On Tybee Time

Slow down to explore sandy beaches, marshes and historical sites on this small island off the southern coast of Georgia.

By Christiana Roussel | Photos Courtesy of Tybee Island & Local Businesses Referenced in Captions

Road trips are a funny thing.

We start out in our own driveways, surrounded by the familiar—the twists and turns of our own neighborhood streets—which gradually give way to multi-lane highways, streams of cars and trucks all rushing to their destinations. And as we approach our own journey’s end, in this case, Tybee Island, we take a moment to notice the still-unfamiliar but highly anticipated. The highway recedes, and we find ourselves on a simple two-lane road that will ultimately end at the ocean, exactly where we wish to be.

At only three miles long and less than a mile wide, Tybee Island—one of the famed Sea Islands off the coast of southern Georgia—is a natural respite from the rigors of daily life. With sandy beaches to the east and tidal marshes to the western interior, Tybee is replete with marine activity far different from the towns dotting the northern Florida panhandle where many of us have vacationed. Life on Tybee Island is dictated by the tides, the ebb and flow of a life lived more slowly, more in tune with the native world around us, and one rich in history.

Alabama Georgia South Carolina

HISTORY

These islands have seen their fair share of Revo lutionary War battles, and Fort Pulaski (nps.gov/ fopu/index.htm) is a must-visit for any history buff.

Named for Casimir Pulaski, a Polish soldier and commander who fought in the Revolutionary War, this coastal fortification played a key role in rifled cannon combat. Today the site is part of the Na tional Park Service and available to visit year-round.

During the Industrial Revolution, Tybee Island was the southern-most stop on the Central of Georgia Railway line, making it the ideal destination for residents of densely populated cities up north who were seeking healthier climes as remedies to ailments associated with industrial pollution.

For lighthouse enthusiasts (yes, that is a thing!), Tybee Island is home to Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse, the original being constructed in 1736. The Tybee Island Historical Society oversees the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum (tybee lighthouse.org), and it is a must-visit.

WHEN (and HOW) TO GO

There are those who favor beach visits only when you can don a bathing suit while others prefer to go when the wide expanse of sand is not chock-a-block with umbrellas and beach towels. Honestly, there isn’t a bad time to be on the island. The spring sees more temperate days and nights making Tybee Island ideal for a weeklong getaway, a day trip from Savannah or anything in between.

The drive to Tybee Island from Birmingham is a little over six hours. There is plenty to see along the way, and it might be nice to have your car for extended exploration. Plane travelers can fly into Savannah and make the 20-minute drive onto the island.

WEDDING

DESTINATIONS

Those looking to plan their nuptials on the island should book The Reeve Cottage (there evecottage.com) guest house, located on a prime acre of land at the South ern-most tip of the island. With an unrivaled view of the ocean, Little Tybee Island and epic sunsets, guests will appreciate the location as much as the bride and groom themselves. The Tybee Island Wedding Chapel and Grand Ballroom is also worth checking out (tybeeweddingchapel. com). (Miley Cyrus fans might recognize the chapel from her movie, The Last Song .)

Reeve Cottage

Photo by Roland Broda

HIT THE ROAD

WHAT TO DO

A visit to Tybee Island should come with a commitment to adventure and to being outdoors—there is so much to explore.

Forget the Car

Many visitors bring their own bikes or rent on the island from places like Tim’s Bike & Beach Gear (timsbeachgear.com). Still others like the ease of a golf cart, renting one at Tybee Golf Carts (tybeegolfcarts.com).

Sea Treasures

Take to the marshes in a kayak or SUP with Sea Kayak Georgia. Book a Sundial Charter Tour to hunt for fossils (megalodon sharks teeth!) and lost treasures from the sea. Sundial also offers crabbing and light-tackle fishing for those looking for sport. Dolphin watching and sunset tours are always popular with anyone visiting Tybee, and there are several outfitters offering these experiences as well.

Meet the Turtles

Kids of all ages will enjoy visiting the Tybee Island Marine Science Center (tybeemarinescience.org) to learn more about the coastal marine life. Sea turtle nesting season begins around May 1; local volunteers spend time searching the local shoreline for these nests and then sit with them to protect them from scavengers. Visitors can meet Ike the sea turtle who was born September 2020 and now calls the center his home.

Tybee by Night

Evening entertainment can often be found at the Tybee Post Theater (tybeeposttheater. org), which was once a movie house for soldiers stationed at Fort Screven. Nowadays, you can not only catch a screening but also see live music or a local theater production.

WHERE TO STAY

Life on Tybee is definitely “island time” and many hotel options lean toward casual. After all, with so much going on outdoors, you’re not likely to spend too much time in your hotel room.

The Beachview Inn and Spa (beachviewtybee.com) is minutes from the beach, with hospitality that combines the relaxed coastal atmosphere with Southern charm. The Back River area of Tybee is less densely populated with several VRBO options, cottages for groups or family gatherings too.

Meet Your Travel Guide

Proud to call Birmingham home, Christiana Roussel loves discovering every corner of the Magic City. But the road beckons often. She’s been known to make a wrong turn into the right choice, dig in with the locals and try to talk her way out of a speeding ticket or two. Curiosity drives her and finding connection is her passion.

Tim’s Bike

Tybee

& Beach Gear

Post Theater

WHERE TO EAT

Ahhh, we’ve saved the best for last—the food. As you can imagine, the menus at most Tybee Island restaurants feature seafood. It is the history and the vibe that makes them all distinct.

Simply Seafood

Longtime visitors, larger groups and any one looking for a bit of old-school beach schmaltz will clamor to go to The Crab Shack (thecrabshack.com), an island insti tution where guests arrive via car or boat. Large holes in the center of each table give way to trash cans underneath, perfect for making a mess and tossing in shrimp shells and tails, corncobs or any other detritus from a good seafood boil. Note: the baby alligator on-site might be the other rea son kids love coming here. AJ’s Dockside (ajsdocksidetybee.com) is equally casual and attached to the marina where you can spend the afternoon watching fishermen bring in their hauls.

A Step Above

Looking for something a bit more upscale?

Try Sundae Café (sundaecafe.com), where you might have to choose between sushi nachos, shrimp and grits, a Lowcountry bouillabaisse or burgers with thick-cut bacon. Over at Salt Island Fish and Beer (saltislandfb.com), you’ll be looking at the blue crab poutine, baked oysters or a whole fish, straight off the boat.

Until Whenever

Late night diners have been known to favor Huc-a-Poos (hucapoos.com), where closing time is noted as “whenever.” As popular

with the locals as it is with vacationers, this is where you can meal hard on wraps, pizzas, nachos or anything that pairs well with beer.

To Start the Day

If breakfast is more your speed, uber-laidback diner-style Breakfast Club might be just for you. Locals call this “no frills,” and that is saying something because Tybee is already pretty low-key. Omelets as well as classic fare like steak-and-eggs or hash browns are the order of the day at Sunrise Breakfast (sunrisesavannah.com) as well.

The Crab Shack

Photo by Amy Murphy