Last updated: July 24, 2019
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Port City Showdown: Georgia Edition
“I said, Georgia, oh Georgia. No peace I find. Just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind.”
Ray Charles said it best about the sweet Peach State, but we say a showdown is necessary. These two coastal destinations are just thirty minutes by land, a couple hours by sea, but they’re a world away from each other.
Who will win this Port City Showdown? Savannah or Tybee Island?
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Savannah, GA is a charming coastal city that sits on the edge of the Savannah River, just 20 miles upriver from the Atlantic.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]EAT: Vic’s on the River (26 East Bay Street) Check out the hand-drawn map of General Sherman’s march through Georgia made by Union soldiers in the main dining room, and order the jumbo crab cakes. vicsontheriver.com
DRINK: Five Oaks Taproom (201 W Bay Street) Beer lovers, rejoice. Five Oaks has a drink menu that focuses exclusively on Georgia Brews. Grab some brews and go (literally you can! Savannah has an open container policy)or stay for some grub. fiveoakstaproom.com
DOCK: Isle of Hope Marina A full-service marina located directly on the intercoastal waterway. Yachting services are available, as well as unique overwater pavilion rentals. iohmarina.com/
DO: Bonaventure Cemetary (330 Bonaventure Rd, Thunderbolt ) It sounds strange, but this gorgeous and historic cemetery is a must-see on any cruisers’ itinerary. bonaventurehistorical.com[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Tybee Island, GA is bustling barrier island in the east. In fact, it is the easternmost point of the state. Rich in history and gorgeous beaches.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]EAT: Coco’s Sunset Grille (1A Old US Highway 80) The aptly named Coco’s is the place to be at the end of the day. The freshest seafood and the best evening views. Did we mention the sunsets? cocostybee.com
DRINK: Tybee Island Fish Camp (106 S. Campbell Avenue) A rustic location serving up high-end charm along with delicious cocktails. If you want to do more than have a few drinks, you’ll need reservations. tybeeislandfishcamp.com
DOCK: Tybee Island Marina (4 Old Tybee Road) What this marina lacks in size, it more than makes up for it in service and extra amenities, including unique tours, charters, and other events. tybeeislandmarina.com
DO: Lighthouse Station (30 Meddin Dr) Built in 1736, the Tybee Lighthouse is the tallest in Georgia. If you’re willing to climb the 178 steps to the top, you’ll be treated to a spectacular view. tybeelighthouse.org[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Who should win the battle of Georgia? Let us know in the comments![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
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Savannah is the winner here. Tybee is wonderful, but it is a compliment to Savannah. Much more to see, do and visit in downtown Savannah, and most is accessible by boat (and Uber). A number of very good marinas serve Savannah and the Isle of Hope. Tybee is not accessible by boat, except day boats over back water channels not familiar to transients. Yet Tybee is the quintessential Southern beach; but Savannah has the charm, the shopping, the dining and the facilities. Stay in Savannah, make a visit to Tybee to compliment your Georgia experience.
Been to both several times, and both are winners. Tybee Beach is more laid back and restful, Savannah has more restaurants, “bars”, and upscale hotels. Fortunately, they are close together, so it’s possible to stay in one and enjoy both. Depending on your mood.
My vote is for Savannah!