Beaches Near Savannah
The answer for most visitors is Tybee Island. The useful choice is North, Mid, South or Back River—not a list of farther-away coastal towns.
Written by Alex H., Charleston-based travel editorUpdated September 2026
Savannah's downtown waterfront is a riverfront, not an ocean beach. Tybee is the practical beach day, about 17.5 road miles away on US-80. Choose the beach area before leaving: the parking system is island-wide, but the facilities, setting and reason to go are different.
Tybee beach areas compared
| Area | Good fit for | Facilities and access | Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Beach | Lighthouse area and a Fort Pulaski pairing | Beach access and nearby facilities; check the exact lot | Separate the beach plan from lighthouse or museum admission |
| Mid Beach | A beach-first day away from the pier hub | Access points spread through a more residential stretch | Fewer concentrated services than South Beach |
| South Beach | Pier, food nearby and the island's busiest visitor area | Concentrated facilities and parking demand | The signed south-end sandbar is off limits |
| Back River | Sunset orientation and a quieter river setting | Different access points from the ocean side | Do not assume ocean-beach conditions or lifeguard coverage apply |
| Little Tybee | A guided or private boat outing | Boat access only, with no visitor facilities | Needs tide, weather, operator and return planning |
Current parking cost
Tybee currently charges $4 per hour from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. year-round. A calendar-day pass is $25. Check the city parking page for payment instructions and changed rates. A day pass can cost less than seven paid hours, but only if its terms match where and when you park.
Beach rules and swimming decisions
Current city rules prohibit pets, glass, smoking, litter and disturbance of dune vegetation on the beach. The city also closes the signed south-end sandbar area to entry. For swimming, read the posted flag, check the Ocean Rescue guidance and stay near a lifeguard when staffed. Lifeguard presence and water conditions need a same-day check.
Mobility access is location-specific
The city identifies Mobi-Mats at three access points and beach wheelchairs available subject to availability. Those features help at the named entrances; they do not establish a step-free route across every beach area, tide line or nearby business. Confirm the current access point and equipment process with the city.
When another coast stop belongs elsewhere
Hilton Head, St. Simons and Jekyll Island are separate destinations with different driving and parking decisions. They do not solve a short Savannah beach break as directly as Tybee. Little Tybee is closer but has no road or public visitor facilities. Keep those options for a trip whose purpose is the coast rather than padding a Savannah itinerary.
My beach choice
Choose North Beach if Fort Pulaski or the lighthouse area matters. Choose South Beach for the pier and nearby food. Mid Beach is the beach-first option. Leave a generous US-80 buffer before any fixed downtown booking.
About this guide
Researched and written by Alex H.
Alex edits Savannah Visitor Guide and its sister publication, Charleston Visitor Guide. For this page, he checked the visitor details against the responsible agencies, museums, transit providers, restaurants, or operators on September 1, 2026. Recommendations are based on the stated tradeoffs; first-hand experience is identified only when it can be documented.
Meet Alex and read the editorial policy →
Primary sources
Schedules, fees and policies can change. Use the linked source when a current detail will affect your visit.
- Visit Tybee: getting here — road distance and US-80 access
- Visit Tybee: beach areas — area facilities and characteristics
- City of Tybee Island parking services — current rates and enforcement hours
- City of Tybee Island beach rules — current rules
- Tybee Island Ocean Rescue — flags and lifeguard guidance
- City of Tybee Island accessibility — Mobi-Mats and beach wheelchairs