Everyone Always Goes to Tybee Island in Georgia: Go Here Instead

Tybee Island is one of Georgia's most popular beach destinations, and it is no secret why. It has wide, sandy beaches, a historic lighthouse, family-friendly attractions, and delicious seafood restaurants. The lively beach town sees high traffic all summer long, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. If you're in search of a beach that is just as beautiful but quieter and more serene, consider visiting Sapelo Island, a pristine and remote barrier island off Georgia's coast.

Why Tybee Island Gets So Crowded

Tybee Island draws serious crowds, up to 1.9 million visitors each year. Of those visitors, about 61 percent are on a day trip while 39 percent stay overnight. There are plenty of attractions, including five gorgeous beaches, Fort Pulaski, the Tybee Island Marine Science Center, and numerous community events. Those feeling up to a challenge can climb 178 steps to the top of the Tybee Island Lighthouse, where there are fantastic views. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.

Tybee Island is on several social media platforms, spreading the word about all it has to offer. Popular accounts include Visit Tybee and The City of Tybee Island, where you'll find information about community news and events. The island is busiest during warmer months, holiday weekends, and Spring Break, with crowds dwindling in the winter and early spring.

The Beach You Should Visit Instead

As an alternative to more popular destinations, consider visiting Sapelo Island, an unspoiled barrier island about 60 miles from Savannah. The 26-square-mile island offers undeveloped shoreline and absolutely no high-rise hotels. There are also no commercial boardwalks on the island, adding to its peaceful, serene atmosphere.

What you will find on Sapelo Island is one of the largest salt marshes on the East Coast, which is home to shrimp, blue crabs, fish, and many other species. The island also has beaches, forests, and tidal creeks, supporting a wide range of wildlife, from loggerhead sea turtles to deer, alligators, and dolphins. Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting herons, egrets, ospreys, bald eagles, and songbirds. In addition to wildlife watching, visitors can enjoy a plethora of outdoor recreation, including beach walking, hiking, kayaking, and fishing.

What Makes This Beach Better

Sapelo Island is perfect for those who prefer a peaceful, natural, and uncrowded beach. In comparison to Tybee Island, it has fewer visitors, undeveloped beaches, and outstanding wildlife. It also has a unique history, as it's home to Hog Hammock, one of the few remaining Gullah Geechee communities in the country. Overall, Sapelo Island is an ideal place to enjoy nature and solitude.

What to Expect When You Visit Sapelo Island

Sapelo Island is only accessed by the Sapelo Island Ferry, which runs daily except on holidays from the Sapelo Island Visitors Center in Meridian, Georgia. The ride takes between 20 and 30 minutes, and bikes, canoes, and beach chairs are not allowed on the ferry. Many visitors to the island take a private tour, where a guide highlights the island's natural beauty and history. Spring and fall are wonderful times to visit Sapelo Island, due to milder temperatures and active wildlife.

Visitors can also stay overnight on Sapelo Island, at the R.J. Reynolds Mansion or at the Cabretta Campground, a spectacular spot where you can camp on the beach. There are also a few Airbnbs available for rent, including the Loggerhead Lodge, a four-bedroom rental in the Hog Hammock community. An overnight stay offers opportunities to see the sunrise and sunset on pristine beaches and to observe wildlife in the morning and evening hours.

Tips for Visiting This Hidden Gem

Planning ahead can make a visit to Sapelo Island much more enjoyable. Make ferry reservations in advance and arrive plenty of time before departure. Because Sapelo has limited places to purchase goods, plan to bring everything you need, including sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, bug repellent, and comfortable walking shoes. You may also want to bring binoculars to view wildlife. Bringing rain gear and staying aware of the weather forecast is always a good idea. There are a few delicious restaurants on Sapelo Island, including Lula's Kitchen and the Minnow Trap Bar and Grill.

Is It Worth Skipping Tybee Island?

There are great reasons to visit both Tybee Island and Sapelo Island. Tybee Island offers more convenience, greater opportunities for dining and nightlife, and a wider range of overnight accommodations. Alternatively, Sapelo Island is the perfect spot for those wanting truly quiet beaches, excellent wildlife viewing and birdwatching, and an opportunity to learn about Gullah Geechee history. It's truly a hidden gem attraction for nature lovers.