Crooked River State Park
3092 Spur 40 (Charlie Smith Sr. Hwy) 912-882-5256 www.gastateparks.org/CrookedRiver
Located on Georgia's Colonial Coast, this park offers cozy facilities in a beautiful setting. Campsites are surrounded by Spanish moss-draped oaks, while most cottages overlook the river. Hikers can explore the nature trail, which winds through maritime forest and salt marsh. A boat ramp is popular with anglers who often take to the water before sunrise. Visitors may venture to the nearby ruins of the tabby McIntosh Sugar Works mill, built around 1825 and later used as a starch factory during the Civil War. Nearby is the ferry to famous Cumberland Island National Seashore known for wild horses and mansion ruins. This park is on the Southeast Coast Saltwater Paddling Trail.
Kayaking & More...
St. Marys Kayak Adventures -
Up the Creek Xpeditions
912-882-0911 www.upthecreekx.com
Kayaking is one of life's simple pleasures. It's easy to learn and fun for everyone. With miles of quiet marshes and thriving estuaries just outside our door in St. Marys, Up the Creek Xpeditions has been sharing their love of kayaking with eager paddlers for over 15 years. When you are ready for an adventure, they would love to take you.
Knuckleheads Kayak adventures
844-732-7873 KnuckleheadsStMarys.com
We rent a variety of kayaks and standup paddleboards, from rec boats and sit-on-tops for local creeks to Venture Easkys and Capellas for more ambitious trips. Also offered are St. Marys River Tours, Cumberland Island Tours and classes and instruction.
St. Marys Hydro-Sports, LLC
912-439-3212 www.stmaryshydrosports.com
Wave Runner rentals and tours. Experience adventure and have fun in the sun. See the pristine idyllic beaches of Cumberland Island.
Southeast Coast Saltwater Paddling Trail
The southern end of the trail starts in St. Marys, Georgia and connects the Southeast Coast Saltwater Paddling Trail to the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail at Fort Clinch State Park on Amelia Island, Florida. The oak lined streets of the small town of Saint Marys have a rich history dating back to the mid-1500’s. St. Marys is the gateway to Cumberland Island National Seashore on Cumberland Island, the largest barrier island on the coast.
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
45 Minutes from St. Marys -
2700 Suwanee Canal Rd., Folkston
912-496-7836
In southern Georgia and northern Florida there is a very special place, one of the oldest and best preserved freshwater systems in America. Native Americans called it Okefenokee meaning “Land of the Trembling Earth.” Now this place, where earth, air, fire and water continuously reform the landscape, is preserved within the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, created in 1937 to protect wildlife and for you to explore.
Okefenokee Adventures
4159 Suwannee Canal Rd., Folkston 912-496-7156
Guided interpretive boat tours. Canoe and kayak rentals.
Join us for one of our 90 minute guided boat tours, reserve a 4 hour extended tour, or head out on your own in a canoe or kayak. Come see us!
South Georgia Dive Charters
1050 Kings Bay Rd. 912-882-7078
SoutheastGeorgiaDiveCharters.com
SGDC offers three-tank, add-day dives, fossil dives and sunset cruises. Their 36-foot Gulfstream, the Georgia Wreckreation takes you to the region's most popular dive sites, including HLHA, the freighter Anna and Amberjack Hole. See numerous wrecks in all shapes and sizes, natural and artificial reef structures and abundant fish and invertebrates. Conscientious spearfishermen are always welcome. Their dive shop, the Diver's Den Georgia, provides a wide range of equipment sales, rentals and service, as well as air, Nitrox, Trimix and O2 fills.
St. Marys Aquatic Center
311 Herb Bauer Dr. 912-673-8118 www.funatsmac.com
Enjoy a day at the water park! Relax in the Lazy River or ride the Orange Crush. Swim in the lap pool or just swim freestyle. There is also a great children's pool and water playground. Soak up the sun or lounge under umbrellas. Drinks and snacks are available onsite. Open Seasonally!
