Georgia's 'Gateway To Cumberland Island' Offers Scenic Outdoor Recreation & Historic Sites

If you're not sure which Georgia destinations deserve a spot on your vacation radar, St. Marys, located in Camden County, is one of those hidden gems that feels like it's been waiting just for you. Known as the gateway to Cumberland Island, just a 45-minute ferry ride away, the town sits along the banks of the St. Marys River, about six miles from the Atlantic Ocean, and brims with outdoor recreation for anyone craving water activities, hiking, biking, birdwatching, and wildlife sightings.

Beyond outdoor recreation, St. Marys' history is so rich you could spend days unpacking it. Spanish expeditions arrived here in the mid-16th century, and the first Spanish settlement was established around 1566. The area was known as Buttermilk Bluff in 1787, and didn't become an incorporated town until 1802. Its strategic coastal location once made it a port for smugglers, pirates, and legitimate traders alike. The town also endured wartime struggles during the American Revolution and Civil War, when much of the waterfront was burned. After rebuilding, tourism became a driving force, and today the historic district, lined with 18th and 19th-century buildings, features some of the best historical sites in America worth exploring.

St. Marys is less than 30 miles from Jacksonville, and under an hour's drive from Jacksonville International Airport, the closest commercial airport. Visitors flying into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport — the busiest airport in the world — about 335 miles away, can either enjoy a scenic five-hour drive to St. Marys, or take a connecting flight to Jacksonville and then a short ride to reach town.

St. Marys is a playground for outdoor lovers, especially those who love the water. Your first stop should be St. Marys Riverfront Park (Howard Gilman Memorial Park). This park lines the shore of the St. Marys River, where you can stroll the paths, watch boats glide by, or rent a kayak from a local marina. There's a public boat ramp and dock at the park if you want to launch your own vessel. The Cumberland Island ferry dock is also located along this waterfront, and if you time it right, sunset over the river is pure magic. When planning your trip, the July 4th Independence Day event is worth timing for, as the waterfront park lights up with a spectacular fireworks show.

Another spot that deserves your attention is Crooked River State Park. This 500-acre park offers the outdoor experience you're looking for with a $5 daily pass. You can fish, get on the river with a boat or kayak, or watch other people enjoy the water from the shore. The park also has 63 campsites, a playground, and a nature center where you can check out native Georgia wildlife. Crooked River is the place for hiking too. The 1.6-mile Crooked River Sempervirens Trail is loved for bird-watching, and has earned a 4.4 rating on AllTrails with nearly 200 reviews. Outside the park, the Dungeness Loop Trail is an easy 4.2-mile walk that visitors love for its oak-covered pathways and stunning views of the Dungeness ruins.

End your hiking adventure with a walk through history. The St. Marys History Walk takes visitors through 24 interpretive signs where you'll learn the history that shaped this town, including facts about Cumberland Island. Pick up a brochure at the welcome center for your guide through this walk.

St. Marys' historic downtown district is a lovely place to spend an afternoon. It's lined with galleries, shops, restaurants, and picturesque buildings, earning it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The best way to spend time is by diving into history, as St. Marys has several sites tied to the area's fascinating past. The St. Marys Submarine Museum is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. With an entrance fee of $3 to $5, the museum showcases uniforms, command plaques, photographs, and submarine models while offering insight into submarine history. You can even view the St. Marys River from the museum, which sits 40 feet above the ground.

Another cultural landmark worth visiting is Oak Grove Cemetery, established in 1788, where visitors can explore the resting place of craftsmen, plantation owners, seamen, and enslaved individuals, and soak in the history beneath the oaks. The best way to see all the historic sites is visiting during the annual Christmas Tour of Homes, where $20–$25 gives you access to four historic churches and private homes.

Because St. Marys is the gateway to Cumberland Island, you can't skip a ferry ride to this treasure. For $15 per person, the daily pass lets you explore protected beaches, historic sites, and cultural ruins. The island is also one of the best places for spotting wildlife up-close, including the wild horses it's famous for. After your adventure, return to St. Marys and reward yourself with seafood or sandwiches at Riverside Cafe. For accommodations, the Goodbread House Bed & Breakfast Inn sits in the heart of town, retaining its original 1870s architecture, while the Riverview Hotel overlooking the St. Marys River, remains a popular choice.