Cumberland Island National Seashore

Cumberland Island National Seashore, famed for its wild horses and picturesque ruins, is the main reason most people come to St Marys. The barrier island, accessible only by boat, offers secluded beaches, several historic sites including the Dungeness ruins, and miles of trails through maritime forest.

Guided bus tours (reserve in advance) offer an overview of the island’s history and nature. Free ranger tours exploring the Dungeness site and other aspects of Cumberland Island’s nature and culture are also available most days.

Ferries to Cumberland Island depart from the St Marys waterfront; it is advisable to purchase tickets ahead of time. Developed and wilderness campsites are also available on the island, for which reservations are required.

Admission $10 per person (children free). Ferry, including return trip: adults $28, children (0-15) $18. Optional guided tour $45 per person.

Call 912-882-4336 or visit the official website for additional information.

Crooked River State Park

This quiet, scenic park situated just north of St Marys on a bend near the mouth of the Crooked River offers short hiking trails through maritime forest and a boardwalk through the swamp.

There is a nature center and bird-watching platform to observe the park’s abundant birdlife. A boat ramp provides access to the river for kayak trips and private boats.

Crooked River State Park also offers a convenient alternative campground if you can’t get reservations on Cumberland Island, with dozens of spacious tent and RV sites picturesquely set amidst pine forest.

The park is open daily, 7am-10pm. A $5 parking fee applies.

6222 Charlie Smith Senior Highway, St Marys, GA 31558

Call 912-882-5256 or visit the official website for additional information.

St Marys Submarine Museum

This small museum on the waterfront explores the history of submarines in the US Navy and St Marys’ place within it. The thousands of artifacts crammed into its two stories include many model submarines, an extensive display of photographs and historic images, naval memorabilia and historic uniforms.

A short film describes life onboard a submarine, and you can also see demonstration submarine control panels. Another of the museum’s interesting features is a working periscope, protruding from the roof of the building, through which you can peer across the waterfront and downtown.

Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm and Sunday, 12pm-5pm. Adults $5, children (6-12) $3.

102 West St Marys Street, St Marys, GA

Call 912-882-2782 or visit the official website for more information.

Oak Grove Cemetery

This beautiful, historic cemetery, shaded with Spanish moss covered live oaks, was founded in 1788. It is believed to be the oldest surviving established cemetery in the state of Georgia, with the oldest remaining headstones dating from 1801.

Significant burials include the graves of soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War and the tomb of Acadian people who settled in the St Marys area. The cemetery was the final resting place of many of St Marys’ residents, including the town’s original settlers; enslaved people and the planters who enslaved them; seafarers; and ordinary townspeople.

Oak Grove Cemetery was historically segregated, with separate White and Black sections. More recently, a third, “New” section was laid out. The cemetery, which is administered by the city, remains open for burials to this day.

290 West St Marys Street

The cemetery is open daily from sunrise to sunset. For additional information, visit the official website

St Marys Railroad/Georgia Coastal Railway

The St Marys Railroad offers special themed train rides pulled by a steam locomotive several times a year, with themes including the Wild West, Halloween and Christmas.

Standard train rides are $17 for adults, $11 for children (3-12). There are also options to ride in the locomotive itself, and even to assist in its operation, for an additional fee.

The purchase of a train ticket includes admission to the St Marys Railroad Museum, which opens in conjunction with the train tours. On display at the museum are a variety of model trains and other train-related artifacts and memorabilia.

1000 Osborne Street, St Marys, GA

For additional information, visit the official website

St Marys Festivals & Events

St Marys offers a year-round schedule of events and festivals. Regular events include monthly First Friday and food truck events, a weekly downtown farmers market, and outdoor concerts in summer.

Special events include seasonal and holiday festivals for Mardi Gras, July 4th and the festive period, but the highlight of the St Marys festival calendar is the Rock Shrimp Festival, a four-decades-long tradition that brings thousands of visitors to the small city each fall.

See more St Marys events

More Things To Do Near St Marys, GA

– St Simons Island events
– Jekyll Island events
– Sapelo Island tours
– Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge
– Nearby beaches
– Things to do in Valdosta, GA

See also:
– Savannah events
– Georgia food festivals