Tybee Island Map

Description: This map shows streets, roads, beaches, lakes, rivers, buildings, churches, and parks in Tybee Island.

Description: This map shows streets, trails, boardwalk, pier, houses, buildings, cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels, restrooms, parking lots, shops, churches, points of interest, and parks in Downtown Tybee Island.

Description: This map shows where Tybee Island is located on the Georgia Map.

Tybee Island is a barrier island and city located in Chatham County, Georgia, United States. The island is situated approximately 18 miles (29 km) east of Savannah and serves as the easternmost point in Georgia. Tybee Island spans about 3.19 square miles (8.25 km²) and is positioned at the mouth of the Savannah River, where it meets the Atlantic Ocean.

History

The name "Tybee" is derived from the Euchee Native American word meaning "salt." Spanish explorers first encountered the island in the 16th century. In 1520, Spanish captain Pedro de Quejo visited the area, making it one of the earliest documented European contacts with the Georgia coast. The island later became strategically important during various conflicts, including the American Civil War and World War II.

Fort Screven was constructed on the northern end of Tybee Island between 1897 and 1899, serving as a coastal artillery station. The fort remained active through both World Wars and was decommissioned in 1947.

Landmarks

The Tybee Island Light Station, completed in 1736, stands as one of the oldest and tallest lighthouses in the United States. The current lighthouse tower, built in 1867, reaches 145 feet (44 m) in height and features distinctive black and white daymark stripes. The lighthouse complex includes the original 1916 keeper's cottage and remains an active navigational aid operated by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Geography and Climate

Tybee Island features five public beaches along its Atlantic coastline. The island's geography includes salt marshes, tidal creeks, and maritime forests typical of Georgia's barrier islands. The climate is humid subtropical, characterized by hot summers and mild winters with an average annual temperature of approximately 66°F (19°C).

Population

According to the 2020 United States Census, Tybee Island had a population of 3,114 residents. The city experiences significant seasonal population fluctuations due to tourism, with visitor numbers reaching over 3 million annually. The permanent population density reflects the island's dual nature as both a residential community and a vacation destination.

Main sights in Tybee Island