Water park accessibility, visual aids at museums and all-terrain track chairs for park access are all offered here
ST. MARYS, GEORGIA–FEBRUARY 2025–On Georgia’s Southeastern coast, St. Marys is an idyllic small town popular with those who enjoy coastal charm, outdoor activities and a fresh take on local cuisine. Located less than an hour’s drive north of Jacksonville, Florida, off I-95, St. Marys is easy to get to and, more than ever, it is easily accessible for visitors of all abilities.
Downtown
Downtown St. Marys has a unique mix of locally owned retail shops where collections of specialty retail, local art, vintage décor and more line the aisles. The sidewalks are well-kept and are ten to twenty feet wide in some areas. The crosswalks have wheelchair cutouts for easy use. While uneven surfaces, mainly due to tree root systems, are present, sidewalks are passable for users of all wheelchair or scooter type chairs.
There are also golf cart rentals available, making cruising around town a fun part of the visit. Carts are delivered right to a visitors’ location for use during the stay. For an exclusive tour and a look into area history and lore, private golf cart tours of St. Marys Historic District can be scheduled in advance.
St. Marys Waterfront Park (100 West St. Marys Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558), with its ancient oaks and beautiful river views is a favorite spot to enjoy downtown. There is a fountain, boardwalk, gazebo, picnic areas and public restrooms. There is ramp access from the street and there are sidewalks throughout the park that make it completely accessible. Both the gazebo and the amphitheater are accessible and are great places to get out of the sun and enjoy the views of the river.
Attractions
Among St. Marys’ top accessible attractions is Cumberland Island Museum (129 Osborne Street, St. Mary, Georgia 31558; 912-882-4336). The museum showcases a collection of artifacts from Cumberland Island including stories of the famed Carnegie family and remnants of the Timucuan Indians who once inhabited the island. The “Forgotten Battle” exhibit demonstrates the dramatic events that occurred during one of the last battles of the War of 1812, fought here. The museum is accessible for wheelchairs and for the visually impaired and restrooms are also handicap accessible.
The St. Marys Submarine Museum (102 West St. Marys Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-2782) is a Georgia WWII Heritage Trail site and is a must-see attraction. Its vast collection includes uniforms and submarine models and a host of exhibits chronicling the extensive activities of the “Silent Service” in area waters. The museum is filled with a wide variety of exhibits, pictures, models, artifacts and rare historical documents, along with local activity accounts. Visitors can view the St. Marys waterfront through a real submarine Type 2 periscope. A chair lift is available for access to the 2nd floor.
St. Marys Aquatic Center (311 Herb Bauer Drive, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-673-8118) has a variety of ways to enjoy the water, including a thrilling water slide, a calm, lazy river and a fun splash pad. There are steps at the entry and both the lazy river and children’s pool have zero entry access. The lap pool offers a chair lift for pool entry. Patrons can relax in the sun or lounge under umbrellas and when it’s time for a break, the park’s snack bar offers a variety of tasty treats from ice cream to pizza.
Parks
Crooked River State Park (6222 Charlie Smith Sr. Highway, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-5256) is a 500-acre park and the perfect spot for enjoying pinewood flats, salt marshes and maritime forest. There are four hiking trails, three kayaking routes and picturesque fishing spots, along with a boat ramp. The nature center features fish, snakes, turtles and other animals native to coastal Georgia. While trails are not paved or hard-packed surfaces, there are all-terrain track chairs available for reservation. The Visitor Center, Nature Center and the bait shop are wheelchair accessible and there are several accessible amenities and facilities in the park.
Cumberland Island National Seashore is a treasure just off the mainland and is a popular day trip for St. Marys visitors. The island encompasses more than 9,000 acres which includes pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches and vast marshes. The island is accessible only by ferry, with reservations, and the excursion starts at the Visitor Center (113 St. Marys Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-4336) on the waterfront. Visitors check in here for their ferry ride to the island and both the center and the ferry are wheelchair accessible. All island trails are sand and weather conditions impact the ease of movement on them. All-terrain beach wheelchairs are available upon request. These non-motorized wheelchairs are designed with balloon tires for ease of movement in sand. There are also two all-electric all-terrain track chairs available, by reservation, through a pilot program. The park maintains a listing of facilities and services at Cumberland Island National Seashore that are accessible for people with mobility, vision and/or hearing limitations.
St. Marys has a host of independent lodging options, each with a personality of its own. Visitors are encouraged to discuss specific accessibility needs when making reservations to enjoy a visit to St. Marys.
Where to eat
St. Marys’ restaurants offer excellent fare that comes in a variety of flavors. There are those who specialize in local seafood, of course. They are joined by a variety of other specialties and the combination is a satisfying mix of flavors that keeps visitors coming back for more.
Locals Dockside (307 West St. Marys Street, St. Marys Georgia 31558; 912-510-8577) is a favorite seafood and steak spot. There are creative preparations of fish, scallops and oysters as well as succulent steaks and outstanding desserts.
The Firefly Taco Cantina (609 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-623-8226) has outdoor seating, an upbeat atmosphere and a menu filled with tasty items for brunch, lunch, happy hour and more.