Tybee Island Day Trip from Savannah
Just 20ish minutes from Savannah’s historic streets, Tybee Island is the perfect place to swap cobblestone squares for sandy toes. Whether you’re craving laid-back beach time, coastal wildlife encounters, or fresh seafood with a view, Tybee makes for an easy day trip from Savannah. Below is everything you need to plan the perfect island getaway!
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Table of Contents
Tybee Island Day Trip: Quick Itinerary (TLDR)
I love writing a good ol’ super detailed blog post, but I know we live in 2025 and everyone’s attention span is dwindling. SO, here’s a TLDR version of this Tybee Island Day Trip itinerary. If it looks like your perfect day, then keep reading for all the deets.
- Morning: Drive from Savannah → Climb the Tybee Island Lighthouse → Explore the museum → Grab bikes and cruise the island
- Lunch: Spanky’s South Beach
- Afternoon: Souvenir shopping → Relax on the beach
- Evening: Watch sunset on North Beach → Dinner at Huc-a-Poos
Getting to Tybee Island
Tybee Island is an easy 20–30 minute drive from downtown Savannah via US-80 E. Parking is simple once you arrive, but be prepared to pay at most public lots using the ParkTYB app or parking kiosks. Most were $2 per hour.
If you prefer not to drive, several tour companies offer day trips or shuttle services from Savannah, but having your own car gives you more flexibility to explore the island at your own pace.
Tip! This tour includes round-trip transportation from Savannah and a dolphin tour! Check current pricing and availability HERE!
Best Time to Visit Tybee Island
Tybee is a year-round destination, but the best times for a day trip are spring (March–May) and fall (September–October). You’ll enjoy warm weather, smaller crowds, and lower humidity. We visited in mid-November, and the weather was 80 and sunny!
Summer offers peak beach vibes but also brings the biggest crowds and hottest temperatures. Winter is peaceful and mild, which is ideal if you want empty beaches and quiet sunsets.
Here are some temperatures you can expect in Tybee Island by month!
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Precipitation (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 58 | 37 | 4.37 |
| February | 61 | 39 | 3.30 |
| March | 67 | 46 | 3.78 |
| April | 74 | 53 | 3.24 |
| May | 80 | 62 | 2.95 |
| June | 85 | 69 | 5.07 |
| July | 88 | 73 | 6.15 |
| August | 87 | 72 | 8.23 |
| September | 83 | 68 | 5.84 |
| October | 77 | 59 | 3.78 |
| November | 70 | 50 | 2.68 |
| December | 62 | 43 | 3.13 |
Tybee Island Day Trip Itinerary
Here’s how to make the most of one perfect day on Tybee Island. Let’s dive in!
9:00: Lighthouse
Start your day with a visit to the Tybee Island Light Station & Museum, one of the oldest and most iconic lighthouses in the U.S. Climb the 178 steps to the top for sweeping views of the coastline, then explore the restored keeper’s cottages and museum across the street.
Arrive early to beat the crowds and the midday heat. Tickets typically include access to both the lighthouse and museum. Tickets are $14 per person with hours from 9:00 am -4:30 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
10:00: Pick up Bike Rentals
After your lighthouse visit, grab a bike from a local shop like Tim’s Bike & Beach Gear (this is the shop we used and had a great experience) to explore more of the island. Tybee is wonderfully bike-friendly, and cruising along quiet streets or right on the beach is one of the best ways to take in the relaxed coastal charm.
There is a bike trail that takes you on a paved road through the neighborhoods, or you can ride right on the beach. We decided to ride on the beach on the way to South Beach and then on the trail on the way back to the rental shop. The beach was quite the workout in the spots with soft sand…so be sure to check the tide before choosing this route (but SUPER worth it!)
It’s about 3 miles from the rental shop, to South Beach.
Note! TIMS Bike rentals do not deliver bikes for one-day rentals (but will for multiple days). We were able to leave our car in their small parking lot. Daily rentals were $18!
1:00: Lunch at Spanky’s South Beach
You can’t visit Tybee without stopping at Spanky’s South Beach, a long-time favorite for locals and visitors alike. Order a basket of their famous chicken fingers or spuds and enjoy a casual, salty-air lunch just steps from the beach.
Note: We were able to lock our bikes up right by the fishing pier and then walk to the restaurant.
