Things to do
Climb Tybee Light Station, tour Fort Pulaski, visit the Marine Science Center, walk the pier, and book dolphin, kayak or marsh outings.
Tybee landmarks
Light Station
The climb has resting platforms but no elevator. Admission also covers the museum in Battery Garland. The site is closed Tuesdays, the tower can close in adverse weather, and ticket-holder parking has a two-hour limit.
Pier zone
The pavilion, pier, nearby food, and busy beach approaches show Tybee at its most social. Come back toward evening after the strongest sun has eased.
Fort Pulaski
Walk the brick fort, moat, and exhibits for Civil War and river history. The north shoreline is permanently closed; check NPS alerts before leaving Tybee Road.
Water
A dolphin cruise gives passengers a boat ride through Tybee’s tidal water; a guided kayak trip puts paddlers closer to creeks and marsh edges. Confirm the exact departure, trip length, weather policy, and tide plan before booking.
Marine Science Center
The center has changing catch-and-release exhibits, interactive stations, a fossil room, and scheduled ecology programs. It is closed Tuesdays and sits at the end of the North Beach parking lot.
Little Tybee
Little Tybee is a wild-island excursion reached over tidal water. Choose an experienced guide or arrive properly equipped, and confirm current conditions before departure.
One afternoon
History and architecture
Drive west on US 80 to Cockspur Island for the fort’s brick walls, moat, exhibits, and river setting. This is the clearest choice for military history and a self-directed visit. Read the current NPS alerts first; the north shoreline remains permanently closed.
Wildlife from a boat
A cruise suits travelers who want marsh and river views without paddling. Listings may depart from Tybee or from Savannah, so read the meeting point rather than relying on the product title. Compare total time, shade, restroom access, and weather cancellation terms.
Active tidal outing
Paddling gives the closest look at tidal creeks and can reach the Little Tybee side, but wind, current, launch location, and group ability matter. First-time coastal paddlers should use a guide who states the route, equipment, landing plan, and cancellation policy.
North Beach alternative
The center’s live-animal galleries work as a shorter North Beach visit, while scheduled Beach Ecology Walks, Marsh Ecology Treks, and other programs add a defined hour outdoors. Check the day’s program calendar rather than assuming a walk is included with general admission. Because the center and Light Station both close Tuesdays, Fort Pulaski or the South Beach pier is the more dependable Tuesday plan.
National parks pass
If Fort Pulaski is in the plan, compare the site ticket with the America the Beautiful annual pass. Reservations and tours may still cost extra.
Verify pass acceptance and any timed-entry rules before you go.
Bookable experiences
Compare dolphin cruises, kayak trips, fishing, history tours, and clearly labeled Savannah-departure add-ons.
GetYourGuide activities
Browse tours and activity options that fit this trip.
Separate locations
Fort Pulaski requires a drive back toward Cockspur Island. Dolphin cruises and kayak trips have fixed meeting points and weather limits. Treat either one as the afternoon destination instead of adding it after a long lighthouse and beach visit.
