Can I get the scoop on Tybee??? (Savannah, Butler: rental, hotel)

[cmtiger]

We want to vacation there - three kids ages 4 to 11. We'd like to bring the dog but understand that he is not welcome at the beach. Can y'all make some suggestions on what area to stay in.... where to eat.... what to do?

We aren't huge fans of crowds/noise. I hear that the south end of the island is quieter.

Also, if you think Tybee is just a huge mistake in general... let me know.

thanks!

[Tyb33]

It sounds like the back river is where you would like to stay. It is a lot less crowded there. [URL="http://www.tybeecottages.com"]www.tybeecottages.com[/URL] has a few properties on the back river, including one of my favorites at 1709 Inlet Ave.

[Padgett2]

Back River may be a disappointment for you. It is a quiet, very pleasant area, but it's not what most people would consider as being on the ocean side of the beach. It's more like a inlet into the marshy area. If you can find a place right on the water, it may be just what you want.

The northern end (and the Fort Screven area) is usually considered the quiet end. It's a little over one mile from the main tourist area. Plenty of beach for the kids to play on. The middle area, is really the quietest, but it may be harder to find housing that is easily accessible.

The dog is going to be your problem. They are not allowed on the beach. Nor will a rental house that will accept it, be easy to find. However, I seem to remember a discussion about an area in the northern part of the Island where they can be taken to play. Maybe? maybe not.

Frankly, as a mother, I can understand your desire for your children to have fun at the beach, but as someone that has some experience with kids and the beach, I wouldn't do it. Children that age can get into a lot of trouble at the ocean. I felt that I had to watch mine constantly. You can't depend on Life Guards to do it for you. If they don't already have good tans, they will get badly sunburned the first day and be miserable for the rest of the time. Be prepared to watch the sun screen lotion. It's one thing to do a couple of hours, and quite another to spend a few days at the beach. It can even be quite boring, especially if the weather is bad.

You will need a place on the beach side of Butler Ave. Trying to cross the street with all the beach junk is a big pain.

[gentlearts]

I think your children are great ages to enjoy the Tybee beach. It really is a nice unspoiled beach town. As Padgett said, try to stay on the beach side of Butler Ave at least a few blocks away from the pier area which is full of day beachers and tends to be crowded.
Do leave the dog at home at a kennel. It will not be worth the hassle to bring her. Although Savannah is a very dog friendly city, Tybee is not. I would look for a cottage rather than a hotel.