7 Wheelchair-Friendly Things to do on Tybee Island
Dining, beaches, cozy bungalows and friendly smiles--everything you'd expect from a little resort island. But unless you're from the Georgia coast, chances are good you're not giving Tybee Island the credit it deserves. This lovely little escape brings a lot to the table: casual resort vibes, Southern hospitality, and a high degree of accessibility for those in a wheelchair and/or those with impaired mobility. From accessible beaches and restaurants to wheelchair accessible rentals that make it easy to get in and out on wheels, you'll find the resources you need here to book a fantastic vacation.
Tybee Island North Beach
Railwood Ave, Tybee Island, GA 31328
Tybee Island's North Beach is a pristine stretch of sandy shore that also boasts handicap-accessible parking, a wooden ramp leading all the way to the beach, and then a Mobi-mat spanning the sand from the end of the ramp down well into the beachy area. If you visit early enough in the morning, you'll enjoy a gorgeous sunrise and possibly even get to see pods of dolphins splashing in the waves.
Other spots you'll find ramps and Mobi-mats to the beach:
- The easternmost crossover to the beach at Second Avenue
- The 16th Street (Tybrisa) crossover
Fat Tire Wheelchair Rentals
Tybee Island's public accessibility measures include fat-tire wheelchair rentals at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. You can pick one up at the Ocean Rescue HQ at Tybee Island's South Beach; this is at the end of Tybrisa Street. If you want to make sure there is a wheelchair available before you drive out, you can call to ask the lifeguards on duty at 912-472-5089 before you go.
Fat-chair wheelchair rentals make it easy to go explore the beach further afield, whereas the mobi-mats make it possible to roll down in a standard manual or powered wheelchair.
Tybee Island Lighthouse
30 Meddin Dr, Tybee Island, GA 31328
The Tybee Island Light Station is an iconic landmark that makes for some gorgeous photo-ops. The lighthouse and museum aren't fully accessible because they were built so long ago, but part of the lower floor is--and it's worth a stop to see what you can of the first-floor museum. You will find accessible parking in the lot and ramps to get inside, and the first-floor museum, showcasing part of the Head Lightkeeper's Cottage, is a great place to stop in. You can also watch a video about the lighthouse's history from the lower floor.
Fort Pulaski
101 Fort Pulaski Rd, Savannah, GA
Fort Pulaski first opened in 1847. It served as the testing ground for the Union Army's groundbreaking rifled cannons, an arms innovation that rendered brick forts obsolete. Today, it's a national preserve that showcases a unique period of history along with a huge array of wildlife. Anglers, birdwatchers, and hikers regularly head here for a break from the hustle of Savannah. While not all of Fort Pulaski is wheelchair-accessible, much of the visitor areas area, including paved trails that lead to the river and offer an abundance of scenic beauty.
Tybee Island Marine Science Center
37 Meddin Dr, Tybee Island, GA 31328
The Tybee Island Marine Science Center is fully ADA-compliant, and though it's on the small side, it packs a big punch in terms of educational and hands-on activities that introduce you to the life and ecosystem of the Georgia coast. This spot is a definite win for those with kids, who will love getting their hands wet to get hands-on with hermit crabs and sea turtles. But it's not just for the kids; adults will also find things to love about this little facility, including the remarkable conservation programs they run.
Tybee Pier and Pavilion
Tybrisa St, Tybee Island, GA 31328
Some of the best scenery can be caught from the Tybee Pier, where anglers and sightseers stroll out to get up-close and personal with the ocean waves. The pier is ADA-compliant and easily accessible by wheelchair, and you'll find food and drink vendors available along the way if you find yourself wanting a little something. Sometimes you'll even find live music being performed in the covered pavilion. This is a great spot to roll out to catch the breeze and enjoy the views.
Wheelchair Accessible Rentals
Of course, you'll need a jumping-off place for your Tybee Island adventures, and finding a wheelchair-accessible vacation rental is key. At The One Hundred Collection, we have a variety of stunning vacation rentals offering varying levels of accessibility; don't hesitate to reach out to find the perfect fit for your stay.
Shopping Opportunities
Tybee Island is home to countless little boutique shops, both large and small--but many of them are located in historic buildings that haven't yet been brought up to ADA compliance. These are a few worthwhile stops that are also wheelchair-friendly:
- The Shoppes at 1207: A collection of four small shops serving up gifts, souvenirs, and charming coastal-themed home goods. Located at 1207 US-80 on Tybee Island.
- TS Chu Department Store: An eclectic department store and must-stop-shop for everything from sunscreen to beach towels, shades, and Tybee Island merch. Located at 6 Tybrisa Street.
Tybee Post Theater
10 Van Horne Ave, Tybee Island, GA 31328
Catch a film, concert, or lecture at the historic Tybee Post Theater, a worthwhile destination all its own offering a variety of productions including classic movies and kid-friendly shows throughout the year. Constructed in 1930 for soldiers stationed at Fort Screven, the architecture is charming and homey, and the facility has been beautifully maintained and upgraded to provide accessible viewing areas for those in wheelchairs.
This is just a few of the possibilities that wheelchair accessible Tybee Island has to offer. You'll also find a huge array of condos equipped with ramps and elevators, and some boat tours and cruises also offer wheelchair accommodations; it just takes a bit of planning to make it happen. Oceanfront Cottage Rentals offers gorgeous vacation rentals and resources for planning your getaway to Georgia's hidden jewel.
