Tybee Island

The barrier island 18 miles east of Savannah, formerly known as Savannah Beach, has been a destination since the 1920s, when a train connected downtown to the beach pavilion where jazz bands played. These days the island is a mix of kitschy shops and interesting restaurants, making a wonderfully quirky beach town. Whether you're looking to work on your tan, spend a day on a fishing charter, or paddle around in a kayak, this is a must-see during the summer months.