Tybee Island Surges in Popularity—Top Things to Do, Eat & See This Summer

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga.—The barrier-island gem just 20 minutes east of Savannah is bracing for one of its busiest weekends of the year as thousands of visitors arrive for the 11th annual Juneteenth “Wade-In,” a celebratory re-enactment of the 1960s civil-rights protest that opened Tybee’s beaches to everyone. Organizers say the sunrise gathering at South Beach on June 19 will feature drumming, prayer and a community swim, followed by live music and food trucks at Tybee Island Pier. Why the 2025 Wade-In matters • History comes alive: Local activists will tell the story of the original 1960 “wade-in,” when Black Savannahians marched past segregated lines and entered the Atlantic together. • Family-friendly vibe: Free parking vouchers for early arrivals and kids’ craft tents make the event popular with multigenerational travelers. • Sunset jazz on the pier: The Coastal Jazz Collective will perform a free show at 7 p.m., wrapping the day in classic Lowcountry style. Travel tips for peak-season beach days • Leave before 9 a.m.: Highway 80 is the only road on and off the island; a recent multi-vehicle crash near Bull River snarled traffic for hours. Locals recommend an early start or the Chatham Area Transit bus from downtown Savannah. • Reserve parking via ParkTYB app: Demand surges after 10 a.m. at South Beach, North Beach and Mid-Beach lots. • Know the tide tables: Tybee’s wide tidal swings create extra shoreline at low tide—perfect for shelling or a pick-up volleyball game. Coyote sightings surge—what beachgoers should know Tybee officials confirmed at least five coyote sightings near the North Beach dunes this month, likely driven by abundant sea turtle nests. The city urges visitors to: 1. Keep food sealed and trash lids latched. 2. Leash pets on all public beaches. 3. Report encounters to the Tybee Island Police Department’s non-emergency line. Beyond the beach: Top things to do on Tybee Island this summer • Climb the Tybee Island Light Station at sunrise for panoramic photos. • Kayak through Lazaretto Creek’s salt-marsh maze; dolphin pods often surface at slack tide. • Sample peel-and-eat shrimp at the newly reopened Bubba Gumbo’s, a locals’ favorite overlooking Tybee’s working docks. • Bike the six-mile McQueen’s Island Rail Trail for bird-watching and Fort Pulaski views. Sustainability spotlight Event planners are teaming with nonprofit Fight Dirty Tybee to distribute reusable water bottles and compostable food containers during Juneteenth festivities. Volunteers will host a beach sweep at first light on June 20, inviting tourists to “leave only footprints” for nesting loggerhead turtles. What’s next The City of Tybee will unveil a permanent civil-rights interpretive sign near the pier later this summer, cementing the Wade-In’s legacy and adding a new stop to the island’s self-guided heritage trail. With peak sea-breeze season underway, officials anticipate record arrivals through July 4, so early booking of rental homes and pet-friendly hotels is advised. Whether you’re coming for the history, the hush-puppies or the hard-to-beat Atlantic sunrise, Tybee Island is set to deliver an unforgettable coastal getaway—just pack patience for Highway 80, respect for local wildlife and your brightest red, black and green to celebrate freedom in the surf.