On the Georgia coast, you’ll find the sleepy beach town of Tybee Island. Offering the perfect setup for an unforgettable girls’ weekend, this adorable island is just a stone’s throw away from the historic city of Savannah. The name "Tybee" itself carries a fascinating history, derived from the Euchee Native American word for "salt," hinting at the island's rich cultural heritage.
Quick Guide to Your Girls' Getaway in Tybee Island
Short on time? Here's everything this guide covers, so you can plan your weekend at a glance:
This small haven of relaxation and Southern hospitality will leave you and your girlfriends feeling refreshed. The 100 Collection™ has found the best things to do on Tybee Island for your girls’ getaway.
If you want to incorporate some rejuvenating activities into your girls’ trip, Tybee Island has the perfect itinerary.
Tybee Yoga and Healing Arts has been serving the island since 2013, and they've turned beach yoga into an art form. Start your day with a serene sunrise or sunset flow right on the sand, where the sound of the waves does half the work of settling your mind. This is a mobile studio, so they'll meet your group on the beach, at your vacation rental, or at one of their favorite local spots, and they provide tapestries that work better than mats in the sand, so there's nothing to pack.
If you're celebrating, their bachelorette yoga session is built for groups, blending a gentle Hatha sequence with breathwork, meditation, and aromatherapy (it runs $35 per person with a three-person minimum, and group discounts kick in for larger parties). Time your trip around the full moon and you can join their once-a-month Full Moon Yoga on the beach, where you watch the moon rise over the horizon as the sun sets behind you. It's the kind of magical, only-on-vacation memory your group will still be talking about next year.
For ultimate relaxation, book a massage. Tybee Beach Massage is the island's go-to spa, tucked away on the marsh side of the North End, where owner Debbe and her therapists offer everything from Swedish and deep-tissue to healing hot stone and Thai massages. She's in high demand, so book ahead. Prefer to stay put? Many local therapists also offer in-home service, so you and your friends can enjoy pampering treatments right in the comfort of your vacation rental, no need to change out of your robe or fight for parking.
The Tybee Island Marine Science Center is the best jumping-off point for exploring the island's natural side. Join a marine science educator for a guided Beach Walk along Tybee's North Beach and you'll learn about the barrier island's ecology, the intertidal zone, and the wildlife living in and around the ocean.
Want to get your hands dirty? Their Marsh Trek takes you into Georgia's salt marsh to search for fiddler crabs and snails, while the Sift & Seine program (ages 9 and up) lets you pull a seine net through waist-deep water to catch and release marine life. These "Walks, Talks & Treks" programs run daily for around $10 on top of admission. Prefer to wander on your own? North Beach is part of the Colonial Coast Birding Trail and one of the best spots to see oystercatchers, black skimmers, and, at low tide, dolphins following the fishing boats offshore. It's a great way to connect with nature and with each other.
No trip to Tybee Island is complete without quality beach time. The island has several beaches, each with its own personality, so here's what to expect from each one, including where to park and where to find restrooms. One island-wide note before you go: there is no free public parking anywhere on Tybee. Every space is paid, seven days a week, and the easiest way to handle it is the free Park TYB app, which lets you pay and add time right from your beach chair.
The heart of Tybee's beach scene, South Beach (south of 14th Street) is perfect for those who love a lively atmosphere. It's ideal for sunbathing, people-watching, and impromptu volleyball games, and it's the most amenity-rich stretch on the island: lifeguard stands, the biggest parking lots (between 14th and 18th streets), public restrooms, and changing stations. The Tybee Pier and Pavilion anchors the scene with picnic tables, a snack bar, more restrooms, and stunning ocean views, and it's steps from the shops and restaurants of "downtown" Tybee. Best for: groups who want the action, easy facilities, and the shortest walk to food and drinks.
For a more laid-back vibe, head to Mid Beach, the quieter stretch running roughly from 1st Street to 14th Street. This is where locals and vacation-home renters go to relax with a good book, catch up with the girls, or soak up the sun in peace. The trade-off for that calm is fewer amenities: parking is limited to the numbered-street crossovers and there are no dedicated public restrooms right at the access points (the nearest are at Memorial Park on 4th Street, a block or so away). Best for: groups staying nearby who want space to spread out and a slower pace.
