Georgia Beach Town Tops Travel List
A beach town near Savannah, Georgia has been ranked No. 1 by Travel and Leisure for its blend of natural beauty, vibrant local culture, and Southern hospitality. The recognition highlights the area's appeal for travelers seeking authentic coastal experiences beyond the typical resort destinations.
Known as "Savannah's Beach," Tybee Island is Georgia's easternmost point, located about a 20-minute drive from the city's historic district. The name "Tybee" is believed to derive from the Euchee word for "salt," a nod to the resources harvested by Native Americans long before the first Spanish flag flew there in 1520. The island is home to Georgia's oldest and tallest lighthouse, originally commissioned in 1732 and standing 145 feet tall. Visitors can climb its 178 steps for panoramic views. Nearby, Fort Pulaski National Monument offers a look into Civil War history, where Union forces famously used new rifled cannon technology to breach the fort's masonry walls in 1862. Tybee's cultural fabric includes a deep Gullah Geechee heritage, recognized by the Tybee Island Black History Trail. This trail includes 13 stops, marking significant locations like the Lazaretto Creek Quarantine Station, where enslaved Africans were held, and the sites of former fish camps and inns that were central to the Black community. The island's commitment to conservation is visible through local initiatives. The Tybee Island Marine Science Center leads sea turtle and shorebird rescue programs, while the "Lights Out" campaign encourages residents to turn off lights that can disorient nesting sea turtles. The North Beach is also part of the Colonial Coast Birding Trail, where over 300 species of birds have been recorded. Beyond the beach, Tybee hosts a unique array of annual events. The spring's Beach Bum Parade is known as the island's largest water fight, while the fall brings the Tybee Island Pirate Fest, celebrating the island's history as a onetime hideout for pirates.
