Visit Georgia’s Family-Friendly Tybee Island

tybee light station and museum Georgia

Tybee Island has a laid-back, low-key feel reminiscent of a 50’s and 60’s beach town replete with quaint cottages, mom & pop eateries and a wide five-mile long sandy beach with plenty of space to park an umbrella and chair, build a sandcastle or toss a Frisbee.

Beautiful Tybee Island offers an abundance of fun adventures for every member of the family, including beach and water sport enthusiasts, history buffs, nature lovers, seafood aficionados and shoppers.

sunset Tybee Island

Beach & Water Sport Enthusiasts

Play in the sand and surf on Tybee’s five-mile-long beach, or cast your fishing line from the Tybee Pier & Pavilion. Pack a lunch to enjoy at a shaded picnic table under the Pavilion, and later in the evening, enjoy a spectacular sunset from the pier as you sip a cocktail or cold beer, thanks to Tybee Island’s “open container” policy. Want more water action—go jet skiing, kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding.

tybee-pier-pavilion

Tybee for Nature Lovers

Tybee Island’s marshes and creeks offer another kind of playground. Book a Dolphin Tour with Captain Mike or Captain Derek for a memorable dolphin adventure, or take a Tybee Island Ecology Trip with marine biologist Dr. Joe that includes beach combing, exploring tide pools and learning all about tidal creatures.

surfboard-rentals-tybee-pier-and-pavilion

Stop at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center to learn more about Tybee’s marine and wildlife. Explore the island on foot or by bike. Named one of the “most bicycle friendly communities,” Tybee Island is one big bike path to explore the ins and outs of the island.

Explore an uninhabited island.  At the southern end of the island lies Little Tybee Island which is twice the size of Tybee Island. Rent a boat or hop on a tour to get to the island and spend a day exploring this paradise.

Tybee Island marsh tour

Tybee for History Buffs

Tybee Island is the eastern most point in Georgia and the name “Tybee” is derived from the Native American Euchee word for “salt.” The island’s history goes back 400 years.

Check out the Tybee Island Light Station & Museum. Climb to the top of Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse for a panoramic view of the island. Then roam the grounds to explore 400 years of Tybee Island history.

Perfect for Civil War buffs, Fort Pulaski National Monument offers guided tours, cannon-firing demonstrations and musket and soldier demonstrations.

tybee light station and museum Georgia

Tybee for Seafood Aficionados

The Crab Shack is a one-stop-shop for all things seafood. Order a Captain Crab’s Sampler Platter, a feast piled high with crab legs, shrimp, mussels, crawfish, Georgia shrimp, corn, sausage and potatoes. Grab an outdoor table overlooking Chimney Creek for great scenic views. Kids will love feeding the baby alligators in a self-enclosed lagoon.

the crab shack Tybee Island
the crab shack Tybee Island seating

Toast the sunset at Coco’s Sunset Grille. Sit on the upper deck which offers great views of shrimp boats and wildlife on Lazaretto Creek. Choose from a variety of fresh, local seafood. My personal recommendation is the Seared Shrimp & Scallops served over angel hair pasta with cream beurre blanc sauce with fresh basil & tomatoes. Top that off with a slice of key lime pie.

cocos sunset grille Tybee Island

Unique Shopping

Check out several locally owned shops with funky wears and unique gift items at Tybee Oaks and The Shoppes at 1207. Grab a latte at Tybean Art & Coffee Bar, then check out Latitude’s 32, Seaside Sisters, the Fish Art Gallery, the Tybee Cottage Art Gallery and more. After a day of shopping, treat everyone to some hand-dipped ice cream at The Sugar Shack. My favorite is definitely the Banana Pudding milkshake. After all folks, it is the South!

tybee-cottage-art
fish-art-gallery-tybee-island-shopping

Thanks to Visit Tybee for hosting Sandra on this trip. The reviews and opinions are her own.

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what to see and do at tybee island georgia
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