Are you planning a weekend getaway to Tybee Island and want to know what to do there? This article is for you! 

Tybee Island is a pristine barrier island about 18 miles from the Savannah Historic District, Georgia. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, this beautiful coastal town must be on your 2024 bucket list. From stunning beaches and nature walks to historical attractions and fishing piers, this beach town has something for everyone. Whether you are a solo traveler or planning a family vacation, Tybee Island has a lot for you. In this article, I've compiled a list of the 16 fun and relaxing things to do on Tybee Island over the weekend. So, without any further ado, let's begin!

Here are the 16 fun and relaxing activities that you must add to your Tybee Island itinerary! 

1. Take a Tour of the Historic Tybee Island Light Station and Museum

If you're looking for a fun and educational activity, consider taking a tour of the historic Tybee Island Light Station and Museum. Located on the easternmost point of Georgia, this lighthouse has guided mariners safely into the Savannah River since 1736. It is the oldest and highest lighthouse in Georgia, US.   

The museum offers exhibits that highlight the history of the lighthouse and the surrounding area. You'll learn about the lives of the lighthouse keepers and their families and the vital role the lighthouse played in the Civil War. 

During the tour, you can climb to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy the stunning views of Tybee Island and the Atlantic Ocean. The climb is a bit of an effort, with 178 steps to the top, but the view is well worth it. 

Location: 30 Meddin Dr, Tybee Island, GA 31328, USA

Open Hours: 9 am to 4:30 pm, Closed on Tuesdays

2. Visit Fort Pulaski National Monument

Fort Pulaski National Monument is a popular tourist attraction and a must-visit destination for history buffs. This historic fort is located on Cockspur Island, near Savannah, Georgia. The fort played a significant role in the Civil War and was the site of a major battle in 1862. It is surrounded by a moat and was designed to withstand artillery fire from land and sea.

Today, you can explore the fort and learn about its history through guided tours and exhibits, such as the ranger-led tour. You can walk through the casemates, powder magazines, and other rooms. Several exhibits show the daily lives of soldiers stationed at the fort. One of the highlights of the fort is the rifled cannon used by Union forces during the battle. The fort also hosts several interpretive programs, including musket and cannon firings.

Besides the fort, the park has hiking trails, including the North Pier Trail and the Lighthouse Overlooking Trail. The monument is open year-round from 9 am to 5 pm.

Location: 101 Fort Pulaski Rd., Savannah, GA, USA

Book a Private Tour of Tybee Island from Savannah

3. Visit Fort Screven

If you want to learn about the history of Tybee Island, head to Fort Screven. This historical landmark is an integral part of America's Defence Coastal Line. The fort was built in the late 19th century and played a significant defense role during World Wars I and II. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and a must-visit destination for history buffs. The fort was named after Brigadier General James Screven, a hero of the American Revolution. 

One notable spot in Fort Screven is Battery Garland, located on the north end of Tybee Island. Formerly, it was a vast store of projectiles and bags of gunpowder, including a 12-inch disappearing gun. Now, it is the Tybee Island Museum. You can visit the museum and learn about over 400 years of Tybee Island's history.

Another interesting spot in the fort is the Tybee Post Theater. Formerly, it was a movie house for US Army soldiers and their families in the 1930s. Today, it shows movies and hosts concerts. 

If you're looking for a nearby place to stay, consider the Surf Song Bed and Breakfast or the Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast!

Location: N end of Tybee Island Beach, GA 31328, USA

4. Visit Tybee Island's Beautiful Beaches

If you're a beach lover, you'll have a fun weekend on Tybee Island. The island has 3 miles of pristine sandy beaches, including South Beach, Mid Beach, North Beach, and Black River Beach. From enjoying water sports to building sandcastles, here are some popular things to do at these beaches:

• South Beach is the most popular and crowded beach on Tybee Island. The beach is considered “the district” of Tybee Island, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars. It is the prime spot for water sports. You can enjoy surfing, jet skiing, or parasailing. 
• Mid Beach is quieter than South Beach and has fewer people. It is a great place to take an oceanfront walk, build sandcastles, or go shell-hunting. You can also have a picnic or barbecue on the beach. It has the only beachfront restaurant on Tybee Island.
• North Beach is the most natural and has the best views of the Atlantic Ocean. You can go fishing, crabbing off the pier, kayaking, paddleboarding, or take a dolphin-watching tour. 
• Back River Beach is a “hidden beach” located on Tybee Creek and is famous for its calm waters and occasional dolphin sightings. This beach's peaceful and quiet atmosphere perfectly escapes the bustling crowds. 

