Beaches · Savannah · United States
The best beaches in and near Savannah
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Tybee Island South Beach (About 30 km from downtown, 30–35 minutes by car). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in May–October.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 3
- Swimming season
- May–October
- Warmest sea
- 29°C (84°F)
The beaches
About 30 km from downtown, 30–35 minutes by car · Families and beach-day facilities
1.Tybee Island South Beach
The busiest stretch, around the Tybee Pier and Pavilion, with restaurants, lifeguards in season and summer fireworks.
About 28 km from downtown, 30 minutes by car · Ship-watching and quieter sand
2.Tybee Island North Beach
Quieter sand near the lighthouse and Fort Screven, where ships pass close as they enter the river; tidal currents are strong at the river mouth.
About 60 km from downtown, 1 hour by car · Beach cycling and resort days
3.Hilton Head beaches
Wide, hard-packed sand ideal for cycling at low tide, with public access parks such as Coligny Beach Park.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 13°C (55°F) | 16°C (61°F) |
| February | 13°C (55°F) | 18°C (64°F) |
| March | 16°C (61°F) | 22°C (72°F) |
| April | 20°C (68°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
| May | 24°C (75°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| June | 27°C (81°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| July | 29°C (84°F) | 33°C (91°F) |
| August | 29°C (84°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| September | 27°C (81°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| October | 23°C (73°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
| November | 18°C (64°F) | 21°C (70°F) |
| December | 15°C (59°F) | 17°C (63°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$$ · Best for beach, families and budget
Tybee Island
Tybee Island, about 30 km east of downtown, is Savannah's beach: a low-rise island of cottages, holiday rentals and small hotels along Butler Avenue, with the Tybee Pier and Pavilion on the south beach and the lighthouse at the north end. It suits a beach-first stay with a drive into the city for a day or two.
- Good
- On the beach; Relaxed, small-town feel; Fort Pulaski on the way
- Watch out
- About 30 minutes by car from downtown; Summer weekend traffic on US-80
- Nearby
- Tybee Island Light Station, Fort Pulaski, Tybee Pier
Getting to the beaches
- Bus — Chatham Area Transit runs city buses and a free downtown shuttle that loops the historic district, linking the visitor centre, City Market and Forsyth Park area.
- Ferry — The free Savannah Belles Ferry crosses the river between River Street and Hutchinson Island every few minutes during the day and evening.
- Car — A car helps for Tybee, Wormsloe and day trips, but downtown parking is metered or in city garages.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in April–May and October. The busiest of those is April, so book early.
Beach safety
The historic district is generally comfortable to walk, but use normal city precautions at night, keep to busier streets and lock valuables out of sight in cars. Summer heat and humidity are a real risk on long walks, and Tybee has rip currents and strong tidal flows near the river mouth. Follow official guidance during hurricane season. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Savannah have beaches?
Yes: Tybee Island South Beach, Tybee Island North Beach and Hilton Head beaches.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Savannah?
Usually May–October, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Savannah?
Tybee Island South Beach: The busiest stretch, around the Tybee Pier and Pavilion, with restaurants, lifeguards in season and summer fireworks.