You’re driving over the Lazaretto Creek Bridge, the salt air hits your face, and the palm trees start waving. It’s that classic Tybee feeling. But then it hits you—the "where do I put my car without getting a $60 ticket" anxiety. Honestly, parking on Tybee Island can feel like a high-stakes game of Tetris if you don't know the ground rules.
City of Tybee parking services doesn't have to be a headache, but it’s definitely not a "wing it" kind of situation. The island is small, the crowds are big, and the enforcement is, well, very efficient. If you think you can just pull onto a side street and disappear for the day for free, you're in for a surprise.
The $4 Hour and the Winter Save
Let’s talk numbers first because they changed fairly recently. Right now, the standard rate for hourly parking across the island is $4.00 per hour. It doesn't matter if you’re at the North Beach lot by the Lighthouse or tucked away near the Pier; the price is the same.
But here’s a cool bit of news that’s actually making people pretty happy. Starting in late 2025 and running through February 2026, the city introduced a winter rate. From November 1 to February 28, the price drops to $2.00 per hour. It’s basically their way of saying "please come visit us when it's chilly." If you’re a local or just a winter beach bum, this is a massive win.
Parking is enforced from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every single day. Yes, that includes Sundays. Yes, that includes Christmas. If the sun is up and you're in a public spot, you’re likely on the clock.
The Park TYB App vs. The Kiosks
Most of the old-school coin meters are gone. You’ll see "Pay-and-Display" kiosks everywhere. You walk up, shove your card in, and it spits out a receipt that you have to put on your dashboard.
Kinda annoying? Yeah, a little.
That’s why most people use the Park TYB app. It’s powered by Passport, and it’s actually pretty decent. You put in your zone (Zone 2100 is the big one for the whole island), your license plate, and your payment info. The best part is the "extender." If you’re halfway through a plate of fried shrimp at AJ’s and realize your time is running out, you just tap your phone to add another hour.
One big warning though: A lot of people think the app "knows" where they are. It doesn't. If you park in a prohibited zone or against the flow of traffic, the app will still take your money, but the parking officer will still give you a ticket. The app pays for the time, not the legality of the spot.
Where to Actually Park
Tybee is divided into a few main areas. Depending on what you want to do, your strategy should change.
- South Beach (The Pier & Pavilion): This is the "downtown" area between 14th and 18th Streets. The lots here are huge, but they fill up by 10 a.m. on summer Saturdays. If you’re here for the bars, the pier, or the main strand, this is your spot.
- North Beach (The Lighthouse): Right across from the Tybee Lighthouse and Fort Screven. It’s a bit quieter and the lot is paved. It's perfect if you want to explore the museum or watch the big container ships come into the Savannah River.
- Side Streets: Between the North and South ends, there’s a lot of on-street parking. This is where people get in trouble. You must park in the direction of traffic. If you flip your car around to face the "wrong" way on the shoulder, that’s an automatic $50 fine for "Parking Against Traffic."
The "No Free Parking" Reality
I get asked this all the time: "Where is the free parking on Tybee?"
The short answer? There isn't any.
The city is very clear about this. There are no free public spots on Highway 80, Butler Avenue, or near the parks. Even at Memorial Park or Jaycee Park, you have to pay. The only people who park for "free" are residents with a specific decal or people with a paid annual pass.
If you’re planning on staying for more than a few days, or if you visit from Savannah every weekend, the Annual Parking Pass might be worth the math. For 2026, a standard non-resident annual pass is $302.00.
Wait, did I hear that right? Yes, $302.
It sounds steep, but do the math. At $4 an hour, if you spend five hours at the beach twice a month, you've already spent nearly $500 in a year. The pass is a "virtual decal," meaning it's tied to your license plate. No more stickers on the windshield for visitors.
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The City of Tybee Island doesn't mess around with enforcement. They have a fleet of carts cruising the island all day. Here’s a quick list of what those fines look like in 2026:
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- Expired Time: $60.00. (The most common one).
- Prohibited Area (Yellow Curbs): $115.00.
- Fire Hydrant: $300.00. (Don't even think about it).
- Handicap Space (without permit): $300.00.
- Parking Against Traffic: $50.00.
If you do get a ticket, you can pay it online at the city's website or go to the Parking Services office at 1509 Strand Ave. They’re open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, but they close for lunch from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Trust me, trying to argue with them during their lunch break is a losing battle.
The Golf Cart (Motorized Cart) Rule
Tybee is a golf cart town. It's fun, it's breezy, but the parking rules are exactly the same. You cannot park a golf cart on the sidewalk or in a "dead space" at the end of a row unless it's a marked spot.
Carts have to have a "T-Number" decal if they belong to a resident, and they still have to pay the hourly rate if they’re in a public spot. Also, you can't drive them on Highway 80 (Butler Ave) once you get past a certain point—stick to the side streets.
Specific Tips for 2026
If you’re heading out this year, keep these practical things in mind:
- Don't bother with quarters. The city has stopped accepting coins at most locations. It’s plastic or the app.
- The "Receipt Transfer" Trick: If you pay at a kiosk on North Beach and decide you want to head down to the Pier, your receipt is still valid! As long as you have time left, you can move your car to any legal public spot on the island.
- The 15-Minute Rule: There isn't one. The second you walk away from your car without paying, you are liable. I've seen tickets written three minutes after someone parked.
- The $8 Minimum: If you use a credit card at a kiosk, there is often a minimum charge (usually $8.00, which covers two hours). If you only need 30 minutes, use the app to avoid the minimum.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
To make your visit to Tybee as smooth as possible, follow this checklist before you cross the bridge:
- Download the Park TYB app and set up your account while you’re still at home. It saves you from standing in the sun trying to type in your credit card number while your kids are screaming for the beach.
- Check your plate. Make sure the license plate in the app matches the car you are actually driving (especially if you're in a rental).
- Look for the lines. If there aren't white lines on the pavement or a sign specifically saying you can park there, assume it’s a "No Parking" zone.
- Set a timer on your watch. The app gives you a notification, but beach cell service can be spotty. A backup timer 10 minutes before your parking expires will save you $60.
- Use the 15th Street entrance if you’re heading to the Strand. It’s usually less congested than turning at the main Tybrisa Street light.
Parking on Tybee is basically a tax for enjoying one of the most beautiful spots in Georgia. Pay the $4, follow the signs, and keep your car pointed the right way. It’s a lot cheaper than a $115 tow fee.