11 Things to Do on Tybee Island

Fort Pulaski National Monument is a beautifully preserved Civil War fortress with an onsite museum and daily cannon firings. Constructed between 1829 and 1847, Fort Pulaski was built to defend Savannah from foreign attacks and invasion. Today, the fort serves as an example of military architecture and an excellent excursion for history and nature lovers of all ages. 

Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse, the Tybee Island Lighthouse, is one of only seven remaining Colonial era lighthouses in the country. The lighthouse and museum offer both history and terrific scenery, and both are open every day except Tuesdays. Climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Savannah River, Hilton Head Island and so much more. 

Feel the breeze whip by as you explore Tybee Island by bicycle! Tybee Island is extremely bike friendly – the island and offers both trails and bike lanes for an easy, safe way to get around. Many bikes can be delivered right to your hotel or vacation rental, and some are equipped with larger tires for easy beach riding. Check out Tybee Island’s bike rentals here.

What better way to enjoy a beach day than with a delicious treat? Tybee has several ice cream and sweet shops for you to browse. From soft serve to brownie sundaes and doughnuts to pralines, you’ll happily give in to your cravings at The Sugar Shack or the Savannah Praline Company.

Ahoy matey! A day of adventure awaits you on a private sailing charter experience. Sail through the remote islands and beaches around Tybee. Have a close encounter with the dolphins and sea life while you smell the sea and feel the sky. With more than 45 years of experience, you'll be in good hands with Captain Steve of Compass Sailing as you cruise Georgia's barrier islands on his 38' sailing yacht. Prefer a fishing adventure? Try Tybee Island Charters inshore or deep-sea fishing charters. Whether it's a bachelorette party, birthday, business meeting, family outing, romantic getaway or personalized sailing lessons, you can do it all here on the Atlantic Ocean.  

Did you know? You can catch sight of dolphins on Tybee Island! Dolphins are abundant in the waters around the island, and taking a dolphin tour is the perfect way to get up close and personal with the friendly, curious creatures. Dolphin tours launch off the Back River, providing a look of the island from a different perspective.

Watersports are an exhilarating way to explore the water, be active and do something different. Kayaks, paddleboards and jet skies are available to rent with instructions and lessons available for beginners.

Take a trip out to Little Tybee Island, a pure, uninhabited nature preserve accessible only by boat. Visitors to Little Tybee Island are welcome to camp, but you can also take a charter boat out to spend the afternoon exploring the island. Don’t let the name fool you – Little Tybee Island is actually twice the size of Tybee Island!

The Tybee Island Museum is located in an 1898 coastal Georgia artillery battery at Fort Screven, the site of the Tybee Island Light Station. Completed in 1961, the museum features collections of historical items, pictures and relics that chronicle nearly 400 years of the island’s history.

The historic Tybee Post Theater is a long-standing beacon to the Tybee community. This charming landmark is the place to go for live music, theatre, educational programs and classic films. Stop in for a featured event such as the Hitchcock Birthday Celebration for a thrilling time with the family. After all, “A boy’s best friend is his mother.” Right, Norman?