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St. Marys & Cumberland Island, Georgia

by ShanaCorbin

One of the most relaxing coastal experiences in the region awaits visitors in historic St. Marys & Cumberland Island, Georgia. This charming, uncrowded destination sits on the Atlantic coast less than an hour’s drive north of Jacksonville, Florida, just off I-95, on Georgia’s southernmost tip. The culture, heritage and outdoor activities here make it popular with a wide range of history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts.

St. Marys is filled with small-town charm and there is an intimacy to this downtown waterfront community that offers a welcome respite. Local restaurants have no pretense and serve up tasty coastal cuisine in a comfortable atmosphere. The streets are lined with locally owned shops and their owners are happy to share local tips and favorite spots. Historic homes offer glimpses into life in an earlier era and some invite guests to stay, adding unique options to St. Marys’ lodging options.

The revitalized St. Marys waterfront is a welcoming, walkable and bikeable community center. The pedestrian-friendly streetscape continues along a multi-use path leading to a new public marina.

Self-guided tours have been curated to highlight St. Marys historic sites and the Oak Grove Cemetery as well as the wealth of historic trees throughout town. This is also home to the St. Marys Submarine Museum, which displays memorabilia and recounts submarine history, including stories from the local waters, from World War II through present day.

All this is set against the scenic beauty of the St. Marys River. Once prowled by pirates and smugglers, today shrimp and pleasure boats dot the horizon. After a stop at the Cumberland Island Visitors Center, many choose to spend a day on the island. Across the river, the untamed beauty of Cumberland Island provides an escape to a world away. And its history is filled with fascinating tales, waiting to be retold.

Protected as the Cumberland Island National Seashore, and accessible by boat only, you can catch a 45-minute passenger ferry to the island from downtown St. Marys. Day trips highlighted by a pre-scheduled, guided Lands and Legacies tour are popular. Participants are taken by van to visit several cultural and natural landmarks on the island, including the remains of Robert Stafford’s plantation and cemetery, Plum Orchard Mansion, Cumberland Wharf, the Settlement and First African Baptist Church. Some adventurous travelers choose to camp overnight on the island, which is allowed by reservation only.

Crooked River State Park is another natural treasure, only 10 minutes from downtown St. Marys. Set on the banks of the Crooked River, the 500-acre park offers cabins and camp sites, a nature center and hiking, biking trails, kayak trails. The 11-mile St. Marys Tabby Trail connects the park with downtown St. Marys via multi-use bike trail. The entire area is known as a paddling and birding mecca and has spots noted on both the Southeast Coast Saltwater Paddling Trail and the Colonial Coast Birding Trail. You can even arrange a guided tour, with state park staff, of St. Marys rookery to visit a variety of native wading birds, including Wood Storks and Roseate Spoonbills.

Whether for a leisurely outing on a coastal trail, a relaxing small town St. Marys getaway or a remote excursion into the wild on Cumberland Island, this welcoming destination has plenty of space to enjoy!  

Fast Facts

  • St. Marys is the Gateway to Cumberland Island National Seashore and is the ferry departure point for your island adventure.
  • In 1804, after the infamous duel between third Vice President Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, Burr fled to St. Marys and found refuge at the home of his law school friend, Archibald Clark. The Archibald Clark House is the oldest house in St. Marys and is available today as a vacation rental.
  • St. Marys was one of the last battles of the War of 1812. On January 13, 1815, five days after the Battle of New Orleans, British troops attacked the battery at Point Peter just minutes from St. Marys downtown. “The Forgotten Battle” was over by late evening as Point Peter fell to Admiral Cockburn and his 1,500 troops.
  • St. Marys Peace Garden is the southernmost point of the Binational Heritage Peace Garden Trail. The site commemorates the War of 1812 and the shared heritage of the United States and Canada. The trail begins in Canada.
  • St. Marys is on the Georgia WWII Heritage Trail. The town is home to the St. Marys Submarine Museum where guests can have fun with a working periscope and view WWII patrol reports along with submarine and veteran memorabilia. 

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