Tybee Island Unlike other island settings around the country, Tybee Island has not succumbed to the lure of skyscraping hotels, with scheduled activities and well-manicured landscapes. Tybee Island is 3 miles of sun and fun, with no glitz and glamour. So pack your swimsuits, shorts, tank tops and flip flops and head toward one of the most beautiful sunrises you will ever see! 
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History Native Americans were the first to step foot on Tybee. They gave the island it's name, which means "salt." Because of it's strategic location at the mouth of the Savannah River, James Oglethorpe had a lighthouse built in 1736. The original lighthouse washed away in a storm, but the fourth version of the lighthouse (built in 1866) still stands today. The function of the lighthouse was to warn Savannah of possible attack. As Savannah became more active as a port, the settlers decided they needed to protect themselves from the diseases being brought in by sick passengers on incoming vessels. A quarantine station was set up on Tybee Island. The Italian word for hospital is Lazaretto, which is how Lazaretto Creek got its name (you have to cross Lazaretto Creek in order to get to Tybee Island via land). In 1829, the construction of Fort Pulaski started under the watchful eye of an engineer soon to be famous in the Civil War - Robert E. Lee. However, during the Civil War, the fort was fired upon mericilessly by Union cannons and fell within 30 hours of first attack. Getting There Tybee Island is less than 20 miles east of Savannah, Georgia. From Interstate 95, exit at I-16 east to Savannah. Take the Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard exit, turning left. Follow the MLK Blvd to Bay Street and turn right into Savannah. From Savannah, take Bay Street east until it ends at the President Street extension (just past the Marriott). Turn left, heading east. President Street will eventually become the Islands Expressway, which merges with Highway 80 east, which heads straight into Tybee. Accommodations - Hotels There are many types of lodging available on Tybee Island - from homes to hotels, condos to B&Bs. DeSoto Beach Hotel - 212 Butler Ave. Dining For a small island, there is no shortage of good food, especially good seafood. MacElwee's Seafood House - Hwy 80 at the curve Things to See Tybee Island was a strategic point both in pre-Colonial times and during the Civil War, so there are a number of historical sites to visit. Tybee Island Light Station & Tybee Museum - 30 Meddin Dr. Open daily 9am-5:30p. Climb to the top of Georgia's tallest and oldest lighthouse for a unique view of the island. Your thighs may burn, but the view is worth it. Things to Do One of the favorite pasttimes of visitors to Tybee is to simply sit on the beach and watch the endless stream of cargo ships on the horizon move lazily toward the port of Savannah. Many folks just walk along the seashore collecting shells. Other folks prefer to be a bit more active, and here's a few suggestions for you.
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A.J.'s Dockside Restaurant - 1315 Chatham Ave. 
Kayaking at Sea Kayak Georgia 1102 Hwy 80 - this was a great way to spend a half day - kayaking around Little Tybee Island. Our guide was professional and even though we were all amateur kayakers, it was a very pleasant excursion. Rates start at $65 for half a day.