Savannah 2 Nights; Logistics for Tybee/Bonaventure

Question

We are meeting up with two couples (both will have cars). They are coming from Charleston and we are coming from Jacksonville. Would it make sense to start at Bonaventure Cemetary and then drive to Tybee? Or do it the other way around--stopping for lunch in Tybee and leaving the rest of our day for actvities in Savannah like the cemetary? We do need to be ready for a ghost tour that evening, but nothing until 6-ish.

Answer

For a two-day trip to Savannah, your plan to visit both Bonaventure Cemetery and Tybee Island is a great idea! Since you have some flexibility in terms of timing and need to be ready for a ghost tour later in the day, either route could work depending on your preferences. Here’s a breakdown of each option to help you decide:

Option 1: Start at Bonaventure Cemetery and then head to Tybee Island

Starting your day with Bonaventure Cemetery is a good choice if you’re looking for a more peaceful and historical beginning. The cemetery is a beautiful and tranquil spot for a morning stroll, and it’s generally less crowded earlier in the day. You can then head to Tybee Island for lunch and a more relaxed afternoon.

Why it's great: Bonaventure is located on the edge of the city, and it’s a short drive to Tybee Island from there (about 25-30 minutes). You'll be able to visit the cemetery without feeling rushed, and then head to Tybee for a leisurely lunch, followed by beach time or exploring the island.
Things to do on Tybee: Enjoy a scenic lunch, take a walk on the beach, or visit Tybee Island Lighthouse and Museum if time permits before heading back to Savannah for the evening ghost tour.

Option 2: Start at Tybee Island and then head to Bonaventure Cemetery

Starting with Tybee Island might be more appealing if you’re looking to relax and enjoy lunch by the beach. Tybee offers a laid-back atmosphere with great restaurants and a beautiful beach, perfect for unwinding after your drive. You can then make your way back to Savannah to explore Bonaventure Cemetery in the afternoon.

Why it's great: This option lets you enjoy Tybee at a slower pace, with the opportunity to spend more time on the beach and in a nice restaurant. Afterward, you can head back to Savannah to explore Bonaventure and wrap up your afternoon before the ghost tour.
Things to do in Savannah: After Bonaventure, you’ll have plenty of time to grab a coffee or dessert in Savannah before heading to your ghost tour. This would also allow you to explore a bit more of the historic district in the late afternoon.

Suggestions:

If you plan on having lunch on Tybee, you could try places like The Breakfast Club (famous for its breakfast/brunch) or The Crab Shack (great seafood and a relaxing vibe).
Make sure you leave yourself some time to relax before the ghost tour. Many of the tours leave from the historic district, so you may want to plan for a bit of downtime before you go.
If you prefer not to rush, starting with Bonaventure in the morning and heading to Tybee afterward might be the best option since it breaks up the day with a mix of history, nature, and beach time.

Both options are great, and the decision depends on whether you prefer to start with a quieter cemetery visit or a relaxed beach lunch. Either way, you'll have a fantastic day exploring both Savannah and Tybee!