Seasonal - Harrietts Bluff Organic Blueberry Farm
762 Pine Dr., Woodbine 912-222-4801 www.morningbellefarms.com
Georgia blueberry season runs from April through July. Each season brings an opportunity to visit Morning Belle Farms and celebrate the beginning of summer. So think outside the city limits and bring your family to our farm. You'll enjoy the thrill of the hunt, a picture perfect setting, and simple pleasures long forgotten. Morning Belle Farms provides a culinary adventure and sweet family moments that will bring nourishment to your body and soul. The farm is open Monday through Saturday for all of your organic produce needs. Located at 762 Pine Drive, Woodbine, Georgia. I-95, Exit 7 to Harrietts Bluff Road, then East three miles and left to the end of Pine Drive.
St. Marys Express Train Rides
www.stmarysrailroad.com
Immerse yourself in history, fun, and adventure as you travel the rails from Historic St. Marys, Georgia through scenic woodlands and marshlands. Your 1 hour and 15 minute excursion brings you face to face with yesteryear, nature, and some great entertainment. Whether you're riding on the open-air rail cars experiencing an authentic locomotive or caboose ride, you never know what you'll encounter along the way. Operates seasonally throughout the year with a variety of themed excursions.
St. Marys Waterfront Park
On the waterfront on St. Marys St. 912-510-4000 www.stmarysga.gov
This park, also called Howard Gilman Memorial Park, is the ideal spot
from which to watch the shrimp boats come in, take a stroll along the boardwalks and piers, have a picnic, or witness a stunning sunset. Experience St. Marys by joining us for one of our many community activities that take place seasonally throughout the year in the park.
Area Golf Courses
Golf lovers will find St. Marys and the surrounding area compelling and fertile grounds for an excellent golfing safari—especially when it comes to birdie and eagle hunting. Just a few minutes' drive from St. Marys’ waterfront lie three fine courses—each serving up a unique round of challenging, inspiring, and sometimes maddening golf.
- Laurel Island Links - Kingsland (located in Laurel Island Plantation) (912) 729-7277
- Osprey Cove Golf Course - St. Marys (Private course located in Osprey Cove Gated Community) (888) 871-9555
- Trident Lakes Golf Course - St. Marys (located on Kings Bay Submarine Base) (912) 573-8475
Oak Grove Cemetery
Corner of Bartlett St. & W. St. Marys Street
Go back into history and visit St. Marys' oldest tombstones. The oldest marked grave is 1801. The oppressed Acadians, driven from Acadia by the English, ultimately sought refuge in St. Marys in the late 1700's. One section holds an Acadian and Acadian descendants.
Cumberland Island National Seashore
St. Marys is the gateway to Cumberland Island, Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island. Here pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches and wide marshes whisper the stories of both man and nature. Natives, missionaries, enslaved African Americans and Wealthy Industrialists all walked here. Cumberland Island is also home to over 9,800 acres of Congressionally designated Wilderness. Do not miss this adventure during your stay with us! Cumberland Island Visitors Center and Ferry Check-in is located at 113 W. St. Marys Street
FERRY RESERVATIONS:www.cumberlandislandferry.com
Colonial Coast Birding Trail
A visit to one or more sites along the Colonial Coast Birding Trail will provide you with the opportunity to see and enjoy the beauty of a kaleidoscope of birds and glimpse the fascinating history of this land and its residents. Each site along the Colonial Coast Birding Trail is unique. Many sites offer visitors the opportunity to watch birds and visit 18th and 19th Century historic places. The numbers of birds found along the trail change with the rising and falling of the tides and with the passage of the seasons.
FISHING CHARTERS:
St. Marys has several fishing charters and bait shops available. See why so many people love to fish here. Call to schedule your trip today.
