The best family beaches on Tybee Island are North Beach, Mid Beach, South Beach and Back River Beach, and North Beach is the one for young kids. It has a playground and picnic tables near the sand, and Tower 1 at the last Taylor Street crossover is staffed every day from May 1 to October 31. South Beach puts you by the pier, the ice cream and the shops, Mid Beach is the quieter middle ground, and Back River faces the river with a fishing pier and a picnic area. On a beach day we look for a short walk, a bathroom and a lifeguard. Below you will find how each beach does on those three, where to park, and which part of the island is off limits in the water.
At-A-Glance Comparison Table
| Beach Name | Key Amenity | Booking Options |
|---|---|---|
| Mid Beach | Restrooms & Showers | View Details → |
| North Beach | Playground | View Details → |
| South Beach | Pier Access | View Details → |
| Back River Beach | Fishing Pier | View Details → |
Mid Beach
Mid Beach sits between the busy pier area and the north end, with room to spread out.
- The Beach: Soft sand, but none of the four lifeguard towers on the city’s list is at Mid Beach (Tybee Island Ocean Rescue), so swim with an adult in the water.
- Key Amenities: Restrooms and showers to rinse off before the drive home.
- Tip: Use the street-side parking kiosks and park as close to your crossover as you can.
Good to know: It is less crowded, but the spaces still fill on summer weekends.
North Beach
North Beach is the pick for families who like hunting for shells and want a playground close by.
- The Beach: Tower 1 sits at the last Taylor Street crossover and is staffed every day from May 1 to October 31, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Tybee Island Ocean Rescue). Swim in front of the tower.
- Key Amenities: A playground and picnic tables, so staying through lunch is easy.
- Tip: Park near the lighthouse for the shortest walk to the sand.
Good to know: The lighthouse lot is popular. Arrive before mid-morning.
South Beach
South Beach is steps from the pier, ice cream and the shops.
- The Beach: The busiest part of the island, with the most going on.
- Key Amenities: The pier and plenty of public restrooms.
- Tip: Parking is expensive and scarce, so a ride-share can be the easier choice.
Good to know: In peak season it gets very crowded.
Back River Beach
Back River Beach faces the river instead of the ocean, and it is the quiet spot for a sunset picnic.
- The Beach: The tower north of the 19th Street crossover covers this end in season, as the FAQ below explains.
- Key Amenities: A fishing pier and a picnic area.
- Tip: Bring a small wagon for the cooler. Parking is on residential streets and limited.
Good to know: Read the parking signs carefully. The rules here are strictly enforced.
FAQs About Family Beaches in Tybee Island
Which beach is best for toddlers?
North Beach, because it has a lifeguard tower staffed from May through October (Tybee Island Ocean Rescue) and the convenient playground right near the sand.
Are there lifeguards at all Tybee Island beaches?
Tybee Island Ocean Rescue staffs four towers, at North Beach, near the 15th and 17th Street crossovers and north of the 19th Street crossover by the Back River, every day from May 1 to October 31, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Tybee Island Ocean Rescue). Do not walk, wade or swim to the south end sandbar, which is off limits because of fast currents, and keep a close eye on your kids in the water.
What is the easiest way to park?
Arrive early in the morning or take a ride-share, especially to the pier end of the island.
More Family Travel Guides for Tybee Island: