Visit the Historic Tybee Island Light House!
Most folks road tripping on I-95 along the East Coast stop in for a visit or even an overnight stay in Savannah Georgia. Savannah is right off the highway and a gorgeous city with plenty to see and do. But maybe you have been to Savannah a half a dozen times or you want something a little more off the beaten path. Another great stop along the I-95 corridor is Tybee Island. Only 20 minutes east of Savannah, you will find beautiful beaches and plenty of activities to keep your family entertained. A stay in Tybee Island would not be complete without a visit to the Historic Tybee Island Light House.
History of the Tybee Island Light House
The Tybee Island Light House was originally built in 1736. The original light house was destroyed by storms and a second light house was built in 1742. The second light house was built too close to the ocean and the lapping waves eventually destroyed the foundation. So a third light house was built in 1773. During the Civil War, the light house was badly damaged by fire started by Confederate troops. After the Civil War the light house was repaired and that is what remains today.
The light house keeper’s home has been restored and it is like walking back in time. The light house keeper and his family lived here so that he was always ready to service the light house and keep the light shining.
Tybee Island Light House Stats:
- 178 stairs to the top
- 144 feet tall
- Lit by a First Order Fresnel Lens
- light can be seen for 18 miles
Tips for Visiting Tybee Island Light House:
Make sure you wear your sneakers so you can climb the steps to the top. You can do it! The view is so worth it. Every 25 steps there is a landing where you can sit and rest and enjoy a view.
You also do not want to forget your camera. This light house is so beautiful especially with the historically accurate restored out buildings surrounding it. The grounds are well maintained and you will be snapping a ton of pictures.
Planning your visit to Tybee Island Light House
The light house and museum are open everyday except for Tuesdays from 9A-5:30P with ticket sales stopping at 4:30P. The light house is closed some holidays so check out the list at the light house website.
Tickets are reasonably priced at $9 for adults and $7 for children. Your admission ticket includes admission to the complete Light Station, a Tybee Raised Cottage, and the Tybee Museum in Battery Garland. Plan on spending several hours to see all their is to see and linger over the views and beauty of the light house.
While the Tybee Island Light House was certainly the highlight of this visit (it was too cold and windy to enjoy time on the beach) there are plenty of other fun things to do in Tybee Island. The little town is full of boutiques and shopping. The are plenty of restaurants for all tastes, we enjoyed dinner at an ocean front restaurant withing walking distance of our hotel. While Savannah will always be our favorite city to visit in the south, we will go back to Tybee Island for another visit to the Tybee Island Light House and to enjoy some time on the beach.
