I had no idea a spot like this existed just minutes from downtown Savannah.
Tucked away from the tourist crowds, Butterbean Beach Savannah GA is the kind of place locals keep to themselves.
And honestly? I get it. I stumbled onto it completely by accident and left wishing I had found it sooner.
In this post, I'll tell you exactly where it is, what's there, and how to make the most of your visit.
You'll get verified directions from multiple starting points, top activities, best times to go, and tips that actually matter.
You'll leave with a clear plan and zero guesswork. This is the guide I wished I had before my first visit.
Let's get into it.
Where Is Butterbean Beach Savannah GA?
The location, GPS pin, and what to look for when you turn in.
Butterbean Beach is located on Diamond Causeway (GA-204), just before the Skidaway Island bridge in Savannah, GA 31406.
Look for Rodney J. Hall Boat Ramp sign on your right , that entrance leads directly to the beach and parking area.
The street number is listed inconsistently across directories, so skip the street number and search "Rodney J. Hall Boat Ramp" or "Butterbean Beach Savannah" in Google Maps or Apple Maps for a reliable pin.
GPS Coordinates (Georgia DNR verified): N 31.94705, W -81.06702
Free parking is on-site, but the lot fills fast on weekends. Arriving early is your best move.
How to Get to Butterbean Beach Savannah GA
Getting here is straightforward from any direction , here's the fastest route from each starting point.
From Downtown Savannah Distance:10 to 12 miles. Drive time: About 20 minutes. Take Abercorn Street south until it becomes Diamond Causeway (GA-204). Stay on Diamond Causeway and watch for the Rodney J. Hall Boat Ramp sign on your right, just before the Skidaway River bridge. Pull in and follow the road to the parking area.
From Tybee Island Distance:About 26 miles. Drive time: 35 to 45 minutes. Head west on US-80, cross back into Savannah, and connect to DeRenne Avenue or Waters Avenue heading south. Waters Avenue merges into Whitfield Avenue south of Montgomery Crossroads, and Whitfield becomes Diamond Causeway. Follow it to the boat ramp sign on your right.
From Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) Distance:About 18 miles. Drive time: 25 to 30 minutes. Take I-16 East toward downtown, exit onto Abercorn Street south, and follow it until it turns into Diamond Causeway. The beach entrance is on your right just before the Skidaway River bridge.
From Skidaway Island State Park Distance:Less than 1 mile. Drive time: Under 3 minutes. Exit the park heading north on Diamond Causeway. The boat ramp and beach entrance appear almost immediately on your left.
Why Visit Butterbean Beach?
There are plenty of beaches near Savannah. Here's why locals keep coming back to this one.
Butterbean Beach is quieter than Tybee Island, free to visit, and almost entirely used by locals. There are no entrance fees, no paid parking, and no resort crowds pushing past you.
The marsh scenery here is different from anything you'll find on the Atlantic side. You get tidal rivers, salt marshes, and open coastal wetlands instead of ocean waves.
Families come for the calm water and life jacket loaner station. Boaters and kayakers come for the easy ramp access and miles of marsh waterways.
Anglers come for inshore fishing. And everyone comes for the silence. If Tybee Island feels like too much, Butterbean Beach is the answer.
What to Expect at Butterbean Beach
No surprises when you arrive. Here's the honest picture.
Butterbean Beach is a small, calm public park with marsh water access. It is not a traditional Atlantic beach.
There are no waves, no resort facilities, no restaurants, and no vendors on-site. The sand area is compact, and the water has a soft, muddy bottom in places with some shell and oyster coverage near the entry points.
The atmosphere is quiet and mostly local. On weekdays it can feel almost private. On peak summer weekends it gets busier but never overwhelming.
Come expecting a relaxed, natural setting rather than a resort experience, and you'll love it here.
Key Features of Butterbean Beach Savannah GA
Here's a quick look at what makes this spot worth the drive.
1. Scenic Waterfront Views
Standing here, you get wide open views of salt marshes, tidal rivers, and coastal wetlands. It's the kind of scenery that makes you stop scrolling and just look.
