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Closest Clinic to Tybee Island, GA
Improve quality of health and productivity, while lowering direct and indirect costs.
Reduced liabilities with safer drivers on the road
Improve access to healthcare - many Americans drive over 25 miles for quality healthcare
Urgent Care Clinic Near Tybee Island, GA
There's a lot of truth to the saying that truck drivers are the backbone of our economy. Commercial driving is an often underrated yet crucial profession. Truckers play a vital role in transporting goods and raw materials from various locations across the country to businesses and consumers. Whether it's gases, liquids, heavy materials, or perishable items, commercial drivers cover countless miles each day, ensuring the smooth operation of the supply chain process.
With so much time on the road, it's safe to say that commercial drivers live unique lives. They only have so much time per year to cross tasks off their list. Important events like seeing family and friends are often at the top of that list. As such, many commercial drivers put their health and wellbeing on the back burner. They often avoid going to a primary care doctors office Near Tybee Island because they have deadlines to meet and responsibilities to uphold - and that's unfortunate.
Commercial drivers experience elevated rates of chronic health issues due to extended hours, a lack of physical activity, and the demands of their work. This impacts not just their wellbeing and life expectancy but also their ability to earn a living. A large percentage of truck drivers have at least one chronic health problem that renders them ineligible for Department of Transportation (DOT) certification.
Despite those realities, most drivers know it's important to get exercise, eat healthy, and see a doctor for yearly checkups. But when they're on the road, where can they go for medical guidance or help when they're sick? Until recently, that question wasn't easy to answer.
Fortunately, there are new options available that have the potential to catch health issues early and save a driver money. Interstate Health is expanding access to high-quality urgent and primary care for everyone who lives and works along our nation's interstate system. It also serves rural and other communities with limited healthcare options.
Your Local Walk-In Clinic Near Tybee Island: Meeting the Needs of Drivers and the Local Community
Truckers and commercial drivers - the men and women who keep America moving - have had to wait too long to have access to reliable healthcare. Many of these professionals settle for poor health due to hectic schedules and a lack of parking at traditional urgent care clinics. Interstate Health is changing the game by offering hardworking drivers a clean, reliable, easy-to-access clinic for primary care and urgent care needs.
Positioned at large travel centers throughout the United States, Interstate Health clinics are advanced, independent facilities that receive central support from a corporate office that operates 24/7. We offer a range of services tailored to drivers and community members, including the following:
Our telehealth therapists Near Tybee Island, GA, focus on a range of specialties, including:
- Urgent Care Services: Testing, Vaccinations, Wound Care, & More
- Primary Care Services: Physicals, Occupational Health, & More
- Telehealth Services: Online Healthcare Services Made Easy
- Pharmacy Services: Refill Your Prescriptions with Ease & Convenience
Whether you live miles away from the closest provider or you're busy keeping our country running as a professional driver, you shouldn't have to put off the care you need. That's why we founded Interstate Health. We're committed to improving the quality of your health and productivity while reducing on-road liabilities and giving you reliable access to healthcare. That's the Interstate Health difference.
Who Are Our Patients?
At this point, you're probably wondering who Interstate Health is best suited to serve. While our urgent care and primary care medical services are a great option for professional drivers, they're also for members of our local community. Our patients include:
Commercial Drivers
Commercial drivers are dedicated, hardworking Americans who strive to excel at their jobs while supporting their families. It shouldn't be challenging to access the necessary care without compromising your time and livelihood. Interstate Health offers convenient, high-quality care, allowing you to maintain your wellbeing and keep moving forward.
Interstate Drivers
Have you ever been on a road trip or a business trip and needed quick access to healthcare professionals? You're not alone. Finding quality, convenient healthcare while traveling can be stressful. With Interstate Health Systems, you can trust you'll get consistent, excellent care no matter which location you visit - and you'll find us close by.
Local Community Members
Every community deserves accessible, high-quality medical care, no matter where they live. This includes rural areas of the United States, which have historically been overlooked when it comes to healthcare. With locations all across the nation's interstate system, Interstate Health Systems is making excellent healthcare more accessible for communities around the country - especially down roads that are less traveled.
Now that you know more about our business and our mission, let's take a deeper look at some of the services offered at Interstate Health.
Primary Care from Interstate Health
When you've been on the highway for hours on end, finding a great primary care physician Near Tybee Island is easier said than done. Sure, you could settle for a mediocre provider that is out of the way, but wouldn't it be easier to find a doctor who's actually on your route? Even if you work on the road, you deserve access to quality preventative care and wellness checks. Interstate Health's primary care clinics give you convenient access to the care you need to stay healthy, even when you're on the clock.
