This Georgia beach town reminds me of Folly Beach in South Carolina. Both are old-school beaches without all of the franchise restaurants and hotels, and each has a very walkable downtown area.
Tybee Island, Georgia, is the perfect getaway if you want to experience a laid-back beach vacation and, like Folly Beach, enjoy having a historic city within 20 minutes away. Folly has Charleston, and Tybee has Savannah.
I arrived in Tybee around ten on a Saturday morning recently, and the weather was sunny and cold, but still had a pretty good crowd downtown, but way less than a typical summer day. There is plenty to do while you’re at Tybee Island, in addition to the over three miles of beaches.
Tybee has only 3000 residents, but many visitors make for a busy, small downtown throughout the year. Even celebrities love the area and some residents you might run into are Billy Currington and a past notable resident, John Mellencamp.
Yes, there is plenty to do at Tybee, but if you want a change of scenery for a day, you’re about 20 minutes away from America’s first planned city, Savannah, Georgia, founded in 1733. Now, that’s a lot of history to see! Cobblestone streets and too many great restaurants and bars to mention.
The Tybee Island Lighthouse is a must-see during your visit. Get ready for a climb, though. One hundred seventy-eight steps to the top! After snapping some great pictures, you can visit the museum and gift shop.
Fun Fact: According to the Visit Tybee website, Tybee is believed to be derived from the Euchee Native American word for “salt.” I’ve always said salt therapy is good for the soul and your health, and there is nowhere better to breathe it in than Tybee Island, Georgia. I hope you get to visit soon!
