Tybee Island Beach
Tybee Island Beach
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- TrayBNMt Cobb, Pennsylvania537 contributionsSouth End of the BeachWe used public parking to check out the south end of the beach. Pay for your ticket at the kiosk and put it on your dashboard. This section of beach is away from the crowds near the pier. It was very clean, fresh and relaxing.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 October 2023
- MGQBuffalo, New York526 contributionsGood Day at the BeachThere are basically two beaches with many entrances on Tybee Island...the north Beach and the South Beach. Both have large parking lots with a fee for parking. There appears to be more to do at the North Beach but if you're just looking for a nice relaxing day at the beach, we preferred the South Beach. It was much quieter and easier to access. Both beaches are wide and spacious.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 November 2023
- Sue24 contributionsSo Relaxing at Twin Palms, Tybee Island, Ga.This quaint cottage is behind the owner's property. It is the perfect size for 1-2 people. I loved it! All one room except for bathroom and closet. There is a kitchenette, dining area, love seat, queen bed, tv. wifi, and porch. Owners have beach chairs, beach towels, beach bag, and beach cart if you need them. They are extremely pleasant people who respect your privacy but are also so nice to talk to. It was such a relaxing vacation. I stayed 2 weeks. Close to inlet and ocean. Located at south end of the island. I walked everywhere on the island. No car necessary! Plenty of places to walk to for meals. I did have a rental car and went into Savannah 3 different days. Loved Savannah, too! I would definitely go again. I went the first 2 weeks of May so no crowds or school age kids. The weather was warm, hot some days. I can't say enough about this cute cottage.Visited May 2023Travelled soloWritten 13 March 2024
- lyssasmomKennewick, Washington86 contributionsOkay, we saw it. Won't be back.The beach is nice enough but the town has unfortunately lost its charm. Kitschy tourist traps and a serious lack of parking really detract from what could be a lovely destination spot. There are vacation rental properties everywhere full of people looking to party. Saw one woman passed out on the front lawn next to the sidewalk. Just not our jam.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 14 May 2024
- VcalsHolbrook, New York881 contributionsVery nice experienceI enjoyed myself with my family at Tybee Island beach. The water is warmer this time of the year than where I’m from in New York. Space is limited so make sure you arrive before the crowds and make sure you bring all proper beach equipment with you (towels, umbrellas, etc). Only downside is that parking space is limited and the metered parking is expensive. Still worth it if you are in the area.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 26 May 2024
- TimDouble Springs, Alabama50 contributionsDisappointedOur first time to Tybee Island Beach. We were not expecting the sand to have so many shell fragments, pieces/splinters of wood, and gravel. It was over 80 the day we were there. It wasn't very crowded and enjoyed the 2 chairs and umbrella we rented for $40.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 May 2024
- Grachelle GLas Vegas, Nevada23 contributionsBeautiful Family BeachTook the short drive from Savannah to the beach and really loved it! Cute little town with fun shops to walk through, and once at the beach, we found it clean and very family-friendly. We were there on a Thursday afternoon, so I am certain we missed a much larger weekend crowd. Easy parking, clean restrooms, and food options available on the pier.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 31 May 2024
- Dbornak74 contributionsWide sand, gentle wavesNorth Beach is beautiful and peaceful. Only the little science center and one restaurant across the parking lot. Long deck and a gazebo on the way to the sand. Parking is not exorbitant compared to crowded cities. A little tough to find a spot but worth it. Very peaceful and thank goodness no noisy radios or loose dogs whose owners think they can do no wrong. Saw some comments about no RV parking not even small ones - which is common sense really. (One reason we’re considering a dingy when we get our C-class!). South Beach a bit more crowded like a destination beach with little stores and restaurants. We never made it to the other beaches but this island is very pretty and the waves are so small it’s quite easy going. Containers ships do pass by, as near other port cities but they are practically drifting and totally quiet. I would definitely make this trip again, and it is a lovely day trip from a week in Savannah.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 6 June 2024
- Marcus D634 contributionsBarefoot, collect shells, dance with the waves, hold handsThe long boardwalk from parking to the beach was like an appetizer as we approached the water. It was certainly too cold (for us) for swimming, but quickly the shoes and socks were tossed aside, pant legs rolled up and into the froth we ventured. Sky blue and holding hands. What a great time to be alive and to be togetherVisited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 12 June 2024
- Supper Time TennesseeTennessee112 contributionsTybee Island VacationMy first time bringing the family to Tybee Island. We used VRBO to rent a house for the week. We stayed on the north side of the island near the lighthouse. The north side of the beach is less crowded. The beach itself is most enjoyable late in day during low tide. I was surprised at how early business close on the island. The North Beach Bar and Grill was within walking distance from our house. It closed around 8pm every night. I was also surprised at the lack of fresh seafood on several restaurant menus. Also, be prepared to pay for parking, which you’ll have to do If you drive any where on the island and park.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 28 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
