3 Best Day Trips from Savannah

Give us the wide-angle view: what kind of beach are we talking about? Although 14 barrier islands sit between mainland Georgia and the open ocean, only three are accessible by road—including Tybee Island, which has been the "it" place to escape the Savannah summers since the late 19th century. Though part of the Savannah area, Tybee is distinctly its own place, complete with its own mayor, its own eccentric assortment of full-time residents, and its own quirky island vibes. Miles of public beaches front the east side of the island; South Beach is not just a gorgeous sand beach but also a neighborhood that comprises Tybee’s busy commercial district. At the very southern tip, swimming is available on the western side of the island, where the water’s a little calmer.

How accessible is it? There’s no free public parking on Tybee Island but there are plenty of beach lots that charge $2 an hour; they're off to your left as you drive south down Butler Avenue, Tybee’s main street. From there, the beach is just a few steps down a wooden walkway that leads over the dunes. Check the city website for information on fat-tired wheelchairs, including which beach access points have hard-surfaced Mobi Mats.

Decent services and facilities, would you say? There aren’t services or vendors on the beach itself—most folks bring coolers, chairs, and canopies. If it’s a Bloody Mary you crave, though, head to the Tybee Beach Pier and Pavilion, where you’ll find drinks and snacks. You’ll also find big public parking lots, public restrooms with places to rinse off, and a lot of bars and restaurants, as well as a marine-focused science center.

How’s the actual beach stuff—sand and surf? The water couldn't be more temperate. While the wind and waves can be capricious—it’s a good idea to check the conditions ahead—there’s no nicer place to swim on a calm or mildly breezy days. This is a super-popular destination and gets quite crowded, but with about five miles of public beachfront, there's room for everyone.

Can we go barefoot? There are no rocks; just smooth sand that gets hot, so wear good sandals. Bring your own umbrella, too—there's no shade.

Anything special we should look for? It’s not uncommon to see dolphins swimming close to shore. Another tip: September or October are generally less crowded, even though it's usually still warm enough to swim.

If we’re thinking about going, what—and who—is this beach best for? This is a pretty stripped-down beach experience. With not much in the way of amenities, what Tybee has to offer is gorgeous warm water and smooth, hot sand, for a minimum of effort. If you want seclusion though, this isn't the place.