You made it! The Atlantic Ocean at last! The easternmost of many islands filling the delta at the mouth of the Savannah River, the town of Tybee Island (pop. 2,842) is a funky old family-oriented resort, with four blocks of burger-and-corn-dog stands, taverns, amusement arcades, thrill rides, and miniature golf courses at the eastern end of US-80, just 18 miles east of central Savannah. Originally known as Savannah Beach, and locally famous for the annual Beach Bum’s Parade before Labor Day, Tybee Island’s main attraction is its endless, and usually uncrowded, powdery white-sand beaches, which spread to either side of the new pier and pavilion at the end of 16th Avenue.
At the north end of Tybee Island, from whence the Union forces bombarded Fort Pulaski during the Civil War, a centuries-old lighthouse stands next to the WW II-era concrete bunkers that house the Tybee Museum (daily; $4; 912/786-5801), which includes the old lighthouse keeper’s cottage among its collections tracing the island’s history.
Other draws here are the wacky, slightly ersatz, diner-style Breakfast Club (912/786-5984), right at the center of things at 1500 Butler Avenue, open daily for breakfast or an early lunch, and the old-time Sugar Shack (912/786-4482), at 301 First Street, which serves breakfast, burgers, and great Georgia Peach milkshakes.
Tybee Island’s stretch of US-80 also holds the world’s first Days Inn motel (912/786-4576), upgraded and still in business at 1402 Butler Avenue; rooms go for $50–150 depending on the season. A more characterful, retro-boardinghouse style can be enjoyed at the 17th Street Inn (912/786-0607) at 12 17th Street.
