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Tybee Island Review

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Tybee Island

Address: Tybee Island is 18 mi east of Savannah; take Victory Drive (U.S. 80), Savannah, GA, 31328 | Map It
Phone: 800/868-2322 for Tybee Island Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.tybeevisit.com.

Category: Islands
Location: Savannah

Write a review | Avg. member rating: 4.4/5

Fodor's Review:

Tybee is an Indian word meaning "salt." The Yamacraw Indians came to this island in the Atlantic Ocean to hunt and fish, and legend has it that pirates buried their treasure here. The island is about 5 mi long and 2 mi wide, with seafood restaurants, chain motels, condos, and shops—most of which sprang up during the 1950s and haven't changed much since. Tybee Island's entire expanse of taupe sand is divided into a number of public beaches, where you go shelling and crabbing, charter fishing boats, parasail, bike, jet ski, kayak, and swim. Nearby, the misnamed Little Tybee Island, actually larger than Tybee Island, is entirely undeveloped. Tybee Island Lighthouse & Museum (30 Meddin Dr., 31328. 912/786-5801. www.tybeelighthouse.org) has been well restored; the Head Keeper's Cottage is the oldest building on the island, and should be on your list of must-sees on the island. The lighthouse opens daily at 9 AM, with the last tour at 4:30 PM; admission is $6. Kids will enjoy the Marine Science Center (1510 Strand Ave., 31328. 912/786-5917. www.tybeemsc.org), which houses local marine life such as the Ogeechee corn snake, turtles, and the American alligator. It is open daily from 9 to 5 during the summer, from 10 to 5 otherwise; admission is $4.

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Member Reviews and Ratings

Reviewed by landrover from Nashville on 3/31/07
Tybee Island to me is a great compliment to Savannah since both harken to earlier days and exemplifiy the better side of the genteel southern traditions. While Savannah exemplfies the 1800s, Tybee reminds me of the Florida beahes I knew as a child in the 1960s- before they all were covered in high rise hotels and condos. It is a little cheesy but in a very good way if you like a retro experience, the beach is beautiful. Don't expect the Ritz, think more of a beach motel - if you love the beach and plan to spend your time there and just need a place to sleep - you will not be disappointed. And you can enjoy the expereinces in Savannah at night and yet feel a hundred miles away when at Tybee.