The Perfect Beach Town: Tybee Island, GA

Discover century-old lighthouses, dockside restaurants, and charming cottages in the quaint town of Tybee Island.|Article: David Hanson

Photo: Photo: Imke Lass

The Vibe 
If you want to see how Tybee rolls, rent a pastel beach cruiser from Fat Tire Bike Rentals (912/786-4013). It comes with a cupholder on the handlebars for your (legal) frosty beer, which likely won't spill, so flat is the land and scarce are the cars. You'll need just one gear to cruise at the pace of this classic, family-friendly island 30 minutes from Savannah.

What to Do 
Head to the 239-year-old Tybee Lighthouse, and then along the smooth path of McQueen's Island Historic Trail, a 6-mile rails-to-trails effort. The rails-to-trails conversion reflects the general overlap of natural beauty and mild development. Take in the sunset at A-J's Dockside Restaurant (912/786-9533). Enjoy a plate of steamed shrimp under multihued umbrellas on the patio, or rent a kayak or paddleboard.

Where to Eat
For lunch, have sautéed shrimp or crab cakes at North Beach Bar & Grill (912/786-4442). Save room for the island's best dinner at Sundae Café (912/786-7694), a former ice-cream shop that serves coastal classics such as pistachio-crusted tuna and jumbo shrimp stuffed with crab and wrapped in bacon. At any hour, try a Jelly Fish (ice cream and shaved ice) at Tradewinds Ice Cream (912/786-8454).

Where to Stay 
Rent a cottage from charming Tybee Cottages (912/786-6746) (from $1,400/week). Or, check in to The Lighthouse Inn Bed & Breakfast (912/786-0901) (from $179), a historic officer's quarters where Wi-Fi meets rocking chairs with stories to tell.