This tip? It’s a game-changer. Imagine loading up a cheerful 6‑year‑old and heading out after work on a Thursday, because snacks and sunsets wait for no one. We did just that on our most recent Tybee Island vacation, and trust me, this family-friendly escape is just a six‑hour, soul-refreshing jaunt from Chattanooga. Let me walk you through every tip, pit stop, so you can plan your weekend of sand, shark teeth, and salty giggles.
Getting There Without Burning PTO
Thursday after work: Chattanooga → Macon (3 hours)
We packed up the car, grabbed coffee, and hit the road around 5 p.m. Three hours later, we checked into a hotel in Macon, stretched our legs, and rested well. No stress, no rush.
Friday early morning: Macon → Tybee Island (3 hours)
Up with the sun, we hopped in the car and drove the final leg. By 10 a.m., we were at the beach, greeting the Atlantic with wet toes and big smiles—no extra PTO needed, and still a full day in paradise.
Why a Tybee Island Vacation?
- Quick escape—not a calendar takeover. Just six hours from Chattanooga, perfect for a weekend reset.
- Family-friendly charm. Quaint shops, quiet neighborhoods, and zero high-rise chaos.
- Savannah nearby = grown-up bonus—fun eats, artsy vibes, and shaded strolls just a short drive away.
Shark Tooth Island: The Treasure-Hunting Dream
First time on Shark Tooth Island? It’s a gem—especially for junior paleontologists (aka our six-year-old). We booked a private charter through Bull River Marina and set sail for this once-submerged island.
Why it’s iconic:
The island lies where decades of Savannah River dredging deposited fossil-rich sediment. Geologists and beachcombers alike love it. Turns out, textiles can hide fossils—same thing here, but with dinosaur-sized shark history!
Our haul:
250+ shark teeth, including a legit megalodon tooth. Hear me when I say: he’s still buzzing with excitement about it.
Pro shark tooth hunting tips for parents & kids:
- Time it at low tide—exposed sands, more finds.
- Head to North Beach or Shark Tooth Island—river proximity = fossils galore.
- Look for small, dark triangles with serrated edges. If on Shark Tooth Island, go digging in the tree line! There are big ones in there!
- Rinse in water and sift through sand—kid-friendly, hands-on thrill.
Why So Many Shark Teeth, Anyway?
This isn’t just luck-of-the-beach.
Tybee and nearby islands like Shark Tooth Island sit on land that was once fully underwater. Over time, as the sea retreated and the Savannah River was dredged, tons of fossil-rich sediment got deposited along the shores. What does that mean? These beaches are basically one big prehistoric lost-and-found.
You’ll find everything from tiny lemon shark teeth to fossilized megalodon chompers. And because the dredging continues and currents keep shifting sands, new treasures are always being uncovered—especially near North Beach and Shark Tooth Island, where the river meets the Atlantic.
Beach Days: Mid Island vs. North Beach
Saturday – Mid Beach (Busy, Buzzing, Beachy)
Mid Beach is party-central with families, umbrellas, laughter, and surf. Our July Saturday proved it true—fun but lively. We got there at 8 a.m. and snagged a premium spot.
Monday – North Beach (Calm, Quiet, Serene)
Ahhh, Monday. No crowds. Soft chatter of waves. More shell-hunting, more breathing room, more… magic. Bonus: the sand here is historically rich, and locals say it’s the best spot for shark-tooth finding, thanks to its proximity to the Savannah River mouth. If you’re a fan of surfing, this is where to go!
Here’s a nugget: park at the Marine Science Center parking lot, which is on North Beach. Why?
- Clean public restrooms
- Cold outdoor showers
- Two eateries within walkable reach
- Direct beach pathway from the lot
We didn’t tour the center (next time), but I’ll be packing that into the itinerary—so much to learn for kiddos and grown-ups.
Sunday in Savannah
Not a beach day, per se, but we took a little detour into the urban cool that is Savannah—and friend, it did not disappoint. Enter: shaded paths, fountains, and the artsy buzz of Forsyth Park.
Brunch at Collins Quarter (Forsyth Park location)
If you’re going to brunch anywhere in Savannah, this is the place. The vibe? Sophisticated but totally stroller-welcome. The food? Divine. And the best part? Almost the entire park is shaded. Bless it. Especially in July.