Your primary care physician is like a central hub for all your health needs. They don't just help prevent problems and manage long-term conditions, but they also help you get other specialized care if you need it. Having a primary care doctor means you get consistent care over time that can kickstart and supplement your wellness goals.
Some of the most popular primary care services we offer include:
- Physicals
- Routine Checkups
- Follow-Up Appointments
- Medication Management
- Chronic Illness Management
- Much More
To get started with our primary care services, simply walk into a local Interstate Health clinic or make an appointment online to see a provider the same day. Whether you're always on the road or need to stay close to home, you can expect high-quality care from our medical providers.
Did you know that, according to the CDC, more than 50% of long-range commercial drivers reported suffering from one or more health conditions? Some of those conditions and behaviors include:
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Obesity
- Lack of Physical Activity
- Smoking
- Getting Less Than 6 Hours of Sleep
When you read those conditions and then realize that truck drivers are almost twice as likely to develop diabetes when compared to general workers, it makes you raise your eyebrows. Fortunately, visiting a primary care physician on a regular basis is one of the best ways to get your health in check and live a longer life - especially if you're a commercial driver. Here are just a few other reasons why you should consider visiting a primary care doctor while you're on the road:
Management of Chronic Conditions
It's challenging to independently manage chronic health conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and lupus. Enlisting the support of a primary care doctor can assist in keeping track of how these conditions are impacting your body. Regular appointments and routine tests are essential methods that your doctor can employ to help you effectively manage your chronic disease.
Range of Healthcare Services
Wondering where to go if you start coughing, if you're feeling anxious or depressed, or if you want to know more about a certain vaccine? The answer is simple: Visit your primary care doctor. Your primary care doctor specializes in holistic healthcare, which means they are trained to treat a wide range of issues and coordinate all your healthcare needs in one place. With your primary care doctor, you can address various health concerns in just one appointment, whether they are physical, emotional, or mental.
Overall Healthcare Costs Reduced
Regularly scheduling visits with your primary physician may feel monotonous and possibly unnecessary at times, but according to findings in the Journal of Health Affairs, consistent appointments with a primary care doctor reduce overall medical expenses for patients. Routine checkups, effective communication with your physician, and maintaining an updated health history all play a role in decreasing the overall cost of healthcare.
Urgent Care from Interstate Health
When you've been hauling goods across multiple states for several days at a time, little health issues start to become more and more prevalent. When these issues manifest, it's important to find an urgent care clinic Near Tybee Island so you can get to your destination healthy and happy.
Urgent medical care addresses immediate symptoms associated with accidents, injuries, skin irritations, or sickness at an outpatient center like the Interstate Health clinic. It can be tough to find top-notch care promptly when dealing with an accident, injury, or illness. Our Urgent Care services offer convenient, cost-effective, high-quality care when you're on the road and need to address a medical issue or question quickly.
Access to Support When Living in Remote Areas
Urgent care medicine involves providing immediate medical services for outpatient treatment of both acute and chronic illnesses and injuries. It requires a wide-ranging and comprehensive knowledge base to provide such care. Delivering excellent care for patients with complex or uncommon conditions relies on close communication and collaboration between an urgent care medicine physician, specialists, and primary physicians.
It's important to note that urgent care does not supplant the role of a primary care physician. Rather, an urgent care clinic from Interstate Health is a convenient option when your regular physician is on vacation or unable to offer a timely appointment. It also serves as an alternative to waiting for hours in a hospital Emergency Room when illness strikes outside of regular office hours.
Some of the most common conditions at our urgent care clinics include:
- Cold and Flu
- Each Aches and Infections
- Burns
- Bruises
- Allergic Reactions to Stings and Bites
- Fevers
- Sprains and Fractures
- Infections
- Strep Throat
- Much More
To get started with our urgent care services, visit a local Interstate Health clinic or make an appointment online and see a provider the same day. Whether you're driving in a different state or you're close to home, you can count on high-quality urgent care from Interstate Health.
Urgent care centers are now an essential part of the healthcare system, providing a convenient option for non-life-threatening conditions instead of traditional emergency room visits. Recognizing the advantages of urgent care can significantly influence your healthcare choices, especially when immediate medical attention is needed when you're on the road or outside of your primary care doctor's working hours.
Let's take a look at some of the top reasons why urgent care from Interstate Health might make the most sense for your needs.
