Visitors to the northernmost barrier island off Georgia’s coast, Tybee Island, can enjoy three ocean beaches and two river beaches. While the ocean beaches face the Atlantic Ocean, the river beaches are on opposite ends of the island. Located on the south end of the island, the Back River Beach offers a truly unique beach experience.
The Beach
Called Tybee’s forgotten beach, this small, quiet beach is off the beaten path, facing Tybee Creek. While quieter than Tybee’s three main ocean beaches, it has a little more activity than the Savannah River Beach. The Back River Beach is a great place to launch your kayak or paddleboard into the gentle waves. In fact, many of the guided kayaking and paddleboarding tours use the Back River Beach as a starting point for their tours.
Activities
Comb the sand for sea shells during low tide when the beach widens up a bit, or just lay on the warm sand and tone up your tan. You can watch bottle-nose dolphins frolic in the river or keep a watchful eye out for one of the many terrapins found in coastal waters. Watch local fishermen as they fish off one of the piers or try your hand at it. There is easy access to the beach, and marinas and restaurants are close by.
Of course, bird watching is always popular at the beach – and so easy! Shore birds and water birds abound at the Back River Beach, making it an easy way to get a few more bird species marked off your Bird Life List.
Facing west, the Back River Beach is also famous for its stunning sun sets. Watch the sky turn amazing colors as the sun slowly sets.
Amenities
There are no lifeguards at the Back River Beach, and while the waves look gentle, but be wary as currents can be strong. Parking at the beach is limited, but there is ample street parking just a short walk away. Public restrooms are also available on the Back River Fishing Pier, and restaurants are close by.
Back River Beach
This quiet beach is a favorite of both visitors and locals. Small and peaceful, the Back River Beach offers views of the adjacent Little Tybee Island’s wooded hammocks and marshes just across the river. For more information and directions to the Back River Beach, call Tybee Island Visitor’s Center at 912-786-5444. Check our vacations homes to see the available places to stay in Tybee Island today!