It’s time to spring forward, and St. Marys is ready to welcome you with open arms
ST. MARYS, GEORGIA – APRIL 2025 – Springtime in St. Marys, Georgia is like stepping into serenity but don’t let that stop you from packing your sense of adventure! Picture the sun rising over the St. Marys River, casting a golden glow on the water as you glide along in a kayak. The air smells like salt and blooming jasmine, and the only sounds are the subtle splash of your paddle and the occasional call of a heron. Later, you’re biking under a canopy of moss-draped oaks, past centuries-old homes, inviting storefronts, and charming shops. By afternoon, you’re hiking through maritime forests, spotting deer and maybe even a wild horse or two. This isn’t just a St. Marys daydream—it’s a foray full of water, nature, and history meant to make your spring unforgettable.
Paddle through Paradise: Kayaking & Water Adventures
St. Marys, part of the Southeast Coast Saltwater Paddling Trail, often shines brightest on the water, and the St. Marys River is a paddler’s paradise perfect for boating, kayaking or paddleboarding. Imagine launching your kayak during a colorful sunrise while dolphins playfully break the surface nearby. If you’re lucky, you might even spot river otters or a manatee lazily drifting along as you traverse marshes and channels amid shady, soaring oaks. St. Marys has semidiurnal tides (two highs and two lows per day) and it’s important to know the tide times for your excursion. Make sure to wear a life vest and take plenty of drinking water and snacks. Don’t forget to paddle with a buddy, use sunscreen, and leave a paddle plan with someone ashore. For those who are inspired by the splendor and want to dive deeper into the area’s natural wonders, rentals for experience paddlers and guided eco-tours are available with Adventures Up the Creek, and Knucklehead’s in downtown St. Marys can help with rentals.
Just a short paddle or ferry ride away lies Cumberland Island, a haven that serves as the crown jewel of Georgia’s coast. Paddle along its marshy waterways and then trade your kayak for hiking boots to explore the island’s wild terrain. You’ll find pristine beaches, towering dunes, and even the remnants of a Carnegie mansion known as Dungeness. While on your Cumberland Island adventure, don’t forget about the island’s favorite residents, the majestic wild horses.
Crooked River State Park, located just 10 minutes from St. Marys Waterfront, is another perfect spot with three kayak trails ranging from 4.3 miles to 8.4 miles. The Cherry Point Trail is rated moderately difficult. Launch should take place 90 minutes prior to low tide, has many opportunities to get out and stretch on sand bars, and has you riding the incoming tide back to the launch site.
Pedal the Town: Biking the Tabby Trail
If you prefer to keep your feet (or wheels) on solid ground, St. Marys has solutions. The St. Marys Tabby Trail is an 11-mile bike and multi-use hard surface path from St. Marys Waterfront Park to Crooked River State Park. Comfort stations are located at Sweetwater Park on Pt. Peter Road and at the McIntosh Sugar Mill Ruins on Ga Spur 40 (across from the Stimson Gate of NSB Kings Bay). Restrooms and a Bike Repair Station are located at the St. Marys Waterfront Park. Paths are still in progress along the route and the trail is part of the Three Rivers Trail system which will connect Woodbine, Kingsland, St. Marys, and Crooked River State Park and the East coast Greenway. You might also choose a leisurely ride in the downtown historic district where you’ll pass colonial-era homes, their porches adorned with rocking chairs and flower boxes and dozens of historic markers and attractions to keep your interest along the way. The picturesque St. Marys Waterfront Park is perfect for a quick rest. Take it all in and then stop by one of the local cafés for a much-deserved sweet tea or a freshly baked treat. If you want to rent a bike, or just need supplies or service for your own bike, be sure to visit local cycling experts at the Camden Bicycle Center. You can also download local rides on Strava or Trek’s Ride Club App.
Stay & Savor: Where to Rest and Refuel
After a day of paddling and pedaling you’ll need a comfortable place to rest your head. Fortunately, St. Marys has diverse lodging options to suit every style, need, and budget. For a truly unique experience, check into the Goodbread House Inn, a charming bed and breakfast housed in a historic building. Picture a sumptuous breakfast in the dining room followed by a front porch cup of coffee underneath the magnolia’s shade. Inside, each room is thoughtfully decorated with its own romantic theme, making your stay as memorable as your escapades. Other downtown spots are the Riverview Hotel, Spencer House Inn, and the Mermaid Cottage.
If you’re looking for something a bit more modern, the SureStay by Best Western offers updated, comfortable rooms and reliable amenities such as a screened-in pool and business center, all at an affordable price. Those who want to explore even more sleep options will find that St. Marys has plenty of other places, from cozy to modern vacation rentals. Enjoy a brush with history where Aaron Burr hid after his infamous duel with Alexander Hamilton in 1804 at The Federal Quarters or a group stay at a contemporary vacation village at Borne 605 in the heart of downtown.
When it’s time to indulge in a fresh St. Marys meal, head to one of the town’s terrific downtown restaurants. Locals Dockside, Southern River Walk, and The Firefly Taco Cantina are all fantastic eateries with a friendly, laidback vibe. The peaceful atmosphere and local flavors make dining in downtown St. Marys and Midtown and beyond an inspiring experience in itself and the treats at Kraken Coffee Kitchen, Market on the Square, and The Café at Cottle and Gunn are worth the trip themselves.
Spring into St. Marys
Start planning your itinerary today, and don’t forget to check out the calendar of events at visitstmarys.com/calendar to see what’s happening during your visit. Your perfect spring getaway is just a paddle or pedal away located less than an hour’s drive north of Jacksonville, Florida, and only 5 miles east of I-95.