Outer Islands - Savannah, GA Area Guide

Savannah and the outer islands were discovered around 1733 when James Oglethorpe landed on a bluff near the Savannah River. Traveling from England, Oglethorpe named this 13th colony Georgia after King George II, and from there, Savannah was named the first city.

During the American Revolution, England took back control of Savannah from the Americans to try to stop trade, but In 1782, Georgia regained control of the city. Today, Savannah and the outer-lying areas have a population of around 143,000 residents.

Residents of the Savannah area take pride in their thriving cultural atmosphere. The Tybee Lighthouse Museum can be found in the Battery Garland of Fort Screven. The museum contains seven rooms full of artifacts and exhibits, and you can also take part in the annual sand arts festival held by the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). The competition awards prizes to the winners.

Whether you're a fan of classic dishes like pizza and burgers or you enjoy trying fresh seafood or international cuisine, the outer islands offer an eclectic blend of family-friendly restaurants and locally owned bistros. The restaurants on Tybee can be found in the South Beach area, while the majority of the businesses on the other islands lie further inland on the west side near Savannah.

Located on Tybee Island, The Breakfast Club offers a legendary way to start your day. The restaurant once assisted in the catering of John F. Kennedy's wedding and has won the title of "Best Breakfast in Savannah" several times. Sample signature dishes such as fire roasted red peppers with chorizo y huevos, or tempt your taste buds with the low country omelette. This restaurant also serves award-winning burgers and sandwiches, and the children's menu pleases most kids.

For those near Skidaway Island, the Driftaway Café offers casual meals for lunch or dinner. A locally owned restaurant, the Driftaway serves only the freshest fish to ensure your satisfaction. Locals swear by the tuna tartare and sandfly shrimp quesadillas, or try one of the tempting appetizers, including fried green tomatoes or crispy calamari. Whether you find yourself in the mood for a simple salad or a hearty entrée, the Driftaway features something for everyone.

Basil's Pizza and Deli is home to some of the most delicious Italian food in the Wilmington Island area. A quaint café-style and kid-friendly restaurant, Basil's may not look like much from the outside, but the entrées please everyone. Create your own pizza from a selection of fresh toppings or choose one of the specialties. Basil's white pizza uses garlic sauce instead of pizza sauce, and the toppings include a selection of fresh cheese.

Island nightlife begins around 10 p.m. for those looking for something to do in the area. While the islands rarely provide much to do other than a meal or drinks, a short drive into Savannah provides you with a selection of live entertainment.

The Wormhole continues to be one favorite spot for both vacationers and locals alike. Take part in Tuesday night trivia for a chance to win $100, or sing your heart out on open-mike Monday's and dance to one of the scheduled local bands.

The most common method of travel in the outlying island areas of Savannah remains by automobile. Sometimes parking can be scarce, especially in the downtown areas, but you can usually find free public parking near the beaches. Interstate 16 runs east to west throughout the city and towards Tybee Beach, while Interstate 95 runs north to south.

Because the islands are small, walking and cycling provide excellent transportation options. The downtown areas have bike and walking trails for those who prefer to explore the area at a leisurely pace.

Other transportation options include the Tybee Turtle Shuttle, which provides tours of Tybee for a flat rate of $3, and you can hop a ride on one of the trolley's in downtown Savannah for a small fee. For those on a budget, the Chatam Area Transit Authority offers bus rides for $1 anywhere in downtown in the Savannah area, and Uber also offers safe transportation options.

As in most cities in Georgia, in Savannah and the outlying islands, you don't hail a cab. Cabs line up outside popular events and hotels and offer rides just by asking, or you can call a local cab company for a pickup.

The Savannah area offers year-round warm temperatures, so residents enjoy being outside whenever they can. The Memorial Park on Tybee Island features lighted tennis courts and volleyball courts and playground equipment, and dogs are permitted inside the park if they have a leash. You can also find a few dogs parks with walking trails and bike paths, so you can walk your dog for a small fee or for free.

The Savannah Picnic in the Park is an annual event held every October that features music, food and crafts — all at no cost to residents

Because the outlying islands in Savannah boast major tourist areas, the cost of living tends to be around 36 percent higher than the national average and about the same as the downtown city average.

For those interested in living in the Savannah beach areas, you'll have to pay only a few dollars to travel from one of the islands to downtown by public transportation. An average one-bedroom rental costs around $897.70 per month. The cost for a glass of domestic beer is around $5, and a gallon of gas remains the same as the national average.

Shopping in the outlying island neighborhoods provides a variety of high-end and discount chains and specialty stores. Several shopping malls can be found in the downtown Savannah area, including the Savannah Mall and the Oglethorpe Mall.

The Seaside Sisters shop on Tybee offers a selection of souvenirs for visitors, and locals love the selection of furniture, books, women's accessories and housewares. Voted the best gift shop on Tybee, this store also features a selection of desserts and ice cream.

For those shopping closer to Wilmington Island, the Savannah Bee Company provides a large selection of unique beauty products and food items all made using honey. Try the liquid honey hand soap for soft and smooth skin, or get the beeswax balm to smooth rough and dry feet.

Area grocery stores usually take the form of a large chain, including the IGA, Publix, Harris Teeter and Piggly Wiggly, and you can find the Savannah farmer's market is open year-round, featuring locally-grown produce, nursery plants and even sod.