Tybee Island

The farthest barrier island off of Savannah's coast, Tybee Island is a quirky beach town full of art and eclectic energy. The Euchee people were the first to live here and named the island after their word for "salt," but these days, the island is chock-full of seafood restaurants, independent motels, and souvenir shops—most of which sprang up during the 1950s and haven’t changed much since.

Swimsuits and flip-flops are acceptable attire anywhere on the island. Tybee is hyper-local with almost no chain businesses and has a vibe like it's the beach town of your childhood that time forgot. Fun-loving locals still host big annual parties like fall’s Pirate Festival and spring’s Beach Bum Parade. February's Tybee Run Fest—the modern iteration of the more than 20-year-old Tybee Marathon—brings over 1,000 runners to the iconic pier and pavilion. Tybee Island’s entire expanse of taupe sand is divided into three public beach stretches: North Beach, the Pier and Pavilion, and the South End. Beach activities abound, including swimming, boating, fishing, sea kayaking, and parasailing. Newer water sports have gained popularity, including kiteboarding and stand-up paddleboarding. Don't leave town without taking a dolphin tour, an hour-long boat ride just off the coast to see families of dolphins feeding and frolicking near the jetties and shrimp boats. They're so used to the boats that they get very close, thrilling the kids and making for great photos and video to share with friends.