The light changes throughout the day, and the colors shift from green to gold depending on the season. Morning visits offer the clearest skies.
If you love coastal landscapes, this view alone is worth showing up for.
2. Sandy Beach and Swimming Area
There's a small but real sandy beach here with direct water access. The water is calm most days, making it a good spot for kids and casual swimmers.
I've seen families set up chairs right at the water's edge and spend hours there. It's not a big resort beach, but it feels personal and relaxed.
3. Public Boat Ramp
The Rodney J. Hall Boat Ramp is one of the most used features at Butterbean Beach. It gives boaters direct access to the local waterways without the hassle of crowded marinas.
The ramp is well-maintained and easy to use. It's a favorite among locals who want quick, reliable water access on weekends and early mornings.
4. Picnic Areas and Pavilions
There are shaded picnic spots spread across the park. Some have tables right along the waterfront, so you can eat with a full view of the marsh.
I've had lunch here on a weekday and it felt like having a private waterfront table. Pack your own food, bring a blanket, and stay a while.
The pavilions also give you shade when the Georgia sun gets serious. The main pavilion can also be reserved for events , contact Chatham County Parks & Recreation at (912) 652-6780 for details.
5. Visitor Amenities
Butterbean Beach keeps things simple but practical. You get free parking, clean restrooms, and a life jacket loaner station. That last one matters most if you're bringing kids near open water.
The facilities are maintained well enough for a public park. Nothing fancy, but everything you actually need is there.
Can You Swim at Butterbean Beach?
Yes , but it helps to know what you're getting into before you arrive.
The water here is tidal marsh water, not Atlantic ocean surf. That means no waves, mild current near the shore, and a soft, muddy bottom in some spots with scattered shell coverage near the entry.
The entry is shallow, which makes it manageable for kids and beginners. Tides affect water depth and visibility significantly.
The best swimming experience is around mid to high tide when the water is fuller and clearer. At low tide, the sand area expands but the water pulls back considerably.
There are no lifeguards on duty, so keep a close eye on younger swimmers at all times. The free life jacket loaner station on-site is worth using if you have children in the water.
Avoid swimming after heavy rainfall when runoff affects water quality.
Rodney J. Hall Boat Ramp
The best public boat launch on the south side of Savannah.
The Rodney J. Hall Boat Ramp , also called the Skidaway Narrows Boat Ramp by Georgia DNR, offers two double ramps with direct access to the Skidaway River and the broader Intracoastal Waterway network. It is free to use with no launch fees.
There is a dedicated trailer parking area separate from the main lot, with space for multiple rigs.
A floating courtesy dock alongside the ramp makes loading and unloading boats straightforward.
The ramp is accessible for kayaks, canoes, small fishing boats, and larger motorized vessels.
Tidal conditions matter here. The ramp sits on a tidal river, so launching and returning is easier around mid to high tide. At low tide, water levels drop and the ramp approach can get shallow.
Check the local tide chart before you go , especially if you're trailering a larger boat. You can find tide predictions for the Skidaway River at tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov.
Fishing at Butterbean Beach
One of the best inshore fishing access points on the south side of Savannah.
The waterways around Butterbean Beach hold a solid mix of inshore species.
Anglers regularly pull flounder, sheepshead, black drum, redfish, sea trout, and blue crabs from the nearby waterways.
The Skidaway River and the tidal creeks branching off it are productive spots, particularly around grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths.
For redfish and trout, focus your casts on oyster bars, creek mouths, and grass flats. For flounder, the wider flat areas along the Skidaway and Herb Rivers are your best bet.
Fishing from the dock or the shoreline is productive, especially on an incoming tide when baitfish push into shallower areas.
Kayak anglers have a real advantage here because they can access the narrower tidal creeks that hold fish others can't reach.
Bandy's Bait Shop is located right at the boat ramp and carries live bait, tackle, drinks, and snacks.