3,717 reviews
Excellent
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1,038
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392
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133
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158
SoloDameExplorer
Louisville, KY47 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Remember as a kid getting excited to visit the beach? The roar of the ocean waves, seeing the waves roll in, chasing waves... Unfortunately the land management engineers have created an almost artificial man made beach here. The waves are so small and underwhelming that you would not be able to use a boogie board let alone a surf board. The Atlantic coast line is supposed to have larger waves than the gulf side, but I can not imagine the waves being any smaller. This is the most placid ocean water I have ever seen. There is just one small wave near the shoreline. There were no ocean waves rolling in. It felt like I was visiting a lake. There is a breakwater to help prevent erosion and to protect real estate and there are likely other methods of construction utilized here to reduce the wear on the coastline but the overall effect is that the land management engineers have ruined the experience of visiting the ocean. The only roar from any waves can be heard a little beyond the south beach towards Little Tybee Island, otherwise even the roar of the ocean waves are absent at this beach. It may be a good place to bring small children, but for someone who has never experienced a visit to the ocean in its natural uninhibited raw beauty, I believe they would be sadly disappointed. This is not the ocean that God created. Man has done his worst to tame the ocean, the powerful, raw, inhibited, natural beauty of the landscape. I really hope that other beaches across the US do not follow suit as I believe both children and adults who have never had the opportunity to experience the ocean before deserve the opportunity to witness it unmolested, in its unfettered state, without the constraints fabricated by artificial barriers of mankind.
The beach was clean, lacking sea shells upon my visit. Wildlife present included living sand dollars sea urchins, seagulls, and a pelican.
Paid parking is city wide with a minimum of 2 hours. Cost is $3 per hour. You can download the app which will require your license plate number or pay at the meter machines. There are bathrooms near the public paid parking lot. There is a foot shower near the entrance to the beach on the south end. Some rules for visitors include no dogs allowed on beach, no glass allowed on beach, can not set down any trash, refuse, or debris on the beach for even a moment, and you are not allowed to take any living sea creatures from the island except with a fishing with license and permits for other wildlife catching. Law enforcement is present and patrolling as well as meter readers.
The beach was clean, lacking sea shells upon my visit. Wildlife present included living sand dollars sea urchins, seagulls, and a pelican.
Paid parking is city wide with a minimum of 2 hours. Cost is $3 per hour. You can download the app which will require your license plate number or pay at the meter machines. There are bathrooms near the public paid parking lot. There is a foot shower near the entrance to the beach on the south end. Some rules for visitors include no dogs allowed on beach, no glass allowed on beach, can not set down any trash, refuse, or debris on the beach for even a moment, and you are not allowed to take any living sea creatures from the island except with a fishing with license and permits for other wildlife catching. Law enforcement is present and patrolling as well as meter readers.
Written 13 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jack M
New York City, NY1,189 contributions
Feb 2020
A big mistake. Unwilling to go to again to New Orleans we chose to fly to Savannah for a week partially to see the Mardi Gras parade on Tybee Island. What a joke!
A couple of trucks and trailers with local people on them singing, shouting and drinking beer. A bunch of motorcycles characters with no allure whatever.
Incidentally, except for a photogenic lighthouse on the northern end of the island, the entire island is much of a waste. Parking is expensive or non existant and really nothing to see.
A couple of trucks and trailers with local people on them singing, shouting and drinking beer. A bunch of motorcycles characters with no allure whatever.
Incidentally, except for a photogenic lighthouse on the northern end of the island, the entire island is much of a waste. Parking is expensive or non existant and really nothing to see.
Written 1 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian_N
1 contribution
Mar 2021
Paid $3.5 for 1 hr parking at Ticket machine, parked where everyone/car parked, placed the paid receipt on Dashboard, spent just 25 mins on Beach, came back 20 mins before Paid Parking expired at 4:46pm, and received $75 CITATION ($95 if not paid within 10 days).
Sent photos of paid Parking and Citation to Tybee, politely asked to void the Citation, reasoning if someone honestly paid the Parking time, that person had no intention to do anything not legal unless didn't know, paid attention, etc due to being a Tourist, then a "Warning" should be given, not Citation (as only meant for deliberate violation). Request declined!
We really made BIG mistake this “single time” since many times in the past we always went to Hilton Head Island (visited Savannah 4 times and only went to Tybee this time) even though Georgia residents. Right after the Citation, we believed it was deliberately exploited at visitors, we decided to leave Tybee right away without spending a single more penny (had reservation at A-J Dock restaurant). As mentioned, we paid 1 hour but left the Beach after just 25 mins since the Beach was smelly, shallowed, the farthest ends of the piers were not in water at the time because they were short, etc.
