In short
- Tybee is the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Georgia at 145 feet.
- Tybee features an intact five-acre campus with an 1898 military battery.
- St. Simons is located further south and represents a different historic era.
In this article
When planning a trip along the Georgia coast, you might wonder how the state's historic beacons differ. Tybee Island and St. Simons both offer unique maritime history. Tybee retains a heavily intact five-acre campus, giving visitors a complete look at a 19th-century light station.
Which lighthouse is taller?
The Tybee Island Lighthouse is the tallest in Georgia, standing 145 feet tall.
Visitors must climb exactly 178 steps to reach the Tybee observation deck. The outdoor catwalk provides 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Savannah River. St. Simons sits further south and has a different height profile, making Tybee the highest climb in the state.
Which lighthouse is older?
Tybee Island is the oldest lighthouse in Georgia, with its first tower ordered in 1732.
General James Oglethorpe ordered the first Tybee tower, which was completed in 1736. The current brick structure dates to 1867. Both lighthouses represent different historical eras, but Tybee's timeline stretches further back into Georgia's colonial past.
How do the campuses compare?
Tybee Island features a remarkably intact five-acre historical site.
The Tybee station retains all of its historic support buildings. This includes an 1881 Victorian-style Head Keeper's Cottage and a detached summer kitchen. Visitors can walk the grounds to see how isolated 19th-century keepers lived. Tybee's expansive compound is rare.
What military history is on site?
The Tybee site includes an 1898 coastal artillery battery.
Tybee Island integrates military history directly into the lighthouse visit. The Tybee Museum sits inside Battery Garland, a massive concrete fort built during the Spanish-American War era. This structure adds a layer of defense history that differs from the St. Simons experience.
Do both lighthouses still work?
The Tybee Island Light Station remains an active navigational aid.
The operational beacon at Tybee still uses its original nine-foot-tall First Order Fresnel lens. This intricate glass prism was installed in 1867. It continues to guide ships safely into the Savannah River today.
Tybee Island vs. St. Simons at a glance
Tybee Island holds the records for age and height in Georgia.
While both locations offer deep coastal heritage, Tybee provides a larger intact campus and a taller climb. Keep in mind that Tybee tickets are only sold on-site and cost $14 for adults.
Questions travellers ask
What is the oldest lighthouse in Georgia?
The Tybee Island Light Station is the oldest in the state. The first tower on the site was constructed in 1736.
How tall is the Tybee Island Lighthouse?
It stands 145 feet tall. Visitors must climb exactly 178 steps to reach the observation deck.
Do you need to buy Tybee Lighthouse tickets in advance?
No. Tickets must be purchased on-site upon arrival. They are not pre-sold online.
