If you’re a fitness addicted health freak, then I recommend vacations in Tybee Island, Georgia. Actually, it’s not me, but a panel of travel and health experts whistled up by Health.com who are recommending Tybee island, located 18 miles east of Savannah.  

The panel was asked to compile a list of America’s top 10 healthiest beaches and lake getaways. The beaches of Tybee Island, GA won the top slot as America’s healthiest beach.

Criteria used by the panel included air and water quality, the abundance of parks, the cost of a hotel room, etc. You can see the full list of America’s healthiest beaches and lake getaways on Health.com.

The other places on the list include Coronado, San Diego, CA; Monterey, CA; Osage Beach, Missouri; Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; Zephyr Cove, Nevada; Bonita Springs, Florida; Wailea, Hawaii; Kelleys Island, Ohio; and Provincetown, Massachusetts. 

Citing Tybee Island’s magnificent 3-mile stretch of beach with gorgeous water, the judges said that Tybee Island has abundant ‘healthy’ facilities, including bike rentals and eateries which serve up an abundance of good-for-you fare like fish tacos, salads, and veggie-filled sandwiches.

“The restaurants serve simple, heart-healthy dishes,” says judge Ruth Frechman, RD, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association.

Biking is the preferred mode of transport on Tybee, and you can leave your bike or vehicle parked just about anywhere on the island.

And the panel also looked at the practical aspects - cost of living, for instance. Apparently, of all the towns shortlisted by the panel, the Tybee Island motels, hotels and other lodging facilities are the least expensive.

For more information about Tybee Island, visit www.tybeeisland.com/. Photos by rjones0856 via flickr (creative commons).

Posted on July 8th, 2009 by Thomas
Filed under: News