Arriving at Tybee Island after 10 AM often means spending an hour hunting for a parking spot while baking in the Georgia sun. Securing a space near the lighthouse and knowing the strict local regulations beforehand saves your day trip from turning into a logistical nightmare.
- Distance from Savannah: 20 minutes (approx. 18 miles)
- Lighthouse Admission: $14 for adults, $12 for children/seniors
- Lighthouse Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
- Parking Enforcement: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM year-round
Tybee Island Light Station and Museum
The Tybee Island Light Station stands as one of the most intact historic lighthouses in the US. You must buy your tickets on-site upon arrival because online pre-sales do not exist. Your ticket grants access to the complete light station and the Tybee Museum located in Battery Garland across the street.
Keep in mind that no backpacks of any size pass through the gates. Leave them securely in your vehicle. Drone flights also face strict restrictions here, especially during operating hours from Wednesday to Monday.
Ticket Prices and Admission Rules
Expect to pay $14 for adults and $12 for seniors, military personnel, and children aged 6 to 17. Kids aged 5 and under enter for free. The ticket window closes promptly at 4:30 PM. Plan to arrive by 3:30 PM at the latest to comfortably climb the 178 steps before the grounds close at 5:30 PM.
Parking at the Lighthouse
Your lighthouse admission includes 2 hours of free parking in the dedicated lot. Once you finish your tour, move your vehicle to the public lot across the street to explore the North Beach area. Tybee Island enforces parking rules strictly, and fines add up quickly.
Tybee Pier and Pavilion
The Tybee Pier stretches out from South Beach and admission is completely free. Fishing is allowed directly from the pier, which makes it popular with locals on weekday mornings. The pavilion hosts festivals and community events throughout the year, and the far end of the pier delivers some of the best sunset views on the island. Bring cash if you plan to buy from pier vendors; many are cash-only.
Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Located at 37 Meddin Drive, the Marine Science Center opens Wednesday through Sunday, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The touch tanks let you get hands-on with local marine life, and the center plays an active role in sea turtle conservation along the Georgia coast.
The guided nature walks run for about 90 minutes and cost $20 per adult. Wear closed-toe shoes, as the terrain through the salt marshes gets muddy. These walks are worth booking ahead during summer, as group sizes are limited.
Kayaking to Little Tybee Island
Little Tybee Island sits just south of Tybee and is only reachable by kayak or boat. The island is completely undeveloped, no roads, no buildings, just wide-open salt marshes, shell beaches, and shorebirds. It is one of the few places near Savannah where you can genuinely get away from the crowds.
Kayak rentals are available near Back River Beach, which serves as the main launch point. The paddle takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes depending on the tide. Check the tide chart before you go. Paddling against an outgoing tide on the return trip adds significant effort. Several local outfitters offer guided half-day tours if you prefer a navigator.
Top Beaches on Tybee Island
North Beach
North Beach sits at the northeastern tip of the island, directly adjacent to the lighthouse. The sand here carries more shells than the southern beaches, and the water stays relatively calm. It draws a quieter crowd and offers direct views of cargo ships entering the Savannah River. This is the beach for history and relaxation.
Mid Beach
Mid Beach runs along the central stretch of the island between the lighthouse area and the pier. It gets less foot traffic than South Beach but still has public restroom access and paid parking nearby. A good option when the main lots fill up.
South Beach
South Beach anchors the commercial heart of Tybee, with the pier, pavilion, restaurants, and most of the island's activity within easy walking distance. The waves here are slightly more active, attracting surfers and paddleboarders. If you are visiting with a group or want proximity to food and bars, South Beach makes the most sense.
Beach Rules You Need to Know
Tybee enforces its beach ordinances actively. Violations carry fines up to $1,000, so it is worth knowing the rules before you set foot on the sand.
- No dogs on any Tybee beach at any time. First offense starts at $290. Service animals are the only exception.
- No glass containers of any kind. Beer cans and plastic cups are fine; glass bottles are not.
- No open fires or charcoal grills on the beach.
- No beer kegs.
- No smoking or vaping. Cigarette butts count as litter under the ordinance.
- No motorized vehicles on beach sand.
- Do not disturb dune vegetation. Walking into the dunes is unlawful.
- No shark fishing from any public beach, dock, or pier.
- The sandbar at the south end is marked as hazardous. Swimming or walking to it is illegal.
Fort Pulaski National Monument
Before crossing the final bridge onto Tybee, Fort Pulaski sits perfectly positioned for a historical detour. The fort features massive brick walls that bear the scars of Civil War artillery. Exploring the inner grounds and the surrounding nature trails takes about an hour and breaks up the drive from Savannah perfectly.
The NPS entry fee is $10 per vehicle, covered by America the Beautiful passes. The grounds stay open daily, though hours vary by season. Check the NPS website before your visit.
Where to Eat on Tybee Island
The Crab Shack is the most well-known spot on the island, built on stilts over a tidal creek at 40 Estill Hammock Road. The outdoor seating surrounds an actual alligator lagoon, and the steamed seafood platters are the reason most people drive out here. Arrive early or expect a wait.
The Breakfast Club on Butler Avenue starts drawing lines before it even opens. The portions are large, the prices are reasonable, and it is consistently the top-rated breakfast spot in the area. Bring cash and plan to wait 20 to 30 minutes on weekends.
Getting to Tybee Island from Savannah
Take US-80 East directly from downtown Savannah. The scenic drive cuts straight through the coastal salt marshes and passes Fort Pulaski on the way. Traffic slows down significantly during summer weekends, so hitting the road before 9 AM keeps you moving. The drive is approximately 18 miles and takes around 20 to 30 minutes depending on conditions.
Parking Rules and Fees
Every public parking space on Tybee Island requires payment from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, 365 days a year. Rates currently sit at $4.00 per hour. Download the ParkTybee app before your trip to manage your meter directly from your phone and avoid unexpected tickets.
If you are moving between areas (from the lighthouse to South Beach, for example), golf cart taxis cover the whole island for around $5 a ride and show up quickly. This is a practical option when you do not want to deal with re-parking mid-day.
Best Time to Visit Tybee Island
Spring (April to May) and fall (September to November) are the best windows. Temperatures sit in the comfortable 65-80°F range, crowds are manageable, and parking is far easier to find. The fall migration season also brings shorebirds to the North Beach area, making it a draw for birding.
Summer runs hot and humid with June through August delivering the warmest water temperatures, but also the largest crowds and the most competition for parking. If you are visiting in summer, aim for a weekday and arrive early. Weekends between July 4th and Labor Day bring the island to capacity.
Winter is quiet and mild by Georgia standards. Most businesses stay open, the lighthouse still operates on its regular schedule, and the beaches are nearly empty on weekdays.
