St. Marys, GA

Travel Guide

Washed ashore sea star. #travel #seastar #beach #welovetoexplore https://www.facebook.com/welovetoexplore/timeline/story?ut=43&wstart=0&wend=1422777599&hash=3585313150704558958&pagefilter=3
Washed ashore sea star. #travel #seastar #beach #welovetoexplore https://www.facebook.com/welovetoexplore/timeline/story?ut=43&wstart=0&wend=1422777599&hash=3585313150704558958&pagefilter=3
Quaint town near the Golden Isles
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.
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.
SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western St Marys Cumberland

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western St Marys Cumberland

3 out of 5
2710 Osborne Rd St. Marys GA
$62 nightly
The price is $75 total per night from Feb 3 to Feb 4
$75 total
Feb 3 - Feb 4
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in St. Marys. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
yes the breakfast was fresh, the parking was easy

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2026

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western St Marys Cumberland
Hyatt Place Jacksonville Airport

Hyatt Place Jacksonville Airport

3 out of 5
14565 Duval Rd Jacksonville FL
$110 nightly
The price is $125 total per night from Feb 9 to Feb 10
$125 total
Feb 9 - Feb 10
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Jacksonville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,367 reviews)
Great check in. Clean rooms. Comfortable beds

Reviewed on Jan 28, 2026

Hyatt Place Jacksonville Airport
Extended Stay America Premier Suites - Jacksonville - Airport

Extended Stay America Premier Suites - Jacksonville - Airport

2.5 out of 5
15678 Max Leggett Parkway Jacksonville FL
$85 nightly
The price is $97 total per night from Feb 8 to Feb 9
$97 total
Feb 8 - Feb 9
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Jacksonville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (207 reviews)
Front desk staff, Ashley T was absolutely the best!! Kind, helpful and so pleasant. We had a very late check in, issues with getting the blind down in our room and Ashley was quick to assist and had everything resolved in minutes. The bed was comfortable and the room and bathroom were clean. The ...

Reviewed on Jan 26, 2026

Extended Stay America Premier Suites - Jacksonville - Airport
See all 4,474 properties in St. Marys
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Historic 5 Bedroom Home, Walk To Cumberland Island Ferry

Historic 5 Bedroom Home, Walk To Cumberland Island Ferry

St Marys GA
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in St. Marys. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions St. Marys Submarine ...
10/10 Exceptional! (127 reviews)
This was an absolutely beautiful property! Everything about this home was wonderful. The decor and furnishings made us feel at home, cozy and pampered. The kitchen became a gathering place as was the bright and comfy living room with plenty of seating. Each of us in our group of 5 had our own bedroom, ...

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2026

Historic 5 Bedroom Home, Walk To Cumberland Island Ferry
The Villas of Amelia Island

The Villas of Amelia Island

4 out of 5
8 Amelia Village Circle, Amelia Island Fernandina Beach FL
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Fernandina Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,148 reviews)
Beautiful grounds, very helpful staff, great amenities. Cedric the tram driver was the highlight of our trip! Great stories, helpful suggestions about where to eat and such a pleasant perspective! The shops are wonderful with unique clothing and accessories.

Reviewed on Jan 14, 2026

The Villas of Amelia Island
Villas By the Sea Resort & Conference Center

Villas By the Sea Resort & Conference Center

3 out of 5
1175 N Beachview Dr Jekyll Island GA
Book a stay at this beach villa in Jekyll Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,102 reviews)
Great time with great accommodations

Reviewed on Jan 13, 2026

Villas By the Sea Resort & Conference Center
See all properties in St. Marys
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

USA, Georgia, Cumberland Island National Seashore

Cumberland Island National Seashore Visitor Center

4.5/5(50 reviews)

After visiting Cumberland Island National Seashore Visitor Center, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in St. Marys. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this romantic area, or check out its top-notch restaurants.

Cumberland Island National Seashore Visitor Center
Night scene of the ferry to Cumberland Island and the waterfront in St Marys, Georgia.

Cumberland Island Ferry

4.5/5(110 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in St. Marys with a trip to Cumberland Island Ferry. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

Cumberland Island Ferry
Plum Orchard Mansion

Plum Orchard Mansion

5/5(1 review)

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Plum Orchard Mansion during your trip to Cumberland Island. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this relaxing area.

Plum Orchard Mansion
A lovely place to sit and watch the world go by.

Howard Gilman Waterfront Park

Howard Gilman Waterfront Park is just one of the places to see in St. Marys, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in this family-friendly area, you can enjoy the restaurants.

Howard Gilman Waterfront Park

St. Marys Welcome Center

4.5/5(21 reviews)

After visiting St. Marys Welcome Center, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in St. Marys. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

St. Marys Welcome Center

St. Marys Submarine Museum

5/5(4 reviews)

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at St. Marys Submarine Museum during your trip to St. Marys. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

St. Marys Submarine Museum

Things to do

Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours

Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours

$45
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours
Our historic buildings are beautiful and full of wonder.

Downtown Fernandina Historical Walking Tour

$30
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Downtown Fernandina Historical Walking Tour
Guided Kayak Eco Tour: Real Florida Adventure

Guided Kayak Eco Tour: Real Florida Adventure

$60
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Guided Kayak Eco Tour: Real Florida Adventure
See all activities in St. Marys

Reviews of St. Marys

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
26
5 - Excellent 52%
4 - Good
19
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 2%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Many options for good food in St. Mary’s. Good parking and easy walking to shopping and dining.

5/5 - Excellent

Bill

Nice quaint town with historic district. Great fresh seafood restaurants.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Very clean and quiet; never been there, but plan to return.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

More there than you might think. Nice little town interesting history

2/5 - Disappointing

Greg

With the lack of communication and last minute scramble to find the property we would not recommend this property to anyone. The water heater isn't large enough for a single shower and the heat was not turned on... making our arrival very cold. Whe

5/5 - Excellent

Trish

St. Marys is a beautiful small town, excellent food and great people. It's undergoing major renovations, though. I wish they'd schedule these during off-season--not during late June, early July. Bad timing.

Cities near St. Marys

Cumberland Island National Seashore. Cumberland Island, largest of Georgia's Golden Isles, is managed by National Park Service. Dungeness Mansion ruins once owned by Carnegie Family, ruined by fire.

Kingsland

EA9H2R View of Fernandina Beach Marina, Amelia Island, Florida

Fernandina Beach

Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park in Homosassa Florida USA

Yulee

Sand dunes at Cumberland Island National Seashore.

Cumberland Island

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