There’s a slight eccentricity to Tybee Island, not on the level of Key West, but they have their own unique style nonetheless. It’s a great place to visit if you just want to hang out on the beach for a laid back and low key vacation. Like Key West, the city has an affinity for cats so expect to see them roaming the local shops and businesses. There’s also an old fashioned boardwalk and pier you can fish from and an old lighthouse to explore.

My son’s favorite experience on Tybee was the Beach Discovery Walk, a guided tour along the beach given by the Tybee Island Marine Science Center. We learned about tides and dunes, searched for critters, and helped cast a fishing net into the water, then got a lesson on the contents of our catch. My son went crazy over catching jellyfish. 

Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House and The Crab Shack are both fun choices for food as well as character. Uncle Bubba’s is owned by Paula Deen’s brother, so there’s plenty of comfort food. Oysters are their specialty, but I had to go with the Po Bubba’s (their version of a poor boy sandwich) and a slice of pecan pie. Prices make Bubba’s a splurge, but there is a kids menu, and it’s in a great location on the inlet with a fun outside eating area. 

The Crab Shack is an eatery but also an experience. While you’re waiting on a table, the kids can feed baby alligators in a completely fenced off area.  Once you’re seated there’s lots of messy finger food fun -- low country boils, barbeque, and corn on the cob.