If you’re up for more than just brunch, Savannah offers:
- River Street: cobblestone charm, cute shops, and sweet treats
- Historic Trolley Tours: perfect for little legs and history buffs
- SCAD Museum of Art: for your future artist (or current architecture nerd)
- Bonaventure Cemetery: a hauntingly beautiful walk among Spanish moss and Southern stories
- City Market: artisan stalls, live music, and popsicles for days
It’s a dreamy little urban escape that still feels manageable with kids—as long as you’re not walking it in the peak heat.
Where to Stay (and Where Not to)
We crashed at Hotel Tybee—great location, but the management? Let’s just say it could use a time-out. Don’t trust the “nice beach resort” vibes unless things shift upstairs.
We also saw a lot of hotels advertise that they’re the only beachfront hotel, which is just simply not true. Do your research, friends!
Book a rental not on the beach? No sweat—golf cart rentals on the island are everywhere. Easy-peasy coverage from lodging to shoreline, and your kiddo will feel like they own the place.
Parking & Weather tip:
During peak summer, beach parking fills by 9:30 a.m., and summer rain seems to happen every day around 2 p.m. —so roll in early, folks.
Where We Ate on Tybee (and Loved Every Bite)
Let’s clear the plate here—every other spot we ate was on Tybee, not Savannah. And they each deserve their own spotlight:
Treylor Park Beach Party
Our absolute fave. Fun decor, super kid-friendly, and wildly good food. Pro tip: it’s loud inside—great energy, but heads-up for sensory-sensitive kiddos (or grown-ups). The patio is beautiful but brutal in the heat. Huge win: the sand play area stocked with digging toys. Total genius move.
Mi Vida
Looks sketch from the outside (yes, it’s next to a gas station), but inside? Tiny, tight, and 100% worth the squeeze. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and nourishing, which hit different after a beach day.
Chamacos Tacos & Surf
Authentic, creative, and yum on all counts. Great a la carte options and bold flavors that transported us way past island vibes and straight into Mexico.
Back River Brewery
Tybee’s only brewery and a solid spot to cool down. Inside is AC heaven. The high-top seating could be tricky with smaller kids, but the place was filled with families of all ages—no complaints. Bonus: snag a bar seat and you get an ocean view with your beer.
Gear That Saved the Beach Day
- Giant parachute-style blanket + Neso Gigante Canopy: Instant shade, quick setup, adjustable sun coverage.
- Sand wagon with canopy + gear net: Snacks, beach toys, towels—haul all of it with ease.
- Ostrich chairs (face rest + armholes): Great for reading or using phones while lying flat.
- Cooling towels, neck fans, handheld fans: Total heat-wave heroes.
Pack smart, play smart.
Coming Soon: Next Trip Wish List
- Zunzibar—heard it’s a stunner and want to try it.
- More Savannah exploring—less sweat, more shade, more stroll.
- Tybee Marine Science Center tour—interactive education and hands-on exhibits for curious minds.
- Visit Shark Tooth Island’s neighboring spoil islands during cooler months so I can dig, and dig, and dig!
Why Tybee Is Worth It (TL;DR)
- Family‑friendly, charming, laid‑back.
- Semi-affordable compared to Gulf beaches (looking at you, Panama City).
- Sand + surf + Savannah = variety.
- Shark teeth = paleontology adventure for kids (and for the kid in us).
- No PTO burn-out—drive smart, return smiling.
Bottom Line…
Tybee Island vacation felt just enough like an island vacation without the boat-ticket price tag. For us—it was sun, sand, shark teeth, and sideways smiles from our six-year-old. Between private charters, artsy brunches, hurricane canopy shade, and a surprise ER dash—even the surprises were positively Tybee.
So here’s my challenge, friend:
- Load the wagon.
- Grab that canopy.
- Book the charter boat.
- Head out at 5 p.m. on a Thursday.
- Let the weekend, and maybe a megalodon tooth, surprise you.
Affordability? Check. Family friendly? Double check. Memories? Already in the making. A Tybee Island vacation’s calling—and your crew will thank you.
