Back River Beach

The Beaches on Tybee are informally but familiarly divided into North, Mid, and South, delineated by the city's numbered streets. 19th Street is last on the grid, ending what is typically called South Beach, but the beach does not actually end. The spit of sand around the island's southern tip often escapes attention, but it is in fact one of the best views on the island. Known as Back River Beach, this spot overlooks Tybee Creek, Little Tybee Island, and the western horizon, which is amazing at sunset.

This relatively quiet beach is great for families because of its shallow water and gentle surf on the river side. Waves are usually broken by sandbars at the river mouth before they hit the beach. It is also a great launch point for kayaks and paddleboards which, if you are up for it, you can take all the way to Little Tybee Island, Tybee's completely undeveloped neighbor across the river.

Access to Back River Beach is provided by the same $2 per hour public parking system found elsewhere on Tybee, but the lots here are smaller and harder to find. The end of Chatham Avenue is the best access point, which has public restrooms. You can also park at the end of 19th Street, the pier at Fisherman's Wk, or walk or bike from somewhere on South Beach.