Overview & Suitability

Chatham Ave. Beach Access Parking is a small, public beach-access lot located on the quiet southern tip of Tybee Island, near the Back River area. Suitable primarily for standard passenger cars, SUVs, and minivans, the facility offers about 20 designated parking spaces. This lot provides direct access to the Back River Beach, a serene and less crowded alternative to the lively South Beach. Please note that RVs, motorhomes, and campers are strictly prohibited in all city-managed public lots, including this one; oversized vehicles must use designated spaces at River's End Campground or select areas along Highway 80.

Access, Dimensions & Clearance

This open-air surface lot has no overhead height restrictions, making it suitable for standard passenger vehicles with roof racks or cargo carriers. The entry is located directly off Chatham Avenue, featuring easy navigation, though the tight turning radius and limited space make it less ideal for trailers or larger dual-axle vehicles. Due to its popularity as a "hidden gem" beach launch and sunset viewpoint, spaces are highly coveted and the lot can fill up very quickly during weekends, holidays, and peak summer afternoons.

Parking Rates, Tariffs & Booking

Tybee Island operates as a strict "Pay to Park" municipality. Parking is enforced citywide from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, 365 days a year, including weekends and holidays.

• Standard Hourly Rate: $4.00 per hour, paid via the Park TYB mobile app (Zone 2100) or at the nearby Pay-and-Display kiosk.
• Off-Season Rate: $2.00 per hour from November 1 through February 28.
• Daily Pass: $25.00 per day (available for purchase online up to 30 days in advance via TybeeIsland.CMRPay.com, for up to 7 consecutive days).

Payment is entirely cashless and coinless; visitors must use credit/debit cards at the kiosk or pay via the Park TYB app. Be sure to display your Pay-and-Display receipt clearly on your vehicle dashboard if using the kiosk.

Security & Amenities

The Chatham Ave. Beach Access lot is a basic, unstaffed outdoor lot. Standard city police patrols provide regular monitoring. While there are no direct public restroom facilities or lifeguards on duty immediately within this small lot, public restrooms are accessible a short walk away near the Fisherman's Walk beach area. The main highlight is the direct, convenient access to the pristine, shell-filled shoreline, a scenic wooden swing, and a calm inlet that serves as an excellent launch point for kayakers paddling to Little Tybee Island.

Strategic Alternative

For visitors seeking to avoid the heavy traffic and packed sands of the South Beach pier district, this lot acts as the perfect strategic alternative. It offers a much quieter environment, ideal for dolphin watching, sunset viewing, fishing, and kayaking. If this lot is fully occupied, visitors can seek on-street metered spaces on adjacent streets or look for parking at the larger 19th Street and Butler Avenue lots.

Event & Venue Access: Traveling for an event? Check out full guide and rates for parking near Tybee Island Marine Science Center.