Travel & Tourism

Tybee Island Girls' Getaway: The Essential 3-Day Guide

I've been navigating Tybee Island for years now, and if there's one thing I've learned about Savannah's quirky little beach neighbor, it’s that it doesn't do “stuffy.” It's retro, it's laid-back and it doesn’t care if you have sand in your shoes. Because of that, it is the ultimate spot for a girls’ getaway.

Whether your group is looking for high-octane outdoor adventures or you collectively need to sit face-down on a beach towel for 72 hours, I’ve mapped out the exact itinerary to streamline your planning.

Highlights

  • The Exact 3-Day Plan:A step-by-step weekend walkthrough from the calm marsh estuaries to the best local seafood joints.
  • Where to Hang Your Hat:A breakdown of Tybee’s best historic rental cottages perfect for housing a group.
  • My Signature Insider Tips:The exact spots to catch a Back River sunset with a to-go drink, plus the local secret to finding shark teeth.

Editor's Note: The writer was partially hosted.

 A walk under the famous pier on Tybee Island is a must. Photo credit: Karyn Locke
A walk under the famous pier on Tybee Island is a must. Photo credit: Karyn Locke

The Best Things to Do on Tybee Island for a Girls’ Trip: Our 3-Day Itinerary

 You'll see several old-school photo booths on Tybee Island. Photo credit: Karyn Locke
You'll see several old-school photo booths on Tybee Island. Photo credit: Karyn Locke

Day 1: Coastal Kitsch & Sunset Views

  • 3 PM | Check-In & Porch Time:Drop your bags at your historic cottage. Open the windows, put on some music and claim your spot on the screened-in porch so the salt air can work its magic.



    Within 10 minutes, the heavy, sweet scent of nearby jasmine takes over. The rhythmic, metronome-like buzz of cicadas from the live oaks officially signals that your mainland to-do list is just a memory for a few days.

SheBuysTravel Tip:Don’t waste your first afternoon standing in long holiday lines at the island’s single, small grocery store. Stop at the massive Kroger on Wilmington Island along US-80 on your drive in from the airport to stock your cottage porch fridge with seltzers and snacks ahead of time.

  • 5:30 PM | The Lowcountry Welcome:Head over to The Crab Shack for an early dinner. Yes, trees shade a sprawling, wonderfully touristy outdoor setup, but eating a massive Lowcountry Boil with your hands while looking out at the water is the absolute best way to instantly shed your mainland stress.

What to expect at The Crab Shack:

  • Tables with literal holes cut into the center for easy trash disposal.
  • 8:00 PM | To-Go Cup Nightcap:Stop by AJ’s Dockside Restaurant on the Back River. Grab a sunset cocktail to go and walk down to the edge of the water to watch the sky turn pink and orange over the marsh.

Planning a coastal tour?Don’t limit yourself to just one stretch of sand! Check out our comprehensive guide to the10 Gorgeous Beaches Near Savannah, Georgia, to find the quietest spots for your crew.

Day 2: Estuaries, Ice Cream & Eclectic Dinners

 A turtle in rehab. Photo credit: Karyn Locke
A turtle in rehab. Photo credit: Karyn Locke
  • 9 AM | Morning Marsh Paddle:Head to the water with Sea Kayak Georgia. Paddling the calm estuaries in the morning completely resets your mind. Keep your eyes peeled on the water. There's a very high chance you'll have a few local bottlenose dolphins swimming right along with your group.

SheBuysTravel Tip:Standard mosquito spray will not protect you from the ruthless coastal Georgia no-see-ums in the marsh. Pack a bottle of Avon Skin So Soft or an oil-based repellent; it creates a physical barrier on your skin that keeps the biting gnats away while you kayak.

  • 12:30 PM | Casual Deck Lunch:Keep the coastal vibes going with lunch atBubba Gumbo'sdown on Lazaretto Creek. Grab a table on the dock, order a basket of fresh-caught Georgia wild shrimp and just watch the boats come in.
  • 3 PM | Beach & Boutique Stroll:Spend the afternoon on Mid Beach for a quieter shoreline experience. It gets significantly less foot traffic than South Beach, meaning you can actually hear the waves rather than someone else’s portable speaker. Afterward, stretch your legs by exploring the south end of the island. Walk through the funky local galleries and independent boutique shops.

SheBuysTravel Tip:Tybee Island does not offer free parking anywhere, and enforcement officers are remarkably efficient.Download the Park TYB mobile appbefore your trip so anyone in your group can easily extend the beach parking meter directly from their phone without walking back to the car.

