Drive eighteen miles east of Savannah—about twenty minutes—and you’ll reach the Atlantic Ocean. There’s another world at the end of the road: Tybee Island. If you’re looking for a different kind of experience during your long weekend in Savannah, Tybee Island is well-worth a visit.

Also known as “Savannah Beach,” Tybee Island sits at the mouth of the Savannah River. It’s Georgia's northernmost and 11th largest barrier island. The island is 2.5 miles long and 0.75 mile wide with about 3.5 miles of beach. It’s one of only four of Georgia's barrier islands that are accessible by car.

Tybee Island is a pretty laid-back, almost old-fashioned place. Don’t go there expecting a glitzy beach resort. There are a few hotels and motels, some B&Bs, and lots of vacation rentals. (Some trivia: the first-ever Days Inn was built on Tybee Island in 1970.) At the south end of the beach is a pier and pavillion. In addition to relaxing on the beach, you can choose from a variety of outdoor activities including fishing, biking, dolphin cruises, kayaking, and birdwatching.

The distinctive black and white Tybee Lighthouse is one of the best preserved lighthouses in the USA. There’s been a lighthouse at this spot since 1736. The current lighthouse was activated in 1867 and stands 154 feet tall. It was built on a 60-foot base constructed in 1773 that was damaged in the Civil War. The Tybee lighthouse is unusual because all its support buildings are intact: a headkeeper's house, two assistant keeper's houses, a summer kitchen, and fuel storage building. The light at the top of the tower is still active, and you can climb 178 stairs for an excellent view of the surrounding area. (Find more information and photos of the Tybee Lighthouse here.)

Nature-lovers can visit the Tybee Island Marine Science Center. This organization promotes the appreciation, conservation, and understanding of the marine ecosystem of coastal Georgia. The center includes aquariums with local and tropical marine life, reptiles, exhibits, a gift shop and a “touch tank”. They also offer educational programs and activities in the center, on the beach and in the marsh.

A few miles west of Tybee Island is Fort Pulaski, a national monument operated by the National Park Service. The fort was completed in 1847 and named for the Polish general who was one of the heroes of the Battle of Savannah during the American Revolution. Controlled by the Confederate Army in the early years of the Civil War, Fort Pulaski was seized by Union forces in April 1862. This battle was a turning point in military history since it featured the first significant use of rifled cannons in combat. These long-range weapons shattered Fort Pulaski's walls from over a mile away. Under Union control, the fort became a final stop on the Underground Railroad, the place where slaves were freed when they arrived. After the war Fort Pulaski was a military and political prison. The park includes 5,623 acres of scenic marsh and uplands that support a variety of local animal life. (Take a virtual tour of Fort Pulaski here)

The 46-foot tall Cockspur Beacon lighthouse, built in 1857, sits on an islet about 12 miles from Savannah. This little lighthouse has had an interesting history too. Look for it on the left as you head to Tybee Island. Depending on the tides, it may be totally surrounded by water.

A very popular destination off the road to Tybee Island is the Crab Shack. (Our family loves the ambiance, and we've had lunch there several times.) Set near a fishing marina, this very laid-back seafood restaurant has a huge patio built around shady oak trees. They were featured on Rachel Ray's "Eating on $40 a Day" show. Take a look at their website for lots of photos, the menu, and the clip from Rachel Ray's show. (Be prepared to listen to Jimmy Buffett music!)

One of the most important landmarks between Savannah to Tybee Island is Old Fort Jackson, located just three miles from Savannah and the oldest standing fort in Georgia. In addition to its role in American history, Fort Jackson will soon play an important role in our own Slow Travel history, as it welcomes all of us to the Saturday night party during the Great Slow Travel Gathering 2008. Those old walls will come to life again. Who knows? The sounds of our festivities might even be heard on Tybee Island!

Learn more about Tybee Island:

Tybee Island Online- listen to "Under the Boardwalk" and get in a beachy mood!
Tybee Island Visit
Sherpa Guides - Tybee Island
Photo Tour of Tybee Island
Virtual Tour of Tybee Island

Join us for The Great Slow Travel Gathering - Savannah, Georgia - April 4 to 6, 2008.

Kathy

I am thinking of going out there for lunch on Saturday. I've never been to Tybee but there's a reataurant called the Crab Shack that is very much on the radar. (I don't mean for this to be a formal outing)

anyone else???

jan

That would be me, Jan. I'm interested in exploring the island, and lunch at the Crab Shack sounds like a must-do.

How embarassing-- I posted and THEN read Kathy's wonderfully informative post, which tells about the Crab Shack.

jan