Tybee Island attractions are on everyone’s list of reasons to visit and enjoy our little barrier island. Tybee is often called “a drinking island with a fishing problem” and sports a long list of historic sites and places. It’s just the kind of place where it’s easy to slow down and take more time to appreciate this beautiful coastal paradise. Following are attractions we love to recommend to our guests.
On an islet off the southeastern tip of Cockspur Island marking the South Channel of the Savannah River, the Cockspur Lighthouse stands twelve miles east of the port of Savannah. The islet, often covered by high tide, is formed of oyster shells, and marsh grass. Soon after the Civil War’s end, on April 25, 1866, the beacon was relit and painted white for use as a daymark.
At the mouth of the Savannah River, the fort’s original purpose was to defend Savannah, then a booming port city, from any attacks. Union troops used state-of-the-art guns, among them the new James Rifled Cannon and the Parrott Rifle, in a 30-hour bombardment of the fort until it was penetrated. The Confederate commander surrendered. The siege became a historic experiment of military science and invention, and a case against military masonry construction.
Though it’s called Little Tybee, it’s about twice the size of Tybee Island. It’s a pure, uninhabited nature preserve and a hidden treasure. It can only be accessed by boat or other watercraft and getting there is part of its charm.
Before 1887, the railroad carried passengers from Savannah to Tybee Island, a popular turn-of-the-century beach resort. A highway to the island was built in 1923. This six-mile trail was built on top of the railroad tracks and it’s enjoyed by history buffs and nature lovers every day.
Tybee Island Marine Science Center
This new state-of-the-art center provides year-round programs for island visitors, scouts, and students on the beach, in the marsh, and their Coastal Georgia Galleries. Their galleries feature baby alligators, spider crabs, loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings, diamondback terrapins, a corn snake, box turtles, and horseshoe crabs, along with other animal ambassadors collected from the local waters.
General James Oglethorpe, Governor of the 13th colony, ordered 1732 the Tybee Island Light Station and it has been guiding mariners to safe entrance into the Savannah River for over 285 years. The Tybee Island Light Station is one of America’s most intact light stations having all of its historic support buildings on its three-acre site. Rebuilt several times the current Lighthouse displays its 1916 day mark with 178 steps and a First Order Fresnel Lens.
This is a popular place for dances, concerts, and community events. There are public restrooms, covered picnic tables, food vendors, and vending machines. For avid fishermen, fish can be caught off the pier including trout, bass, mackerel, snapper, and grouper. Stroll the pier for spectacular ocean views, the island, and shrimp boats coming and going.
The Post Theater was constructed in 1930 by the U.S. Army as a movie house for the soldiers stationed at the Fort and it was the highlight of recreational activities for the soldiers and their families and friends on the island. The theater was restored and reopened in 2015 and has high-quality sound and light systems, comfortable seating, and concession stands serving snacks, soft beverages, and beer and wine.
Our happy little cottages by the sea are also major Tybee Island Attractions. Choose your favorite and reserve your stay on our website. Our wonderful Mermaids are always on duty to assist you, too. Call or text 912.658.0714 and let us tell you all about attractions and more!