Spring Break 2021: Tybee Island
Tybee Island is one of the last small-town, beachside oases not overtaken by high-rise condos. Where the community is firm in its resolve against development, it’s equally as adamant about preserving its friendly, ultra-laid-back vibe./ Photo by D. Paul Graham
Spring is finally in the air again! The coastal South is home to many of the nation’s greatest spring break destinations—and is welcoming travelers after a year-long winter. Visitors are sure to find that same Southern hospitality rings true as ever, from Myrtle Beach down to Daytona.
Written by: Lauren Flemming • Photography: D. Paul Graham and Miranda Osborn
Tybee Island, Georgia
Let your hair down and embrace your inner beach bum on this ultra laid-back island. Only a 30-minute drive from downtown Savannah, Tybee Island is the perfect escape. Authentic and eccentric with a “come as you are’’ attitude, this island is ideal for those who truly love the beach goer lifestyle. Duck in and out of local shops, kayak Little Tybee and get to almost anywhere you’re going by bike (okay, or golf cart). visittybee.com
Hotel Tybee
Hotel Tybee is an historic installation in Tybee Island accommodations. It opened its doors in 1889 and has been carrying that same old-school tradition of hospitality ever since. With 208 rooms, two pools and beach access, guests have access to everything they need for oceanfront fun. hoteltybee.com
Photo: Hotel Tybee
Oceanfront Cottage Rentals
This rental company represents a collection of properties that perfectly embody the local charm visitors seek when visiting Tybee Island. Stacye and Lannie Jarrell of Oceanfront Cottage Rentals specialize in creating the perfect balance of island authenticity and luxury lifestyle, whether renters are looking for a family compound or intimate bungalow. oceanfrontcottage.com
Photo: Oceanfront Cottage Rentals
Tybee Island Inn
This cottage-style bed-and-breakfast captures the casual beach town lifestyle of Tybee Island while offering boundless Southern hospitality. Guests gush over the Southern-style homemade breakfast and enjoy close proximity to the North Beach Lighthouse, only two blocks away. tybeeislandinn.com
Photo: Tybee Island Inn
Tybee Surf Lessons
Surfing on Tybee Island can’t exactly be described as “shredding the gnar”; however, it is a great place to get your feet wet. The forgiving waves make the perfect conditions for beginners to learn some skills or seasoned surfers to host a social hour in the sea. tybeesurflessons.com
Photo by: LeeAnn Ritch
Tybee Post Theater
Escape the scorching Georgia heat and duck into the Post Theater. Originally constructed by the U.S. Army as a theater for soldiers at Fort Screven, the theater was later restored after a devastating fire by the Friends of Tybee Theater and now hosts a schedule of performances and films. Tybeeposttheater.org
Photo: Tybee Post Theater
Tybee Pier & Pavilion
Tybee Pier and Pavilion is a tradition that dates back to 1891 and—while the original pier succumbed to fire—is still the go-to meet-up spot for locals and visitors alike. Enjoy live music while throwing a few casts or pack a picnic for friends. Come as you are and enjoy the good vibes!
Photo courtesy of: Tybee Island Visitors Bureau
North Beach Bar & Grill
North Beach is perhaps the most popular beach on Tybee Island and North Beach Bar & Grill is its lifeblood. The colorful indoor-outdoor beachside restaurant is outfitted with a newly constructed pavilion and tiki bar. Belly up to this local watering hole and enjoy casual cuisine with a Caribbean flair. northbeachbarandgrill.net
Photo: North Beach Bar & Grill
AJ’s Dockside
On the flipside, AJ’s Dockside overlooks Tybee Creek and is a great place to catch a sunset meal. Enjoy strong drinks and delicious food—especially the crab legs—and if the water is tempting enough, rent a paddleboard or a kayak while you’re at it. ajsdocksidetybee.com
Photo: AJ’s Dockside Restaurant
Huc-A-Poo’s
Huc-A-Poo’s is the exception to the other pizza joints on Tybee (locals know what we mean). The customizable pies are the perfect way to refuel after a day spent cooking in the sun and splashing in the waves. Grab a cold beverage and embrace your inner beach bum at this laid-back dive bar. hucapoos.com
Huc-a-poo’s/ Photo by D. Paul Graham
Tybee Cottage Art Gallery
A drive around Tybee is like driving to see neighborhood Christmas lights, but year-round. Eccentric (and delightfully excessive) decorations are a defining feature of the island. As a co-op of talented local artists, Tybee Cottage Art Gallery captures the essence of this carefree expression. facebook.com/TybeeCottageArtGallery
Photo: Tybee Cottage Art Gallery
Fish Art Gallerie
A must-do on the island. The quirky maritime ethos is on full display through the rows of hand-made wares and decorations by artist Ralph Douglas Jones, who has an uncanny ability to craft just about anything into a fish. There is no better place to collect a memento of Tybee Island. facebook.com/fishartgallerie
Photo: Fish Art Gallerie
Seaside Sisters
Find beach-inspired housewares, hostess gifts and hilarious whatnots at this not-your-average beach town gift shop. The Seaside Sisters promise to make you giggle, blush, laugh out loud and pray that your stay on Tybee could last just a bit longer—how could one resist! seasidesisterstybee.com
Photo: Seaside Sisters
To read this story in its entirety, subscribe now to the print edition for the full article or get instant access to our interactive digital edition.