You'll enjoy the sun, sand, and water no matter which beach you visit on Tybee Island.

5. Meet with Marine Creatures at Tybee Island Marine Science Center

If you are a nature lover, you should visit Tybee Island Marine Science Center. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the conservation of the coastal environment and its inhabitants. The center also has a touch tank where you can touch and hold various marine creatures, such as starfish, crabs, and sea urchins. You can learn about their anatomy and behavior while observing them up close.

The center hosts various educational programs about Tybee Island's marine life. Some programs include Sift ‘N' Seine, Sea Turtle Nest Excavation, Shorebirds and Sea Birds of Tybee Island, Turtle Talk, Beach Ecology Walk, and Marsh Ecology Trek. These programs are informative and fun and are suitable for visitors, school groups, and scouts. Don't miss out on this fun and educational activity on Tybee Island!

Location: 37 Meddin Dr., Tybee Island, GA 31328, USA

Open Hours: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (Wednesdays through Sundays)

6. Go fishing at Tybee Beach Pier and Pavilion

Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion is a must-visit place on Tybee Island. It is located off Highway 80 at the end of Tybrisa Street, where you'll find many shops and places to eat. The pier stretches 1,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean and is a favorite spot for fishing and enjoying beautiful views of South Beach.

You can enjoy amenities such as picnic tables, snack bars, fish cleaning stations, and bait and tackle shops. The pavilion at the end of the pier is a great place to rent for events like weddings. It hosts dance and musical events and festivals throughout the year and is a popular spot for enjoying sunset views!

Tybee Beach Pier and Pavilion has become the premier entertainment center of the area.

Location: Tybrisa St., Tybee Island, GA 31328, USA

Open Hours: 6 am to 11 pm

7. Go on a boat trip by Sundial Charters

If you're looking for a fun adventure on Tybee Island, consider a boat trip with Sundial Charters. This boat touring company can help you plan the best trip based on your schedule, weather conditions, and the tides.

One of their most popular trips is the Little Tybee “Unplugged” tour. On this trip, you can explore a vast natural area south of Tybee Island. There, you can do fun things like watching dolphins, catching crabs, and even searching for fossils.

Sundial Charters runs trips every day, all year round. If you want to do more than one activity in a day or have other ideas for your trip, just give them a call. They'd be happy to help you plan your memorable adventure!

Location:1615 Chatham Ave., Tybee Island, GA 31328, USA

8. Take a Dolphin Tour with Captain Mike

For a fun and exciting experience on the island, take a dolphin tour with Captain Mike! Captain Mike's tours are the best choice for seeing dolphins up close on Tybee Island. During the tour, you'll watch dolphins in their natural habitat, much better than seeing them from the shore.

During the daytime dolphin tours, you'll pass by Fort Pulaski, Cockspur Lighthouse, and the Tybee Lighthouse. It's a great way to learn history while enjoying the dolphin show!

For a romantic experience, try one of his Sunset Cruises! They're peaceful and beautiful, especially in the fall and winter.

And if you love fishing, Captain Mike can take you and your friends on a deep-sea fishing adventure. His boats leave from Lazaretto Creek Marina, which is close to the ocean. So, you'll spend less time traveling and more time catching fish!

Location: 1 Old US Hwy 80, Tybee Island, GA 31328, USA

9. Take a Tybee Island Ghost Tour

For a spooky adventure, join the Tybee Island Ghost Tour. This two-hour tour starts from the historic Carbo House on 9 Tybrisa Street and includes a thermal imaging camera. During the tour, you'll visit different places, such as the South Beach area, The Point on 17th Street beachside, the Rock House, the Beachview Inn & Spa, and the Atlantis Inn.

