I’m a big fan of supporting local businesses when I travel. It’s a big part of what I do when I go anywhere new. I want to stay local, eat local, and shop local. Of course, this isn’t always possible but I do my best. When we went on our Tybee Island beach vacation recently, I was really impressed with the amount of small, local shops.
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Shopping During Your Tybee Island Beach Vacation
A lot of times, on the beach, you just get giant beach stores of junk, at least on a lot of Texas beaches you do, but Tybee was different and I was pleasantly surprised. So buckle up for a list of shops you don’t want to miss on your own Tybee Island beach vacation.
Where to Stop Small
First things first, let’s talk about where on the island most of the local/artisan shops are because there is a certain area with the big beach stores and an area with cute local shops. I’m including a google map screenshot to show you the difference.
I also recommend staying in the area with the local shops. It’s much less crowded, quieter, and you can easily drive over to the busy tourist-filled area for a little while. I’m a fan of quiet and less touristy when I travel so I will always make these recommendations. It goes hand-in-hand with shopping local.
Shops Not to Miss on Your Tybee Island Beach Vacation
Now that we have that out of the way, let’s get to the actual shops you don’t want to miss because they are full of local artists and fun finds.
The Misty Marsh Shop: cute boutique with garden items and clothing.
Glazed and Confused: Paint your own souvenir! Completely unique to bring home.
Seaside Sisters: Cute little coastal cottage shop with all the beach decor you will ever need.
Shell Art Etc: This was my favorite. Jewelry, stickers, art, and more.
Tybee Island Art Gallery: I love a good gallery and this one is truly stunning. It has a collection of local artists. The outdoor area alone is worth going for.
Charissa Murray Art: original paintings by a local artist, doesn’t get much better than that.
Irritable Pelican: Head to the visitor center for this local gem.
Transcendent Treasures: This is the one exception to the map above. This one is actually in the touristy area but still worth your visit. It’s got crystals, essential oils, and more.
Bonus: Tybean Coffee is a great local coffee shop out of the busy area and near the local art shops above. They also have a cute little shop of their own and the name is just too cute.
Shop the Water Collection
If you love the beach, make sure to shop the water collection. It’s full of original photography from beaches, lakes, and rivers around the world.