Convenience and Accessibility
Urgent care centers are a game-changer, especially for non-life-threatening situations. They offer extended hours, walk-in appointments, and quick access to prescriptions like antibiotics. From sore throats to broken bones, they've got you covered. No more waiting days for your primary care physician or enduring long waits at the emergency room.
Cost Savings
Going to an urgent care clinic from Interstate Health can be a budget-friendly option compared to emergency room visits. Many health insurance plans cover urgent care visits, and the co-pay is usually much less than that of an emergency room visit. Even if you're paying out of pocket, the cost of treatment at an urgent care center is typically lower for the same services offered in the emergency room.
By choosing urgent care for appropriate situations, you can avoid unnecessary tests and treatments that are more common in an emergency room, potentially saving you from an expensive bill. Plus, urgent care centers offer convenience and quick access to the care you need, making them a wise choice for many professional drivers.
Many Conditions Treated
Urgent care centers offer a wide range of services beyond just treating the flu or minor cuts. They can provide stitches for kitchen mishaps, X-rays for injuries, and manage infections, minor burns, sprains, asthma attacks, and dehydration. Many urgent care clinics offer lab services for blood tests and onsite pharmacies to fill prescriptions. This comprehensive range of services makes urgent care from Interstate Health a convenient one-stop solution for unexpected health needs.
This versatility means you can receive comprehensive care without needing multiple appointments or visits to different locations. You can walk in, speak with a doctor, and receive a diagnosis, treatment, and prescribed medication all in one visit, allowing you to meet deadlines and stay on track when you're driving.
Wait Times Are Shorter
One of the best things about urgent care clinics is that they often save you time. Unlike the ER, where you can wait for hours, urgent care centers are known for being fast. Most patients are seen and treated much quicker than they would be at a hospital emergency room. This means you can get in, get out, and get on with your day without waiting for a long time.
This quick service doesn't mean the care is not good. When you visit an Interstate Health urgent care clinic Near Tybee Island, our practitioners are experts at assessing your medical needs, deciding what treatments are most important, and providing effective medical attention. They're prepared to handle a lot of different situations quickly and carefully. Whether you've got a small injury or a sudden illness, you'll get help quickly so you can start feeling better sooner.
That's a big deal for truckers and other commercial drivers who need reliable, quality healthcare services during non-traditional hours.
Free Up Availability at Hospitals
Urgent care clinics offered by Interstate Health aren't just beneficial for commercial drivers. They also play a crucial role in the overall healthcare system by providing an efficient alternative for non-life-threatening conditions. This significantly reduces the strain on hospital emergency rooms, which are meant for critical care-serious injuries, life-threatening illnesses, and conditions requiring immediate, advanced medical attention.
This strategic redirection of patient flow improves the efficiency of healthcare delivery, ensuring that each patient receives the appropriate level of care in the most suitable setting. It's a win-win situation: Long-range drivers like you receive quicker, more convenient treatment for minor issues, while hospitals can focus on emergencies and critical care.
Primary Care for Albert Thomas
Medical Office for Albert Thomas
Walk in Clinic for Eugene Nethles
Doctors Office for Eugene Nethles
Urgent Care for Wisam Samhouri
Primary Care for Wisam Samhouri
Medical Office for Tim Nelson
Walk in Clinic for Tim Nelson
Doctors Office for Igor Shlyahov
Urgent Care for Igor Shlyahov
Primary Care for Jorge Luis Guerra
Medical Office for Jorge Luis Guerra
Walk in Clinic for Earnest White
Doctors Office for Earnest White
Urgent Care for Tammy Wisnefski
Primary Care for Tammy Wisnefski
Medical Office for Mike Halmajan
Walk in Clinic for tom symington
Doctors Office for Koray D.