You'll also stop by the Sandbar, a haunted bar, and the Breakfast Club. The tour guide will share the haunted experiences of locals and tourists. Finally, you'll walk down to the beach near the dunes and Tybee Pier to look for ghostly sights. It is sure to be a thrilling experience.

10. Watch a Show at the Tybee Post Theater

If you want to add some entertainment to your Tybee Island itinerary, head to the Tybee Post Theater. 

The theater was built in 1930 and has a long history. It was used as a movie house for soldiers posted in the Fort Screven historic district and was closed in the mid-1960s. After being closed for 40 years, it reopened in 2015 as a place for the community to enjoy. Now, you can enjoy watching classic and children's films, theatrical performances, live musical concerts, comedy performances, dances, and lectures. 

For visitors or locals, the theater has a lot of entertainment for everyone!

Location: 10 Van Horne Ave., Tybee Island, GA 31328 USA

Open Hours: 10 am – 4 pm (Mon.-Thurs.) and 10 am – 12 pm (Friday)

11. Have a picnic at Tybee Island Memorial Park

If you're looking for a family-friendly attraction in Tybee Island, head to Memorial Park. It's right behind City Hall, between Butler and Jones Ave. The park has large pavilions, a playground (for kids aged two to twelve), a picnic shelter, picnic tables, and grills for picnics with friends and family. Besides picnicking, you can enjoy different games like tennis, soccer, and basketball. The park is bike-friendly. The island's biking trails run through it on 2nd Ave, and there are bike racks next to the playground.

Other facilities include a parking lot and restrooms, making it a perfect place to spend quality time with your family.

Location: Tybee Island, GA 31328, USA

Open Hours: 8 am – 10 pm

12. Take a Bike Tour of Tybee Island

Hop on a bike and join a tour of Tybee Island! This 2-hour adventure begins at North Beach, where you'll meet your guide. They'll help you choose the perfect bike and provide you with a water bottle for the ride. Don't worry about parking or restrooms; North Beach has plenty.

 As you pedal around Tybee, your guide will share fascinating stories about the island's history and culture. You'll ride along Tybee's beach, pass by historic sites like Fort Screven and Battery Garland, and admire the iconic Tybee Island Lighthouse and Tybee Post Theater. The tour ends at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center, a must-see attraction. 

It is a fun and informative way to experience the beauty and charm of Tybee Island!

Location: Parking Lot on Railroad Ave. between the Lighthouse and the Battery, Northbeach, Tybee Island, GA 31328 USA

Open Time: Please check the website to secure a time. Reservations are required.

13. Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding

If you're craving water adventures on Tybee Island, choose Sea Kayak Georgia! They offer guided kayak tours of the nearby coastal areas. 

If you already know how to kayak on the sea or have taken a safety and rescue class, you can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs). You can paddle through calm creeks and marshes, looking for native wildlife such as dolphins, herons, and marsh birds. They also host eco-tours and scout adventures. 

They've got instruction programs for everyone – beginner, expert, and everyone in between. They provide classes every day to teach you how to stay safe and rescue yourself if needed while kayaking. They ensure a safe and fun adventure on the water! 

Location: 1102 US-80, Tybee Island, GA 31328, USA

Open Time: 10 am – 5 pm

14. Visit Jaycee Park

Pack a delicious picnic and take your family to Jaycee Park for a relaxing afternoon surrounded by nature. 

This 8.5-acre park features a large playground area with swings, slides, and climbing structures, perfect for kids. Several picnic tables and benches are scattered throughout the park. If you want to enjoy outdoor sports, the park has basketball courts, a volleyball court, and a baseball field. A 0.25-mile trail winds through the park, providing scenic walking and biking routes.

One of the park's main attractions is its proximity to the beach, just a short walk away. The park also boasts a large pavilion that can be rented out for events such as weddings, family reunions, and corporate gatherings. 

Location: 30 Van Horne Ave, Tybee Island, GA 31328, USA

Open Time: 8 am – 10 pm

15. Visit Little Tybee Island

Visit Little Tybee Island, a wild and untouched place just south of Tybee Island. Even though it's known as “Little Tybee,” it's twice as big as Tybee Island. Little Tybee is famous as a spot for finding shark teeth and fossils.