Fishing license:You can purchase a Georgia fishing license online or from a local agent. Saltwater fishing also requires a free Saltwater Information Permit (SIP) in addition to the basic fishing license. Get both at gooutdoorsgeorgia.com before you head out.
Best tide for fishing:Incoming tide consistently produces the most action near the beach and dock. Outgoing tide is better fished further out in the river channel.
Kayaking at Butterbean Beach
Some of the best marsh paddling near Savannah starts right here.
The Rodney J. Hall Boat Ramp is your launch point. From there, you have access to miles of tidal creeks, the Skidaway River, and the surrounding salt marsh network.
The waterways are calm and manageable for beginner to intermediate paddlers. Narrower creek sections require basic turning control but nothing technical.
Wildlife along the route is a real draw.
Blue herons, egrets, fiddler crabs, dolphins, and marsh birds are all common. The marsh grass towers over you in places, making the paddling feel intimate and quiet.
Tide awareness is key. Paddling on an incoming tide makes the outbound leg easier and the return a fight.
Plan your route around a tide chart and give yourself at least 30 minutes of buffer before the tide turns. Moon River Kayak Tours operates out of the boat ramp if you prefer a guided option.
Kayak rentals have been available on-site through Moon River , confirm current availability before you go.
Early morning is the best time for flat water, cooler temperatures, and better wildlife activity.
7 Things to Do at Butterbean Beach Savannah GA
You won't run out of things to do here.
1. Swim and Cool Off
The water at Butterbean Beach is calm and accessible. On a hot Georgia afternoon, jumping in feels like the best decision you've made all day.
The shallow entry makes it manageable for kids and beginners. Always check tidal conditions before getting in, and keep a close eye on younger swimmers since no lifeguards are on duty.
2. Relax on the Beach
Sometimes doing nothing is the whole point. Spread out a towel, bring a book, and let the time pass. The beach area is small but rarely crowded on weekdays.
The sound of the water and wind through the marsh grass is genuinely calming. I've spent full afternoons here doing nothing productive and felt completely fine about it.
3. Launch a Boat
The Rodney J. Hall Boat Ramp makes it easy to get on the water fast. From here, you can reach multiple tidal creeks, rivers, and open coastal zones.
Pack water, sunscreen, and a tide chart before you head out. The marsh network around here goes on for miles.
4. Go Kayaking Through the Marshes
Kayaking here is one of the best things you can do. The salt marshes are full of life, and paddling through them is a different experience from anything else near Savannah.
Bring your own kayak or check with Moon River Kayak Tours on-site. Aim for early morning for flat water and good light.
5. Enjoy a Waterfront Picnic
Pack a cooler and take over one of the shaded picnic tables near the water. There's no restaurant nearby, so bringing your own food is the move.
The tables closest to the water's edge, just past the pavilion, have the best unobstructed views of the marsh. Weekday picnics here are especially peaceful.
6. Fish the Tidal Waterways
Cast from the dock, the shoreline, or launch a kayak and reach the tidal creeks. Redfish, trout, and flounder are all in the system.
Incoming tide is your best window. Make sure your Georgia fishing license and free SIP permit are sorted before you go.
7. Watch Wildlife and Search for Shells
Blue herons, egrets, fiddler crabs, and dolphins have all been spotted here. Keep your eyes open along the shoreline.
There are shells to find too, especially after tidal shifts. Bring a small bag for any finds. You don't need gear. Just walk slowly and look.
Butterbean Beach vs Tybee Island
Not sure which beach fits your plans? Here's the honest comparison.
| Butterbean Beach | Tybee Island | |
| Size | Small, compact | Large barrier island beach |
| Crowd level | Quiet, mostly locals | Busy, tourist crowds |
| Parking | Free, on-site | Mostly paid, limited on peak days |
| Water type | Tidal marsh river | Atlantic Ocean |
| Waves | None | Yes |
| Boating | Direct ramp access | Limited public ramp access |
| Fishing | Excellent inshore access | Surf and pier fishing |
| Restaurants | None on-site | Multiple dining options |
| Best for | Fishing, kayaking, quiet days | Swimming, sunbathing, nightlife |
If you want ocean waves, a full day of dining, and a classic beach trip, Tybee is the right call.
