What are your thoughts on Tybee Island? (Savannah, St. Simons: where to stay, to rent)

[gimme it]

Is it a fun place for a family vacation?

[Padgett2]

I guess it would depend on the ages of your family and what you would consider "fun"

Small children love playing in shallow water and digging in the sand. The older teenager may not find that sort of thing interesting.

It also depends on the time of year that you come.

[Iconographer]

If I were hunting for an GA island to bring my family to, I would choose Jekyll Island, about 1 hr south of Tybee. It has a bit more variety for kids if they get burned out on the beach, what with the Sea Turtle Center and the newly expanded water park.

www.jekyllisland.com

Frankly, the barrier island that has impressed me the most over the years as far as providing organized activities for kids was Hilton Head Is.

[gimme it]

Thanks for the feedback. Our child will be 8 when we go next April. I know it's not that warm then. I would have preferred going to Jekyll or St. Simon's but they seem too far away. We will be driving from NYC. We also wanted to visit Savannah. We're looking for a low-key place to relax, ride bikes and walk on the beach. Are there certain parts of Tybee that are nicer (north vs south)? Thanks again.

[Iconographer]

Originally Posted by gimme it

Thanks for the feedback. Our child will be 8 when we go next April. I know it's not that warm then. I would have preferred going to Jekyll or St. Simon's but they seem too far away. We will be driving from NYC. We also wanted to visit Savannah. We're looking for a low-key place to relax, ride bikes and walk on the beach. Are there certain parts of Tybee that are nicer (north vs south)? Thanks again.

Actually, it should be plenty warm in the area by April. The water won't be, though.
Depends on how you define 'nicer'; most of the action seems to be down on the south end around the pier IMO.
Also, the exits for St Simons and Jekyll are only about 1 hr south of Tybee's on I-95.

[Padgett2]

Actually, when you balance the time to get from I-95, through Savannah onto Tybee, and the distance from I-95 to Jekyll, it's not all that difference time-wise.

However, I think your 8 year old, would like Tybee. Be sure to take them to the Oakland Island Wildlife habitat. Also a Dolphin viewing trip. Fort Pulaski is another must see for that age. The view from the top fortification is outstanding. Children, even the girls, are usually impressed to see the big guns.

[ellie]

I like both ends of the island. They're different, but the further towards the ends you go (at least on the beach) the wilder and more natural they get.

As far as where to stay, there's a greater variety of places to rent on the southern half of the island and generally shorter walks to the beach and the back river.

[gimme it]

Thanks to all of you, but now my husband is leaning towards St. Simons Island. What are your thoughts on that?

[mrsnespy]

Originally Posted by gimme it

Thanks to all of you, but now my husband is leaning towards St. Simons Island. What are your thoughts on that?

I've never been there, but I have a friend who LOVES it. She had her wedding on the beach there.

[TakeAhike]

Originally Posted by mrsnespy

I've never been there, but I have a friend who LOVES it. She had her wedding on the beach there.

I think a family could enjoy a week in the spring there--touring the area. I don't know what has been done at Jekyll but there may be more for kids there.
St. Simons Island, Georgia (GA) - Your key to adventure in the exciting world of Georgia's Golden Isles! (http://www.stsimonsisland.com/calendar.htm - broken link)


I think the water of the Atlantic is 'too cold' in April for swimming. Brrr.