What are the best things to do on Tybee Island?
Go to the beach, climb the Tybee Island Lighthouse, walk out on the Pier and Pavilion, visit the shops, see the sea turtles at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center, explore the old gun batteries at Fort Screven, and watch the sunset from Alley 3 on the Back River.
If you want to get out on the water, add a dolphin tour or a kayak paddle toward Little Tybee Island. The easiest way to string it all together is to ride a bike around the island. Tybee Island Bike Rentals delivers bikes free to wherever you’re staying on the island, so you can ride to every one of these.
What is Tybee Island known for?
Its lighthouse, its beaches, bike riding, and its easygoing small-town feel.
The Tybee Island Light Station is Georgia’s oldest and tallest light station, dating back to 1736. The island is a favorite for bike riding: Second Avenue is a designated bike route that runs the length of the island, and beach cruisers are one of the most popular ways to get around. Tybee also has a historic pier, wide sandy beaches, and sits about 20 minutes from downtown Savannah.
What’s the best way to get around Tybee Island?
Definitely by bike.
Second Avenue is the designated bike route that runs the length of Tybee. It’s the nicest ride on the island, and the best way to get from the north end to the south end without riding on the main highway. Parking on Tybee is paid nearly everywhere and the spots near the beach fill up fast, while a bike rolls right up to the rack at the pier, the lighthouse, and the restaurants on Tybrisa Street. Tybee Island Bike Rentals brings the bikes to your door and picks them up when you leave.
Is Tybee Island good for families with kids?
Yes. Tybee is one of the easiest family beach trips in Georgia.
Kids love the touch tanks and sea turtles at the Marine Science Center and the playground at Memorial Park. For getting around, we have 24″ cruisers for riders 4′0″ to 5′0″, smaller 20″ bikes for younger kids, and trailers for the little ones. Helmets are free on request.
Where is the best place to watch the sunset on Tybee?
Alley 3 on the Back River, or the north tip of the island.
Alley 3 sits on the calm side of the island, looking across the water toward Little Tybee. Ride over a little before sundown, lock up, and walk out onto the sand.
What can I do on Tybee on a rainy day or when it’s too hot?
Hop on a bike. A ride makes its own cool breeze, and you can glide along Tybee’s shaded side streets to the museums, shops, and restaurants.
When it rains, ride over to the Tybee Island Marine Science Center or the Tybee Island Museum, which sits inside an old 1898 artillery battery across from the lighthouse. When it’s too hot, let the breeze cool you off on the way, then take a break from the sun in the island’s shops and restaurants. There’s plenty of shopping on Tybee, and all of it is an easy ride from wherever you’re staying.
Can I visit Tybee Island for just a day from Savannah?
Yes. Tybee is about 20 minutes from downtown Savannah, and we’ll work with you so you have a bike for the day.
Parking is the hard part. Call Tybee Island Bike Rentals at 912-656-5123 before you come over, tell us what time you’ll arrive, and we’ll help you pick a good spot to meet with the bikes.
Can you ride a bike on the beach at Tybee?
Single-speed beach cruisers, yes. E-bikes, no.
E-bikes are not allowed on the beach. A beach cruiser rides best on the dry, hard-packed sand at low tide. Please stay off the wet sand near the water and out of the water itself. Wet sand and salt water get into the chain and gears and ruin the ride.
Can I ride a bike off Tybee Island to Fort Pulaski or the McQueen’s Trail?
Please don’t. Our bikes stay on the island. It is not safe to ride a bike across the bridge on or off Tybee.
There’s plenty to do right here on Tybee, and you’ll enjoy every minute of it on two wheels. If you’d like to see Fort Pulaski, it’s best to go by car.
Do I need to book bikes ahead of time?
Yes, please. We take reservations only.
Reserve online any time at tybeebikes.com, or call us at 912-656-5123. Booking ahead means your bikes are waiting at your door when you arrive.
