Day trip from Hyatt Regency Savannah: Tybee Island

Getting to Tybee Island from Hyatt Regency Savannah

Hyatt Regency Savannah sits directly on River Street at 2 W Bay St, so you’ll begin your trip from downtown Savannah. Tybee Island is about 18 miles away by US Highway 80; travel time is typically 20–30 minutes, though weekend and summer traffic can be heavier.

Several transport options are practical for a day trip from the hotel. Driving or a rideshare/taxi is the most direct; you can also join a guided tour that picks up in downtown Savannah.

If you prefer public transit, Chatham Area Transit (CAT) and other regional services run routes in Savannah, but a direct public bus to Tybee may require transfers and take considerably longer than a car or taxi.

• Drive: 20–30 minutes (18 miles) via US-80 — most direct route
• Rideshare/taxi: similar time; shared options have been listed historically at roughly $3–5 but fares vary
• Guided tours: many downtown tours include Tybee or stops like Fort Pulaski

Beaches and shoreline on Tybee

Tybee Island has more than three miles of shoreline with distinct beach areas: South Beach (near the pier and livelier), North Beach (near the lighthouse and quieter), and Back River Beach (more secluded, good for sunsets and dolphin-watching).

These beach areas are suitable for sunbathing, shelling, and casual beach walks. Conditions and crowding change seasonally — late May through August is peak beach season and can be hot and humid.

• South Beach: pier, shops, concession stands, and a livelier scene
• North Beach: near the Tybee Lighthouse, calmer stretches and historic atmosphere
• Back River Beach: quieter spots for sunsets and wildlife viewing

Historic sites and activities to add

The Tybee Lighthouse and Museum is a common stop; the area around the lighthouse offers views and a small museum about local maritime history. Fort Pulaski National Monument sits along the route from downtown Savannah to Tybee and can be combined with a Tybee visit.

Water activities include dolphin-watching cruises, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding; local companies operate from the Tybee docks and beaches. If you want a calmer outing, walking the tidal flats or scouting for shells along the shore are low-key options.

• Tybee Lighthouse & Museum: walk the grounds and nearby beach areas
• Fort Pulaski: historic fort reachable on the drive to Tybee
• Boat-based activities: dolphin tours and fishing charters depart from Tybee

Suggested half-day and full-day itineraries

Half-day (morning): Drive or rideshare to Tybee, visit the Tybee Lighthouse and North Beach, then have lunch at a beachside café. Return to downtown mid-afternoon for River Street shopping or a museum visit.

Full-day: Combine Fort Pulaski en route, spend midday at South Beach (pier and concessions), take an afternoon dolphin cruise or rent a kayak, then watch sunset at Back River Beach before returning to Savannah.

• Morning start: leave the hotel by 8–9 a.m. to avoid the heaviest traffic on popular days
• Combine Fort Pulaski on the drive out to make the most of travel time
• Late afternoon: plan for heavier return traffic on summer weekends and holidays

Practical tips: parking, timing, and costs

Parking on Tybee is available in public lots and at beach access points; during peak season lots fill early, so arrive early or expect to walk from farther parking. On busy summer weekends, roads on the island can move slowly.

If you’re short on luggage space, the hotel offers valet-only parking (on-site garage) for guests at Hyatt Regency Savannah — check current valet policies and fees with the front desk. If using a rideshare, confirm pickup points on Tybee before you go.

Plan water, sun protection, and a change of clothes if you’ll swim; restrooms and outdoor showers are located at many beach access points, but facilities and hours vary by spot.

• Hyatt parking: valet-only garage — verify current fee and availability at check-in
• Arrive early in peak season to secure closer beach parking on Tybee
• Bring sun protection, refillable water, and shore-appropriate footwear

Return to Hyatt Regency Savannah and evening options

After a day on Tybee, return to the Hyatt Regency Savannah to freshen up. Rooms with river views — such as Room, River View or Suite, River View — give you a straightforward place to relax after the drive back into downtown.

For dinner without leaving the hotel, Moss + Oak Savannah Eatery serves Southern-American dishes and has an outdoor patio overlooking the river; the Moss + Oak Bar offers cocktails and local draft beer with an outdoor River Street-facing patio. If you prefer a quick bite, Moss + Oak Express (M + O Market) near the front desk provides Starbucks coffee, salads, and sandwiches.

If you’re planning a late return, remember hotel check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM; the front desk is open 24 hours if you need assistance.

• On-site dining: Moss + Oak Savannah Eatery (breakfast/lunch/dinner) and Moss + Oak Bar (cocktails and drafts)
• Grab-and-go: Moss + Oak Express (starters, coffee, sandwiches) near the front desk
• Room options to relax after return: Room, River View; Suite, River View