We’ll continue go to Hilton Head (free parking, clean Beach, showers, more upscale, etc) and similar advice to anyone visiting the Savannah surroundings and want a Beach. This one-time mistake (visiting Tybee Island), for us, would mean never ever again with Tybee!
Sent photos of paid Parking and Citation to Tybee, politely asked to void the Citation, reasoning if someone honestly paid the Parking time, that person had no intention to do anything not legal unless didn't know, paid attention, etc due to being a Tourist, then a "Warning" should be given, not Citation (as only meant for deliberate violation). Request declined!
We really made BIG mistake this “single time” since many times in the past we always went to Hilton Head Island (visited Savannah 4 times and only went to Tybee this time) even though Georgia residents. Right after the Citation, we believed it was deliberately exploited at visitors, we decided to leave Tybee right away without spending a single more penny (had reservation at A-J Dock restaurant). As mentioned, we paid 1 hour but left the Beach after just 25 mins since the Beach was smelly, shallowed, the farthest ends of the piers were not in water at the time because they were short, etc.
We’ll continue go to Hilton Head (free parking, clean Beach, showers, more upscale, etc) and similar advice to anyone visiting the Savannah surroundings and want a Beach. This one-time mistake (visiting Tybee Island), for us, would mean never ever again with Tybee!
Written 15 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sherry N
Sevierville Tn, United States70 contributions
Aug 2019
The Beach and little town is just what you would expect for a small beach front community. Narrow little streets, older wood homes and quaint little shops. A fun place to see. Walk along the streets and shop or spend time on the beach. In August, was not busy at all when we went during the week. Shop owners and staff were super friendly. Locals said it would be packed during the coming Labor Day weekend. We drove up for the day, ate at the Crab Shack. A must if you go to Tybee.
Written 17 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lindini
Bloomington, IL106 contributions
July 2020 • Friends
We had a wonderful visit and it was the perfect break after a long quarantine locked in the house. We found the beach easy to social distance during the week but would recommend avoiding the weekends as we felt there were too many people at that time to stay safe. Otherwise the water was perfect and the sand clean. A great place to visit!
Written 1 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trinity716
Connersville, IN9 contributions
June 2021 • Couples
Gonna cut to chase…
Avoid this beach and the constant lurking and harassment by beach citation officers. Arrived the night before, woke up first thing next morning to enjoy a week long vacation with family and was cited within 15 min of being on beach for opening what was 1 of 2 glass bottles we had packed in small cooler. I am not contesting fact that I broke beach rules….however the citing officer was very quick to pull his citation booklet and shut down any possibility of giving me opportunity to walk less than 200 yards to our condo to remove the glass bottles from beach. Could have been quick, easy fix but obviously this is a city “racket” and easy way to gain $300, yes $300 in easy revenue from families trying to vacation and get away from stress and anxieties of everyday jobs. Was there with two other couples and our revenue will never return to this town. Word for city manager, you are driving good, hard-working people away from your town….may want to re-evaluate how small infractions like this are handled. By the way….you may also want to tell your beach officers to ease up a little. Saw them literally harass a group of teenagers because they were flying kites, yes kites. Gonna leave the details up for imagination but not so sure flying kite on beach is that big of deal….but apparently your officers do.
Avoid this beach and the constant lurking and harassment by beach citation officers. Arrived the night before, woke up first thing next morning to enjoy a week long vacation with family and was cited within 15 min of being on beach for opening what was 1 of 2 glass bottles we had packed in small cooler. I am not contesting fact that I broke beach rules….however the citing officer was very quick to pull his citation booklet and shut down any possibility of giving me opportunity to walk less than 200 yards to our condo to remove the glass bottles from beach. Could have been quick, easy fix but obviously this is a city “racket” and easy way to gain $300, yes $300 in easy revenue from families trying to vacation and get away from stress and anxieties of everyday jobs. Was there with two other couples and our revenue will never return to this town. Word for city manager, you are driving good, hard-working people away from your town….may want to re-evaluate how small infractions like this are handled. By the way….you may also want to tell your beach officers to ease up a little. Saw them literally harass a group of teenagers because they were flying kites, yes kites. Gonna leave the details up for imagination but not so sure flying kite on beach is that big of deal….but apparently your officers do.
Written 13 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie H
4 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
I WANT to give tybee 5 stars, but there are two major things that hold this island back. 1. Parking and 2. No dogs on the beach. The island is great in every other way. Big beautiful beaches that are well maintained, decent food, plenty of housing options. But the parking is $3.50 an hour and you have to pay almost everywhere you go. Tybee is also pretty dog friendly, letting your furry friend in to bars and almost every restaurant. But not the beach. If they would section of just a small portion and even charge for admittance- that would be a step in the right direction. Instead, the locals fight really hard to keep this from happening. Sighting rare birds and the sea turtle population as being threatened by allowing dogs on the beach. Meanwhile, they have a large feral cat population that runs rampant on the island. Our pup would love nothing more then to lay on a towel under the umbrella while we sit on the beach or to fetch in the ocean. Oh well.
