When the Tybee Island Lighthouse was ordered in 1736 by General James Oglethorpe, it stood 90 feet tall, making it the tallest structure in the country at the time. Today it is still the tallest structure in Georgia. In addition to guiding mariners to the entrance of the Savannah River, the lighthouse has served in several battles of the Civil War as well as during the War of 1812. The Tybee Island Lighthouse was used to signal Savannah of possible attack by the British, though no such attack took place. The lighthouse has been standing for almost 290 years.
Model: Charisse
Emerson Fry dress $128, Sunglasses: $59, Earrings: $59,Handbag: $78
Available at Gigi’s Boutique
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Model: Charisse
fab’rik top $42 fab’rik bottom $32, Quay Missguided sunglasses $60, Earrings: $32
Available at fab’rik
Model: McKenzie
JoyJoy top $74, Unpublished shorts $68, Saylor Betty earrings $29, Mudpie beach tote $24
Available at Haskins & Co.
Sugar Shack
The Sugar Shack has been a Tybee staple for more than 45 years. What started as a summertime walk-up ice cream stand has grown to be a popular restaurant known around the country. The four Grosse brothers opened the Sugar Shack in 1971, and it remains the definition of a family business even today.
Model: McKenzie
Earrings: $45, Bracelet: $99
Necklace: $59, Clutch: $29.95, Sunglasses: $34.95
Available at Pink Pineapple
Mermaid Cottages
Mermaid Cottages boasts
cozy flats and happy homes for rent on Tybee Island. We rented the Seafoam Shant, an eclectic turquoise and seafoam green cottage just a few blocks from the beach. The Seafoam Shanty was decked out with sea shells, specialty coffee and a screened-in porch, making it a wonderful experience for all parties, even Lucy, the CH2 mascot! The rental came with a full book of things to do, where to eat and tips for a perfect day on Tybee. We definitely recommend Mermaid Cottages for your next girls trip, family vacay, or couples getaway.
Model: McKenzie
&Merci dress $58, Necklace: $24, Saylor Betty earrings: $24, Clutch: $56.50
Available at Haskins & Co.
Model: Charisse
Shana skirt $68, Gaya top $56, Necklace: $98, Bag: $78, Pashmina scarf: $32
Available at So Sandra
Model: McKenzie
Modesce pants $89, Modesce shawl $69, Elan white top $49.95, Necklace: $94, Earrings: $49
Available at Pink Pineapple
Special thanks to lifeguards Chris and Grayson for keeping the beach safe.
Salt Life
Tybee Island is 3.2 square miles, yet hosts over 1 million visitors annually. We saw this first-hand, as the beach was truly packed by 10 a.m. on a Tuesday morning!
Model: McKenzie
J Brand denim shorts $178, Kooringal hat $45, Bracelets: $30 each, Blank Paige tank $55, Purse: $58
Available at Coastal Bliss
Fannies on the Beach
A Tybee Island staple for over 27 years. Fannies is known for live music, beachfront views, a fun atmosphere and frozen drinks. We tried fish tacos, shrimp tacos, salads and just about everything in between. It was a great stop on a hot day to cool down and enjoy some tasty bites.
Tybrisa Street is essentially Tybee Island’s “Main Street,” lined with shops and restaurants leading to the pier and public beach access.
FUN FACT: Tybee is a Pay-to-Park town, so make sure you feed the meter everywhere you park.
Model: Charisse
All in Favor pant $45, All in Favor top $40, Earrings: $28
Available at Coastal Bliss
The Tybee Post Theater
The Tybee Post Theater was built in 1930 as a movie house for the soldiers stationed at the Army base. The theater closed for almost 50 years but reopened in 2015 a performing arts and movie venue. The theater is known for playing movies that were filmed in Tybee. In the last 10 years, 10 feature films have been filmed on Tybee Island. The most recent is Gemini Man, featuring Will Smith, to be released this October. A few of the most well known stars to appear on Tybee are from the sets of Baywatch (2017) starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Zac Efron. This was Efron’s second time on set in Tybee, after filming part of Dirty Grandpa (2016) alongside Robert De Niro. In 2009, Disney’s The Last Song (2010) became the first feature film to be produced solely on Tybee Island. The film production crew lived in Tybee for five months, and while the film didn’t specify the location, Miley Cyrus, the star of the film, made Tybee well known to the world through tweets, photos and shoutouts in interviews.
Model: McKenzie
Lilla|P dress $95,
Lilla|P scarf $95
Model: Charisse
525 America dress $95, Selena King earrings $175, Hobo bag $288
??Available at Palmettoes
Charisse stands under the Tybee Island Pier, a great place for fishing and people watching.
What’s in a name?
There are many different stories and interpretations of the island’s history, and many more of where the name Tybee originated. Most historians believe “Tybee” is derived from the Native American Euchee word for “salt,” one of many local, natural resources that played important roles in the island’s history.
Model: Charisse
Fresh dress $148, Selena King earrings $320, Selena King necklace $230
Available at Birdie James
Sharks & Shops
Sharks are kind of a thing on Tybee, in the water and on land. There are several insta-worthy spots to get your photo taken safely with a shark at local surf shops and galleries. At Waves, you can pick up all of the things you forgot to pack for your perfect beach vacation.
Model: Charisse
Fresh Produce top $39, Brighton sunglasses $120, HIHO shorts $69, Scout cooler $32, Bracelet: $32, Swig Life tumbler $19.95
Available at Fresh Produce
Model: Charisse
All in Favor pant $45, All in Favor top $40, Earrings: $28
Available at Coastal Bliss
Model: McKenzie
Mud Pie dress $64.50,
Mud Pie handbag $56.50, Sheila Fajl earrings $73
Available at Too Belles Boutique
Breakfast Options
Beachview Java & Juice has community tables, and an extensive smoothie menu and, millennials rejoice, avocado toast. They are only open until about noon, so get there early for your morning jolt. We tried the Nut Butter Toast and the Pink Panther, a frozen smoothie with apples, watermelon and strawberries. Our hostess at Mermaid cottages also recommended the Breakfast Club (if the line isn’t out the door), and said the locals like the funky Sunrise Breakfast.
Model: McKenzie
Mud Pie dress $64.50, Mud Pie handbag $56.50, Sheila Fajl earrings $73
Available at Too Belles Boutique
Lazaretto Creek Marina
After a dolphin tour with Captain MIke, cruise on down the dock to Coco’s Sunset Grille. The waterfront restaurant features seafood from their own dock every day. Enjoy the sunset while sipping a specialty CoCoTail. We tried the Island Refresher, a combination of Deep Eddy Ruby Red vodka with fresh lime juice and a little fizz.
Model: McKenzie
KLD dress $118, Julie Voss bracelet $345, Earrings: $75
Available at Birdie James