2:00: Souvenir Shopping/Swimming/Beach Stroll
After lunch, stroll along Tybrisa Street and the nearby shops for a little souvenir browsing. You’ll find everything from beachwear and handmade art to quirky gifts that scream, “I went to Tybee and had the best day.”
Grab a sticker, a postcard, or a beachy keepsake before heading back toward the beach.
Then, depending on the weather, you can take a quick swim, relax with a book on the beach, or search for seashells and wildlife.
Note! After a quick swim, we decided to take the paved bike path back to the rental shop for a change of scenery!
Sunset: Dolphin Tour or North Beach Sunset
After making your way back and returning your bikes, you have a couple of options. Depending on the time of your visit, you may want to grab dinner first (see top choice below), or you can head to your sunset spot (dolphin tour or North Beach).
One of the most unforgettable things to do on a Tybee day trip is a dolphin tour with Captain Derek’s. Boats depart from Lazaretto Creek Marina and glide through marsh creeks and coastal waters where bottlenose dolphins love to play.
Tours run throughout the day, but the late afternoon is especially beautiful with golden light over the water. Expect dolphin sightings, seabirds, and plenty of fun narration along the way.
OR Watch the Sunset on North Beach
If a dolphin tour isn’t your thing, you can make your way back to North Beach for an unforgettable Tybee sunset. The sky often lights up in shades of orange, pink, and purple over the lighthouse, which is an incredible way to wind down your day.
Bring a towel, throw on a light jacket if it’s breezy, and just soak it all in.
Dinner at Huc-A-Poos
We didn’t get to try this one out, but our waitress at Spanky’s HIGHLY recommended it. Huc-a-Poos is a local’s favorite with pizza from scratch, affordable prices, and a fun environment.
Here are other great options depending on your vibe!
- The Deck Beach Bar & Kitchen — casual, beachfront, sunset cocktails
- A-J’s Dockside — laid-back seafood with marsh views
- Sundae Café — more elevated Southern-coastal dishes (reservations recommended)
Other Things to do on Tybee Island
Although you can see a lot of the island in just one day, there are several other things to do on Tybee if you have some additional time.
- Visit Fort Pulaski National Monument – Explore Civil War history, walking trails, and wildlife around this well-preserved fort just minutes from the island.
- Explore the Tybee Marine Science Center – A great family-friendly stop to learn about local sea life through hands-on exhibits and touch tanks.
- Kayak to Little Tybee Island – Paddle through peaceful marshes and escape to this undeveloped, protected island filled with wildlife.
- Go Birdwatching at North Beach – A quieter shoreline known for its tidal pools, seashells, and excellent bird-spotting opportunities.
- Try Fishing on the Pier or by Charter – Cast a line from the pier or book a charter to fish the abundant coastal waters.
- Grab a Treat at The Sugar Shack – A local favorite for ice cream, milkshakes, and classic diner-style bites.
- Watch the Sunset on Back River Beach – One of Tybee’s most peaceful hidden gems, perfect for watching the sky glow over the water.
- Enjoy Fresh Seafood – From shrimp baskets to oysters and fish tacos, Tybee’s laid-back restaurants serve local coastal favorites.
- Take a Surf or Paddleboard Lesson – Ideal for beginners looking to try something adventurous in Tybee’s gentle waves.
Tybee Island FAQ’s
Before you take off on your day trip to Tybee Island, check out some of the most commonly asked Frequently asked questions to ensure a stress-free visit!
1. How far is Tybee Island from Savannah?
About 18 miles—usually a 20–30 minute drive.
2. Is Tybee Island good for families?
Yes! Calm beaches, bike paths, dolphin tours, and kid-friendly restaurants make it a great family day trip.
3. Do you need a car to get around?
You’ll need a car to get to Tybee Island from Savannah, but once you are there, you can bike around the entire island!
4. Is Tybee Island expensive?
It’s more affordable than many beach destinations. Expect parking fees, average-priced restaurants, and plenty of free beach time.
5. Can you swim on Tybee Island?
Absolutely—swimming is allowed year-round, with lifeguards on duty seasonally (usually April-September) on popular beaches. Always be aware of any warnings and beware of rip currents.
6. Are dogs allowed on the beach?
No—dogs aren’t allowed on Tybee’s beaches, but they are welcome in many outdoor areas around the island.
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