Tybee South Beach & Pier The classic
Tybee Island · ~20 min · Free
Photo: Luis Alvarado Kirste
Why it made the list: Tybee's main event: a wide, lively beach anchored by a big fishing pier and pavilion, backed by a walkable strip of beach bars, ice cream and surf shops. It's the go-to for a classic, easygoing Savannah beach day.
Tybee North Beach & Lighthouse The pretty end
Tybee Island · ~20 min · Free
Photo: Olivia Sautter
Why it made the list: The quieter north tip of Tybee, backed by the black-and-white 1736 lighthouse and old Fort Screven, with calmer water and big views of the ships heading into the Savannah River. It's the scenic, less-crowded end.
Back River Beach The sunset spot
Tybee Island · ~20 min · Free
Photo: Alma Cristina
Why it made the list: On Tybee's south-facing river side, Back River is calmer, shallower and quieter than the ocean beaches, with the best sunset views on the island out over the water toward Little Tybee. Locals bring chairs and stay for the show.
Little Tybee Island The wild one
By boat / kayak · $$
Photo: Btown
Why it made the list: An uninhabited, protected barrier island just south of Tybee, larger than Tybee itself and reachable only by boat or kayak, with empty beaches, dunes and pristine marsh. It's the adventure pick for total solitude.
Driftwood Beach (Jekyll Island) The stunner
Jekyll Island · ~1.25 hrs · $
Photo: David Cook
Why it made the list: A surreal 'boneyard beach' on Jekyll Island where erosion has left a whole forest of weathered, sun-bleached driftwood trees standing and toppled across the sand. It's one of the most photographed beaches in the Southeast, and worth the drive.
⭐ Bonus Pick: Hilton Head & Fort Pulaski
Two more within reach: Hilton Head Island's long, hard-packed beaches are about 45 minutes north in South Carolina, and Fort Pulaski, on the way to Tybee, pairs a well-preserved Civil War fort with easy marsh-and-river nature trails.
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