Enjoy a little Tybee Time!
Just 30 minutes from Downtown Savannah, a carefree and quirky seaside community awaits with beckoning beaches. It is anchored by an alluring lighthouse and a sea of casual coastal shops filled with everything from aquatic art to colorful clothing. Named one of “The South’s Best” by Southern Living, Tybee Island is a must-see gem on the Georgia coast.
Coastal Charm
A vast array of accommodations abound on “Savannah’s Beach.” From tasteful townhomes to charming coastal cottages and condos just steps from the ocean, there is something for every vacationer.
For instance, the popular Oceanfront Cottage Rentals’ luxurious lineup of over 100 properties offers plenty of options year-round. Their accommodations vary widely and are suited to a variety of vacation preferences. They range from smaller homes on the South End (excellent for weekenders) to family-friendly, multi-story mansions on the North End.
“We consider our homes to be luxury homes. We prefer quality to quantity,” explains Ray Anaya, director of brand development and marketing at Oceanfront Cottage Rentals. “It doesn’t mean they’re overly expensive, we just want our vacationers to experience Tybee at its best.”
Much more than simply a place to get away for a little R&R, Oceanfront Cottage Rentals offers guests “a home away from home.”
In fact, owner Stacye Jarrell started the business 20 years ago with her very own home—The Cottage—which is still available to rent. Their newest property—the mammoth eight-bedroom Mansion on the Hill features a honeymoon suite and billiard room. It is located on Tybee’s celebrated Officers Row.
Whether the occasion is a retreat for colleagues, rendezvous for couples or quick, fun getaways, Oceanfront Cottage Rentals exudes Southern charm. You are sure to find the venue you choose sparkling clean, and overflowing with amenities! They understand nothing is as spectacular as sunset on the beach, and they strive to give their guests picture-perfect memories.
Salt Life
Life on the ocean creates its own culture and casts a wide, carefree net that seduces people from all over the country. Tybee Island’s year-round population is diverse, and you will find many artists, outdoorsmen and award-winning chefs.
On Strand Avenue, across the street from the ever-popular South Beach, Fannie’s on the Beach awaits! The eatery boasts an eclectic menu of fabulous fare perfect for the beach. Sandwiches, salads, seafood, hand-tossed pizzas and steaks are a few favorites. Famous for their Bloody Marys—repeatedly voted the best on the island—compliment their weekend brunch. On Tybee’s sunny days, there’s nothing like enjoying some of Fannie’s great food from the second floor, and the third-floor balcony bar is the perfect place to sip drinks.
If it’s spectacular views you are after, walk on down to the North End, and you’ll find the Tybee Island Lighthouse. With a history dating back to 1736, history buffs will find it interesting, and kids will find it a fun challenge. It takes some effort to climb those steps 145 feet to the top, but the view is definitely worth it!
An enjoyable way to view Tybee, Adventure Tours in Motion offers an exciting alternative for touring the island. Doesn’t everyone want to try a Segway? How about an electric bicycle? Here’s your chance! Glide effortlessly across Tybee on the large, all-terrain tires that make for easy exploration. Choose from a variety of tours. Your 60-minute tour may even take you past celebrity homes!
However, it’s usually the celebrities of the sea that are most sought after on a trip to Tybee—dolphins.
These fun-loving, aquatic mammals have a friendly demeanor and will often swim right up to kayakers and boats. Docked at Lazaretto Creek Marina, Captain Mike’s Dolphin Tours offers their daytime dolphin escapades, sunset cruises and historic adventure tours.
A Seaside Secret
Summertime is the season of choice for most vacationers, but locals love the fall. Tybee’s serene shores have elbow room, traffic is low, and this lovely community is easier to enjoy.
“The fall on Tybee is kind of like a diamond in the rough,” says Anaya. “Everything’s not crowded and you can really enjoy Tybee.”
Tybee summers can often wilt even the hardiest visitor, but the cooler, less humid temps of fall usher in fun fall festivals!
The warm weather continues throughout the end of October. Highs in September average in the mid- to low-80s with lows in the 70s. October averages a high of 76 and low of 57, and that is perfect for enjoying a nice day on the beach and an outdoor fire at night. Water temps averaging 82 in September and 77 in October. You can still experience a paddleboard adventure to Little Tybee Island with East Coast Paddleboarding. There is nary a fret about frigid water, so it’s a great time to explore the Back River with their Horsepen Creek Tour.
“There’s never been a better time to visit Tybee Island than right now,” says Sara Lane, director of Visit Tybee. “Each year, our island warmly welcomes visitors from around the world. We couldn’t be more excited to share the best of Tybee’s unique laid-back lifestyle we affectionately call ‘Tybee Time’.”