- Captain Ken's Fishing Expeditions - Captain Ken (912) 409-2478 www.inshorega.com
- Fish Master - Captain Warren Hupman (912)729-5214 www.fishmastercharters.com
- Lang Charters - Captains Cal & Tripp Lang (912) 882-4262 www.langcharters.com
- Salt Grass Charters - Captain Robert King (912) 882-BOAT www.saltgrasscharters.com
- St. Marys Marine Charters - Captain Mike Fulford (912) 673-6295
- Tail Chaser - Captain Andy Gowen (904) 383-0866 www.andygowenfishing.com
- No Limits Charters -Capt. Diane Pollock (904)-966-1922 www.no-limitscharters.com
- Buccaneers Bait & Tackle (912) 882-6277
- Lang's Marina - East & West (912) 882-4452 www.langcharters.com
*Ga DNR Fishing License Packages Available
Orange Hall - Gilman Cultural Center
311 Osborne St. 912-576-3644 or 912-882-4000
CLOSED FOR STRUCTURAL REPAIRS -
The "Grand Dame of St. Marys," Orange Hall is an extraordinary example of antebellum life in Greek Revival style dating back to circa 1820s-1830s. She reigns in grandeur as you make your entrance into the historic district of Downtown St. Marys.
Heritage & Culture
Sugarmill Tabby Ruins
3600 Charlie Smith Sr. Hwy 912-729-5600
The mill was built in 1825 and is the largest and best preserved of all tabby remains in the Southeast. Its rooms which were devoted to the grinding, boiling and processing of cane for sugar products are still intact. The ruins are one of the oldest industrial sites of Georgia. The building burned in the mid-1800s and was never rebuilt. Picnic areas are located on the grounds. Click here for more information.
Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum
129 Osborne St. 912-882-4336
Just one block from the waterfront, this museum houses a collection of artifacts from Cumberland Island including remembrances of the famed Carnegie lifestyle and remnants of the Timucuan Indians who once inhabited the island. A moving exhibit of the "Forgotten Battle" demonstrates the dramatic events that occurred when one of the last battles of the War of 1812 was fought at St. Marys' Point Peter area.
Historic St. Marys Golf Cart Tram Tours
Meets at St. Marys Welcome Center at 400 Osborne Street.
Advance Reservations are Required. 912-882-4000.
Narrated golf cart tram tour through St. Marys Historic District. Learn fun facts about locations to explore and soak in the quiet small town atmosphere. SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. Generally offered Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 11am with Advance Reservation. Please, CALL TO CONFIRM AVAILABILITY.
Adventure & Eco-Tourism
St. Marys Submarine Museum
102 W. St. Marys St. 912-882-ASUB (2782)
CLOSED MONDAYS
As home of the Kings Bays Naval Submarine Base, one of only two Trident submarine bases in the world, it is only natural that St. Marys plays host to one of the world's most extensive collection of submarine memorabilia and displays. St. Marys Submarine Museum is located right on the riverfront and is one attraction that is not to be missed! Get ready to see firsthand a working periscope, models of torpedoes, and many displays made from actual submarines. View a deep-sea diving suit and submarine uniforms, command plaques, photographs and models of submarines, and area for watching a movie on submarines. Also available are a reading area, a reference area with patrol reports, gift shop, and a display dedicated to the eight submariners who received the Medals of Honor. A favorite is the view of the St. Marys River from a working periscope.
St. Braille Trail
Nearly 40 historically significant buildings or sites in downtown St. Marys have historic markers that carry a strip of braille indicating the site name and date.
Woodbine Opry
At 2nd St. & Camden Ave in Woodbine www.thewoodbineopry.com
Enjoy the music at the renovated "Old School" Woodbine Community Center. This is where the Grand Old Opry meets Hee Haw. Where fiddles, mandolins, and banjos meld with steel guitars, harmonicas, and autoharps. This is where the legendary sounds of Patsy Cline, Hank Williams Jr, Johnny Cash, and Jim Reeves revive lost loves, faded dreams, and hard times. Come here to suspend time, check your troubles at the door and immerse yourself in a night of music, remembering, smiles, and some good old-fashioned down home music.
Historic Churches
St. Marys offers historic churches of virtually all denominations. These historic churches are rich in the history of St. Marys.
- Christ Church Historic Episcopal Chapel - original chapel burned during the Civil War - 305 Wheeler St.
- First Presbyterian Church - oldest church in Georgia in continuous use - 100 Conyers St.
- Our Lady Star of the Sea Historic Catholic Chapel - oldest masonry building in Georgia - 201 Osborne St.
- St. Marys United Methodist Historic Chapel - occupied during the Civil War by Union soldiers - 105 E. Conyers St.
