Tybee Island

Why Tybee Island and Savannah for a Bach Trip

The Tybee Island and Savannah combo is the bach trip for groups who want both beach and historic city without picking just one. Tybee Island (a 20-minute drive from downtown Savannah) is a small barrier island with five miles of beach, casual seafood shacks, and beach-town vibe. Savannah is one of the South's most beautiful historic cities, with the famous Spanish-moss-draped squares, walkable historic district, and an open-container law that lets you carry a drink between bars on River Street. Together, you can do morning beach and night Savannah without picking sides.

The right group is one in their late 20s through 40s who want a mellow beach pace by day and a charming Southern night scene. Bachelorette groups dominate; bachelor groups work here too especially fishing-focused crews.

Where to Base Your Group

Two real options: stay on Tybee Island (beach steps away, drive into Savannah for nights out) or stay in Savannah (walkable historic district, drive to Tybee for beach days). For a bach weekend, Tybee gives the unique sleep-on-the-beach experience but loses Savannah walkability. Savannah gives the better night scene and historic district access but loses the beach immediacy. For a four-night trip, base in Tybee. For three nights, base in Savannah and beach-day out.

Tybee rentals: beach houses sleep 8 to 16, $400 to $1,500 per night. Savannah lodging: Mansion on Forsyth Park (boutique splurge), The DeSoto, Andaz Savannah, or short-term rentals around Forsyth Park or the Historic District.

When to Go (and When to Avoid)

Best months: April, May, September, October. Mild weather, swimmable water, lower crowds. Summer is humid and storm-prone but lodging is cheaper. Winter is mild but the water is too cold for swimming; better as a Savannah-only trip in winter. Avoid St. Patrick's Day weekend (Savannah has the second-largest St. Patrick's parade in the country, lodging triples and the city is wild), Memorial Day, and Fourth of July.

The Day Scene

Tybee beach time is the default; Tybee North End is the locals' beach, Mid-Beach is the family beach. Tybee Island Lighthouse (climb 178 steps for a panoramic view) is a 90-minute morning. Dolphin tours from Tybee marina (Captain Mike's, Captain Derek's) run $25 per person for 90 minutes. Kayak through the salt marshes is the alternative. In Savannah: walking tour of the historic district (Old Town Trolley, Free Tours by Foot) gives the city overview. Forsyth Park for the famous fountain photo. Bonaventure Cemetery (made famous by Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil) for the most photogenic afternoon walk in the city. Old Savannah riverboat cruise.

The Night Scene

River Street in Savannah is the historic riverfront strip with bars, restaurants, and the open-container law (carry your drink in a plastic go-cup). Top bars: Wet Willie's (the famous daiquiri spot, frozen and dangerous), Boar's Head Grill and Tavern, Vic's on the River. City Market is the secondary nightlife district with Riverhouse Restaurant and Vinnie Van Go-Go's. For dancing, Club One (legendary drag shows) and Rooftop Bar at Bohemian. Tybee nightlife is more chill: Doc's Bar, Tybee Island Social Club, Coco's Sunset Grille. Savannah bars close around 3 AM; Tybee bars wind down by midnight.

Food and Drink Worth Planning Around

Savannah food: The Olde Pink House is the iconic dinner, request the basement Planters Tavern. Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room for family-style Southern lunch (cash only, communal seating, line by 11 AM). The Grey is the modern splurge. For brunch, J. Christopher's, Clary's Cafe, or Back in the Day Bakery. Tybee food: AJ's Dockside Restaurant for sunset waterfront dinner, The Crab Shack for the dive-bar crab boil experience, Sundae Cafe for a refined dinner. Get a Leopold's Ice Cream cone in Savannah; it has been there since 1919.

Pro Tips

The drive from Savannah to Tybee is 20 minutes; do it both ways daily and you spend an hour in the car. Pick one base and stay there. The Mrs. Wilkes' line is real; arrive at 10:30 AM for an 11 AM doors-open lunch. Open container is legal in the Savannah Historic District; use plastic cups. Bonaventure Cemetery is free but a guided tour explains the history; Bonaventure Historical Society runs Saturday morning ones. Tybee Island has a $5 daily parking fee in season; bring quarters or download the app. And the dolphin tours from Tybee Marina almost always see dolphins; the Wilmington River is full of them.