Day trip from Hotel Bardo: Tybee Island (and alternatives)
Tybee Island is the simplest beach day trip from Hotel Bardo Savannah: expect a roughly 20–30 minute drive (longer in peak traffic) to sandy beaches, the lighthouse, and casual waterfront restaurants. If you prefer a shorter or different outing, nearby options that work as half- or full-day trips include Wormsloe Historic Site, Bonaventure Cemetery, and a longer drive to Hilton Head Island.
In this guide
How to get to Tybee Island from Hotel Bardo Savannah
Tybee Island is commonly described as about 18 miles from Savannah’s Historic District and typically takes roughly 20–30 minutes by car, depending on traffic and time of day.
Hotel Bardo Savannah can arrange transport details through the front desk or concierge; alternatives are rental car, rideshare (Uber/Lyft), or a guided tour that includes stops such as Fort Pulaski along the route.
- By car or rideshare: ~20–30 minutes (allow more time at peak summer weekends).
- Guided tours: often include Fort Pulaski and drop-off at Tybee’s lighthouse or North Beach.
- No direct public ferry from the Historic District to Tybee; public transit would require transfers and takes notably longer.
| Option | Typical time from Hotel Bardo | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rideshare / Taxi | 20–30 min | Door-to-door; surge pricing possible in summer |
| Rental car | 20–30 min | Parking available on Tybee at public lots and beach access points |
| Guided day tour | 3–8 hours | Includes stops like Fort Pulaski; check tour length before booking |
What to do on Tybee Island (best beach activities)
Tybee’s main draw is its beaches: South Beach near the fishing pier and North Beach by the lighthouse each have different moods and views. North Beach is close to the historic Tybee Island Light Station and tends to be quieter for walking and lighthouse visits.
Popular beach activities include swimming, sunbathing, shell-collecting, and watching ships enter the Savannah River from the shore near the lighthouse.
- Relax or swim at South Beach (closer to the pier and restaurants).
- Climb or tour the Tybee Island Light Station at North Beach (check current opening hours locally).
- Rent kayaks, paddleboards, or join a dolphin-watching boat trip (local vendors on the island).
- Walk the pier or explore the small shops and casual seafood restaurants near the beach access points.
| Activity | Good for |
|---|---|
| Beach time (South/North) | Families, sunbathers, swimmers |
| Lighthouse visit | History and photo opportunities |
| Boat/dolphin tours | Groups and wildlife viewing |
Where to eat: Tybee Island highlights
Tybee’s food scene is casual and seafood-forward: look for local shrimp, oysters, and fried seafood platters at beachside cafés and family-run restaurants. Many places emphasize outdoor seating and ocean views.
If you prefer not to drive back to Savannah for dinner, plan to eat on the island—otherwise you can return to Hotel Bardo Savannah and dine at Saint Bibiana, The Green Room, or Bar Bibi depending on the time and atmosphere you want.
- On Tybee: casual seafood shacks, beach bars, and places with outdoor patios near the pier and lighthouse.
- Back at Hotel Bardo: Saint Bibiana (coastal Italian; breakfast/brunch/dinner hours published by the hotel), The Green Room (coffee and evening cocktails), and Bar Bibi (seasonal poolside service).
- If you have late plans in Savannah, Club Bardo and Saint Bibiana accept reservations and Saint Bibiana recommends reservations during busy times.
| Hotel Bardo option | Type / Hours (hotel-published highlights) |
|---|---|
| Saint Bibiana | Coastal Italian — breakfast, brunch, dinner (hours published by the hotel) |
| The Green Room | Lobby bar — morning coffee and evening cocktails |
| Bar Bibi | Poolside bar — seasonal service (check current seasonal dates) |
Timing and a sample day-plan
A typical Tybee day trip from Hotel Bardo fits into a half- or full-day depending on pace: leave mid-morning for beach time and a lighthouse visit, add a waterfront lunch, then return to Savannah mid- or late-afternoon.
If you need to use Hotel Bardo services the same day (spa appointment, pool access, or an evening restaurant reservation), leave time to return, change, and arrive at venues like Saint Bibiana according to their service hours.
- Sample half-day: depart Hotel Bardo ~9:30–10:00 AM → beach + lighthouse → lunch → return by mid-afternoon.
- Sample full-day: add a boat/dolphin tour or extra beach time, return to Hotel Bardo in time for dinner service at Saint Bibiana (dinner hours published by the hotel).
- Check seasonal opening times for Bar Bibi and local Tybee vendors before you go.
| Start | Activity | Approx. duration |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30 AM | Drive to Tybee | 20–30 min |
| 10:00 AM–1:00 PM | Beach and lighthouse | 2–3 hours |
| 1:00 PM–2:30 PM | Lunch / local shops | 1–1.5 hours |
Alternatives to Tybee Island for a day trip
If you want a shorter outing or a different experience, consider nearby historic and natural sites: Wormsloe Historic Site (Spanish-moss-lined oak avenue), Bonaventure Cemetery (Victorian cemetery made famous in books), or a longer drive to Hilton Head Island for more extensive beach and recreation options.
Each alternative fits a different mood: Wormsloe for scenic photography and short hikes, Bonaventure for a quiet cultural visit, and Hilton Head for a larger beach/tourism infrastructure with bike paths and golf (note: check distance and travel time before planning).
- Wormsloe Historic Site — about 9 miles from downtown Savannah; suitable for 1–2 hours.
- Bonaventure Cemetery — roughly a 15–20 minute drive; allow 1–2 hours for walking and photos.
- Hilton Head Island — about a 45-minute drive; plan a full day for beach time and activities.
| Destination | Why go | Typical travel time from Hotel Bardo |
|---|---|---|
| Wormsloe Historic Site | Photography, oak avenue, short trails | About 20–30 min |
| Bonaventure Cemetery | Historic cemetery and scenic river bluff | About 15–20 min |
| Hilton Head Island | Full-service beach destination with bike paths | About 45 min |
Practical tips and what to pack
Bring beach essentials (sunscreen, hat, water, a towel) and shore-appropriate footwear. Summer weather in Savannah can be hot and humid; spring and fall usually have milder temperatures.
If you plan to return to Hotel Bardo for spa or dinner, note the spa (Saltgrass Spa) hours and Saint Bibiana service hours published by the hotel; make reservations ahead for popular time slots.
- Sunscreen, hat, reusable water bottle, and light layers for coastal breezes.
- If you plan on renting water equipment or taking a boat tour, bring a credit card and confirm vendor hours in advance.
- Check Bar Bibi seasonal dates if you expect poolside service on return — the hotel lists Bar Bibi as seasonal.
| Hotel resource | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Saltgrass Spa | Book treatments in advance (open daily 9:00 AM–6:00 PM) |
| Saint Bibiana | Dinner service in the evening; reservations recommended at busy times |
| Front Desk / Concierge | Can arrange transport and recommend current local vendors |
