Tybee Island Tops US Beach Rankings
Tybee Island near Savannah, Georgia, has been ranked the No. 1 beach town in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure. The recognition highlights Tybee's laid-back charm, easy access to historic Savannah, and broad appeal for both families and solo travelers seeking authentic southern coastal vibes.
The island's name, "Tybee," is believed to come from the Euchee word for "salt," a key resource for the area's earliest Native American inhabitants. Spanish explorers laid claim to the island in 1520, and for a time it was a haven for pirates seeking fresh water and a place to hide. Tybee Island played a significant strategic role throughout American history. In 1736, General James Oglethorpe ordered the construction of a lighthouse to secure the entrance to the Savannah River. The island served as a staging area for French and American forces during the Revolutionary War's 1779 Siege of Savannah and was later occupied by Union forces during the Civil War. The island is home to significant historical landmarks, including the Tybee Island Light Station, which stands 145 feet tall, and Fort Pulaski National Monument, a Civil War-era fort. The Tybee Post Theater, originally built for soldiers at Fort Screven in the late 19th century, now serves as a cultural hub for performances and films. Beyond its history, Tybee Island is a crucial natural habitat. It serves as a nesting ground for endangered loggerhead sea turtles, with conservation efforts in place between May and October. The surrounding waters are home to a resident population of bottlenose dolphins, and the area's marshes and beaches attract numerous species of shorebirds and seabirds, especially at the North Beach Wildlife Area. The island's culture is marked by a variety of annual events that draw both locals and visitors. Some of the most popular include the Tybee Island Pirate Festival, the quirky Beach Bum Parade which kicks off the summer season with a large water fight, and a festive Irish Heritage Parade in March. A 2023 study highlighted the significant economic impact of tourism on the island, which welcomes approximately 1.9 million visitors annually. A majority of these visitors are from out-of-state and travel to the island by car. The average stay for overnight visitors is 4.5 nights.
