St Marys GA Georgia, Cumberland Island
Frequently Asked Questions
On the waterfront of the St. Marys River, which marks the Florida state line here. The ferry dock, the marina and the national park visitor centre share the riverfront.
Yes, and quickly. The historic district, with its antebellum houses, white timber churches and porch-fronted shops, takes an hour or two to walk, greetings from residents included.
If the schedule allows, the ferry to Cumberland Island is the headline excursion, but it needs a full half day. Otherwise, combine the historic district, the submarine museum and the riverside walk.
The largest of Georgia’s barrier islands, protected as a national seashore, about forty minutes by ferry. Deserted beaches stretching for kilometres, tunnels of live oaks draped in Spanish moss, feral horses roaming freely, and the ruins of Dungeness, the burnt-out Carnegie family residence.
Water and food, without fail: the island has no shop and no restaurant. Add walking shoes, a hat and insect repellent, and check the ferry schedule before boarding.
Because the town lives alongside a major submarine base. The small museum gathers models, uniforms, command plaques and a working periscope anyone can swing around; allow an hour.
Yes. Crooked River State Park, a short drive away, opens up salt marshes, saw palmetto and trails where turtles and armadillos cross walkers’ paths. Closer still, the riverside walk sometimes offers dolphins working upstream with the tide.
Georgia wild shrimp, caught offshore, which makes up most of the waterfront menus along with local crab and oysters.
The US dollar and English. Cards are accepted in most businesses and restaurant tipping runs 15 to 20 percent.
Spring and autumn, when the heat and the marsh mosquitoes ease off. Late in the day the marshes turn golden and herons fish in the tall grass.
