Discover Tybee Island: A Stunning Coastal Escape Near Savannah, GA

Just 18 miles east of Savannah in Chatham County, Georgia, Tybee Island is a barrier island with more than 400 years of history. Over the centuries, the island has been settled by Spanish, French, pirates, and British forces before becoming occupied by Confederate troops during the Civil War and eventually falling to Union forces.

After the Civil War, Tybee began its transformation into a popular vacation destination. In 1855, Fort Screven was built on the northern end of the island. The fort became an important military site, with troops training and standing guard there through the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II. Fort Screven closed in 1947 and was eventually sold to the town. Today, the former gun battery houses a museum where visitors can learn more about Tybee’s military history.

I was in the area and had never visited Tybee Island, so I decided to make a quick stop. By the time I arrived, the sun was getting ready to set, and I found myself on North Beach. The island has several distinct beaches, including North Beach, Mid Beach, South Beach, Back River Beach, and Little Tybee Beach. Each offers a different perspective of Tybee’s coastline.

One of the island’s most recognizable landmarks is the Tybee Island Light Station. Tybee has had a lighthouse since 1736, although the original structure was more of a daymark—a navigational tower without a light. It was replaced and relocated in 1742 and again in 1773. In 1791, the structure became a true lighthouse when it was illuminated with spermaceti candles, a waxy substance once obtained from sperm whales and commonly used for candles.

The present-day lighthouse stands 100 feet tall and includes a museum that visitors can explore for a small admission fee. Unfortunately, it had just closed for the day when I arrived, so I had to settle for photographing it from the outside. That gives me another reason to return.

North Beach was especially beautiful at sunset. I enjoyed walking along the shoreline as the light softened over the water. There were only a few people on the beach during this December weekend, making it a peaceful way to end the day.

My visit to Tybee Island was brief, but it was enough to convince me that I need to return. Next time, I plan to explore more of the island, visit the lighthouse and museum, and check out the pier and some of the other beaches.

If You Go

Location: Tybee Island, Georgia, about 18 miles east of Savannah.
Best for: Beaches, sunsets, photography, history, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Don’t miss: The Tybee Island Light Station, North Beach, Fort Screven, and the pier.
Photography tip: Sunset is a beautiful time to explore North Beach and photograph the coastline and lighthouse.
Allow: A few hours for a quick introduction to the island, or most of a day if you want to explore several beaches and historic sites.
Tip: Check lighthouse hours before visiting if you want to climb the tower and visit the museum.
More to explore: Tybee’s beaches include North Beach, Mid Beach, South Beach, Back River Beach, and Little Tybee Beach.