You won't find any roads or bridges to get there, but this hidden paradise has many ways to have fun. You can only get there by boat or watercraft from the Back River. Bull River Marina rents out kayaks, boats, and jet skis. Remember, the tide changes every 6 hours. Be careful not to get stuck when the tide goes out.

For a special adventure, try camping under the stars on Little Tybee. Or treat yourself to a Sunset Picnic Dinner or Sunset Dinner Cruise on your own private island.

16. Satisfy Your Artistic Side by Visiting Art Galleries at Tybee Island

For art lovers, Tybee Island has many artistic attractions! Here are some popular ones!

The Irritable Pelican Gallery & Pelican's Palette

The Irritable Pelican is a must-visit spot for art lovers and creative folks. You'll find everything here whether you are looking for handmade art, jewelry, home decor, clothing, gardening, or souvenirs. At the gallery, more than 30 artists display 1,000 handmade artifacts. 

Location: 802 1st Street Ste. D, Tybee Island, GA 31328, USA 

Open Time: 9 am to 4 pm

Gallery 80 on Tybee

Gallery 80 On Tybee is an art and framing gallery where you will find handmade artifacts, jewelry, acrylic paintings, pottery, wood-turning art, gourd art, sculpture, photography, and watercolor paintings by regional artists.

Location: 1207 US Highway 80 Ste F, Tybee Island, GA 31328, USA

Open Hours: 11 am to 5 pm (Wed.-Sat.); 12 pm to 3 pm (Sun.) 

When is the Best Time to Visit Tybee Island?

Tybee Island enjoys a temperate climate year-round, with warm, sunny days from May to October and cool, mild weather from late fall to early spring. The island rarely sees frigid temperatures. So, it is a popular destination for snowbirds. Even in the offseason, visitors can experience temperatures as high as 70 or 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to its comfortable climate, you can visit Tybee Island at any time of the year.

Where to Eat on Tybee Island

When it comes to food, Tybee Island is home to some great restaurants and bars. Below are some must-try places on Tybee Island!

The Crab Shack

It is a fun place to eat and hang out. The Crab Shack serves fresh seafood and a special dish called low country boil. The Seafood Sampler Platter is a big hit! If you don't like seafood, they also have BBQ Chicken, Pulled Pork Sandwiches, and Slow-cooked Ribs with southern side dishes. After eating, you can visit the gift shop. 

A-J's Dockside

This casual waterfront restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a meal after a day on the beach. 

It is close to Back River Beach and has beautiful views of Tybee Creek, especially at sunset. For lunch, they serve tasty sandwiches, salads, and seafood. For dinner, they have even more delicious options, like crab, gumbo, and flounder. The atmosphere is super relaxed and chill, but the food is great!

Tybean Art and Coffee Bar

For morning coffee and breakfast, you must try Tybean Art and Coffee Bar. It is surrounded by lots of cute shops, and there's even a restaurant and bar nearby. The bar is open from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where to Stay on Tybee Island

If you're planning to spend a few days on Tybee Island, here are some of the best accommodation options.

Desoto Beach Hotel

This beachfront hotel offers a perfect stay. The spacious rooms have private balconies. Other hotel features include an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a bar.

Tybee Island Inn

If you're looking for a more intimate place to stay, then the Tybee Island Inn might be the perfect choice for you. This charming bed and breakfast features beautifully decorated rooms, a delicious breakfast served every morning, a spa, and a garden.

Admiral's Inn on Tybee Island

Just a short walk from Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion, this cozy hotel provides easy access to all popular attractions. The hotel amenities include spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, a restaurant, a business center, and free parking.  

These are just a few of the best hotels on Tybee Island. No matter which one you choose, you'll have a great time!

Final Thoughts on Tybee Island

There you have it—a list of fun and relaxing things to do in Tybee Island, GA. This beautiful barrier island has no shortage of things to do, from historical museums and forts to pristine beaches and outdoor adventures. Whether you're a solo traveler, a family, or a couple, you’ll find something perfect to do. So, why wait? Plan your trip and head to Tybee Island for a relaxing and memorable weekend!