Toonerville Trolley Display
406 Osborne St. 912-882-4000
"See you in the funny papers!" This saying was originated by Roy Crane in his 1935 "Wash Tubbs & Easy" comic strip. The nationally- syndicated comic strip featured many local personalities who used to ride this rail car to commute from St. Marys to Kingsland in the late 1920s.
"Gateway to the
Georgia Coast"
Camden Bicycle Center
1929 Osborne Rd. 912-576-9696
On land, the finest way to discover the delights of the area is on two wheels. Did you know that just 3 hours of biking a week can reduce your risk of heart disease by 50%? Serving all of southeast Georgia and northeast Florida, Camden Bicycle Center is a full service bike shop that offers an amazing selection of name brand bikes for all ages plus a wide range if accessories, gear, and professional repair services. Rentals available.
USS Bancroft Exhibit
Base Entrance at St. Marys Rd & Charlie Smith Dr. Hwy
At the entrance to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is the display of the sail of the USS George Bancroft (SSBN-643), a Benjamin Franklin Class Ballistic Missile Submarine. Mounted atop a concrete hull form mockup, the Georgee Bancroft's sail appears to be surfacing out of the grassy field.Click here for more information.
St. Marys Peace Garden
Corner of Bartlett St. & W. St. Marys Street
The St. Marys Peace Garden, dedicated on July 4th, commemorates the War of 1812 and the shared heritage of the U.S. and Canada. The garden celebrates over 200 years of peace, prosperity and brotherhood between two nations that share the world's longest undefended border and was a joint effort between the St. Marys EarthKeepers and the St. Marys Convention & Visitors Bureau with support from the City of St. Marys, St. Marys Downtown Merchants, Boy Scouts Troop 318, and the St. Marys Garden Club. Our peace garden is the southeastern most point on the Binational Heritage Peace Garden Trail.
St. Marys Community Market
Ready for the fresh finds at the farmers’ market? From all the fun salads, pastas, and desserts you’re making, the answer is yes! Your favorite recipes are just a trip to the market away. Visit the market to purchase organic produce, arts & crafts, jewelry, homemade baked goods, wild honey and more. Please visit the market every Saturday from 9 AM – 1 PM at the Tribune & Georgian parking lot in Historic Downtown St. Marys.
To join us as a vendor, click here for an application.
THEATRE: Theatre by the Trax,
1100 Osborne Rd. 912-552-5559 www.stmaryslittletheatre.com
This is the primary venue for St. Marys Little Theatre and St. Marys Children's Theatre performances. The historic building was saved from demolition and converted from an old locomotive work station to a community theatre. This is also the starting point for the St. Marys train excursions.
St. Marys Little Theatre,
1100 Osborne Rd. 912-729-1103 www.stmaryslittletheatre.com
The theatre group is dedicated to bringing a new diversity of cultural arts to Camden County. The Theatre performs multiple performances seasonally throughout the year.
St. Marys Children's Theatre,
204 Arnow Dr. 912.576.6801 www.stmaryschildrenstheatre.com
An offshoot of the St. Marys Little Theatre, the children's theatre is for youth ages 6-18 and offers workshops that culminate in theatrical performances.
War of 1812 Exhibit
Located inside the Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum
A moving exhibit of the "Forgotten Battle" demonstrates the dramatic events that occurred when one of the last battles of the War of 1812 was fought at St. Marys' Point Peter area.
Washington Pump & Oak
In the median at the corner of Conyers St. & Osborne St.
On the day in 1799 that George Washington was buried at Mount Vernon, the residents of St. Marys, marched a flag-draped coffin down Osborne Street with great pageantry and buried the coffin at the corner of Conyers and Osborne Street. To mark the burial spot, four oak trees were planted. The last of the oak trees, known as the Washington Oak, was cut down in 1990, and the stump survives. Part of the wood from the Washington Oak went into the hull restoration of the USS Constitution. Washington Pump is one of the first sources of public water in St. Marys. It was the only well that was not contaminated after hurricanes hit in the late 1800's and early 1900s.
call us toll free:
800-868-8687
400 Osborne Street
St. Marys, Georgia 31558