Tybee Island Marine Science Center

The Tybee Island Marine Science Center does something most museums can't: the subject matter is literally walking distance from the front door. Located on Tybee Island — Savannah's barrier island beach 20 minutes from downtown — the center focuses on coastal Georgia marine life, and then the coastal Georgia shoreline is right outside to confirm everything you just learned.

For families, the visit structure is ideal: start with the indoor exhibits and touch pools (sea turtles, shore birds, local fish, coastal ecosystem education), then walk out to the beach to see the habitat firsthand. The museum runs guided beach walks during certain seasons, turning what could be a passive museum visit into an active science experience where a knowledgeable naturalist walks the strand with your family.

Sea turtle programming is the seasonal highlight. During nesting season (May through August), the center's involvement in nest monitoring and conservation is palpable — there's real urgency and meaning to the exhibits when nests are active. If you're visiting Savannah in summer, this visit has particular resonance.

The touch pool is the experiential centerpiece for younger kids. Handling live animals under staff supervision — feeling the texture of a horseshoe crab, watching a sea creature move in your palm — creates memories that printed placards never do.

Practical planning: the center is on Tybee Island, so this isn't a quick pop-in from downtown Savannah. Plan a full day: Marine Science Center in the morning (1.5-2 hours), then beach time at Tybee in the afternoon. Tybee has multiple casual beach restaurants along Butler Ave. Admission is moderate — roughly $10-12 adult, $7-9 child, free under 5.