St. Marys GeorgiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near St. Marys, Georgia.
1. Cumberland Island Ferry
GATEWAY TO ISLAND PARADISE
The Cumberland Island Ferry offers a smooth journey with diverse seating options and scenic upper deck views to an island rich in wildlife and history. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and the acclaimed Land and Legacies tour while exploring the island's natural beauty. The ferry serves as the primary transportation to this unspoiled natural sanctuary where wild horses roam freely.
2. Crooked River State Park
RIVERSIDE NATURE RETREAT
Crooked River State Park is a scenic riverside park with large campgrounds, cabin stays, and a porch with panoramic views of the water. The park features numerous hiking trails, a nature center, mini-golf, bike rentals, and a boat ramp for water activities. Nature enthusiasts can explore the diverse flora and fauna while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of this coastal gem.
3. Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum
ISLAND HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum documents the rich history and natural heritage of Georgia's largest barrier island. The museum features exhibits on the island's ecology, indigenous peoples, and the wealthy families who once called it home. Knowledgeable volunteer staff provide insights and answer questions about this unique coastal treasure.
4. Plum Orchard Mansion
HISTORIC CARNEGIE ESTATE
Plum Orchard Mansion is an impressive historic home built in 1898 by Lucy Carnegie for her son George and his wife. This Georgian Revival-style mansion showcases the opulent lifestyle of one of America's wealthiest families during the Gilded Age. The mansion features period furnishings, innovative technology for its time, and offers a glimpse into the island's storied past.
5. St. Marys Submarine Museum
NAVAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The St. Marys Submarine Museum houses an extensive collection of submarine memorabilia, photographs, and artifacts chronicling America's undersea fleet. Visitors can explore detailed submarine models, authentic equipment, and personal stories from submariners who served beneath the waves. The museum's knowledgeable curators often provide personalized historical information about specific submarines upon request.
6. St. Marys Howard Gilman Memorial Waterfront Park
SCENIC RIVERFRONT RECREATION
St. Marys Howard Gilman Memorial Waterfront Park offers beautiful views overlooking the St. Marys River and Cumberland Island beyond. The park features swings, benches, picnic areas, and a playground for families to enjoy the waterfront setting. This picturesque gathering place serves as both the departure point for the Cumberland Island Ferry and a relaxing spot to watch boats navigate the coastal waterway.
7. St. Marys Aquatic Center
FAMILY WATER FUN
St. Marys Aquatic Center provides refreshing water recreation for visitors of all ages during the warm Georgia months. The facility features swimming pools, water slides, and splash areas perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. Families appreciate the clean facilities, attentive lifeguards, and affordable admission prices.
8. McIntosh Sugarworks - Tabby Ruins
HISTORIC INDUSTRIAL REMNANTS
The McIntosh Sugarworks Tabby Ruins preserve the remains of a once-thriving 19th-century sugar processing operation. Interpretive signage explains the history of the mill and the man who built it, offering insights into the region's agricultural past. The distinctive tabby construction—a unique coastal building material made of oyster shells, lime, sand, and water—demonstrates historical construction techniques of the southeastern United States.
9. St. Marys Murder, Mayhem, and Martinis Walking Tour
SPIRITED HISTORICAL JOURNEY
The St. Marys Murder, Mayhem, and Martinis Walking Tour combines fascinating local history with refreshing adult beverages for a unique evening experience. Knowledgeable guides share tales of pirates, infamous criminals, and mysterious events that shaped this coastal community. Participants enjoy stops at local establishments for martinis while learning about the darker side of St. Marys' past.
10. St. Marys Tabby Trail
SCENIC COASTAL PATH
The St. Marys Tabby Trail is an 11-mile bike and multi-use path stretching from St. Marys Waterfront Park to Crooked River State Park. The trail features comfort stations, restrooms, and a bike repair station along its scenic route through coastal landscapes. Visitors can enjoy varying scenery from wetlands to live oak canopies while biking, running, or walking this developing recreational corridor.
11. Tilden Norris Marsh Walk
COASTAL WETLAND OBSERVATION
The Tilden Norris Marsh Walk includes a boardwalk leading to a covered gazebo built into the marsh of the St. Marys River in historic downtown. This serene spot provides excellent opportunities to view coastal water birds and capture stunning nature photographs. The marsh walk's location near the St. Marys Waterfront Park makes it an accessible natural retreat within the historic district.
12. USS George Bancroft Submarine Display
NAVAL HERITAGE MONUMENT
The USS George Bancroft submarine display features the sail of a Benjamin Franklin Class Ballistic Missile Submarine (SSBN-643) mounted atop a concrete hull mockup. Located at the entrance to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, the display creates the illusion of a submarine surfacing from the grassy field. Visitors can walk on top of the structure for a unique photo opportunity and glimpse into America's submarine heritage.
13. Lang's Marina Restaurant
WATERFRONT SEAFOOD DINING
Lang's Marina Restaurant offers fresh seafood dining with spectacular views of the St. Marys River and Cumberland Island. The restaurant specializes in locally-caught seafood prepared in traditional coastal Georgia style, from shrimp and grits to fresh oysters. Diners particularly enjoy the sunset views from the outdoor deck while watching boats navigate the harbor.
14. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
ANCIENT SWAMPLAND WILDERNESS
The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge preserves one of the oldest and most well-preserved freshwater systems in America, just a short drive from St. Marys. Visitors can explore this magnificent 438,000-acre wetland by boat, canoe, or elevated boardwalks to observe alligators, black bears, and hundreds of bird species in their natural habitat. This prehistoric-feeling landscape offers unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities and insight into one of North America's most unique ecosystems.
15. Amelia Island
NEARBY COASTAL GETAWAY
Amelia Island is a charming coastal destination just across the Florida state line, offering an easy day trip from St. Marys. Visitors can explore historic Fernandina Beach with its Victorian architecture, boutique shopping, and diverse dining options. The island's pristine beaches, golf courses, and nature preserves make it a perfect complement to a St. Marys vacation.