Urgent Care for Tony Greene
Primary Care for Michael Schubert
Medical Office for Cynthia Alvarez
Walk in Clinic for Kimberlee McElyea
Doctors Office for Shelly Brooks
Urgent Care for Steve Conatser
Primary Care for Dennis Bartlett
Medical Office for Pablo Esquivel
Walk in Clinic for Harmon Trucking
Doctors Office for Titus Gupton
Urgent Care for DeMoN SeEd
Primary Care for Darren P'Simer
Medical Office for Val Kinchak
Walk in Clinic for Val Kinchak
Doctors Office for David McCoy II
Urgent Care for Scott K
Primary Care for Allie Monday
Medical Office for Roy L Combs
Walk in Clinic for jeff hamby
Doctors Office for Mary Loggins
Urgent Care for Amber Sortino
Primary Care for Morgan Pace
Medical Office for cole green
Walk in Clinic for SVK
Doctors Office for Ricky Thames
Urgent Care for Krystal Frier
Primary Care for Kassidy Henderson
Medical Office for Jana Johnson
Walk in Clinic for Whitney
Doctors Office for Rico Rose
Urgent Care for Rico Rose
Primary Care for Yolanda Martinez
Medical Office for Yolanda Martinez Flowers
Walk in Clinic for Yolanda Martinez
Doctors Office for Yolanda Martinez Flowers
Urgent Care for Jeffrey Seraphine
Primary Care for Jeffrey Seraphine
Medical Office for K B
Walk in Clinic for K B
Doctors Office for Michael Detwiler
Urgent Care for Michael Detwiler
Find Innovative Healthcare on the Road or at Home
For too long, truck drivers have struggled to get healthcare because traditional clinics and hospitals don't have parking for trucks. This makes it hard for them to take time off the road to get the care they need. Interstate Health is working to change that. Our innovative, technology-based medical services company provides crucial urgent and primary care along our nation's interstate highway system. We believe that everyone deserves easy access to healthcare when they need it - even if you're driving a rig across the country every month.
Visit one of our clinics across the country today, so you can stay healthy and keep on trucking tomorrow.
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Latest News Near Tybee Island, GA
Tybee Island leaders express concern with GDOT’s Highway 80 safety plan, urge different fixes
Brooke Butlerhttps://www.wjcl.com/article/tybee-island-leaders-oppose-gdot-highway-80-plan/69959421
TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. —Tybee Island officials are pushing back against certain aspects of a Georgia Department of Transportation plan to redesign parts of U.S. 80 in an effort to improve safety, saying the proposed changes could worsen traffic congestion and hurt local businesses.City leaders unanimously approved a resolution Thursday night opposing many of GDOT’s proposed safety improvements for the stretch of U.S. 80/SR 26 from Lazaretto Creek to Tybrisa Street.Among the options discussed publi...
TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. —
Tybee Island officials are pushing back against certain aspects of a Georgia Department of Transportation plan to redesign parts of U.S. 80 in an effort to improve safety, saying the proposed changes could worsen traffic congestion and hurt local businesses.
City leaders unanimously approved a resolution Thursday night opposing many of GDOT’s proposed safety improvements for the stretch of U.S. 80/SR 26 from Lazaretto Creek to Tybrisa Street.
Among the options discussed publicly in December were lane reductions, new shared-use paths, back-in parking and a roundabout alternative at Tybrisa Street. GDOT says the roundabout could improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity and provide refuge for people crossing, while also serving as a more practical turnaround point for some vehicles, thus reducing traffic on Inlet Avenue and 17th Street.
Tybee leaders, however, say those changes would reduce capacity on the island’s only major route and could create new problems during high-volume days.
“To me, reducing traffic capacity on the main road is an anti-business effort to discourage visitors to the island and will push traffic into the residential areas,” City Councilman Tony Ploughe said, adding that the city already sees spillover traffic on high-volume days.
Other council members echoed concerns about neighborhood cut-through traffic and urged bigger, long-term solutions for the causeway leading to the island, where head-on crashes have been a concern.
City council members also expressed concern about how GDOT's current plan could impact cyclist safety.
Ploughe added, “If we’re concerned about bicycle accidents on Butler, putting more bicycles on a commercial traffic road I do not believe is the answer. I would like to keep bicycles on Second Avenue. I don’t want to encourage family and youths to ride bicycles on a commercial road.”
Ploughe also told the council he had requested records related to crashes on the city’s designated bike route.
“Tybee's designated bike lane that travels parallel to Butler, from 2014 to 2025 ... no crash reports were found,” he said.
Ahead of the vote on the resolution, Ploughe also cited feedback he said was collected at GDOT’s Dec. 8 open house at the Tybee Island YMCA, where attendees placed dots on display boards to indicate preferences.
“Seventy percent of the people that placed dots on the board were against all three proposals for each of the three segments,” he said.
At the end of the city of Tybee Island's resolution, city leaders wrote, "The City Council supports and seeks continued discussion, engagement and participation for Highway 80 safety improvements on Tybee Island, Georgia."
WJCL 22 News has reached out to GDOT for a statement responding to this resolution.
A GDOT spokesperson said, "Currently, the Georgia DOT has not received any official documentation from the City of Tybee Island opposing the project.
"Georgia DOT is in the process of validating the public comments received during the comment period of the US 80 Tybee Island Safety Improvements Public Information Open House held last month. A statement regarding the project's direction will be provided once the evaluation of all documentation is complete."
