| Tybee Island Attractions
Fort Screven
Fort
Screven survived the Spanish-American War of 1898, World War I, and World
War II. It remained an active military post until 1947, when it was sold
to the town of Tybee. The Fort was informally known as Fort Tybee, and
then Camp Graham, until a presidential proclamation renamed the fort after
Gen. Joseph Screven – a Revolutionary War hero who died in action
in 1778. Today, guests may take guided tours of Fort Screven and learn
about its colorful history. Fort Screven is located next to the Tybee
Island Museum, at 30 Meddin Drive. Jaycee Park
Jaycee
Park, comprised of marshy creeks and lush plant life, is a hub for recreational
activities. A quarter-mile track, running through and around the park,
allows guests to a stroll or bike through gorgeous scenery. Gazebos and
picnic tables dot the verdant landscape, offering places for an intimate
moment or hearty meal. The park’s playground occupies small children,
while a lighted ball field, practice field, and basketball court entertain
the older crowds. Jaycee Park also houses a recreation building, public
restrooms, and a parking lot. For more information about Jaycee Park,
call (912) 786-4573. Little Tybee Island
Little
Tybee Island, visible from the southern end of Tybee Island, is accessible
by boat only. Its name is a misnomer, since it is more than twice the
size of Tybee Island at 6,780 acres. Little Tybee Island, an unoccupied
nature preserve, is open for outdoor recreation all year. Picnicking,
hiking, bird-watching, and fishing are some of the island’s popular
activities. Since Little Tybee Island experiences light visitation, it
also offers phenomenal shelling. Contact the Georgia Department of Natural
Resources, Nongame/Heritage Section, at (770) 761-3035 for more information
about Little Tybee Island. Memorial Park
Memorial
Park is a great place for picnics and family gatherings. It features numerous
covered picnic shelters, and a large, lighted picnic pavilion. Its playground
entertains children with various contraptions, including swing sets, miniature
forts, and a merry-go-round. The park also contains a small wading pool
for toddlers; parents are advised to supervise their children in the pool
at all times. Walkers can reach Memorial Park through Butler or Jones
avenues, while drivers may access it via the latter only. For more information
about Memorial Park, call (912) 786-4573. T.S. Chu Co.
T.S.
Chu’s motto is: “If it’s something you use…you’ll
find it at Chu’s.” This is not an exaggeration. The store
offers vacationers an interesting conglomeration of items, from beachwear
to hardware and everything between the two. The store is located at 6
Tybrisa St., less than one block from the beach. It is open from 10 a.m.
to 6 p.m. every day. Call the store at (912) 786-4573 for additional information. Tybee Island Library
A
great book is the perfect accompaniment to a gorgeous beach day. Luckily,
Tybee Island Library issues temporary library cards to visitors. Tourists
can even borrow fishing equipment from the lending institution. Readers
might want to check out Michael Elliot’s “Running With the
Dolphins and other Tybee Tales.” The Tybee Island Library is located
at 405 Butler Ave. Call the library at (912) 786-7733 for additional information. Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Guests can walk straight into the Tybee Island Marine Science Center from
the beach. Once inside, visitors are able to glimpse marine life in an
aquarium and touch indigenous sea animals in a touch tank. The center’s
exhibits provide information on shells, marine animals, marine pollution,
salt marshes, and maritime forest. The Tybee Island Marine Science Center
is located at 1510 Strand. Admission costs only $1 per person, but it
is free for children younger than age 3. Call the Tybee Island Marine
Science Center at (912) 786-5917 for information about its variable hours. Tybee Island Museum
The
Tybee Island Museum is housed inside the island’s 1899 Battery Garland
at 30 Meddin Drive. Rooms that once held weapons and gunpowder now house
collections and exhibits of over 400 years of island history, with particular
focus on the Civil War era. Guests may climb to the roof of the museum
in order to view the ocean or the historic Tybee Lighthouse. The Tybee
Lighthouse and Fort Screven are located near the Tybee Island Museum.
The museum is open year-round. Call the Tybee Island Museum at (912) 786-5801
for information about its hours and admission fees. Tybee Lighthouse
Tybee
Lighthouse is one of 19 complete light stations in the United States.
This means that all of its historic support buildings are intact. The
5-acre sight features a summer kitchen, head keeper’s house, garage,
first assistant keeper’s house, second assistant keeper’s
house, fuel storage building, and restrooms in addition to the lighthouse.
Guests may climb the lighthouse’s 178 steps in order to see a gorgeous
vista of Tybee Island and beyond. The Tybee Lighthouse is located off
of Meddin Drive. Call the lighthouse at (912) 786-5801 for information
about its hours and admission fees (admission fees include entry to the
Tybee Island Museum). Tybee Pavilion and Pier
Tybee
Pavilion and Pier, located at 16th Street and Strand Avenue, offers plenty
of refreshments and entertainment for vacationers. It houses a refreshment
booth, vending machines, and public restrooms. Guests may utilize its
numerous picnic tables to grab a bite or rest in the shade. Live music
is frequently played at the pavilion, and many guests wander up to listen
and dance to the songs. Anglers enjoy fishing off the long pier. |