In short
- Adult admission is $14.
- Seniors, military, and youths pay $12.
- Tickets are only sold on-site upon arrival.
In this article
Visiting Georgia's oldest lighthouse requires a single admission ticket. This pass covers the entire five-acre historical campus. Planning your budget is easy, but you need to know their strict purchasing policy before you arrive.
How much does it cost to go to the Tybee Island Lighthouse?
General admission costs $14 for adults. Seniors (62+), military personnel, and youths (6-17) receive a discounted rate of $12.
Children 5 and under enter for free when accompanied by a ticketed adult guardian. These rates are flat across the site. There are no separate tickets just for the museum or just for the tower climb.
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | $14 |
| Seniors (62+) | $12 |
| Military | $12 |
| Youths (6-17) | $12 |
| Children 5 & under | Free |
Do you need to buy Tybee Lighthouse tickets in advance?
No. The historical society does not pre-sell passes online.
You must purchase your tickets on-site when you arrive. Simply walk up to the admission desk to pay. There is no need to print passes or manage digital tickets ahead of time.
What is included with Tybee Lighthouse tickets?
Your ticket grants full access to the five-acre historical campus and the museum across the street.
This includes climbing the 178 stairs of the tower and exploring three preserved keepers' cottages. You also get entry to the Tybee Museum. The museum sits inside the 1898 Battery Garland structure.
Is parking included with the ticket price?
Yes, admission comes with two hours of free parking in the dedicated lighthouse lot.
This two-hour window gives you enough time to climb the tower and see the museum exhibits. If you plan to stay on North Beach afterward, you must move your car. You will need to use the public pay lot across the street.
Are there any days I cannot buy tickets?
The site is closed every Tuesday and on major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
You cannot purchase tickets or enter the grounds on these days. Always verify the holiday schedule before driving to the site. Weather can also impact your visit.
Can I get a refund if the lighthouse tower closes?
No refunds are issued for weather-related closures.
Staff will close the tower and catwalk immediately if adverse weather or high winds roll in. This is a strict safety measure. Ensure the skies are clear before you buy your ticket if climbing to the top is your main goal.
Questions travellers ask
Are backpacks allowed at Tybee Island Lighthouse?
No. Backpacks of any size, beach bags, and extra-large purses are strictly prohibited on the grounds. You must leave these items in your vehicle before purchasing a ticket.
How many steps are in the Tybee Island Lighthouse?
Visitors must climb exactly 178 steps to reach the outdoor observation catwalk. The spiraling historic iron staircase ascends the interior of the 145-foot tall brick tower.
Can you go inside the Tybee Island Lighthouse?
Yes. Your admission ticket allows you to enter the historic tower and climb to the top. The interior also houses the 178-step staircase leading to the First Order Fresnel lens.
