So many ways to enjoy local culture and resources on Georgia’s Southern coast
ST. MARYS, GEORGIA–DECEMBER 2025–What makes a place special varies among destinations. In St. Marys, Georgia it is a combination of authenticity, an appreciation for local culture and a beautiful coastal setting that creates genuine appeal for visitors. On Georgia’s coast, St. Marys is just east of I-95, less than an hour’s drive north of Jacksonville, Florida. Despite its easy access, it feels like it is a world away. Here, the welcoming community is filled with locally owned shops, eateries and lodging options in a downtown with a waterfront park as a front porch and plenty of stories to tell.
Along the streets of St. Marys, there are restaurants serving local fare retail shops with individual flair. Unique collections of everything from homemade sweets to local art to new and vintage décor fill the shelves of downtown shops. Market on the Square (100 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-2215) has everything from candy to camping supplies. There is art and antiques at Cottle & Gunn (711 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-510-0639), gifts and clothing at Hello Mary Boutique (708 Osborne Street, Suite 100, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 904-586-1116) and Alexandra’s Attic (102 Church Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-5861) and books, gifts and nautical charts at Once Upon a Bookseller (207 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-7350).
Locally owned restaurants are the mainstay here and the menus are varied. For sought-after local seafood, Captain Seagle’s Restaurant (105 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-3242), is a perennial favorite where the extensive menu features oysters, shrimp, scallops and more. St. Marys Harbor Restaurant (106 St. Marys Street West, Suite C, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-3466) boasts great seafood and waterfront views. From steak and shrimp to lump crab grilled cheese, the menu is diverse and tasty. There are also specialty spots for any taste, including Kraken Coffee & Kitchen Co. (122 Osborne Street, Suite B, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-510-6798), Riverwalk Pizzeria (200 Osborne Street, St Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-5111) and Firefly Taco Cantina (609 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-623-8226). For a local brew, there’s Brackish Beer Company (907 Dilworth Street, St. Marys 31558; 912-322-6743)
The growers, makers and artists of the community gather here for the St. Marys Community Market every Saturday morning. Locally grown vegetables and Old World breads, paintings and jewelry and more are all offered for purchase when this community gathers each week. Orange Hall Gilman Cultural Center (311 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-4000) is an integral part of the community’s history. Known as the “Grand Dame of St. Marys,” Orange Hall is an extraordinary example of Greek Revival style dating back to circa 1830-1838. The beautiful grounds are open for visitors and many events, while the interior of the 9,500-square-foot home, with its three-floors and 12 fireplaces, is closed for renovations.
Established in 1787, St. Marys is one of the oldest continuously occupied towns in the country and a stroll through town on a self-guided walking tour is the perfect way to experience the beauty and significance of this fascinating location. For more history, the St. Marys History Walk starts at the corner of St. Marys Street and Bartlett Street and features two dozen interpretive panels that share some of St. Marys most notable past highlights.
The St. Marys Submarine Museum (102 West St. Marys Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-2782), one of 10 stops along the Georgia WWII Heritage Trail, follows the history of the U.S. submarine service, the “Silent Service,” from its inception through World War II and to the present day. This is the largest museum of its kind in the South and houses the largest printed collection of WWII combat war patrol reports outside of the National Archives. Of course, there are fascinating accounts of local submarine activity and visitors can view the St. Marys waterfront through a real submarine Type 2 periscope.
All this sits adjacent to the beautiful St. Marys Waterfront Park (201 St. Marys Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-4000). The heart of this historic downtown, the sprawling park is filled with oak trees and includes paved walkways and pavilions, a pier and fountain and areas for sitting under the trees to enjoy the view.
If you go
Enjoying the outdoors is a big part of St. Marys’ culture. Visitors looking for some outdoor adventure will want to explore these spots:
The Cumberland Island Visitor Center (113 St. Marys Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-4336) is the place to begin for visitors up for a cruise from the nearby ferry dock to the historic and beautiful Cumberland Island National Seashore. This amazing park is a natural gem located seven miles east of St. Marys and only accessible by boat.
Fishing is one of the most popular ways to enjoy the diverse waters of this coastal destination. Many anglers choose to take to the waters with one of St. Marys experienced charter captains. There are trips to meet every angler’s interest, skills and budget. Those who bring their own boat will find plenty of public boat launches offering excellent water access for both fishing and paddling.
The nearby 500-acre Crooked River State Park (6222 Charlie Smith Senior Highway, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-5256) is the perfect setting to experience the Intracoastal Waterway and maritime forest. The park’s nature trail winds through forest and salt marsh.
Just 45 minutes inland from St. Marys is the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (2700 Suwannee Canal Road, Georgia Highway 121/23, Folkston, Georgia 31537-7906; 912-496-7836). The refuge is the largest one east of the Mississippi River, encompassing 407 acres. Boat tours of the refuge’s picturesque waterways are offered daily.