Things to do in St. Marys

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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.
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Most popular activities in St. Marys

Tours & day trips

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CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina Beach

CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina Beach

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
9.8 out of 10 with 60 reviews
Price is $145 per adult
CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina BeachOpens in new tab

Water activities

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Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek

Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek

Activity duration is 2 hours and 15 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 68 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $65 per adult
Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton CreekOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

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Amelia Island Inshore Fishing Charter

Amelia Island Inshore Fishing Charter

Activity duration is 8 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $750 per traveler*
Amelia Island Inshore Fishing CharterOpens in new tab

What to do in St. Marys

 

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Discover the most popular places to visit in St. Marys

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

Club at Osprey Cove

Enjoy a round of golf in St. Marys at Club at Osprey Cove. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Club at Osprey Cove

St. Marys Railroad Museum

5/5(1 review)

You can spend time exploring the galleries in St. Marys Railroad Museum during your trip to St. Marys. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches, or simply savor its top-notch restaurants.

St. Marys Railroad Museum

Georgia Visitor Information Center - Valdosta

4.5/5(5 reviews)

After visiting Georgia Visitor Information Center - Valdosta, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in St. Marys. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Georgia Visitor Information Center - Valdosta

 

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Popular day trips from 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

Friendship Park showing a city, night scenes and skyline

Jacksonville

East River Marsh in the Brunswick Jekyll Island area, Georgia

Woodbine

Frequently asked questions

Is St. Marys worth visiting?
Providing a blend of bars and pubs and culture, there's no shortage of things to do in St. Marys. When you're here, head to Laurel Island Links, a key attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in St. Marys?
Cumberland Island Ferry and St. Marys Railroad Museum are two awesome places to begin your getaway adventures. Remember to check out the retail and dining options in St. Marys while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in St. Marys?
Laurel Island Links is one of the top tourist attractions in St. Marys and deserves a place on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in St. Marys?
Three days is enough for a quick escape to St. Marys — you'll hit the main spots and get a good feel for the local vibe. But if you really want to soak it all in, stick around for at least a week to check out some hidden gems too.
What are some activities to do in St. Marys with kids?
Planning what to do in St. Marys with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're taking a trip with little ones or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly tours and activities to keep them busy here.

What to do in St. Marys for adults?
St. Marys Submarine Museum and Club at Osprey Cove are just a couple of the things to do in St. Marys. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in St. Marys?
One of the easiest ways to discover free things to do in St. Marys is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on exciting neighborhoods, parks and other top attractions you can visit without opening your wallet. McIntosh Sugarmill Park is one spot that doesn't charge an admission fee.