Are you planning on the next holiday trip which your family can enjoy together? If the answer is yes, you can try to go to Tybee Island in Georgia. Just 20 minutes from the Savannah in Georgia, you can sunbathe on Tybee’s sandy beach, fish off the pier, visit a marine research center, tour a lighthouse, learn about the living history of the small but important island at the Tybee Island Museum or take a dolphin boat ride. Come on, let’s get started with my five fun recommendations of things to do in this amazing seaside town.
Visiting the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum
Get a great workout and enjoy the breathtaking views of the island and the Atlantic Ocean as you climb the 178 steps to the top of this lighthouse. If you think climbing is hard, imagine what it was like to be one of the employees who had to install one measure at a time and rotate it into place. When Tybee Lighthouse was built in The Confederates burned it down during the Civil War and it wasn’t rebuilt until 1867. Visitors can learn why this island and lighthouse were so important during the war and much more history about Tybee Island at the Tybee Island Museum, located across the street at the Garland Battery in Fort Screven.
There is only an admission fee for both places and if you park by the lighthouse there is no charge for parking. Interesting things to do at the museum include climbing the observation deck to look out over the mouth of the Savannah River into the Atlantic Ocean and studying folklore about the Native Americans, English settlers, and pirates who occupied the island. You can also try to learn about Tybee Island’s history as a popular hotel and amusement park and see the seven flags that have flown over Tybee since 1520.
Visiting the Crab Shack Restaurant and Gator Lagoon
Other restaurants might take offense at being called that, but the Crab Shack prides itself on being No. 1, and the owners have worked tirelessly to achieve that goal, offering quality meals at fair prices that are popular with locals and vacationers alike. Customers enjoy the Creek view while devouring finger-licking seafood dishes, delicious crab stew, and the many other dishes on the Crab Shack menu.
The house specialty is a plate full of tasty seasonal seafood. It’s served with corn on the cob, sausage, and potatoes, and can be ordered as a single dish or as a dish for 2, 3, or 4 people. Although I didn’t partake in any of the dishes, I can attest to the fact that it looked delicious and was full of fish, like big crab legs. I bought a fish sandwich and a cup of crab noodles for lunch and both were delicious.
Visiting the Tybee Island Pier
Tybrisa’s first pavilion, built by the Georgia Central Railroad, lasted more than 70 decades and was a landmark in the South Atlantic. Like the modern pier, it was a popular destination for hikers and seasonal workers and featured live entertainment. The Tybee Pavilion opened in 1996 and offers breathtaking ocean views, picnic tables, public restrooms and seasonal festivals, musical performances, and unique celebrations and events throughout the year. Colorful murals depicting scenes of marine life give it a distinctive look while raising awareness of marine life conservation on this magnificent beach and ocean. The adjacent pier is a great place to fish and enjoy the sea breeze.
Taking a Dolphin Boat Tour
No visit to this island would be complete without a visit to see porpoises. Although they are easily spotted from shore, it is always a special thrill to see them from the boat. The joy of seeing dolphins in their natural habitat and also learning about them. The trip continues and spectacular sunset cruises are also offered.