee Island. I recommend North Island Surf and Kayak because Shane, the owner, is a former educator and approaches his tours as a teacher. You can call (912) 786-4000 to make your reservation.
T.S. Chu’s Department Store: Delightfully Retro
No trip to Tybee Island is complete without a stop at T.S. Chu’s Department Store, a beloved island landmark that feels delightfully frozen in time. Stepping inside is like walking into a living postcard from the past — where beach balls, flip-flops, and fishing poles share space with souvenir t-shirts and seashell trinkets. Baby boomers will love this store! For generations, families have made Chu’s part of their Tybee tradition, popping in for sunscreen, snacks, or that one thing they forgot to pack. But more than convenience, it’s the charm that keeps people coming back — the friendly chatter, the old-fashioned aisles, and the comforting sense that not everything in the world has changed. Chu’s isn’t just a store; it’s a piece of Tybee’s soul, a reminder that life here still moves at island speed.
Best Sunset Spot on Tybee Island
I love to head to AJ’s Restaurant on the back river. It’s got a dock, a casual vibe and it’s a great place to have a cocktail and conch fritters while watching the sun. Years ago, it had a crispy scored flounder that was out of this world, but the food nowadays doesn’t deliver as great of value and taste like it once did.
Tybee Island Turtle Nesting Season
When is turtle nesting season on Tybee Island? Each summer, Tybee becomes a nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles. Locals keep a protective eye on these gentle giants, making sure lights stay dim and nests stay safe. Recently, I was setting my lounge chair up on the beach and the turtle tribe came over and asked me to move 20 feet over because I was in the path of hatchlings who were about to make their first trek to the ocean. It’s not advertised, but some would say it’s one of the most magical experiences the island has to offer.
Where to Stay on Tybee Island, Georgia: Best Hotels, Inns & Cozy Cottages
The DeSota Hotel is right on the beach, offers a pool, and is the perfect location for families. I suggest this area for girls getaways because it’s next to one of my favorite places to eat, the Deck Restaurant.
The Tybee Island Inn is on the north end of the island and even though it’s not on the beach, it gets high reviews on Expedia. It’s owned by Vasa Teal and the Inn was built in 1902 and originally served as the day room of the Fort Screven hospital, formerly next door. It features eight bedrooms, eight baths, and can be used for intimate weddings. A fresh breakfast is served every day.
If you’re looking for a throwback motel that feels like the 60s, check out The Royal Palms. It’s like stepping back in time to a motor court motel that has the swimming pool plunked right in the middle. Better yet, it’s walking distance to the IGA Grocery Store.
Where to Eat Like a Local on Tybee Island
Visitors often crowd into the spots on Tybrisa Street, but locals have their own go-to restaurants. I prefer these places for these reasons:
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- Sundae Cafe: Consistently the best food on the island for over two decades. The fish specials are always excellent.
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- Bubba Gumbo’s: This restaurant has been gaining momentum in the past few years. Caitlin Burns, owner, or Chris Kessler, head chef are always in the kitchen and are dedicated to showcasing the best of local coastal cuisine. Her daddy, Paul Burns, owns the Tybee Island Marina where it’s located. A Seafood Market is onsite and has crab cakes and seafood dip ready to go.
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- Huc-a-Poos Bites and Booze: Best dive bar/restaurant on the island with perfect pizza every time.
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- North Beach Bar and Grill: I love the fish bites as an appetizer and enjoy eating outdoors at the bar or on the patio. You make friends easily here. If you are a solo traveler, you’ll fit right in. I recently stopped in and made fast friends with a group of local Tybee ladies who had been carving pumpkins and then doing a quick trash pick up off the beach. You’ll find that locals truly care about keeping their beach clean!
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- Back River Brewery: It’s not on the back river, but located on Highway 80 as you come into Tybee. It’s a bright blue building and offers craft beer, and is Tybee’s only brewpub. They often have live music.
Tybee Is More Than a Beach Destination
At its heart, Tybee Island is more than sand and surf — it’s a way of life. The people who live here are fiercely protective of their island, from the turtles that nest on the dunes to the historic lighthouse that’s stood watch since 1736. They’ll tell you that Tybee isn’t meant to be rushed or “done” in a day. It’s meant to be felt, whether that’s riding a bike with the salty breeze in your hair, fishing off the pier at dawn, or savoring a sunset that seems painted just for you.
Why Winter Is the Best Time to Visit Tybee Island, Georgia
Wait, winter? At the beach? Absolutely! Most tourists think of Tybee as a summer escape, but locals know the off-season is the real secret for a quiet, no-crowd, relaxing getaway. Yes, the best time to visit Tybee Island is during the winter months. From December through February, the island is blissfully quiet. You can walk for miles on an empty beach, hunt for shells after a storm, or sit with a hot coffee and watch migrating birds flock across the sky. The restaurants are easier to get into, the sunsets are just as dazzling, and the island feels like it belongs to you.
Tips for Visiting Tybee Island Like A Local (And Avoiding Tourist Traps)
If you want to experience Tybee like a local, the best advice is simple: slow down and respect the island. And, make sure you obey the speed limits. The Tybee Po Po don’t mess around and they will ticket you in a New York minute. And, smile at strangers — because on Tybee, everyone’s your neighbor.
Final Thoughts on Tybee Island’s Local Secrets and Hidden Gems
Tybee Island may be just a short drive from Savannah, but it feels like its own little universe. Tourists may come for the beach, but locals know the real treasures are tucked away in the marshes, the quiet corners, and the small traditions that make this island more than a getaway. Next time you visit, look past the postcards and the pier. Find the North Beach, paddle a tidal creek, watch the sunset, pick up shells, and see why Tybee’s secrets are worth keeping — at least until you discover them yourself.
