The Euchee tribe may have been the first ones to discover Tybee Island. The name means "salt," which was a plentiful natural resource in the area. Lucas Vasquez de Ayllon first claimed the area as part of Spanish Florida in 1520. By shortly after the turn of the 17th century, French explorers took an interest in the area because they could get sassafras roots there that they thought were a miracle elixir. Workers constructed the lighthouse, which you can climb, in 1736, and it is a terrific place to learn more about the island's history as a military fort.
British loyalists settled near the lighthouse during the American Revolutionary War. The second bloodiest battle of the American Revolutionary War occurred on this island. When General James Oglethorpe and others created Georgia, they built a fort on Tybee Island to protect the mouth of the Savannah River.
Fast forward to after the Civil War, and Savannah residents discovered that the island was a great place to escape the city's heat. Between 1870 and 1890, people built over 400 seaside cottages. Many believed that the cool ocean breezes were helpful in curing many diseases, including asthma. The arrival of the Central of Georgia Railroad in 1887 brought many more tourists to the island. The first hotel on Tybee Island opened in 1889, and many big bands played at the hotel, where it was extremely fashionable to go dancing. Even more tourists came in the 1920s when U.S. Route 80 connected the island to Savannah.
Hotel Tybee has been rebuilt several times, and it is a fantastic place to dine at The Crab Shack, Sundae Café, and Fannies on the Beach. You can find lots to do on this island, including playing on the sandy beaches, learning more about animals at Tybee Island Marine Science Center, and going on dolphin-watching tours. About 3,000 people live on Tybee Island full-time.
Critz Tybee Run Fest - Contestants compete in five different races of varying lengths during this February festival. Many area nonprofits and businesses plan special events during this weekend.
Mardi Gras – Line up early to watch the Tybee Island Mardi Gras Parade, which starts at Memorial Park. Then, watch the crowning of the Mardi Gras king and queen.
Labor Day Bash on the Pier- Head to Tybee Island Pier to join the fun of this Labor Day festival featuring big band music, food, and vendors.
Lights on the Tybee – Go to the beachfront roundabout to watch the lighting of Tybee Island's Christmas tree and the nighttime lighted parade.
Congaree National Park is a terrific place for a hike along the boardwalk to see the wetlands and tall cypress trees. Rangers often give guided walks or stand along the 2.4-mile-long boardwalk trail to answer visitors' questions. It is also a fantastic place for a canoeing adventure. Paddling enthusiasts may want to start their paddling trip in Columbia and paddle along the 50-mile-long trail to arrive at this park. You will want to see the fireflies put on their show from mid-May and mid-June, when thousands of fireflies blink on and off their light at the same time.
Skidaway Island State Park is a fabulous place to follow six miles of trails through maritime forest and past salt marsh at this state park bordering Georgia's Intracoastal Waterway. This park is part of the Colonial Coast Birding Trail.
Fort McAllister State Park is a park that history lovers will not want to miss because it contains the best-preserved earthwork fortification of the Confederacy. Stroll around the grounds to see cannons, a hotshot furnace, bombproof barracks, and palisades before heading inside the Civil War Museum.
Hunting Island State Park is a wonderful place to play on five miles of sandy beaches. Climb the 167 steps inside the Hunting Island Lighthouse. Interact with local wildlife at the nature center before leaving this park.
Fort Pulaski National Monument is the location where Union forces first used rifled cannons against brick Confederate troops during the Civil War. Union troops were able to prove that the cannons were superior. In addition to seeing the historic fort, you can also go fishing in the Savannah River, follow miles of hiking trails and go kayaking around Cockspur Island. This monument is also one of the best monuments in Georgia for bike riders to explore.
You can find terrific campgrounds in the Savannah area, but if you are looking for great campgrounds near the water, you may want to consider those in Hilton Head, South Carolina, like Hilton Head Harbor RV Resort & Marina. This pet-friendly resort lies on the north end of the island. Another fantastic choice is Hilton Head Island Motorcoach Resort. This 50-acre campground offers over 400 camping spots, and guests can enjoy the pool, spa, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and dog park. Point South/ I-95/Yemassee KOA Holiday in Yemassee, South Carolina, offers ether ball, horseshoes, corn hole, and gem mining.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Tybee Island, GA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Tybee Island?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Tybee Island from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Tybee Island?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
