Georgia’s Southeast coast offers a respite for many visitors and St. Marys is a favorite getaway spot. This coastal community is less than an hour’s drive north of Jacksonville, Florida, off I-95, making it easy to get to. Once here, many are called to explore a variety of water activities accessible to both those who are familiar with the area as well as first-time visitors. Whether for a sightseeing excursion, a challenging paddle, an exciting fishing trip or a memorable and relaxing sunset view, the waters surrounding St. Marys offer a variety of recreational options.
The integral role of the water is no more evident here than at St. Marys Waterfront Park (201 St. Marys Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-4000), which is the heart of historic downtown St. Marys. This large, beautiful park includes paved walkways and pavilions, a pier and fountain and areas for sitting to watch the variety of boats ply the waters and to enjoy the view.
The Cumberland Island Visitor Center (113 St. Marys Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-4336) is also on the downtown waterfront. It is here that visitors can check in for a cruise from the nearby ferry dock to the historic and beautiful Cumberland Island National Seashore, located seven miles east of St. Marys and only accessible by boat. The 45-minute ferry trip is a relaxing way for visitors to enjoy the coastal waters around Cumberland Island, waters known for strong tides and a six- to nine-foot tidal change twice daily.
There are other ways to enjoy the sights on area waters and learn about native flora and fauna, too. Elliotts Bluff Charter Company (912-282-4725) and No Limits Charters (1148 Altman Road, Folkston, Georgia 31537; 904-966-1922) offer birding and eco tours in addition to charter fishing trips.
Fishing is one of the most popular ways to enjoy this destination’s waters, and its bounty, all year long. Those who bring their own boat will find plenty of public boat launches offering excellent water access. Many visitors choose to hit the water with one of St. Marys experienced charter captains. There are trips to meet every angler’s interests, skills and budget. Rainbreak Charters (912-617-1442) offers half- and full-day offshore trips, while Lang Charters (307 West St. Marys Street, St. Marys, Georgia; 912-674-1085) specializes in inshore trips for redfish, flounder, trout and more. Fish Master Charters (912-729-5214) offers fishing, diving and sightseeing trips. Wreckreation Scuba (1050 Kings Bay Road St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-439-2007) invites visitors who want to explore below the surface to join a charter or take a class.
The St. Marys waterfront is the launching and landing point for a variety of kayak outings, whether paddlers are set to take on the challenging trip to the island, or to explore the coastline and marsh areas around St. Marys. Paddling gear as well as guided trips are available through Knucklehead’s Water Rentals (201 W. St. Marys Street; 912-882-3512) and Adventures Up the Creek (912-882-0911 or 904-999-4919). Options include a harbor tour, sunset marsh paddle, a Crooked River State Park paddle and more.
Paddlers who bring their own boats may want to explore the waters of the nearby 500-acre Crooked River State Park (6222 Charlie Smith Senior Highway, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-5256). These river trips are most often highlighted by a variety of wildlife sightings amid beautiful scenery. This is also the launch site for the shortest route for experienced paddlers to reach to Cumberland Island National Seashore, across the Intracoastal Waterway.
Just 45 minutes inland from St. Marys, Folkston, is the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (2700 Suwannee Canal Road, Georgia Highway 121/23, Folkston, Georgia 31537-7906; 912-496-7836). The refuge is the largest one east of the Mississippi River, encompassing 407 acres. Boat tours of the refuge’s picturesque waterways are offered daily. A variety of boat rentals, for those who want to take on the Okefenokee Swamp on their own, are also offered by Okefenokee Adventures (4159 Suwannee Canal Road, Folkston, Georgia 31537; 912-496-7156)
Of Note for Experienced Paddlers
Paddlers navigating to Cumberland Island should refer to park website for guidelines on beaching and exploring the island.
An 11-mile section of the Southeast Coast Saltwater Paddling Trail begins at St. Marys waterfront and winds north. To the south, these waters also connect to the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail.
If You Go
Two museums in downtown St. Marys offer visitors a view into some of the unique aspects of the area’s waters.
At St. Marys Submarine Museum (102 W. St. Marys Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-2782) the extensive activities of the “Silent Service” are chronicled. This is the largest museum of its kind in the south and is filled with a wide variety of exhibits, pictures, models, artifacts and rare historical documents. Local accounts of activity are chronicled and volumes of WW II submarine patrol reports are housed here, as are files on nearly every United States submarine ever in service.
Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum (129 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-4336) welcomes guests and tells the stories of the island’s thousands of years of history. Artifacts and accounts from the eras of the American Indian, British explorers and enslaved people are on display.
Where to Eat
Visitors spending a day on the water can work up quite an appetite. There is a variety of fresh local fare from which to choose here. Many locals’ recommendations include:
Local Seafood
Locals Dockside (307 W. St. Marys Street, St. Marys Georgia 31558; 912-510-8577) is a seafood and steak spot serving an extensive menu, from appetizers to desserts, featuring favorites like scallops, oysters and seafood platters.
Seagle’s Restaurant & Captain Seagle’s Saloon (105 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-3242) is on the waterfront and the menu is filled with seafood favorites, and a variety of appetizers, salads and sandwiches.
Casual Fare
For local brews, tunes and food truck eats, Brackish Beer Company (907 Dilworth Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-322-6743) is a favorite.
Yankee Pie Apizza (206 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia; 912-419-7530) has a reputation for pizza with flavor and an attitude. “It’s not a pizza. It’s ‘Ah-Beetz’!”
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