Tybee Island is a small, unpretentious barrier island at the mouth of the Savannah River, known for its wide sandy beaches, historic lighthouse, and casual Southern beach-town vibe. At just 3 miles long, it is walkable and bikeable, with a charm that larger beach destinations have lost.
Overview
Tybee Island is moderately priced by US beach standards, especially compared to destinations like Hilton Head or Jekyll Island. The currency is the US Dollar (USD). Daily costs range from $100 for budget travelers to $450 for luxury visitors. Accommodation is the biggest expense and fluctuates dramatically with season — summer peak (June-August) and holiday weekends command the highest rates. Spring and fall offer the best value with pleasant weather.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget ($100/day): Stay in a motel or off-season vacation rental ($60-90/night), eat at casual seafood shacks and diners ($15-25/day), and rent a bike to explore the island ($5-10/day). Beach access is free, and the lighthouse costs $12.
Mid-Range ($200/day): Book a beachfront hotel or condo ($120-200/night), enjoy restaurant seafood dinners and brunch spots ($30-50/day), and bike plus cover parking fees ($10-20/day). Add $15-25 for kayaking or dolphin tours.
Luxury ($450/day): Rent a luxury vacation home or stay at a boutique inn ($250-450/night), dine at Tybee’s best restaurants with cocktails ($60-100/day), and rent a car for day trips to Savannah ($25-40/day). Private dolphin tours and deep-sea fishing charters run $100-300+.
Where to Save
The beach is free and is the main attraction — bring your own chairs, umbrella, and cooler to avoid rental fees. Renting a bike ($8-15/day) eliminates parking headaches on this tiny island. Visiting in shoulder season (March-May, September-October) drops accommodation rates 30-40% below summer peaks. Booking a vacation rental with a kitchen lets you cook fresh shrimp and seafood from local markets. Day-tripping from Savannah (20 minutes) avoids island accommodation costs entirely.
Where to Splurge
A dolphin kayak tour through the marshes around Tybee ($55-75 per person) is an unforgettable experience with bottlenose dolphins surfacing alongside your kayak. Sunset dinner on the pier with fresh-caught shrimp and local craft beer ($30-50 per person) is the quintessential Tybee evening. Combine Tybee with a day in Savannah’s historic district — the trolley tour, squares, and food scene are worth the short drive, adding a city contrast to your beach trip.
