Dungeness on Cumberland Island, Georgia, is a ruined mansion that is part of a historic district that was the home of several families significant in American history. James Oglethorpe first built on Cumberland Island in 1736, building a hunting lodge that he named Dungeness. Oglethorpe named the place after Dungeness, in England. The next Dungeness was the legacy of Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene, who had acquired 11,000 acres of island land in exchange for a bad debt. His widow built a four-story tabby mansion in 1803, over a Timucuan shell mound. During the War of 1812 the island was occupied by the British, who used the house as a headquarters.
In 1818 Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee, a dashing cavalry commander during the Revolutionary War and father of Robert E. Lee, stayed at the house until his death on March 25, 1818, cared for by Greene's daughter Louisa, and was laid to rest in nearby cemetery with full military honors provided by an American fleet stationed at St. Marys, Georgia. The house was abandoned during the U.S. Civil War and burned in 1866.
In the 1880s the property was purchased by Thomas M. Carnegie, brother of Andrew Carnegie, who began to build a new mansion on the site. The 59-room Queen Anne style mansion and grounds were completed after Carnegie's death in 1886. His wife Lucy continued to live at Dungeness and built other estates for her children, including Greyfield for Margaret Carnegie, Plum Orchard for George Lauder Carnegie, and Stafford Plantation. By this time, the Carnegies owned 90% of the island.
The Carnegies moved out of Dungeness in 1925. In 1959 the Dungeness mansion was destroyed by fire, alleged to be arson. The ruins are today preserved by the National Park Service as part of Cumberland Island National Seashore. They were acquired by the Park Service in 1972.

Find Hotels with Bars in St. Marys, GA

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Top St. Marys Hotels with Bars

Riverview Hotel

St. Marys

Rose

$98 nightly

Dec 8 - Dec 9

Total with taxes and fees

Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island

Keith

$87 nightly

Dec 14 - Dec 15

Total with taxes and fees

Airport Motor Inn

Northside

Sylvia

$60 nightly

Dec 8 - Dec 9

Total with taxes and fees

Hyatt Place Jacksonville Airport

Northside

Yolanda

$97 nightly

Dec 10 - Dec 11

Total with taxes and fees

Courtyard by Marriott Amelia Island

Ocean Cay

Cory

$106 nightly

Dec 10 - Dec 11

Total with taxes and fees

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Amelia Island

Ocean Cay

Amy

$120 nightly

Dec 10 - Dec 11

Total with taxes and fees

5 outdoor pools, pool umbrellas, sun loungers

The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort

St. Simons Island

Pierre Andre

$180 nightly

Jan 6 - Jan 7, 2026

Total with taxes and fees

Outdoor pool, open 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, pool umbrellas, sun loungers

The Beachview Club

Jekyll Island

Vanessa

$145 nightly

Dec 8 - Dec 9

Total with taxes and fees

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Top St. Marys Hotel Reviews

Amelia Hotel at the Beach

10/10 Excellent

"Clean hotel and i gave stsyed here alot the last few years. The new charge for parking is a suprise and will probably make me find a new hotel."

Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa

10/10 Excellent

"This is a fabulous resort with outstanding service, gorgeous views and beautifully decorated for the holidays. The grounds are large and have everything right there from shops to a variety of restaurants to 18 hole putt putt golf all in walking distance. My family and I will be back. "

Frequently asked questions

Searching for hotels with bars in St. Marys?

St. Marys offers 104 hotels and other accommodations to choose from, and likely many will have a bar where you can enjoy an evening cocktail after a day out exploring. While you're here, you can check out Cumberland Island Ferry and Crooked River State Park.

What are the best hotels with bars in St. Marys?

Here are some top hotels with bars in and around St. Marys: SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western St Marys Cumberland: Hotel with restaurant. Enjoy the bar, free breakfast, and free WiFi. Hyatt Place Jacksonville Airport: Resort with 9 restaurants. Enjoy the 4 bars, free WiFi, and 2 outdoor pools. Amelia Hotel at the Beach: Hotel with restaurant. Enjoy the bar, free WiFi, and breakfast. Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa: Vacation home with 9 restaurants. Enjoy the 4 bars, free WiFi, and 2 outdoor pools. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jacksonville Airport by IHG: Enjoy the bar, free breakfast, and free WiFi.

What is there to do in St. Marys?

To experience the area's highlights, consider visiting Cumberland Island Ferry, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, and Crooked River State Park, and then find a cozy spot for a nightcap. Other places to see include Cumberland Island National Seashore and St. Marys Railroad Museum. St. Marys is appreciated for its restaurants.

When is the best time to visit St. Marys?

Visiting local bars in St. Marys is more fun when you know what the weather holds. These rainfall averages and temperatures can help you choose the best time for bar hopping. The hottest months are usually July and August with an average temp of 81°F, while the coldest months are January and February with an average of 59°F. Average annual precipitation for St. Marys is 48 inches.

How can I get to St. Marys and around the area?

Here are some of your transportation options in and around St. Marys: Fly into Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), which is located 18.9 mi (30.5 km) from the heart of the city. Otherwise, look for flights into Jacksonville, FL (CRG-Jacksonville Executive at Craig), which is 28.6 mi (46.1 km) away. If you'd like to venture out around the area, you may want a rental car for your journey.

Find Hotels with Bars in St. Marys, GA

Upfront pricing

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check availability on St. Marys Hotels with Bars

Top St. Marys Hotels with Bars

Riverview Hotel

Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island

Airport Motor Inn

Hyatt Place Jacksonville Airport

Courtyard by Marriott Amelia Island

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Amelia Island

The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort

The Beachview Club

The Villas of Amelia Island

Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville Airport

Top St. Marys Hotel Reviews

Amelia Hotel at the Beach

Crowne Plaza Hotel Jacksonville Airport/I-95N by IHG

Hyatt Place Jacksonville Airport

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Airport

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kingsland Naval Base I-95

The Villas of Amelia Island

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jacksonville Airport by IHG

Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa

Windsor Inn of Jacksonville

Frequently asked questions

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