  • 7 PM | Cocktails & Oysters:Clean up and head to Sea Wolf Tybee. This intimate, canopy-lit neighborhood joint is an island favorite, anchoring a fantastic, artsy nighttime energy.



    It is dark, moody and clad in weathered wood, the exact opposite of a neon-lit tourist trap. There is something incredibly satisfying about sitting under the low string lights, holding a heavy, crystal-cut glass of high-end mezcal in one hand while balancing a paper basket containing a jalapeño-snap gourmet hot dog in the other.

Making it a dual-city weekend?If your squad wants to split time between the sand and the cobblestones, look at our curated itinerary onWhere to Play, Stay, and Eat in Savannah for the Perfect Girls Weekend.

Day 3: History, Views & Beachcombing

 The iconic Tybee Island lighthouse. Photo credit: Karyn Locke
The iconic Tybee Island lighthouse. Photo credit: Karyn Locke
  • 8:30 AM | Conquering the 178 Steps:Wake up early, grab a coffee and head to the Tybee Island Light Station on the North End. Climb the 178 steps to the top of the historic black-and-white tower before the midday heat kicks in.

    The spiral brick staircase traps the morning humidity. However, the second you step through that low-iron door onto the catwalk, a blast of cool, unrestricted Atlantic wind hits your face and makes the entire leg burn worth it.

SheBuysTravel Tip:The historic light station strictly bans flip-flops and open-backed sandals on the lighthouse stairs for safety. Make sure everyone in your crew wears sneakers or sturdy strap-on sandals for the morning climb, or you will be turned away at the gate.

  • 10 AM | Shark Tooth Hunting: Walk over to the quiet shoreline near Fort Screven on the island’s northern tip.

SheBuysTravel Tip:Skip the crowded pier area for beachcombing. The northern tip of North Beach near the fort is the absolute best place on the island to hunt for shark teeth and unique shells during low tide.

  • Noon | One Last Coastal Bite:Before hitting the road, grab one last casual lunch at the North Beach Bar and Grill (right next to the lighthouse). Enjoy some live music and fish tacos, and raise a final toast to an unpretentious weekend onSavannah‘s beach.

SheBuysTravel Tip:If your crew plans a night out in downtown Savannah, do not rely on standard rideshare apps for the midnight trek back to Tybee. Drivers frequently decline trips crossing the long marsh bridges late at night, so book a local island shuttle service in advance instead.

 Boardwalk beach access is prevalent on Tybee Island. Photo credit: Karyn Locke
Boardwalk beach access is prevalent on Tybee Island. Photo credit: Karyn Locke

Frequently Asked Questions: Tybee Island Girls’ Getaway

Which part of Tybee Island is best for a girls’ trip?

It depends entirely on your group’s energy:

The North End: Best for history, fitness and quiet beachcombing near Fort Screven.

Mid Beach: The ultimate sweet spot for a relaxing rental cottage away from the crowds.

The South End: Best if your crew wants a lively nightlife scene, easy access to bars and casual dining near the pier.

Can you drink alcohol on the beach on Tybee Island?

Yes, Tybee Island has a very lenient open-container law. You can legally drink alcohol on the beach and carry “to-go” drinks on the sidewalks throughout the commercial districts.

Pro-Tip: Glass is strictly prohibited everywhere on the sand. Ensure your wine, seltzers or cocktails are in aluminum cans or plastic cups to avoid hefty local fines.

Looking for a hidden gem home base?If you want to bypass downtown parking fees while staying close to the shore, explore theFamily-Friendly Things to Do in Pooler, GA, an affordable, central hub just minutes from both the airport and Tybee Island.

Where can I find the best Tybee Island beach cottage rentals for a group?

Skip the standard hotels and book a historic beach cottage. Two local rental agencies specialize in vintage properties with excellent group setups:

Mermaid Cottages: Restores beautiful mid-century properties like Beach Haven (circa 1914).

The Cottage Collection: Offers high-design boutique options like Bliss Cottage (circa 1898), which includes private pools and spacious wrapped porches perfect for late-night chats.

Before you sign the rental agreement: Group trips require a bit of extra vetting so you don’t get stuck sharing one shower. Read our expert checklist on 11 Tips for Renting a Beach House to avoid the most common online listing traps.

The post Tybee Island Girls’ Getaway: The Essential 3-Day Guide appeared first on She Buys Travel.

She Buys Travel

This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 5:38 PM.

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER