Ordered by General James Oglethorpe, Governor of the 13th colony, in 1732, the Tybee Lighthouse has been guiding mariners safe entrance into the Savannah River for over 270 years. The Tybee Island Light Station is one of America’s most intact having all of its historic support buildings on its five-acre site. Rebuilt several times the current lightstation displays its 1916 day mark with 178 stairs and a First Order Fresnel lens (nine feet tall).

Fort Pulaski is located on Cockspur Island about 15 miles away from Historic Savannah Georgia. The monument was named after the Revolutionary War Hero Casimir Pulaski and was established as a National Monument by President Calvin Coolidge in October of 1924. Today the National Park Service strives to protect restore and manage the Fort Pulaski National Monument for all people to enjoy The construction of Fort Pulaski began in early 1829 and was initially overseen by Major Samuel Babcock. Unfortunately the Major had some major health issues so the burden of construction fell to a recent West Point graduate Robert E. Lee.

The lighthouse that stands on Cockspur Island was built in 1855 on an oyster bed foundation. This 46 foot tower has an eastern side that is shaped like the prow of a ship to help it withstand the battering it takes from the waters that surround it. During the Civil War when the Confederate forces fell to the Union the Cockspur Lighthouse stood directly in the line of fire in the 30 hours of battle. Amazingly, the lighthouse suffered no damage.

Year-round programs for island visitors, scouts, and school groups on the beach, in the marsh, on the water, in the classroom, and the Coastal Gallery. The Tybee Island Marine Science Center’s mission is to shape a responsible stewardship of Coastal Georgia’s natural resources through marine science-based education, conservation, and research.

The Tybee Pier & Pavilionis located just off U.S. Highway 80 at the end of Tybrisa Street. Great location for fishing and people watching. Besides its spectacular view and great fishing location it s also a meeting place used for dances musical performances and special events. On the premises are picnic tables snack bar and public restrooms. Various festivals and events held here throughout the year. Open daily. Free admission. The pavilion can be rented for weddings family reunions and other social functions.

Little Tybee, owned by the state of Georgia, is an uninhabited barrier island lying just to the south of Tybee Island. It is made up of salt marsh interspersed with hardwood hammocks and fronts the Atlantic Ocean with pristine beaches. It is an undisturbed nature preserve with no hotels or other dwellings on the island, but camping is allowed.

Built on a stretch of the Savannah & Atlantic Railroad line, the 6-mile McQueen’s Island Trail offers a salt-air excursion for nature lovers and history buffs alike. Built in 1887, the railroad carried passengers from Savannah to Tybee Island, a popular turn-of-the-century beach resort. A highway to the island was built in 1923, leading to the demise of the railroad.