Tybee Island Beach Rentals: 10 Things to Know Before You Book Your Coastal Escape
Welcome to Tybee (pronounced "TIE-BEE") Island—Savannah’s little slice of salty, sunny heaven. There’s something magical about waking up to the sound of waves and that unmistakable sea-air smell. And Tybee has this lovable retro beach vibe that’s hard not to fall for: cute shops, local soul, and that “take your time, sweetheart” energy you only get on a real beach town island.
Before you start packing your flip-flops and sunscreen, here are a few friendly tips to help you book the right spot and settle right into island time. And just so you know what you’re getting with us at Crafters Cottage—all of our Tybee condos featured here are 2-bedroom / 2-bathroom, with the comfort and space you want after a long beach day.
If you want a quick shortcut to the favorites: Bliss on Bay is our truly BEACHFRONT gem (yes—right on the sand), while Sandy Feet Retreat (our pet-friendly pick 🐾) and Sandy Toes Abode (right next door—perfect for big groups who want to book side-by-side) are a super easy 500ft walk to the beach.
Let's dive in! 🌊
1. Pick Your Perfect Part of Tybee: North End vs. South End (Plus Beachfront vs. 500ft Walk)
When you're scrolling through vacation rentals, you'll see terms like "beachfront," "oceanfront," and "steps from the beach" thrown around a lot. Here’s the simple version—plus where our condos sit on the island.
North End (Bliss on Bay): Quieter, Scenic, and Truly BEACHFRONT
If you’re craving a calmer, more laid-back stretch of Tybee, the North End is where it’s at—right where the Savannah River meets the Atlantic. Our Bliss on Bay is a 2-bedroom / 2-bathroom condo and it’s the real deal: truly BEACHFRONT with PRIVATE BEACH ACCESS. Bonus: you get that gorgeous beachfront pool + beach view combo that just feels like instant vacation.
And you’ll have some fun community amenities too: tennis, pickleball, and a year-round swimming pool (heads up: it’s unheated and subject to HOA rules/availability).
Local favorites nearby (North End): Huc-a-Poos Bites & Booze (arguably the best pizza on the island!), snag a latte at Tybean Coffee Bar (your go-to morning caffeine fix near Tybee Oaks), and make a sweet little memory at Glazed and Confused—a paint-your-own pottery studio in the Shops at Tybee Oaks that’s fun for all ages with 100+ items to choose from. Walk-ins are welcome, and if you can’t hang around for the 5–7 day kiln turnaround, they’ll even ship your masterpiece home for you. Then treat yourself at The Sugar Shack—a true Tybee institution for over 50 years. It’s the kind of nostalgic spot where generations have grown up getting ice cream (and yep, they’ve even expanded to St. Simons Island). And if you’re feeling like dinner with a side of fun, swing by Zunzibar for South African food and good vibes—plus their winter igloo seating and occasional live entertainment.
South End (Sandy Feet & Sandy Toes): Walkable to the Pier + “Downtown” Action
If you want to be close to the buzz—think pier, pavilion, and all the snack stops—head to the South End. Both of these are 2-bedroom / 2-bathroom condos and they’re about 500 feet from the sand (a quick, easy stroll).
- Sandy Feet Retreat is our pet-friendly option 🐾—perfect if your pup is part of the crew.
- Sandy Toes Abode is right next door to Sandy Feet, which makes it an awesome setup for larger groups who want to book side-by-side.
And when you’re staying on the South End, you’re walkable to the “downtown” action—retro shops and restaurants around the pier that make Tybee feel like a beach town from another time (in the best way). Hungry? Here are a few South End favorites we love sending folks to:
- Fannie's on the Beach: Perfect for fish tacos and fried okra.
- Spanky's: Known for the best chicken fingers and spuds. Pro tip: ask for the cheese dip for your spuds!
- Nickie's 1971 Bar & Grill: Great for live bands and karaoke.
- Tybee Time: Another awesome spot for live music and a fun atmosphere.
2. Tybee Island Is Perfectly Positioned for Day Trips
Here's a little secret that makes Tybee extra special: you get the best of both worlds. The island itself is a peaceful, slow-paced paradise, but you're only about 20 minutes from downtown Savannah's historic squares, amazing restaurants, and charming boutiques.
