Introduction
Late October is arguably the best time to explore Georgia’s coast. Temperatures are mild, humidity is low and summer crowds have thinned. On Tybee Island, daily highs ease from the low 80s into the low 70s while evenings slide into the 60s – perfect for beach walks and lighthouse climbs . Nearby Savannah enjoys similar comfort with highs drifting from the low 80s to the mid‑70s and lows dipping into the mid‑50s. With a long weekend and your own car, you can savour Tybee’s laid‑back beaches and Savannah’s historic squares without ever feeling rushed.
This curated itinerary is designed for couples seeking cultural immersion, local flavours, boutique shopping and off‑the‑beaten‑path discoveries, and comes with a fully-pinned Google interactive map and a branded and stylized PDF version all embedded in this guide here.
This itinerary balances activity with downtime and offers optional guided experiences from trusted partners like GetYourGuide and Viator. Use it as a blueprint to craft your perfect getaway.
Interactive Map: Tybee Island & Savannah (3-Day Itinerary)
Prefer to see everything at a glance? Explore our pins for beaches, lighthouses, historic sights, food stops, and photo spots—exactly in the order we recommend. Use this live map to navigate in real time while you’re on the road.
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Day 1 – Coastal Charm & Island Relaxation
Base yourself at Royal Palms Motel in mid‑beach Tybee. Its retro vibe, friendly staff and proximity to the sand make it an ideal hub. Grab rental bikes when you arrive and set off to explore.
Morning: Lighthouse Views and Beach Strolls
Start your day at the Tybee Island Light Station & Museum. This iconic landmark, Georgia’s oldest and tallest light, opens at 9 am Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesdays) and sells final tickets at 4:30 pm. The complex includes a museum in the old head keeper’s house and offers panoramic Atlantic views from the top – just 178 steps up. Note that backpacks aren’t allowed and you’ll need to leave food behind for current hours and pricing.
After you’ve soaked up the views, wander along North Beach and Mid Beach. The surf is gentle in October and the wide sands are perfect for shell hunting or spotting dolphins. A light jacket may be handy when the breeze picks up.
Afternoon: Seafood and Science
For lunch, head to The Crab Shack on Estill Hammock Road. This beloved waterfront spot serves Low‑Country boils, fresh oysters and barbecue from 11:30 am to 10 pm daily. Its deck overlooks Chimney Creek and even features a small alligator lagoon – a unique backdrop for a feast.
Next, explore the Tybee Island Marine Science Center near the pier. Open Wednesday–Monday 9:30 am–5 pm, this educational hub showcases marine life, loggerhead turtle conservation and the island’s delicate ecosystems. Admission is modest and your support helps fund sea‑turtle rehabilitation. Learn more about the center’s exhibits and programs.
Feeling adventurous? Rent kayaks to paddle through tidal creeks or book a dolphin‑watching cruise departing near Little Tybee Island. Biking is another excellent way to discover the island’s quiet streets and hidden beaches.
Evening: Sunset Dining and Local Entertainment
As daylight fades, make your way to A‑J’s Dockside on Chatham Avenue. This laid‑back seafood joint sits over the Back River and is revered for its spectacular sunsets. Hours vary by day but most evenings it’s open until around 9 pm. Enjoy crab cakes or shrimp tacos while watching the sun sink behind Little Tybee.
If you’re in the mood for entertainment, see what’s playing at the Tybee Post Theater. The 1930 cinema was lovingly restored in 2015 and now hosts films, concerts and comedy shows. Check the schedule here. Alternatively, stroll along Strand Avenue, browse quirky shops or simply relax at your motel.
Day 2 – Historic Savannah & Hidden Delights
After breakfast, drive about 18 miles into Savannah. The two‑lane U.S. Highway 80 connects Tybee Island to downtown; in good traffic the trip takes roughly 30 minutes (source). Park in a garage or on the street (it’s free on Sundays) and prepare to fall under Savannah’s spell.
Morning: Squares and Brunch
Get oriented with an Old Town Trolley Tour. The hop‑on, hop‑off buses operate from 9 am to 5 pm daily, narrating 270 years of history as they loop through the city’s leafy squares. Prefer to explore on your own? Walk north along Bull Street from Forsyth Park toward the river, stopping at Chippewa and Madison Squares.
At the east side of Forsyth Park, Collins Quarter dishes up a legendary brunch from 8 am to 3 pm. Expect Aussie‑inspired fare like lavender lattes, shrimp and grits and brioche French toast. No reservations are taken for brunch, so go early to avoid a wait.
Afternoon: Art, Shopping and Hidden Gems
Spend your afternoon with the Telfair Museums. A three‑site ticket (about US$30) grants week‑long admission to the contemporary Jepson Center, the historic Telfair Academy and the Owens‑Thomas House & Slave Quarters. Exhibits range from Impressionist paintings and Gullah‑Geechee folk art to Regency‑style rooms furnished with antiques.
