Drive 20 minutes east of Savannah, through a few miles of wide sky and salt marshes. This is where you'll find Tybee Island — perhaps the most laid-back location on the southeastern coast.

Visit Tybee Island’s Official Web site.

On this uniquely charmed island, nature lovers mingle with movie stars, bird watchers with good ol' boys. Pirate raids are regular happenings. There are parties of epic proportions and silent beach sunrises. And everyone, from townie to tourist, watches out for the sea turtles.

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There are miles of beach; forts and museums and a great old lighthouse; endangered birds and other animal species; kayaks and bikes to rent (along with all kinds of hotels, motels and cottages, too).

Days are as active, or lazy, as mood demands. Local galleries, shops and restaurants offer changes of pace and taste. And, of course, historic Savannah's nearby.

This is the beautiful barrier island that ancient Indians named “salt” (“duh bee” in the old Euchee tongue)—and a place you'll wish that you, too, had discovered long ago.