From golf cart rides to submarine encounters, St. Marys waterfront has kid-friendly fun
ST. MARYS, GEORGIA–JANUARY 2025–St. Marys sits on Georgia’s southeastern shore as a welcoming respite for travelers looking for a family getaway. It is easy to get to, less than an hour’s drive north of Jacksonville, Florida, off I-95, and even easier to love. There is a fun, diverse downtown to explore. Two museums bring exciting local stories to life. And an array of outdoor activities mean fun for adventurers of all ages.
The historic downtown district is a scenic, walkable destination with plenty of activities for the whole family. The local shops are filled with unique gifts and fun souvenirs. From the variety of candies, ice cream and accessories at Market on the Square (100 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-2215) to the specialty card packs, Pokémon trading cards and game boxes at D-Vine Sports Cards & Collectibles (203 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-540-8700), this is shopping the kids will love.
Golf cart rentals make cruising around town a fun part of the visit. Carts are delivered right to a visitors’ location. For those who want to take to the trails, bicycle rentals are available, too, from Camden Bicycle Center (1929 Osborne Road, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-576-9696).
St. Marys Waterfront Park (100 West St. Marys Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558) is the perfect place to start and a fun location for daily adventures. The scene includes beautiful palm trees, birds soaring, fish jumping and a variety of boats plying the waters, and it changes every day. There are play and picnic areas, a pier and riverwalk, a fountain and plenty of pet-friendly space for family fun. A slate of seasonal events and festivals add to the reasons to visit.
Just across the street, the St. Marys Submarine Museum (102 St. Marys Street West, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-2782) is jam-packed with exhibits and displays about the “silent service” that is still active in the waters here. The museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history and legacy of America’s submarine force. This is the largest museum of its kind in the South and is filled with photos, paintings, models, artifacts and rare historical documents. There’s even a real submarine periscope to view the beautiful St. Marys waterfront and beyond.
At the Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum (129 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-4336) guests learn stories of the island’s thousands of years of history. Artifacts and accounts from the eras of the American Indian, British explorers and enslaved people are on display. Of course, a day trip to Cumberland Island National Seashore is a popular family activity, too. After making reservations in advance, the trip starts at the waterfront Visitor Center (113 St. Marys Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-4336). Then travelers board the ferry for a trip to the remote island where they can explore the miles of trails, beautiful beaches and historic sites on their own or reserve a spot on an afternoon walking tour or a day-long interpretive van tour.
Also popular for outdoor family fun is a trip to Crooked River State Park (6222 Charlie Smith Senior Highway, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-5256). This 500-acre park has four hiking trails, three kayaking routes and picturesque fishing spots, along with a boat ramp, miniature golf and geocaching. Bike rentals are available, but paddlers and anglers should bring their own boats. A nature center features fish, snakes, turtles and other animals native to coastal Georgia. Visitors may venture to the nearby ruins of a tabby constructed sugar mill, built around 1825 and later used as a starch factory during the Civil War.
Back downtown, Marsh Mud Pottery Studio (815 Osborne St, St. Marys, Georgia 31558) is a favorite for indoor fun. Visitors can get creative painting a project of their choice from a wide variety of pottery pieces and glazes. Nearby, the local water park has fun for all ages. The St. Marys Aquatic Center (311 Herb Bauer Drive, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-673-8118) has a thrilling water slide, a lazy river, a shallow-access pool with interactive playground and a lap pool. Parents can relax in shaded cabanas and all will enjoy the tasty treats from the park’s snack bar.
Where to stay
St. Marys is home to a host of independent lodging options, including a variety of vacation rentals with something for every family’s needs. Borne 605: A Vacation Rental Village (912-674-1432) has several family-friendly options, from one- to three-bedrooms. The three-bedroom Norris Cottage is located in historic downtown St. Marys with an easy walk to restaurants, shops and the ferry to Cumberland Island National Seashore.
At the historic, Goodbread House Inn (209 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia, 31558, 912-882-7490), the veranda overlooks downtown and you’re just steps away from the waterfront park, ferry dock and St. Marys River.
The campground and cottages at Crooked River State Park (6222 Charlie Smith Senior Highway, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-5256) are also popular for those who enjoy a more rustic stay. Campsites are surrounded by palmettos and Spanish moss-draped oaks, while cottages are set near the tidal river.