Must-Do Activities and Events!

Top 10 Activities on Tybee Island and Savannah

From the warm sandy beach to the cobblestone paved streets, both Tybee Island and Savannah have many events and activities for you and your family to enjoy during your stay. With so many events and activities to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to do once you get here. But, have no fear! We’ve outlined our Top 10 recommendations that make for an unforgettable Tybee Island and/or Savannah vacation!

Tybee Island

Located 20 minutes from Savannah’s historic downtown, our Georgia barrier island is the perfect slice of paradise! Often referred to as “Savannah, Georgia’s beach“, Tybee Island is a place where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of the fast-paced city life and relax on #tybeetime. There’s so much to do here! Relax on the beach, watch the birds and the dolphins play, go fishing, collect shells, go for a swim, kayak around the creeks, bike ride, or have a great meal and a margarita! Read our Tybee Island beach guide to learn more about the various beaches on Tybee Island, and read about our favorite activities on the island below!

Tybee Island Light Station

Ordered in 1732 by General James Oglethorpe, Governor of the 13th colony, the Tybee Island Light Station has been guiding mariners’ safe entrance into the Savannah River for over 270 years. The Tybee Island Light Station is one of America’s most intact, having all its historic support buildings on its five-acre site. Rebuilt several times, the current light station displays its 1916-day mark (the exterior paint color scheme) with 178 stairs and a First Order Fresnel lens (nine feet tall). Visitors can climb its steps to the top and enjoy breathtaking views. History buffs young and old won’t want to miss the Tybee Island Light Station.

Tybee Island Marine Science Center

Join marine scientists on adventures and discover new things about the marshes and the ocean which surround Tybee Island. The Coastal Classroom programs are two-hours in length. You can choose from a variety of classroom and field modules, in half-hour and one-hour segments, to build your students’ program. Also, the Floating Classrooms and Coastal Scientist programs can be stand alone or combined with the modules for a full day of programming. These are all great ways to study and enjoy marine life and the ecology of Georgia. The Tybee Island Marine Science Center also offers the chance for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts alike to earn an important Coastal badge. These specific programs are offered year-round, rain or shine, and must be scheduled in advance.

East Coast Paddleboarding

Looking for a water adventure? Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is the fastest-growing water sport on the planet. It is fun, easy to learn, and a great way to get out and enjoy the beauty of nature. The whole family can enjoy this sport and for those desiring a great workout, the fitness benefits are remarkable. Stand-up paddleboarding has been called “walking on water” and you will feel like you are when you are out paddling.

Tybee Beach Ecology Tours

Make your beach trip more than just a trip to the beach. Make it a valuable experience discovering and learning about the animals and habitats of Georgia’s beaches and barrier islands. Led by marine scientist/biologist Dr. Joe Richardson, a professor of Marine Sciences who has taught courses in marine biology, invertebrate zoology, marine chemistry, oceanography, botany, and other coastal ecology subjects. For many years he has conducted field studies at the beach for school classes, teachers, and other groups.

Fort Pulaski

Fort Pulaski National Monument offers visitors the chance to experience many interesting and exciting activities year-round. The Fort itself is a large-scale outdoor exhibit. The main structure, together with outlying works including demilune, drawbridges, ditches, and dikes, is a fine example of historic military architecture. Indoor exhibits highlight the history of Fort Pulaski. From the fort’s construction to its eventual fall due to advancing military technology. Fort Pulaski offers an abundance of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, and bird watching.

Fishing On Tybee Island

Join Captain Josiah Riffle with Southern Saltwater Charters for a full-service guide experience offering inshore/nearshore light tackle fishing, shark tooth and fossil hunts, backwater excursions, sunset cruises, and more.
Check out Captain Judy’s inshore and offshore fishing clinics! As a student, you will receive a current fishing calendar and a fish tracking chart that shows the best times to target fish by month.
Fisherman’s Walk Fishing Pier, better known as the Back River Fishing Pier, is located on the south end of Tybee on the back river. This is perfect for those who want to fish but do not have access to a boat. You can just cast your line off this great 210-foot-long pier.

Savannah, Georgia

Known for its unique charm and beautiful historic architecture, Savannah offers visitors a diverse selection of sightseeing and activities. Walk through oak-filled parks and squares, shop on River Street, or have lunch in City Market. Stroll up the lively Broughton Street, visit a gallery, catch a ride on a ghost tour, then have a great dinner overlooking the river. If you’re looking for fun nightlife, grab a drink and check out the clubs and pubs. Savannah is the definition of history, culture, entertainment, beauty, and best of all, southern hospitality.

Telfair Museums

The Telfair Museums is a collection of three museums: the Jepson Center, the Telfair Academy, and the Owns-Thomas House & Slave Quarters. The Telfair Museums bridge 200 years of art, history, and architecture in Savannah. Visit their new interactive platform, Telfair Today, which allows you to experience a collection of more than 800 images from the permanent collection, blog posts, and video streams virtually anywhere in the world!

Savannah Riverboat Cruises

Enjoy an evening of dinner, entertainment, and an unforgettable tour of Savannah on a Riverboat cruise. Experience refreshing river breezes on a sightseeing harbor tour, delicious local southern flavors, cultural entertainment, a fun-filled dinner, magical moonlight, and lavish brunches. Join their captain and award-winning crew on board for a unique tour and cruise attraction that is not to be missed! Savannah Riverboat Cruises offers cruises on the Savannah River several times a day plus they offer special events. Take a break from the everyday and indulge yourself with a riverboat cruise.

Old Savannah Tours

Since 1979, visitors to Savannah have had the best choice of trolley tours. These tours have been created by Savannahians and refined over time by personal research and local experience which makes each tour as different and descriptive as the guide’s love for our city. This is a far cry from tours scripted by writers in a national chain’s home office. In addition, they do not cut any corners. Hometown expertise with no compromise is why we confidently claim Old Savannah Tours is your best choice. It’s no accident that “Savannah” is their middle name.

Forsyth Park

Forsyth Park, which covers 30 acres of land, is the largest park in the historic district of Savannah Georgia. For locals and tourists, Forsyth Park is a hub of social interaction. Concerts, recreational sports, people watching, sunbathing, reading, relaxing…can all be seen going on in the park depending on when you are there. On Saturdays, you can find local and regionally grown and produced food at the weekly farmers market. Located on the south end of the park, agricultural and horticultural products. If you are going to visit the historic district of Savannah, make sure to head over to Forsyth Park and check it out.

With so many options, it can be hard to decide between things to do on Tybee Island and Savannah. Indulge in more fun by choosing to enjoy both locations! The two destinations are pretty close to one another. The distance from Savannah to Tybee Island is about 20 minutes. So, you can enjoy both cities in one day!