Spend your mornings building sandcastles, then head into the city for an afternoon of shopping on Broughton Street or a ghost tour through the historic district. By evening, you're back on your private balcony watching the sunset paint the sky in shades of pink and orange.
It's the ultimate "have your cake and eat it too" vacation setup.
3. Getting Around Tybee Is Half the Fun
Want to see the best of the island without worrying about parking? The easiest way is to rent a golf cart or bike—they’re available all over the island, and it’s such a fun way to soak up that retro-beach, small-town charm as you cruise between the pier, shops, and shoreline.
A few handy rental + ride options to bookmark:
- Coast-to-Coast Golf Cart Rentals
- Tim's Bike's Bear Gear & Disc Golf (bikes + beach gear rentals)
- Breezy Riders - Tybee Taxi (for when you need a lift)
4. Beach Gear Is Already Waiting for You
Nothing kills a beach day faster than realizing you forgot the umbrella or the cooler is still sitting in your garage back home. That's why our Tybee condos come stocked with beach essentials: chairs, umbrellas, sand toys, and all the gear you need to hit the sand without making a pit stop at the rental shop.
Just grab your sunscreen, toss on your swimsuit, and go. We've got you covered. Literally.
5. Traveling with Little Ones? We've Got Baby Gear Too
Packing for a baby is basically like packing for a small army. Between the pack-n-play, the high chair, and approximately 47 changes of clothes, it's a lot.
Here's the good news: our Tybee rentals offer baby equipment so you can leave some of that bulk at home. Need a high chair? Done. Pack-n-play? You got it. Traveling light with a little one is actually possible: who knew?
This is one of those small touches that makes a huge difference when you're traveling with family.
And a quick note for families: because space is tight in our 2-bedroom / 2-bathroom condos, we don’t store baby gear on-site. But don’t worry—our property manager Coanna can arrange rentals (cribs, high chairs, and more) for a fee and have everything set up before you arrive. You can reach her at 912-441-1317.
6. Your Morning Coffee Situation Is Sorted
Let's talk about what really matters on vacation: coffee.
Are you a "give me one perfect cup" person, or a "I need an entire pot before I can function" type? Either way, our Tybee condos have you covered with both a Keurig and a traditional drip coffee maker in every kitchen.
Grab your mug, step out onto the balcony, and watch the dolphins play while you caffeinate. That's what we call starting the day right.
8. The Tybee Pier Is Your New Happy Place
If there's one spot that captures the heart of Tybee Island, it's the pier and pavilion at South Beach. This is where the island comes alive: especially during the summer months.
Stroll past local shops selling everything from handmade jewelry to quirky beach souvenirs. Grab a cone at one of the ice cream spots. Watch the surfers catch waves or try your hand at fishing off the pier.
On weekend evenings, you'll often find live music drifting through the air, locals and tourists mingling, and that unmistakable "island time" energy that makes you forget what day it is (in the best way possible).
Don't miss climbing the historic Tybee Island Lighthouse either: the views from the top are absolutely worth the 178 steps.
9. Timing Your Trip Matters
Like most beach destinations, Tybee Island has its seasons:
Summer (June–August) is peak season. Temperatures hit the 80s and 90s, the beaches are buzzing, and the nightlife is hopping. It's the classic beach vacation vibe, but expect higher prices and busier rentals.
Spring and Fall are the sweet spots for those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. The weather is still gorgeous (think 70s), the crowds thin out, and you'll often find better rates on rentals.
Winter is quiet and peaceful: perfect for a romantic getaway or a "recharge your batteries" escape. You might need a light jacket, but you'll have the beach practically to yourself.
No matter when you visit, Tybee has something special to offer.
10. "Island Time" Is Real (Embrace It)
Here's the most important thing to know before booking your Tybee Island beach rental: this island runs on island time.
That means slower mornings, longer sunsets, and absolutely zero rush. The vibe here is flip-flops, not heels. Casual beach bars, not stuffy restaurants. Friendly waves from strangers, not honking horns.
It's the kind of place where you'll find yourself saying "let's just stay one more day" by the second afternoon. And honestly? That's exactly the point.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Tybee Escape?
Whether you want to wake up steps from the sand at Sandy Feet Retreat or splurge on true beachfront living at Bliss on Bay, we've got a coastal getaway waiting for you.
Check out all of our Tybee Island properties and start planning your beach escape today. The waves are calling: and trust us, you'll want to answer. 🏖