Savannah’s closest beach, 18 miles east of downtown. Metered parking, a 178-step lighthouse with no elevator, and a year-round dog ban on the beach itself — but leashed dogs are welcome on the streets and at a dedicated dog park.
Tybee Island at a glance
- Drive/ferry from Savannah
- 18 mi, about 25–30 minour Tybee Island guide
- Drive from Atlanta
- 265.8 mi, about 5h 03m free-flow (real driving closer to 4h 10m)Free-flow routing understates this drive — treat it as a floor, not a prediction. See the full drive-time table accuracy note.
- Parking
- $4/hr or $25/day, enforced 8 a.m.–8 p.m. every dayour Tybee Island guide
- Typical costs
- Lighthouse $14 adult; Marine Science Center $15 adultour Tybee Island guide
- Dogs
- Banned from the beach and crossovers year-round ($300 fine); leashed OK on streets; a dog park on the north end; Fort Pulaski allows 6-ft leashour Tybee Island guide
- Strollers
- Marine Science Center has a ramp and elevator; the lighthouse is 178 steps with no elevatorour Tybee Island guide
- Best time to visit
- Wed–Mon (lighthouse and Marine Science Center close Tuesdays); lifeguards on duty May 1–Oct 31our Tybee Island guide
- Ideal length
- Half day to full day
- Last verified
Where an operator doesn’t publish a figure, or we couldn’t confirm one, we say so rather than estimate it. How we check · Verification log
Tybee Island vs the alternatives
The other Georgia barrier-island beach town people weigh against Tybee.
| Tybee Island | Jekyll Island | |
|---|---|---|
| Drive from Atlanta | 265.8 mi / real ~4h 10m from Atlanta | 290.5 mi / real ~5h 15m from Atlanta |
| Parking | $4/hr or $25/day | $10/car/day (covers every beach) |
| Dogs | Banned on beach; leashed OK on streets & dog park | Leashed on most beaches, not Glory/South Dunes |
| Best for | Closest beach to Savannah; lighthouse | Quieter, more developed island infrastructure |
Tybee Island questions
Are dogs allowed on Tybee Island beach?
No — dogs are banned from the beach and beach crossovers year-round, with a $300 fine. Leashed dogs are fine on the streets, and there is a dedicated dog park on the north end. (Our Tybee Island guide, checked 21 September 2026.)
How much is parking on Tybee Island?
$4 per hour or $25 for a day pass, enforced 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the year. (Our Tybee Island guide, checked 21 September 2026.)
How far is Tybee Island from Savannah?
About 18 miles, a 25 to 30 minute drive. (Our Tybee Island guide.)
Is the Tybee Island Lighthouse wheelchair accessible?
No — it’s 178 steps with no elevator. The Marine Science Center nearby has a ramp and elevator. (Our Tybee Island guide, checked 21 September 2026.)
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Hank Whitlock is the pen name of the It's Georgia editor. Every guide is built around the questions a busy family actually asks before a trip: how long is the drive, what does parking cost, can the stroller make it, are dogs allowed. Details are checked against official park, city, and venue sources, and each guide shows the date it was last updated.
