North Beach, Tybee Island

North Beach on Tybee Island offers five miles of pristine shoreline perfect for family beach days, located just 18 miles from historic Savannah. With calmer waters than the island's more crowded south end, it's an ideal spot for young swimmers, ambitious sandcastle architects, and families who love hunting for seashells and sand dollars along the tide line.

• ✓Five miles of soft sandy beaches with gentle waves for safe swimming
• ✓Excellent beachcombing for shells, sand dollars, and hermit crabs
• ✓Wide-open spaces perfect for sandcastle building competitions
• ✓Dolphin sightings are common, especially during early morning hours
• ✓Boogie boarding and skim boarding opportunities for older kids

1. 1.Arrive before 10am during summer to snag parking close to the beach access points and avoid the midday heat and crowds
2. 2.Bring a beach wagon or cart,the walk from parking to the sand can be significant, especially with little ones and all your gear
3. 3.Head to the northern end for more space and quieter waters, while the southern sections near the pier have easier amenities access
4. 4.Pack reef-safe sunscreen and reapply frequently,the Georgia sun is intense, and shade is limited on this open beach
5. 5.Low tide is the best time for finding intact shells, sand dollars, and interesting sea creatures in tide pools

Visit early morning (8-10am) or late afternoon (after 4pm) during summer for cooler temperatures and thinner crowds. Weekdays are significantly less busy than weekends. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer pleasant weather with fewer visitors.

Beach access is free, but parking lots charge daily fees ($5-20 depending on location and season). Limited restroom and shower facilities are available at public access points; bring your own food and drinks as beachfront dining is minimal on the north end.

Summer (June-August) is peak season with warmest water but largest crowds. Spring and fall offer beautiful weather with fewer visitors and cooler water. Winter is quiet but chilly for swimming, though perfect for beach walks and shell hunting. Be aware of jellyfish in late summer months.

The Breakfast Club serves hearty pancakes and kid-friendly breakfast all day. For casual beach eats, head to Tybee Island Social Club for fish tacos, burgers, and a relaxed atmosphere with outdoor seating that welcomes sandy, tired families.