Photo: anoldent, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
St. Marys is a small waterfront town in Georgia’s far southeast corner, a few miles from Florida and the departure point for the ferry to Cumberland Island National Seashore. Its historic district was laid out in 1788, and its shady streets hold an antebellum mansion, an 1840 bank turned chapel and a museum devoted to submarines from the nearby Kings Bay naval base. It is about 311 miles from Atlanta. Here are the best things to do in St. Marys.
- From AtlantaAbout 311 miles, 6 hours 20 minutes without traffic
- CountyCamden County
- Cumberland ferryAbout 45 minutes each way; adults $44 plus tax, plus $15 National Park Service fee (ages 16 and up)
- Known forCumberland Island, its historic district and the Submarine Museum
Top Things to Do in St. Marys
1. Cumberland Island National Seashore
More than 17 miles of empty beach, wild horses, maritime forest and the Dungeness ruins. There are no stores or cars for visitors, so bring food, water and bug spray, and read our safety tips.
2. The Cumberland Island ferry
The passenger ferry leaves from the St. Marys waterfront for the 45-minute ride. Reserve ahead in spring and fall, when day trips sell out.
3. Cumberland Island Museum
A small National Park Service museum a block from the waterfront, with Timucuan artifacts and relics of the Carnegie family’s island life.
4. St. Marys Submarine Museum
Periscopes you can look through, models, uniforms and the history of the Navy’s “Silent Service,” on the waterfront.
5. Orange Hall
A Greek Revival house museum of the 1830s, named for the sour orange grove that once grew behind it.
6. Historic district walk
Walk the 1788 grid past Our Lady Star of the Sea Chapel, built as a bank in 1840, Oak Grove Cemetery and the Toonerville Trolley by the welcome center.
7. Crooked River State Park
A few miles north of town, with campsites under moss-draped oaks, river cottages and a trail through maritime forest. Nearby are the McIntosh Sugar Mill tabby ruins from 1825. $10 ParkPass.
8. Okefenokee Swamp
About an hour inland near Folkston, the refuge’s east entrance has a boardwalk and tower, boat tours and canoe trails. $5 per vehicle. See our Okefenokee guide.
Advertise in St. Marys
Own a rental, inn, restaurant, charter or outfitter in St. Marys? Put it in front of visitors planning their trip. See our advertising options or download the 2026 media kit (PDF).
Events and Seasons
Spring and fall are the best times for Cumberland Island, before the heat, gnats and mosquitoes of summer. St. Marys holds its rock shrimp festival in October on the waterfront. Ferries run less often in winter, so check the schedule before you plan a trip.
Nearby Towns and Trip Planning
Pair this trip with Jekyll Island, Brunswick or St. Simons Island, or see every stop in our 20 best things to do on the Georgia coast. Our St. Marys and Cumberland Island page has more background. For a ready-made route, follow the perfect 3-day Georgia coast itinerary, and see our best beaches in Georgia, Georgia lighthouses guide and lodging and accommodations listings.
Common Questions
What is St. Marys, GA known for?
St. Marys is known as the gateway to Cumberland Island National Seashore, for its historic waterfront district and for the St. Marys Submarine Museum.
How far is St. Marys from Atlanta?
St. Marys is about 311 miles from downtown Atlanta, roughly 6 hours 20 minutes by car without traffic.
How much does it cost to go to Cumberland Island?
The ferry is $44 plus tax for adults, $42 for seniors and $34 for ages 6 to 15. The National Park Service entrance fee is $15 per person ages 16 and up, and the park does not accept cash.
Can you see the wild horses on Cumberland Island?
Usually, yes. Wild horses roam the island and are often seen near Dungeness and on the beach. Keep your distance and do not feed them.
Sources we checked
Facts on this page were checked against official sources and our own detailed pages. Drive times are from downtown Atlanta (Five Points) using OpenStreetMap routing and do not include traffic. Hours, fees and event dates change, so confirm before you go:
- National Park Service: Cumberland Island entrance fee and ferry fares
- Georgia State Parks: Crooked River State Park; 2026 ParkPass rate
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Okefenokee entrance fee
- St. Marys Convention & Visitors Bureau: historic district and events
Spot something out of date? Email Contact@n-georgia.com and we’ll check it against the official source. Read how we research our guides.