If you want calm water, free parking, inshore fishing, and somewhere that feels like you found it rather than following a crowd to it, Butterbean Beach wins.
Best Time to Visit by Activity
Spring and fall are the best seasons overall. The weather stays comfortable and crowds are lighter than summer.
Summer brings heat and humidity, but the water makes it manageable. Winter visits are quieter and surprisingly pleasant on clear days.
| Activity | Best Time |
| Swimming | Late spring through early fall, mid to high tide |
| Kayaking | Early morning, incoming tide |
| Fishing | Incoming tide, year-round |
| Photography | Sunset, golden hour from the water's edge |
| Birdwatching | Winter mornings |
| Picnicking | Spring and fall weekdays |
Nearby Attractions
Already out on the south side of Savannah? These spots are all within a short drive.
Skidaway Island State Park:Less than 1 mile from Butterbean Beach. The park has miles of trails through maritime forest and salt marsh, and the longer Big Ferry trail passes old Prohibition-era liquor stills, shell middens, and Civil War earthworks. There's also a new visitor center with a 20-foot replica of a prehistoric giant sloth skeleton. $5 parking fee.
Wormsloe Historic Site:About 4 miles away. The iconic moss-draped oak avenue you've likely seen in photos of Savannah. The site includes tabby ruins dating to the 1740s, a colonial life museum, and hiking trails with views of the Isle of Hope and surrounding waterways. Open daily, 9am–5pm. Adult admission is $10.
Pin Point Heritage Museum:About 6 miles away. Located in a former oyster canning factory, the museum highlights the history of the seafood-processing community and Gullah-Geechee culture through oral histories and fishing craft demonstrations. Open Thursday through Saturday, 9am–5pm. Adult admission is $8.
Isle of Hope:About 5 miles away. One of Savannah's most scenic neighborhoods. Drive down Bluff Drive along the Skidaway River at sunset for waterfront views and Spanish moss draped over live oaks.
Savannah Historic District:About 10 to 12 miles north. If you haven't walked the squares and seen the architecture yet, it pairs well with a morning at Butterbean Beach.
Tips for Visiting Butterbean Beach
A quick practical checklist before you head out.
- Bring water and snacks since there are no food vendors on-site.
- Arrive before 10 AM on weekends to beat the parking rush.
- Use the free life jacket loaner station when heading into the water with kids.
- Wear water shoes as entry points can be rocky and slippery.
- Respect the wildlife by keeping noise low and not approaching animals.
Conclusion
Butterbean Beach is the kind of place that reminds you that the best spots are often the ones you almost missed.
It's not flashy. It's just good. Real water, real scenery, and room to breathe.
I've visited more than once now and always leave feeling better than when I arrived , whether it's a quiet weekday morning with a coffee and a fishing rod, or catching that last light on the marsh at sunset with nobody else around.
If you're in Savannah, skip the tourist checklist for a day and head out to Butterbean Beach Savannah GA instead.
Have you tried it? Drop a comment below and tell me what you loved most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim at Butterbean Beach Savannah GA?
Yes. There is a small beach with calm, tidal river water. No lifeguards are on duty, so supervise children closely.
Is Butterbean Beach good for kids?
Yes. The calm water, sandy beach, and free life jacket loaner station make it very family-friendly.
What fish can you catch at Butterbean Beach?
Redfish, speckled trout, flounder, sheepshead, black drum, and blue crabs are all common in the surrounding waterways.
What time does Butterbean Beach open?
It's a public park accessible during daylight hours. Hours may vary slightly by season.
How is Butterbean Beach different from Tybee Island?
Butterbean Beach is a small, quiet marsh beach with calm water, free parking, and inshore fishing access. Tybee Island is a full Atlantic beach with waves, restaurants, and larger crowds.
