Tybee Island is the gem of Savannah’s barrier islands.

It’s an island steeped in history and blessed with breathtaking natural beauty. and it just wouldn’t be a true savannah experience without a trip to our favorite beach. Here’s our tried and true guide to a perfect day on Tybee island.

The Tybee Island Breakfast Club

This place is a little bit famous. And so with that in mind, don’t delay too long making your way to this unassuming local. With a traditional southern breakfast menu, there’s pretty much something mouthwatering for even the pickiest of eaters in your crew. The Breakfast Club is casual and cozy, and the waffles are really really good.

An Early morning walk down to Tybee’s North beach

There’s something so peaceful about the beach in the morning. The rhythmic sound of ocean waves just goes so well with coffee. The soft morning light and fewer people on the beach makes for a relaxing time searching for seashells and shark’s teeth. Tybee’s North Beach is a particularly lovely spot, and a favorite location for playful dolphins who make regular appearances.

Visit The Historic Tybee Lighthouse and Museum

Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse is situated just off of Tybee’s North Beach, making a natural next step after your morning walk. The Tybee Island Lighthouse dates back to 1736! According to their website, “The tower stands 145 feet tall and has three Light Keeper's Cottages nearby. A small 1812 Summer Kitchen holds archaeological finds. Across the street is an 1899 Military Battery that houses the Tybee Island Museum. Exhibits cover the time of the Euchee tribe, the history of Fort Screven, Tybee's Golden Era and more. A yellow raised cottage adjacent to the property showcases 1900s Tybee architecture.” This is a must-do for any Tybee Island visitor - be sure to snap a selfie at the top of the lighthouse!

Grab a Cup of Local Surfpunk Coffee with a side of ice cream

Believe it or not, there aren’t many places to get a good cup of coffee on Tybee Island. But that’s not really a problem when the BEST coffee is located right near the pier. Local coffee roasters extraordinaire, Surfpunk Coffee, (quite conveniently) share a space with Seaweed’s Ice Cream. It’s a match made in Heaven, because as you can imagine, not only are iced coffee drinks a major hit in the summer months, but there are several really fun coffee-ice cream combinations to enjoy as well. This stop is a well-deserved fan favorite.

Take a Bike Ride to the back River

Since you’ll be freshly energized from your ice cream and Surfpunk Coffee, it’s the perfect time to rent a bike next door at Fat Tire Bikes and make your way across the island to check out the back river. Tybee’s riverside offers up stunning marsh views, and the jaunt makes for a picture-perfect time by the water. See all types of wildlife, from sea-birds, to turtles, and maybe even the occasional alligator.

Do a little sunbathing and people-watching at the pier

Drop your bikes back off and make your way across the street. Tybee’s Pier is the hub of the island. With surf shops, restaurants, and snack bars, restrooms and parking spaces, it’s hard to come to Tybee and not spend a little time here. It’s full of energy and fun, and the pier itself is super enjoyable to walk for a gorgeous and breezy view over the Atlantic.

Enjoy Dinner, Drinks, and Sunset Views over the beach from “The DEck”

The Deck is one of our very favorite places to eat on Tybee, and the atmosphere in the evening hours is perfection. With an eclectic and edgy menu, this place will encourage everyone to try something they may not have heard of before, but with the assurance that it will be super tasty. Choose the trendy beach vibe of indoor seating, or enjoy the restaurant’s name-sake outdoor deck seating and take in the view as the sun sets on Tybee Island.

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We’re T.C. & Brenna Michaels

We’re Savannah authors, tastemakers, historians, and classical storytellers. We’re also madly in love and living our true Savannah romance.

GENTEEL & BARD IS OUR LUXURY SOUTHERN LIFESTYLE AND SAVANNAH TOURING COMPANY. WE’RE SO GLAD YOU’RE HERE.

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