Proposed historic district on Tybee Island sparks debate among homeowners
Brontë Sorotskyhttps://www.wtoc.com/2026/02/11/proposed-historic-district-tybee-island-sparks-debate-among-homeowners/
TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) - A proposed historic district designation on Tybee Island could significantly change what some homeowners are allowed to do with their properties.The island’s Historic Preservation Commission is seeking to create the Fort Screven and North Campbell Neighborhood Local Historic District, an effort they say is aimed at protecting the area’s historic character. But some residents argue the proposal would limit their property rights, even for homes they say have no historical significance.If the...
TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) - A proposed historic district designation on Tybee Island could significantly change what some homeowners are allowed to do with their properties.
The island’s Historic Preservation Commission is seeking to create the Fort Screven and North Campbell Neighborhood Local Historic District, an effort they say is aimed at protecting the area’s historic character. But some residents argue the proposal would limit their property rights, even for homes they say have no historical significance.
If the ordinance passes, homeowners within the proposed district would be required to obtain approval from the city’s Historic Preservation Commission before making exterior changes to their properties. That process would include submitting official documentation for review.
The island’s Historic Preservation Commission says the measure is about preserving Tybee Island’s history. However, not all property owners are on board.
Wayne Lesher, who lives in Pennsylvania but owns a home on Tybee Island, says his property was built around 1999 or 2000 and does not qualify as historic.
“Why you’re just going to throw a blanket over this is ridiculous,” Lesher said. “My house was built in either ‘99 or 2000. It has no historical significance.”
Lesher argues that including newer homes in the district doesn’t make sense.
“If Benjamin Franklin was born in my house, I could understand them tagging it,” he said.
Other residents, particularly those already living within Tybee Island’s existing National Historic District, say they support the proposal and believe it will help protect the island’s heritage.
Ben Goggins, who lives in the current historic district, says he is not worried about added restrictions.
“I’m not at all concerned by anything that I’ve heard that it would restrict my property owner’s rights to change my paint color or do an external modification,” Goggins said.
Mayor Brian West says he has heard concerns from both supporters and opponents of the proposal and acknowledges the complexity of the issue.
“We do have homes in this area that don’t necessarily have historic value, but we want to preserve the ones that do,” West said. “So, it’s going to be a difficult thing for council to juggle.”
Tybee Island City Council will hold the first reading of the ordinance during Thursday’s city council meeting.
Top 6 Dog Friendly Beaches Near Tybee Island: Off & On-Leash Places to Go in 2026
Greg Iaconohttps://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-friendly-beaches-near-tybee-island
About 18 miles from downtown Savannah, Georgia, Tybee Island is often called “Savanah’s Beach.” Tybee Island has long been known as one of the best on the east coast of the United States. You’ll find over 3 miles of beautiful beaches, gentle waves, sugar sand, and dolphins passing by at all hours of the day.Unfortunately, you won’t find dogs on Tybee Island’s beaches because no dogs are allowed on them at any time, even during the off-season. Dogs aren’t allowed on Tybee Islan...
About 18 miles from downtown Savannah, Georgia, Tybee Island is often called “Savanah’s Beach.” Tybee Island has long been known as one of the best on the east coast of the United States. You’ll find over 3 miles of beautiful beaches, gentle waves, sugar sand, and dolphins passing by at all hours of the day.
Unfortunately, you won’t find dogs on Tybee Island’s beaches because no dogs are allowed on them at any time, even during the off-season. Dogs aren’t allowed on Tybee Island’s beautiful beaches because loggerhead turtles nest there. Conservationists worry (and rightly so) that dogs may upset these magnificent creatures or dig up their nests.
The good news is that you’ll find several excellent dog friendly beaches within a few miles of Tybee Island to enjoy with your pup. To help you do exactly that, we’ve listed the top dog friendly beaches near Tybee Island below. If spending a day at the beach with your favorite canine is your goal while visiting Savannah, the info below will be just what you’re looking for!
Top 6 Dog-Friendly Beaches Near Tybee Island
| ️ Address: | Tybee Island, GA, 31328 |
| Open Times: | 24 hours, 7 days a week |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
| ️ Address: | 60 Burkes Beach Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 |
| Open Times: | Monday through Sunday, 6 am–9 pm |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, during the off-season |
https://www.instagram.com/p/C255l6aRfo1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
| ️ Address: | 120 Mitchelville Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 |
| Open Times: | Monday through Sunday, 6 am–9 pm |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, during the off-season |
| ️ Address: | 1N Forest Beach, Hilton Head Island, SC |
| Open Times: | Monday through Sunday, 6 am–9 pm |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, during the off-season |
| ️ Address: | 229 Beach City Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC |
| Open Times: | Monday through Sunday, 6 am–9 pm |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, during the off-season |
| ️ Address: | William Hilton Pkwy & Ocean Front Blvd, Hilton Head Island, SC |
| Open Times: | Monday through Sunday, 6 am–9 pm |
| Cost: | Free, but most parking is metered |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, during the off-season |
Conclusion
It might be distressing to learn that your dog can’t accompany you when you visit Tybee Island, but it makes sense. After all, the island is a haven for loggerhead turtles, and they need to be protected. Lucky for you, there are six beautiful beaches within shouting distance of Tybee Island where dogs are allowed to enjoy the surf and sand. The closest is Little Tybee Island, but you’ll need a boat to get there. The rest are on nearby Hilton Head Island, which is beautiful and well worth visiting.
Whichever beach you choose, be sure to bring plenty of water for your dog. The beaches on Georgia’s coast get hot and sticky and, if you don’t have water, can be overwhelming, especially for dogs with thick coats of fur. Since most of the beaches on our list don’t offer food for sale, bringing treats and poop bags for your dog is also a good idea. Have a fantastic adventure, and enjoy all the dog-friendly beaches near Tybee Island, GA!
Featured Image Credit: sharkolot, Pixabay
16 Best Things To Do On Tybee Island, Georgia
Judy Garrisonhttps://www.southernliving.com/tybee-island-ga-8761854
Traveling east from Savannah and following the Savannah River’s South Channel toward the Atlantic Ocean, the right-angle curve tells me all I need to know. If I head straight, I’ll dive, headfirst, into the ocean. But if I turn right, I arrive in a world of bare feet, sandy beaches, and three-scoop ice cream cones. As a child who only knew the forests of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia, I was overjoyed to know that a mere four hours in the car would bring me to the ocean’s edge.Decades later, the island mys...
Traveling east from Savannah and following the Savannah River’s South Channel toward the Atlantic Ocean, the right-angle curve tells me all I need to know. If I head straight, I’ll dive, headfirst, into the ocean. But if I turn right, I arrive in a world of bare feet, sandy beaches, and three-scoop ice cream cones. As a child who only knew the forests of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia, I was overjoyed to know that a mere four hours in the car would bring me to the ocean’s edge.
Decades later, the island mystique hasn’t changed much as I drive past Fort Pulaski and the Cockspur Island Lighthouse, Tybee Island, known as “Savannah’s Beach,” inches closer. Many times, I bypass historic Savannah, knowing a day trip is inevitable, and make a beeline to the island that tempts everyone with a day at the beach.
A barrier island along the Georgia coast, Tybee Island is small yet mighty with its beautiful beaches, deep-rooted history, and local shops. With three miles of beaches, the island offers a refreshing and unpretentious getaway. Ahead, the best things to do on Tybee Island.
What To Do On Tybee
Between Savannah and Tybee, Cockspur Island is home to Fort Pulaski National Monument. The site of the first use of rifled artillery in military history, demonstrations of cannon firings take place throughout the year.
On the island’s southeastern tip sits its stately lighthouse. Only accessible during low tide, Cockspur Island Lighthouse is tiny compared to most lighthouses but decorates the channel with a dignified presence. Its service ended in 1909, and the lighthouse is now preserved by the National Park Service. Though you can't go inside, you can still observe its maritime beauty from afar.
, 101 Fort Pulaski Road, Savannah, GA 31410
North Beach is family-friendly with calmer waves yet plenty of shells and sand. Not as jam-packed as popular South Beach, North Beach is home to the Tybee Marine Science Center, which educates visitors about marine life and protects the smallest of creatures, the nesting turtles.
Tickets to Tybee Marine Science Center cost $15 for adults and $12 for children 5-12. Children four and under are free.
, 37 Meddin Dr, Tybee Island, GA 31328
Next door, ramble through Fort Screven, a coastal artillery fort that played an important role in America’s defense. The fort was built to defend the mouth of the Savannah River and was manned during the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II. The fort closed in 1947, and later, one of the batteries was converted to the Tybee Island Museum, and some of the fort's walls were converted to private residences.
Across the way from Fort Screven is the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum, an idyllic collection of cottages with a classic striped lighthouse at their center, all enveloped by a white picket fence. Built in 1736 and considered the state’s tallest, the lighthouse is a hefty climb at 178 steps. Catch your breath in the museum and gift shop.
