Tybee Island isn't exactly a secret anymore. Most people pull up to the island, see the lighthouse, grab a margarita at a beach bar, and call it a day. But if you're looking to actually stay somewhere that feels like a private pocket of the coast, you've probably seen Savannah Beach Racquet Club Tybee Island GA pop up in your search results. It’s one of those gated communities that looks great in photos, but honestly, there are some things you need to know before you drop a few grand on a week-long rental there.
It sits right on the North Beach. That’s a big deal.
Most of the "busy" Tybee action happens down by the Pier and Pavilion on the South end. That's where the crowds are. North Beach is different. It’s quieter. It’s where the locals walk their dogs and where you can actually watch the massive container ships slip into the Savannah River. The Savannah Beach Racquet Club is tucked right into this corner, offering a weirdly perfect mix of "resort vibes" and "I live here now" energy.
What it’s actually like inside the gates
First off, it's a gated complex. Safety is a thing here, but it's more about privacy. You aren't going to find random tourists wandering through the pool area looking for a bathroom.
The layout is pretty straightforward. You have several buildings—A, B, and C—housing privately owned condos. Since they are privately owned, the interior quality varies wildly. One unit might have high-end quartz countertops and a literal rainfall shower, while the one next door looks like it hasn't been touched since 1988. Check the photos of your specific rental unit. Seriously. Don't just look at the building photos.
The pool is the heartbeat of the place. It’s a decent size, and there’s a separate kiddie pool which is a lifesaver if you have toddlers who aren't quite ready for the deep end. You’ve got private boardwalks that lead straight to the sand. No crossing streets. No loading the kids into the car. You just walk.
The Tennis and Pickleball Situation
It’s in the name: Racquet Club.
You’d expect world-class courts, right? Well, they are good. They are well-maintained and definitely a step up from your average park courts. In the last year or two, the pickleball craze hit Tybee hard, and the courts here have seen plenty of action. If you’re a serious player, you’ll appreciate the surface quality. If you just want to swing a racket once and then go back to your drink, that’s fine too.
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The real flex here is the location of the courts. Playing with a salt breeze hitting your face is a different experience than playing at some inland country club. It gets hot, though. Like, Georgia-in-July hot. You want to book your court time for 8:00 AM or wait until the sun starts to dip. Otherwise, you're basically playing in an oven.
The North Beach Vibe vs. The Rest of Tybee
People argue about which side of Tybee is better. It’s a whole thing.
South Beach is the "party" side. It's loud, it's crowded, and it's where the nightlife is. If you stay at Savannah Beach Racquet Club Tybee Island GA, you are choosing the North end. This means you are closer to the Tybee Island Lighthouse and the Marine Science Center. It’s more educational, more relaxed.
You’re also right next to Fort Screven. This area has so much history baked into the ground. You can literally walk from your condo to the officer's row houses. It feels like a neighborhood. Honestly, if you want to actually sleep at night without hearing bass thumping from a nearby bar, this is where you want to be.
The beach itself on the North end is unique. Because it’s near the mouth of the river, the water isn't always that bright Atlantic blue you see in Florida. It's a bit more "lowcountry." But the dolphins? They are everywhere here. If you sit on your balcony at the Racquet Club with a cup of coffee at 7:30 AM, there is a 90% chance you’re going to see a pod of dolphins playing just offshore. It never gets old.
Things that might annoy you
Let's be real for a second. No place is perfect.
The Savannah Beach Racquet Club was built a while ago. The elevators can be slow. If you’re there during a peak holiday weekend like the Fourth of July or Pirate Fest, waiting for an elevator with all your beach gear can feel like an eternity.
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Parking is also strictly enforced. You get your passes, and you better use them. The security doesn't mess around. It’s great for keeping the lot clear for residents and guests, but it’s a pain if you have friends trying to drop by for an hour. They’ll likely have to find public parking nearby, which isn't always easy or cheap.
Also, the "beach" at North Beach changes with the tide. At high tide, the sand can get a bit thin in certain spots. At low tide, you can walk out for what feels like miles. You need to time your beach days according to the tide charts if you want the "classic" sprawling sand experience.
Eating and Drinking near the Club
One of the best parts about staying at the Savannah Beach Racquet Club is the proximity to some of the island's best food. You aren't stuck eating at a hotel restaurant because there isn't one. You're an actual part of the island.
- Huc-A-Poos Bites and Booze: This place is legendary. It’s a dive bar with world-class pizza. It’s literally right across the street in the Tybee Post Theater area. You can walk there in five minutes. It’s where the locals hang.
- The Sugar Shack: Classic ice cream and breakfast. It’s a Tybee staple. It’s not fancy, but it’s exactly what you want after a day in the sun.
- North Point Diner: Good, solid coastal breakfast.
If you need groceries, you've got the IGA on the island. It’s small, but it has the essentials. If you're planning on a long stay, most people stop at the Publix or Kroger on the way onto the island from Savannah. It'll save you a few bucks.
Why people keep coming back
There’s a reason this complex stays booked. It’s the consistency.
When you stay at a random beach house, you never know if the AC is going to work or if the neighbors are going to have a 2:00 AM rager. At the Racquet Club, there’s a set of rules. There’s a standard. Most people who stay here are families or retirees. It’s predictable in a way that’s actually very relaxing.
You also can’t beat the view. The way the buildings are angled, many units have an "oblique" view of the ocean. You aren't always looking directly at the waves, but you can see the water and the ships moving toward the Port of Savannah. Watching those massive cargo ships is oddly hypnotic. They look like floating cities moving past your window.
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Navigating the Rental Market
If you’re looking to book a spot at Savannah Beach Racquet Club Tybee Island GA, you have options. Some people use the big sites like VRBO or Airbnb. Others go through local property management companies like Tybee Vacation Rentals or Southern Belle.
Pro tip: Sometimes calling the local agencies directly can get you a better deal or at least a clearer picture of which units have been recently renovated. Ask specifically when the kitchen was last updated. It makes a difference.
Logistics and Getting Around
You don't really need a car once you're there.
A lot of people rent golf carts. It’s the "Tybee Way." You can zip around the entire island in about 15 minutes. Just remember that golf carts are treated like cars here—you can’t drink and drive them, and you have to park them in actual spots.
Biking is even better. The island is flat. Like, pancake flat. You can bike from the Racquet Club all the way to the Back River to watch the sunset in about 20 minutes of easy pedaling.
Final Insights for your stay
If you want a spot that feels secure, offers a pool, and gives you immediate access to the quietest beach on the island, this is it. It’s not a five-star luxury hotel with room service and a concierge, but it’s a high-quality, comfortable coastal base camp.
Check the calendar for Tybee events before you book. If there’s a festival going on, the island gets crowded fast. But even on the busiest days, the Savannah Beach Racquet Club feels like a little sanctuary behind its gates.
Next Steps for your Tybee Trip:
- Check the tide charts: Download a local tide app before you arrive so you can plan your beach walks.
- Verify the unit details: Message the owner or manager to confirm the "extras" like beach chairs or umbrellas so you don't overpack.
- Book your bikes early: If you're going during summer, bike rentals can actually sell out. Reserve them the same day you book your condo.
- Explore the Fort: Take an hour to walk through Fort Screven right next door; the history of the battery stations is fascinating and often overlooked.