Tybee Island, Georgia

Welcome to Tybee Island... Tybee means "salt" to Native Americans, but the name of this low-key seaside resort now brings to mind words such as "sun", "surf" and "fun". Located 18 miles east of Savannah, this small barrier island boasts a wide, 3-mile long beach that's backed by sea oat-covered sand dunes and is perfect for sunbathing, people-watching and frolicking in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. The island's south-end pier and pavilion is a splendid venue for strolling above the ocean and listening to the music of the live bands.

Although vacationers are lured to Tybee mainly because of what it provides in the way of recreation and relaxation, those with a love of history won't be disappointed. Tybee offers: Fort Screven, The Tybee Island Lighthouse (dated 1773), an intriguing museum, and Fort Pulaski which is just west of the island on Hwy 80.

While Tybee is a resort complete with a full range of restaurants, modern hotels, motels, luxurious condominiums, and quaint inns and cottages, it's also a residential area stocked with its share of colorful characters. It's an atmosphere that's considerably more laid-back than that of glitzier, larger beach towns to the north and south.