, 30 Meddin Dr, Tybee Island, GA 31328
Discover the lure of Tybee’s Back River with Captain Derek’s Dolphin Adventures. Take a day or sunset tour and get an up-close view of the Cockspur Lighthouse and Fort Pulaski. Make it a solo trip on a kayak along the marsh waterways or a fast-paced jet ski tour through Dolphin Bay with Tybee Jet Ski and Watersports. Get training before you launch, and keep an eye out for dolphins while you're on the water.
, 3 Old US Highway 80, Tybee Island, GA 31328, 1 Old US Highway 80, Tybee Island, GA 31328
On South Beach, the epicenter of the island’s activity, build sandcastles or search for seashells. Take a walk on the iconic pier to fish or people-watch.
Punctuate the day with a Back River Beach sunset, one of the island’s best-kept secrets. The view of Little Tybee Island from the beach is breathtaking, and the possibility of seeing dancing dolphin silhouettes in the setting sun is even more tantalizing.
Explore what’s beyond the beach with a nature tour from Sundial Charters. Hunt for fossils and sharks' teeth, and perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to find a Megalodon tooth as well. Traverse the maritime forests and seven miles of beach on Wassaw Island. Made up of more than 10,000 acres, this National Wildlife Refuge also contains salt marshes and a driftwood bone yard. It’s a great spot for dolphin viewing, shelling, and birding.
, 1615 Chatham Ave, Tybee Island, GA 31328
Unlike its name suggests, Little Tybee Island is twice the size of Tybee Island. Only accessible by boat, the uninhabited nature preserve’s salt marshes, dunes, and pristine beaches are great spots to hunt for fossils, fish, or camp. Get to the island by kayak, boat, or jet-ski, all of which can be rented at local marinas. Before you set out, know that the tides on Little Tybee change radically every six hours.
With bike-friendly roads and miles of trails, Tybee Island is a good place to sightsee on two wheels. TIMS Bikes, Beach, and Disc Golf offers bikes in all sizes, including tandem bikes and pull-alongs. Tybee Island Bike Rentals will bring the bikes to you or set up a guided tour where you’ll learn the island’s history and see things you may otherwise miss. Choose from beach cruisers or e-bikes.
, 1101 US Highway 80, Tybee Island, GA 31328, 17 Kingry St, Tybee Island, GA 31328
Where To Eat On Tybee
Start with an icon, The Crab Shack, “where the elite eat in their bare feet.” As long as there’s been a trip to Tybee Island, there’s been a meal at The Crab Shack. Originally Chimney Creek Fishing Camp, the shack was born with a table here and there, for a few days a week. Choose waterside views of the marsh next to the ever-lively baby gator lagoon and feast at a table overflowing with Low Country Boil.
, 40 Estill Hammock Rd, Tybee Island, GA 31328
While visiting the light station and Fort Screven, dine at North Beach Bar and Grill, a fun shack by the sea serving eclectic fusion dishes like Plantains and Salsa, and Thai Tuna and Spinach Salad. More Caribbean hotspot than Georgia grill, this hideaway serves dishes with jerk spicing as well as the ubiquitous beach meal-on-the-go, the hot dog.
, 33 Meddin Dr, Tybee Island, GA 31328
Sandy toes at dinner confirm you're on island time. Dine on the sand, underneath the orange and blue umbrellas at The Deck Bar and Kitchen, the island’s only beachfront dining spot. Located in the Beachside Colony Resort, The Deck serves fresh seafood, including fish street tacos, complemented by Georgia craft beers, frozen drinks, and fruity cocktails.
, 404 Butler Ave, Tybee Island, GA 31328
Launch your island morning with an espresso or cold brew from Tybean Coffee Bar, serving Georgia’s own Dancing Goats coffee. An online shop allows ordering ahead of time. For an extra kick to begin your day, try their Spicy Mocha with chili powder and cayenne. The menu also features a variety of non-coffee drinks like chai, matcha, and fruit smoothies.
, 1213 US Highway 80 East, Tybee Island, GA 31328
Stepping outside the routine cuisine box is always entertaining. Sea Wolf Tybee serves crazy good cocktails like the Recombobulator. Add Va Va Voom Oysters, vegan dishes, or gourmet hot dogs made with Australian Wagyu. There’s nothing ordinary about this island joint.
, 106 South Campbell Ave, Tybee Island, GA 31328
After a dip in the ocean, head to StingRay’s, where they’ve been serving up delicious seafood dishes and cocktails for more than 20 years. Start with their conch fritters or fried alligator strips, then fill up on Susan’s Famous Crab Stew or Tybee Island Gumbo. With Dungeness crab, oysters, steamer platters, and fish tacos, you can’t go wrong.
, 1403 Butler Ave, Tybee Island, GA 31328
Head to The Kelpie Bistro & Pub for British favorites made with fresh, local ingredients. Think classics like fish and chips, braised short rib mac and cheese, and fisherman's pie.
, 725-B 1st St, Tybee Island, GA 31328
Where To Stay On Tybee
Although Tybee Island is one of Georgia’s lesser-known barrier islands, those who know its charm have made it home. Notable celebrities like John Mellencamp, Sandra Bullock, and writer Mary Kay Andrews treasured its quiet charm and slow pace and purchased properties.
A multitude of private homes are available for rent with various island rental agencies. No matter where you stay, reservations should be made well in advance.
If a bed and breakfast better suits your needs, the charm of The Tybee Island Inn on North Beach combines luxury with style. Two blocks from the lighthouse and just a quick walk to the beach, the coastal-inspired rooms at this inn are a perfect escape after a day in the sun. The Lighthouse Suite has a private deck for viewing the Tybee Island Lighthouse.
, 24 Van Horne Ave, Tybee Island, GA 31328
Check out the sandstone-and-mint-edged Atlantis Inn, a quirky 1950s-era beach motel where no two rooms are alike. Within walking distance from the beach, it’s located on South Beach near Tybee Beach Pier and Pavilion on a block that is jam-packed with little stores to purchase all your beach-day essentials.
, 20 Silver Ave, Tybee Island, GA 31328
Tybee Island artist combines art and fishing through ancient Gyotaku technique
Brontë Sorotskyhttps://www.walb.com/2026/01/24/tybee-island-artist-combines-art-fishing-through-ancient-gyotaku-technique/
TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) - An artist on Tybee Island is blending art and fishing through the ancient Japanese technique of Gyotaku, or fish printing, while supporting marine education programs.Kaylee Hettenbaugh’s artwork begins on the open water rather than inside her studio along Highway 80.“I take real fish, paint them with ink, and then press rice paper on top, so I get the impression of the fish, I go back in and paint in watercolors to match it to what the fish looked like when it came out of the water,”...
TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) - An artist on Tybee Island is blending art and fishing through the ancient Japanese technique of Gyotaku, or fish printing, while supporting marine education programs.
Kaylee Hettenbaugh’s artwork begins on the open water rather than inside her studio along Highway 80.
“I take real fish, paint them with ink, and then press rice paper on top, so I get the impression of the fish, I go back in and paint in watercolors to match it to what the fish looked like when it came out of the water,” Hettenbaugh said.
The technique is called Gyotaku, a traditional Japanese art of fish printing. Hettenbaugh first learned about the process while working on a charter boat during her time at SCAD. Friends in the fishing community introduced her to the art form, and once she tried it, she was hooked. What started as a hobby quickly became a full-time passion.
“That was around 2019 when I started practicing, and I’ll be coming up on two years of having the gallery in April,” Hettenbaugh said.
For Hettenbaugh, Gyotaku is the perfect blend of two lifelong loves, fishing and art.
Each piece starts with an actual fish, carefully laid out and coated in non-toxic black sumi ink. Rice paper is pressed over the fish, capturing every detail and groove. When the paper is lifted, it reveals a mirror image, the foundation of the artwork.
“The next step is to do my research about the fish. So, I go in and make sure I understand the anatomy. So, when I’m going to start with my line work and color, I’m doing everything correctly to what the fish really is,” Hettenbaugh said.
Through the process, Hettenbaugh says she’s learned more about marine life than she ever imagined and still has plenty more to discover.
Hettenbaugh is partnering with Lowcountry Grit, a local company that connects artists with meaningful causes.
“We partnered her with Grey’s Reef because we thought that that was a perfect collaboration. You know, Grey’s Reef is such a critical resource to our community. And they just made a perfect fit for each other,” said Alexa Frame, founder of Lowcountry Grit.
Together, they’re releasing shirts and drinkware featuring her designs, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Gray’s Reef Ocean Discovery Center in Savannah.
“Grey’s Reef has such a critical impact in this community. They are not just supporting the reef, they are supporting the educational outreach within our community. They do it through the Discovery Center where people and children, especially those with sensory needs, can go into a low sensory environment. And they have this beautiful exhibit that they have just created where you can go in and it’s very 3D and sensory oriented. But they also work really hard with educational outreach into the community,” Frame said.
With every fish she prints, Hettenbaugh isn’t just creating art. She’s helping educate others and protect the oceans that inspire her work.
Mirror Image Fish Printing is located at 1016 US-80 E, Tybee Island, GA 31328.
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