Jacksonville GeorgiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Jacksonville, Georgia.
1. World Record Largemouth Bass - Montgomery Lake
HISTORIC FISHING LANDMARK
World Record Largemouth Bass - Montgomery Lake marks the location where the world record largemouth bass was caught by George Perry in 1932. This historic fishing spot continues to attract anglers from across the country hoping to break the legendary 22-pound, 4-ounce record. Visitors can enjoy fishing while appreciating the natural beauty and historic significance of this small Georgia lake.
2. Horse Creek Wildlife Management Area
PRISTINE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Horse Creek Wildlife Management Area offers visitors access to unspoiled natural habitats perfect for hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation. The area encompasses diverse ecosystems including wetlands, forests, and creeks that support a variety of native Georgia wildlife. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy hiking through the wilderness while experiencing the tranquility of rural Georgia.
3. Jekyll Island
COASTAL PARADISE RETREAT
Jekyll Island features 10 miles of pristine beaches and a historic district once frequented by America's wealthiest families. Visitors can explore the island's Driftwood Beach, known for its hauntingly beautiful landscape of weathered trees and driftwood against the ocean backdrop. The island also offers a sea turtle center, bike trails, and golf courses for a complete coastal vacation experience.
4. St. Marys Riverside
CHARMING WATERFRONT TOWN
St. Marys Riverside offers a picturesque waterfront experience with its charming downtown area overlooking the St. Marys River. Visitors can stroll along the waterfront park, enjoying views of Cumberland Island while watching shrimp boats and dolphins in the distance. The area serves as a gateway to Cumberland Island National Seashore and features historic buildings, quaint shops, and seafood restaurants.
5. Cumberland Island National Seashore
WILD HORSES & BEACHES
Cumberland Island National Seashore is Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island, famous for its wild horses roaming freely across pristine beaches. Visitors must take a ferry from nearby St. Marys to access the island's 17 miles of undeveloped beaches, maritime forests, and salt marshes. The island's Dungeness Ruins, remnants of a mansion once owned by the Carnegie family, offer a fascinating glimpse into the area's wealthy past.
6. Okefenokee Swamp Park
ANCIENT WETLAND WONDER
Okefenokee Swamp Park provides access to one of North America's oldest and most well-preserved freshwater systems, dating back 6,000 years. Visitors can explore the vast wilderness via guided boat tours, kayak rentals, or elevated boardwalks while observing alligators, rare birds, and unique plant life. The park also features a Native American village exhibit, pioneer homestead, and educational wildlife shows.
7. Southern Soul Barbeque
AWARD-WINNING BBQ JOINT
Southern Soul Barbeque has earned national recognition for its authentic slow-smoked meats and Southern sides served in a converted gas station. The restaurant has been featured on numerous TV shows including Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, attracting BBQ enthusiasts from across the country. Visitors rave about the pulled pork, brisket, and ribs accompanied by their signature sauces and homemade sides.
8. Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation
HISTORIC RICE PLANTATION
Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation showcases the history of rice cultivation and plantation life along Georgia's coast from the early 1800s until 1915. The site features a well-preserved antebellum home filled with original furnishings and artifacts from four generations of the same family. Visitors can tour the grounds, which include ancient live oaks, marsh views, and exhibits on both the plantation owners and the enslaved people who worked the land.
9. Fort King George Historic Site
COLONIAL MILITARY OUTPOST
Fort King George Historic Site preserves the remains of Britain's southernmost colonial fort on the American mainland, built in 1721. The reconstructed cypress blockhouse, colonial museum, and earthen fort remnants tell the story of the early struggle for empire in colonial Georgia. Visitors can explore soldier barracks, a moat, and beautiful marsh views while learning about the region's strategic importance in early American history.
10. Darien Outlet Center
COASTAL SHOPPING DESTINATION
Darien Outlet Center offers shoppers a collection of brand-name stores and local boutiques just off Interstate 95. The center features a mix of clothing retailers, specialty shops, and dining options in a convenient location for both locals and travelers. Visitors appreciate the less crowded shopping experience compared to larger outlet malls while still finding quality merchandise at discounted prices.
11. Sapelo Island
CULTURAL HERITAGE SITE
Sapelo Island is home to the Hog Hammock community, one of the last intact Gullah-Geechee communities of descendants of enslaved Africans. Visitors can only access the island via a state-operated ferry, where they can tour the Reynolds Mansion, lighthouse, and natural beaches. The island's rich cultural history, combined with its unspoiled natural beauty, offers a unique glimpse into coastal Georgia's African American heritage.
12. Laura S. Walker State Park
NATURAL LAKE RECREATION
Laura S. Walker State Park features a beautiful lake surrounded by pine forests and is Georgia's first state park named for a woman. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking within the 626-acre park located near the northern edge of the Okefenokee Swamp. The park also offers a championship 18-hole golf course, rental cabins, and campgrounds for extended stays in Georgia's unique coastal plain environment.
13. Crooked River State Park
RIVERSIDE NATURAL HAVEN
Crooked River State Park offers peaceful camping and outdoor recreation along the scenic Crooked River, just a short distance from Cumberland Island. Nature lovers can explore salt marshes and maritime forests through the park's nature trail system, which features interpretive signs explaining the diverse coastal ecosystem. The park provides boat ramps, fishing opportunities, and ranger-led programs about the area's natural and cultural history.
14. The Brunswick Old Town Historic District
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL SHOWCASE
The Brunswick Old Town Historic District features remarkably preserved Victorian-era homes and buildings arranged in a distinctive grid pattern known as the Oglethorpe Plan. Visitors can take self-guided walking tours to admire the ornate architecture, ancient oak trees, and historic squares that give the district its charm. The area also houses unique shops, restaurants, and the Ritz Theatre, making it both a cultural and historical destination.
15. Woodbine Crawfish Festival
ANNUAL SEAFOOD CELEBRATION
The Woodbine Crawfish Festival has become a beloved annual tradition drawing thousands of visitors to this small coastal Georgia community each April. Festival-goers can enjoy over 10,000 pounds of fresh crawfish alongside live music, arts and crafts vendors, and family-friendly activities. The event showcases southern coastal culture with its unique blend of food, entertainment, and small-town hospitality just a short drive from Jacksonville, Georgia.