It's been a long winter, unseasonably cold and dreary with numerous storms and school delays. If you're battling cabin fever, there's one sure-fire cure for these winter blues: a beach getaway. Whether you're planning your next family vacation for summer or spring break or searching for a long-weekend destination, look no further than Tybee Island.
Located just 20 minutes east of historic Savannah, Tybee Island is the easternmost point in the state of Georgia. A drive of less than five hours from Hickory brings you to a year-round coastal destination rich in natural beauty, a relaxed style and a wealth of activities to enjoy as a family. Here are our ten favorites:
1. Enjoy the beach. With five miles of beautiful sandy beach, this is Tybee's main attraction. The beach is wide and clean with sand made of tiny grains of granite just perfect for sunbathing, making sandcastles, or taking a walk. Splash in the salty waters of the Atlantic Ocean to cool off during the warm summer months.
2. Ride a bike. Tybee Island is only 2.75 miles long and its flat terrain makes the bicycle an ideal mode of transportation. There are plenty of places to rent bikes to explore the layout of the Island as well as the scenic, six-mile long Old Railroad Trail along US-80.
3. Get on the water. Kayaking and stand up paddleboarding are great ways to discover the Island’s intricate creeks and marshes. Go sailing or head out for a fishing trip. For an unforgettable day on the water, race through the ocean waves or skim the calm Savannah River on a jet ski.
4. Experience Tybee’s natural habitat. Choose from a variety of charters offering dolphin boat tours or trips to Little Tybee Island’s pristine, uninhabited nature preserve. Enjoy watching any of the 211 bird species hosted on Tybee, part of the Colonial Coastal Birding trail. Learn about Coastal Georgia’s natural resources at The Tybee Island Marine Science Center. Help protect endangered sea turtles that use Tybee Island beaches as nesting areas between May 1 and October 31.
5. Learn the historical significance of Fort Pulaski. Located on Cockspur Island near the mouth of the Savannah River, Fort Pulaski is a remarkably well preserved example of 19th century military architecture. It was here during the Civil War where a turning point occurred in the history of military science when new technology was used to seize the fort by the Union.
6. Get a birds eye view. Climb the 178 steps to the top of the Tybee Light Station, Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse, for a spectacular view of the entire island. Built in 1773, the lighthouse has been guiding mariners safe entrance into the Savannah River for over 270 years and still acts as a functioning navigational aid with a light that can be seen 18 miles out to sea.
7. Indulge in fresh seafood. Everything tastes better at the beach and on Tybee Island, there are lots of dining options to choose from. For waterfront dining with fresh, local seafood and spectacular views, don't miss CoCo's Sunset Grille. The Crab Shack is a must for homemade crab stew and steamed or boiled favorites such as the Low Country Boil and the kids will love using the bamboo fishing poles to feed the baby gators in the lagoon.
8. Catch the sunrise or sunset. Whether you wake up at dawn or head out before dusk, you must catch the beauty of the rising or setting sun along the east facing beaches of Tybee Island. Better yet, see them both!
9. Take in the sights of nearby Savannah. With 22 graceful public squares and one of the largest historic districts in the country, Savannah, located just 20 minutes from Tybee Island, is a unique blend of history, elegance and charm. A shuttle runs twice daily from two spots on Tybee to the Savannah Visitors Center in downtown, where you can catch any of the trolley tours, many of which offer the hop on/off pass.
10. RELAX. With an unhurried lifestyle of a southern beach town, Tybee Island is the perfect place to unwind, unplug and recharge batteries. "Slow your pace. You're on Tybee Time!"
For a comprehensive guide of where to stay and eat, what to see and do plus news and events on Tybee Island, check out http://visittybee.com/. Plan your visit soon!
Disclaimer: I was a recent guest of Tybee Island's Ocean Plaza Beach Resort for three nights during which accommodations and some meals and activities were complimentary for the purpose of this article. Check out the Ocean Plaza, Tybee Island's largest and only full service hotel offering 208 guestrooms, many overlooking the beautiful Atlantic Ocean, two outdoor swimming pools, tiki bar, conference rooms, and A-J's Beachside Restaurant & Bar.
