Tybee Island

Tybee Island 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.