History buffs will love North Beach, home to the iconic Tybee Island Lighthouse, which makes it a favorite for photographers too. Climb to the top for gorgeous coastline views, hunt for seashells, or explore the nearby Marine Science Center for a hands-on coastal experience. The vibe here is quieter and less commercial than South Beach, and it's the closest beach to Savannah. On the practical side, there's a beachfront parking lot in Fort Screven right across from the lighthouse, plus public restrooms and foot-washing stations. Best for: sightseeing, sunset photos, and dolphin- and bird-watching.
For a truly serene experience, visit Back River Beach on the island's southern, river-facing side. This hidden gem has breathtaking sunset views over Little Tybee, calm lake-like water, and it's the go-to launch point for kayaking and paddleboarding. Because it's river-facing, the waves are gentle, though the current can be surprisingly strong, and there are no lifeguards, so use caution when swimming. Parking is limited (look for spots off Chatham Avenue and near the Back River fishing pier at the end of Fishermans Walk), but public restrooms are available. Best for: couples-style calm, sunset strolls, fishing off the pier, and paddling adventures.
Not only does Tybee Island offer diverse beaches, but also an array of fun seaside activities.
Pop-Up Pique-Nique. This local luxury picnic company will set up a fully styled spread on the sand, complete with a low picnic table, floor cushions, full décor, tableware, fresh flowers, a Bluetooth speaker, and even bug repellent, and then handle all the takedown and cleanup so you don't lift a finger. Packages start around $185, you can add a food platter of your choice, and Tybee Beach setups do carry a small travel fee, so book ahead and confirm the date. It's an easy way to turn a regular afternoon into a photo-worthy celebration, whether it's a birthday, a bridal shower, or just because. Transform your beach outing into a luxurious afternoon with
Captain Derek's Dolphin Adventure is the island's most popular operator) and a great pick for a group. Their narrated 1- to 1.5-hour tours guarantee dolphins, and along the way, you'll see the Tybee Lighthouse, Fort Pulaski, and the abandoned Cockspur Lighthouse. Every boat has a restroom, plenty of shade, and enough space that you're never packed in. If you don't spot dolphins, you can go again for free. Time an evening sailing for that magical, golden-hour end to your day. Set sail on an enchanting evening cruise to spot playful dolphins in their natural habitat with
You can book tickets online in advance, which is smart during the busy season, when tours often sell out.
Tybee Jet Ski & Watersports is the island's original one-stop shop for jet ski rentals and 75-minute guided rides through Dolphin Bay, plus half- and full-day kayak and paddleboard rentals. No experience is needed, they offer free instruction and a paddle clinic, and their staff are CPR and First Aid certified. Their famous
Dolphin Bay / Cockspur Lighthouse kayak tour paddles you right out to the beacon for panoramic sound views. Prefer to captain something bigger? Tybee Island Watersports runs jet ski rentals, pontoon boat rentals, and a one-of-a-kind Sunset Tiki Boat Cruise (a floating tiki bar for up to 16), perfect for a group that wants the party on the water. For the thrill-seekers in your crew, glide across the waves on a jet ski, balance on a paddleboard, or explore hidden coves by kayak.
Tybee's downtown area is a treasure trove of unique shops and cultural experiences, and it's compact enough to explore on foot between beach sessions.
The Shops at Tybee Oaks
Taste the flavors of Tybee Island at one of their mouthwatering restaurants or trendy cafes.
For the best Tybee Island experience, book your stay with locally-owned Oceanfront Cottage Rentals. As The 100 Collection’s premier Tybee Island vacation rental company, they offer a supreme selection of accommodations perfect for your girls' getaway.
Oceanfront Cottage Rentals provides a range of options to suit every group size and preference. Pick one of their cozy beachfront havens, perfect for intimate gatherings. Or rent out one of their spacious vacation homes that can accommodate larger groups, ideal for a bachelorette party.
Many of their properties provide stunning ocean views, private pools, and easy beach access – everything you need for the perfect girls' weekend. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves, enjoying a coffee on your private balcony, or ending the day with a poolside barbecue.
What sets Oceanfront Cottage Rentals apart is their commitment to giving back. Oceanfront Cottage Rentals generously partners with organizations such as Make-A-Wish Foundation and Little Pink House of Hope for Breast Cancer Survivors.
From relaxing yoga sessions on the beach to exciting water sports, from exploring local history to indulging in fresh seafood, there's something for everyone in your friend group. And with its proximity to Savannah, you can easily extend your trip to include some urban exploration. So, whether you're celebrating a special occasion or need a getaway with your best friends, Tybee Island will sweep you off your feet with an unforgettable trip. Grab your girlfriends and get ready for a weekend of fun, relaxation, and adventure on this dreamy Georgia island!