Written 28 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
globetrotter
Miami Beach, FL44 contributions
June 2022 • Couples
The island is lovely. We used the Tybee parking app and it worked like magic, including the ability to extend hours. I couldn’t tell but it seemed like the parking fee once paid covered parking anywhere on the park and pay areas on the island.
If crowds aren’t for you, head to North Beach and park by the lighthouse.
The reason I could not give 5 stars was because we were upset by how many animals we saw killed by cars on 81. There was one section with a turtle sign, but without any speed slowdown required, that was a graveyard of turtles who had tried to cross from one side of the marsh to the other. I must have counted 10-11 of them in a quarter mile stretch. A few days were alive and trying to cross. One was on his/her back. There was nowhere to pull over and flip him/her over. One of the main draws to the island is its natural beauty but the people coming in are mowing down that beauty. Please drive slowly especially once you see that turtle sign. I’ve never seen so many wild turtles in such a small area.
The animals aren’t crossing the road. The road is crossing their home. The least we can do is drive slightly slower to make it easier to avoid crushing them to death. In the US where there are few regulations to help the vulnerable, the responsibility lies with us. Please please drive slowly down 81.
If crowds aren’t for you, head to North Beach and park by the lighthouse.
The reason I could not give 5 stars was because we were upset by how many animals we saw killed by cars on 81. There was one section with a turtle sign, but without any speed slowdown required, that was a graveyard of turtles who had tried to cross from one side of the marsh to the other. I must have counted 10-11 of them in a quarter mile stretch. A few days were alive and trying to cross. One was on his/her back. There was nowhere to pull over and flip him/her over. One of the main draws to the island is its natural beauty but the people coming in are mowing down that beauty. Please drive slowly especially once you see that turtle sign. I’ve never seen so many wild turtles in such a small area.
The animals aren’t crossing the road. The road is crossing their home. The least we can do is drive slightly slower to make it easier to avoid crushing them to death. In the US where there are few regulations to help the vulnerable, the responsibility lies with us. Please please drive slowly down 81.
Written 10 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrianBoru7
Knoxville, TN5 contributions
Mar 2021
We go to Tybee for the beach. It is beautiful, not too crowded, even during spring break, and the water is warm. We were there in March. The locals say that it is cold, but for California refugees, it is warm (63 degrees). The air temp was a bit cool for swimming, though (68 degrees). The only drawback: parking is tight, and you may have to pay to park, unless you want to walk a bit.
Written 21 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thom L
Scranton, PA15 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
While Tybee Island is a great place to visit, they seem like they have a parking scam going on. Might as well go right to the city municipal building when you arrive in the city, and get your parking fine before you even take a parking spot. I shopped there at Christmas time where I was told by the store keeper, “parking is free until after January.” I believe that person and parked my car, I did try to access a the parking ticket machine - it didn’t seem to work. When I returned to my car after shopping at Christmas time, there was a parking ticket on my car for $47. Every car in the lineup where my car was parked had a parking ticket. We all believed that parking was free until after Jan., as voted by city council. I spoke to the person putting the tickets on the cars. She said “you should’ve went to the city’s app and you could’ve got free parking that way.” “You should go and get the app every for every city you go to.” “Our city manager is proactive.” Bottom line, it was a scam. Looked like free parking. But you got a fine/ticket anyway. I sent my payment of $47 promptly from Savannah in the US mail where I was staying. Two weeks later I got a letter informing me that it would be almost $70 for the ticket now, because I didn’t pay it. Probably another scam. I called them. They claimed they just got the check and said I could just pay the $47. Best to pay on line where you can have validation and proof of payment. These people are scary. I always stopped at Savannah on my way to Florida every year visiting. That tradition will now be broken. I’ll go somewhere else. I don’t need to be scammed. I don’t need to be robbed. Be forewarned!
Written 19 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No! However questions like that check CDC guidelines and if you are unsure then make sure you do necessary precautions so you are protected
Written 24 August 2024
Are there companies that rent beach chairs and umbrellas?
Written 17 April 2022
The one I went to you did not, there was always regular parking past 14th street but it was limited. For others I do not know. Hope this helps some.
Written 11 May 2021
What hours does the beach get crowded. What’s the best time of day to visit, to enjoy the beach, without it being really crowded?
Written 17 July 2020
I am not sure as we were only there in the evening, and it was a perfect time for us.
Written 20 July 2020
GrandTour08324784951
Lawrenceville, Georgia
Can you build a fire on the beach???
Written 30 August 2019
Do the public showers close? If I am there for the sunset and/or for the sunrise, would I still be able to shower after both events? (Really early and really late)
Written 25 June 2019
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