Tybee Island
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Tybee Island

A laid-back barrier island escape featuring historic lighthouses and expansive Atlantic beaches.

Arrival airport
SAV
Airport drive
47 min · estimate
Suggested stay
2–4 days
Reservation demand
Lower · check current rules
Vehicle notes
Compact cars are ideal for navigating tight island streets and limited parking spots; check rental rules regarding beach driving, which is strictly prohibited.
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Top tour

Most popular experience near Tybee Island

Know before you go

Island-Wide Paid Parking

All public parking on Tybee is paid from 8 AM to 8 PM daily. Utilize the parking app to avoid citations, as enforcement is frequent near the North and South beach lots.

Coastal Connectivity

Cellular service is generally robust across the island. Public Wi-Fi is available near the Pier, but speeds may vary during peak summer weekends.

Mainland Transition

Fuel stations are located along US-80 before crossing the bridge. It is advisable to refuel in Thunderbolt or Savannah where prices and availability are more consistent.

Tidal Planning

Beach width changes dramatically between high and low tide. Plan beach walks during receding tides to access more hard-packed sand and avoid being cut off by water.

Fort Pulaski Gateway

Access to the nearby Fort Pulaski National Monument is via the bridge to Cockspur Island. Check NPS hours as the gate closes promptly in the evening.

Check current conditions:City of Tybee Island Official Site

2RVs, campervans & cars near SAV

Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4

From $245/day · typical rate

Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.

Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs

Sleeps 2 campervans

Est. from $95/day · typical rate

Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.

Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Air Transat (3647835069) (2).jpg — illustrative photo, not partner inventory

Flights to SAV

Check on Aviasales
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2024 Chevrolet Malibu sedan — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at SAV
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

Standard car rentals at SAV

Est. from $45/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at SAV
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2018 Mazda CX-9 SUV on a Utah road trip — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at SAV
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

SUV rentals at SAV

Est. from $55/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at SAV
©

A little structure. Plenty of freedom.

3 days in Tybee Island

  1. 01

    Maritime Landmarks

    Suggested: 9 AM from the North End

    • Tybee Island Light Station

      Climb the 178 steps of Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse for panoramic views of the Savannah River.

    • Tybee Museum at Battery Garland

      Explore 400 years of history housed within a former coastal defense battery across from the lighthouse.

    Allow 10 minutes between sites; cycling is recommended to avoid parking transitions.

    The lighthouse has strict weight and clothing rules for climbing; check official guidelines before arrival.

    Pick up your vehicle at SAV →
  2. 02

    Estuary and Marsh Ecology

    Suggested: 8 AM from Lazaretto Creek

    • Salt Marsh Kayaking

      Paddle through tidal creeks to spot bottlenose dolphins and migratory shorebirds in the Spartina grass.

    • Tybee Island Marine Science Center

      Visit the interactive exhibits near the North Beach to learn about loggerhead sea turtle nesting habits.

    Allow 15 minutes for travel; conditions vary with seasonal traffic on US-80.

    Check local tide charts before kayaking, as low tides can expose impassable mudflats.

    Tours for today's stops →
  3. 03

    Atlantic Breezes and Piers

    Suggested: 10 AM from South Beach

    • Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion

      Walk the iconic wooden pier for views of the Atlantic or watch local saltwater fishing.

    • Back River Fishing Pier

      Experience the quieter side of the island facing the marsh and Little Tybee Island.

    Allow 15 minutes; parking is most competitive in the South Beach district.

    Alcohol and glass are prohibited on all beaches; park rangers enforce local ordinances strictly.

    Find a place to stay →

Reservations · Low

Digital Parking Permits and Maritime History Reservations

Tybee Island requires paid parking throughout the entire island, managed via physical kiosks or a mobile app. While general beach access is open, specific historical tours or lighthouse climbs may have capacity limits; check the official Tybee Island Light Station website for current entry protocols and potential closures.

Check official reservation info

Fly in · nearest airport

SAVTybee Island

Savannah Hilton Head International Airport · 47 min drive

Find flights to SAV

Plan your road trip

From Savannah Hilton Head International Airport

47 min

about 27 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures

Get directions

Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.

Stays near the end of your drive

3Where you'll want to sleep

Broad view of Waterton RV Campground, Alberta.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to bookWildParkRoutes's pick

RV parks near Tybee Island on RoverPass

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.

Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Camping en Busa.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Campsites near Tybee Island on Campspot

Campground

Best for: Tent camping

Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.

Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
RVs at Fishing Bridge RV Park (16714369882).jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Tybee Island

Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries

5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.

Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off

Vrbo

Cabins & vacation rentals near Tybee Island

Est. from $120/night · typical rate

  • Whole-home cabins and lodges
  • Kitchens and room for the crew
Search cabins on Vrbo

Expedia

Hotels & lodges near Tybee Island

Est. from $110/night · typical rate

  • Hotels in nearby gateway towns
  • Inns and last-minute rooms
Search hotels on Expedia

4The moments you came for

Curated Trip Essentials

Five picks for Tybee Island

Optional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.

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