Tybee Lighthouse and Museum

Tybee Lighthouse and Museum, off US 80E at the n. end of Tybee Island at 30 Meddin Dr., is thought to be the tallest and oldest lighthouse in Georgia. It was built in 1867 atop the lower 60 feet of the light, and all of the support buildings on the 5-acre site remain intact. They include a fully restored keeper's house, which is open for tours; a summer kitchen; and a second keeper's cottage where visitors can watch a video about the history of the light station.

The 178-step climb to the top of the lighthouse offers panoramic views of the ocean and Tybee Island. The museum, housed in one of the gun batteries of Fort Screven, has exhibits on the diverse cultural history of Tybee Island as well as a video about this turn-of-the-20th-century fortification. A raised Tybee cottage that illustrates summer living on the island also can be visited.

Time: Allow 1 hour, 30 minutes minimum.