Tybee Island Lighthouse (dated 1773)
Back in 2007 this quiet island was voted “Best Beach” by the readers of Georgia Magazine. Tybee has now been crowned with a new distinction from a panel of travel and health experts in Health Magazine as America’s healthiest beach and lake getaways.
Native Americans named it Tybee centuries ago, the Euchee word for "salt". This 5 mile long beach just east of Savannah is now more than ever, a perfect beach getaway for those who need a dose of both sand and sun found on this beautiful barrier island. Tybee Island does have it's share of true southern charm, but don't think it's all laid-back. It has ample restaurants, modern hotels, luxurious condominiums, and quaint inns and cottages. It can also boast a popular a residential area. Whether you're craving the beach, fishing, a dolphin tour, kayaking, or biking Tybee Island has it all.
Health Magazine rated over 50 locations in five categories to determine this new list of "healthy beaches". Items included quality and cleanliness of air, water, and, sand; range of fitness opportunities; healthfulness of local restaurants; the presence of lifeguards, proximity of a major trauma center, the crime rate; and affordability of accommodations (based on the average rates in July, provided by Smith Travel Research).
Also notable this summer, Disney is filming a new movie on Tybee Island. (Shooting began in mid-June) “The Last Song”, starring Miley Cyrus, of Hannah Montana fame, and Greg Kinnear will shoot throughout the summer Monday through Friday. For those of you with young daughters, "The Last Song" is expected to be released in theaters January, 2010, and I'm certain we'll be seeing you then.
While there's certainly an abundance of what's new on Tybee Island, those with a love of history will also find Fort Screven, the Tybee Island Lighthouse, and Fort Pulaski National Monument which is just west of the island on Hwy 80. A museum can also be found with pictures and relics that chronicle nearly 400 years of the island's history.
Tybee is also a nesting area for two endangered turtle species and one "unusual" species. Loggerhead and leatherback turtles are endangered and like to nest in the sand found along the beaches of Tybee and Little Tybee Islands. Diamondback terrapins are on the protected species list; their nesting areas are on the north end and cause them to try to cross Route 80. Disturbing the nests or harassing any of these species is against the law. Their nests are marked when found to stop people from accidentally trampling eggs or hatchlings. So please keep clear.
A top beach in Georgia? Who knew? It's obvious however that Tybee offers something for everyone, and that’s why it tops Health Magazines list of healthy summer escapes.
Update: Everyone is talking about this honor, including CNN and WSAV Channel 3 News. Below is a news clip from WSAV which provides a number of interviews from both a vacation a local prospective.
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