From numerous hiking, biking trails and birding trails to pickleball and various forms of golf, there’s so much outdoor adventure to be had in Kingsland, no matter the time of year
KINGSLAND, GEORGIA—NOVEMBER 2024—Nestled on the southeast coast of Georgia, just three miles from the Georgia/Florida border and 25 miles north of Jacksonville, Florida, Kingsland, Georgia, is a charming small town full of year-round outdoor adventure, thanks to the area’s mild temperatures. Explore some of the area’s best birding, hit the trails on bike or foot, enjoy a day on the courts or relax with a round of golf. No matter the time of year, there’s plenty of exciting outdoor adventure in Kingsland.
Explore the trails
Home to over 25 county and state parks, Kingsland offers miles of outdoor adventure. Whether hiking or biking, exploring the area’s trails is a wonderful way to connect with Mother Nature. Crooked River State Park, located just a few miles from I-95 on the southern tip of Georgia’s Colonial Coast, gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy the Intracoastal Waterway and maritime forest. With over four miles of trails suitable for hiking or biking, there are plenty of opportunities to observe Spanish moss-draped oaks, expansive palmettos, indigenous birds and the nearby tidal river. Crooked River State Park, 6222 Charlie Smith Sr. Highway, St. Marys, Georgia, 31558; 912-882-5256
Looking for more? Take a ferry ride to nearby Cumberland Island National Seashore, one of coastal Georgia’s most treasured places. Mostly made up of pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches and wide marshes, Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island offers roads and trails perfect for reconnecting with nature. Only accessible by a ferry boat, Cumberland Island is a well-preserved jewel that allows all who visit the opportunity to go “off the grid” and engage with nature without distraction. Wind your way through a plethora of majestic live oaks and palmetto trees while trying to spot the island’s resident wildlife—wild horses, turkeys, alligators, deer and an impressive variety of coastal birds. Want to take in more of the island? Camping is also available on Cumberland as well as bike rentals and tours. Click here for more information on ferry reservations, bike rentals, tours and camping.
Discover birding at its best
Kingsland and the surrounding area are home to many beautiful bird species. From the beloved Roseate Spoonbill and Osprey to colorful Painted Buntings and stoic Herons, there are many opportunities to observe these species—and more—in their natural habitat. Perhaps the best place is along the Colonial Coast Birding Trail, where over 300 species have been spotted among the 18 sites on the trail. Popular birding spots include Crooked River State Park, boasting 500 acres of natural bird habitats, Cumberland Island National Seashore, featuring extensive salt marshes and undeveloped beaches ideal for spotting Painted Buntings, Peregrine Falcons and shorebirds. Additionally, nearby Woodbine is home to over six miles of the Georgia Coast Rail Trail which provides a natural bird sanctuary offering shelter, protection, water, food and nesting sites for many bird species.
Hit the links
Kingsland boasts 700+ holes of golf within an hour. Be surrounded by the area’s natural beauty and take in magnificent marsh views as you play a round at Laurel Island Links. Featuring smooth greens and fairways lined with tall Georgia pines, this stunning course designed by Davis Love III is sure to leave a lasting impression on players. Open to the public and tee times can be booked online. Other noteworthy courses nearby include Trident Lakes Golf Club, located on Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base, and The Golf Club at Sanctuary Cove, a Love Golf Design/Fred Couples Signature course featuring a 7,003-yard layout offering a different residential golf experience. Tranquil tee times await at any of these beautiful courses! Laurel Island Links, 233 Marsh Harbour Parkway, Kingsland, Georgia 31548; 912-729-7277; Trident Lakes Golf Club 1010 USS Proteus Boulevard, Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay, Georgia 31547; 912-573-8475; Sanctuary Cove Golf Club, 2050 Sanctuary Wynd, Waverly, Georgia 31565; 912-466-0080
Have the kids in tow? Check out the Putt-Putt Golf Course, located within Crooked River State Park. This miniature golf course offers a variety of challenging holes and obstacles, making it a great outing for a little friendly competition! Putt-Putt Golf at Crooked River State Park, 6222 Charlie Smith Sr. Highway, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-5256
Even More Outdoor Adventure
For more outdoor adventure, head over to Howard Peeples Park for disc golf and pickleball! Gum Branch Disc Golf Course features 18 holes on its pet-friendly, mixed-use public park.
Grab those paddles and hit the pickleball courts. Featuring eight pickleball courts within the park, there’s plenty of space to play a round of singles or doubles. Howard Peeples Park and Gum Branch Disc Golf Course, 656 Gross Road, Kingsland, Georgia 31548.
Local, fresh and delicious
Another wonderful thing about this coastal destination is the food! From fresh off the boat seafood to down-home Southern dishes, diners are in for a real treat when visiting Kingsland. For a serious dose of Southern hospitality and delicious made from scratch meals, step into Steffen’s Restaurant. This family owned and operated establishment has been serving the Kingsland community since 1948. Using time-honored recipes and the freshest ingredients, diners can enjoy a variety of menu options from fluffy pancakes to hearty burgers and homemade pies for dessert. 550 South Lee Street, Kingsland, Georgia 31548; 912-729-5355
Visitors may enjoy lunch and dinner entrees at Outerbanks Bar & Grill another Best of Georgia Award winner, but don’t miss the delectable appetizers that marry well with the restaurant’s many bar-related events. While you’re trying your hand at trivia night, for instance, sample the Frips, chef and owner Nick McCoy’s version of potato chips topped with bacon, blue cheese cream sauce, balsamic and chives. One popular dish is the Shrimp Grand Marnier, fried local shrimp with bacon, Grand Marnier sauce, sliced oranges and diced tomatoes. It’s easy to see why it’s been labeled the “Five Star Dive Bar.” 140 The Lakes Boulevard, Suite H, Kingsland, Georgia; 912-729-5499
It’s a win-win situation at Angelo’s Italian Restaurant for visitors who can dine in-house on Italian specialties such as calzones and manicotti or grab one of their innovative pizzas to go. Either way, diners are sure to enjoy this favorite community eatery that’s centrally located near hotels along Interstate 95. Angelo’s has been going strong for the past 40 years and is filled with locals nightly, which speaks volumes. 1371 Highway 40 East, Kingsland, Georgia; 912-882-7676
Prepare to enjoy some of the freshest seafood around at Ship 2 Shore Seafood & Steaks. Serving a variety of Southern delights and fresh seafood dishes, Ship 2 Shore is a favorite among locals and visitors. With an extensive menu, the toughest decision for patrons will be just what to order. Choose from local crab, shrimp, mahi, grouper and more including many non-seafood options. Ship 2 Shore Seafood & Steaks, 1947 Commerce Drive, Kingsland, Georgia 31548; 912-882-5711
Where to Stay in Kingsland
With easy access on and off I-95, Kingsland offers many lodging options from big brand hotels to inns and RV parks. For a complete list of Kingsland lodging options, visit Stay in Kingsland, GA; access The Okefenokee and St. Marys.