Hunter Army Airfield Highlights - Tybee Island
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Hunter Army Airfield was hands down my family’s favorite duty station so far. I’m originally from a small town in Georgia, so it just felt like home with the added touch of being on the coast.
One of our favorite things to do at HAAF was spend the morning on Tybee Island any chance we got.
photo courtesy of: Tybee Island Beaches | VisitTybee.com
Tybee consists of: North Beach, Mid Beach, South Beach and Back River Beach. However, there’s beach access points all over the island, outside of these four busy locations.
Our favorite spots on the island
Beach access - Polk Street
For beach access, outside of the main tourist spots, we always went to the Polk Street beach access point. Located right when you get onto the island off of highway 80, before you hit North Beach. When you turn left onto Polk Street, you’ll drive toward a residential area but there are about 5-6 public parking spots at the end of the road before you take the final walk to the beach. Just download the Park Tybee app on your phone and pay your meter there before you head off to the water.
To get to this access point, just put Polk Street, Tybee Island into your navigation system and drive down the street till you see the public parking spots on your left. Get there early, because there’s very few spots available at this location and you’re not allowed to park anywhere else in this residential area unless you’re renting one of the vacation homes there.
For comparison, all the pictures above are from the Polk Street beach access point. You can see in the background its calmer waters and very few people. Below, are pictures taken at South Beach near the pier and pavilion. It’s much more crowded at South Beach and the waters not as calm.
Restaurant - Geralds Pig and Shrimp
Our go-to restaurant for lunch was Geralds Pig and Shrimp.
Photo courtesy of: Gerald's - Picture of Gerald's Pig & Shrimp, Tybee Island - Tripadvisor
While it may not look like much from the road, you don’t want to pass it by. Trip Advisor reviews agree, as they’re ranked #2 on the whole island. They have the absolute best BBQ and fresh fish on the island, and cold beer ready for you after soaking up the sun on the beach. Located right by Polk Street, we stopped by nearly every time we left the beach. Bonus, they can accommodate large groups.
My lunch pick: The fried fish dinner entree with cucumber salad and fried okra
Ice cream shop - Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
After lunch and a morning at the beach, on the way off the island back into Savannah you’ve got to stop at Rita’s. No explanation needed here, just thick and creamy custard to top off the day.
Beach gear recommendations
Beau Jardin wagon
I can’t even begin to tell you the number of wagons we have been through at this point in our life. But this is THE one. It’s got heavy duty wheels that you need for the beach too.
2. Native shoes
Tybee is a very shelly island; you might cut up your feet if you go without beach shoes. These natives are great cause they’re my kids’ regular shoes, but they are also GREAT for the beach.
*See picture above with the wagon, my kid is also wearing a red pair of natives.
3. Columbia Hat
I have a hard time finding hats since my head is so small, but this one is great because it’s adjustable in the back based on your head size. And truly comfortable!
*Pictures of me wearing hat above in blog post
4. Sand proof Beach Blanket
I really didn’t know I needed this, until we received one from my MIL. Now I can’t go to the beach without it.
*Pictures of our sand proof blanket above in blog post