If modern art beckons, the SCAD Museum of Art hosts rotating exhibitions by emerging and established artists in a restored antebellum depot. General admission is around US$10 and the museum is open most days. Plan your visit.
For shopping, wander the cobblestone streets of City Market, a four‑block complex of restored warehouses filled with galleries, boutiques and cafés. Sample pralines, watch local artists at work and head over to Leopold’s Ice Cream on Broughton Street for a scoop of Tutti Frutti. (Tip: order pints at the take‑away window to bypass the line.)
If you crave something quirky, check out the Graveface Museum, which houses true‑crime memorabilia, horror‑film props and vintage pinball machines. See hours and location. Military buffs will enjoy the intimate Webb Military Museum with artifacts from every American conflict – view details here. For African‑American heritage, visit the Beach Institute and the King‑Tisdell Cottage, which celebrate Black art and culture; the Beach Institute was Savannah’s first school for freed slaves.
Evening: Dinner and Nightlife
Dine at The Grey, a James Beard Award‑winning restaurant inside a restored 1938 bus terminal. Chef Mashama Bailey serves elevated Southern dishes that might include country captain stew, foie gras and roasted oysters. Reservations are essential. See menus and hours. If you can’t secure a table, try The Olde Pink House for New Southern cuisine in an elegant 18th‑century mansion.
After dinner, experience Savannah’s nightlife. Sip tropical cocktails under palm fronds at Water Witch Tiki in the Starland District – check the bar’s hours and story. For a speakeasy vibe, head to Repeal 33 on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard for craft cocktails and Southern‑inspired plates; If you’re visiting during late October, you might catch the SCAD Savannah Film Festival or comedy shows at the Civic Center.
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Day 3 – Lowcountry Heritage and Farewell
Morning: Cemetery and Colonial Ruins
Start your final day at Bonaventure Cemetery. This evocative Victorian necropolis is free to enter and open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. Wander under moss‑draped oaks, admire ornate statuary and visit the graves of songwriter Johnny Mercer and poet Conrad Aiken. The Bonaventure Historical Society’s site offers maps and historical context.
Continue south to the Wormsloe Historic Site, where a live‑oak avenue leads to colonial tabby ruins. Operated by Georgia State Parks, Wormsloe is open daily 9 am–5 pm and charges a small admission fee. See official hours and information. Explore the nature trails and learn about Georgia’s early colonial settlers.
Afternoon: Fort & Beach Time
On your way back toward Tybee, stop at Fort Pulaski National Monument. This brick fortification guarded the mouth of the Savannah River during the Civil War and now offers ranger‑led tours, musket demonstrations and trails along the moat. The site is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, and admission is around US$10 per adult. Visit the National Park Service page for details.
Return to Tybee Island in the afternoon (it’s a short drive from Fort Pulaski) and relax on the beach or bike through quiet neighbourhoods. Stop by local shops on Butler Avenue for souvenirs.
Evening: Farmers Market and Farewell Dinner
If you’re travelling between March and October, Monday evenings bring the Tybee Island Farmers Market behind the lighthouse. Open 4 pm–7 pm, it features seasonal produce, honey, baked goods and crafts. Learn more about the market. Bring reusable bags and arrive early for parking or bike over from your motel.
For your final dinner, choose a favourite from earlier in the trip or try Tybee Social Club for tacos and live music, or The Deck for oceanfront burgers. End with a sunset stroll along the pier – a perfect farewell to the coast.
Budget Hacks and Practical Tips
- Manage money wisely. If you’re visiting from abroad, load a multi‑currency card like Wise before your trip to avoid hefty bank fees. Keep track of spending with travel budgeting apps such as TravelSpend. Tipping 15–20 % is customary at Georgia restaurants.
- Get around smarter. Downtown Savannah parking garages cost about US$1 per hour; street parking is free after 5 pm and on Sundays. Download the ParkTybee app to pay for metered parking on the island. Biking is an inexpensive, fun way to explore both destinations.
- Save on attractions. The Telfair Museums’ ticket is valid for seven days, so spread your visits across the weekend. Frequent history buffs might consider an annual pass to Fort Pulaski. Check websites like GetYourGuide and Viator for discounts on trolley tours, ghost walks and food tours.
- Pack appropriately. Dress in layers for fluctuating temperatures. Bring comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets and lighthouse steps, and pack a lightweight rain jacket, swimsuit and insect repellent. Use reef‑safe sunscreen at the beach.
- Stay respectful. At cemeteries and historic sites, be mindful of posted rules and avoid climbing on monuments. On Tybee beaches, follow lifeguard instructions and remember that alcohol is allowed only in plastic containers.
Conclusion
This three‑day itinerary showcases the contrasts that make coastal Georgia so special. You’ll climb a historic lighthouse, savour seafood with marsh views, immerse yourself in Savannah’s art and culinary scene and trace the region’s colonial and Civil War history. Along the way you’ll uncover hidden gems like quirky museums and tiki bars. By balancing iconic highlights with authentic local experiences, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for Tybee Island and Savannah—and plenty of memories to inspire your next adventure.
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