St Marys, Georgia, is a coastal town perfect for paddling, hiking, and wildlife viewing. With access to the wild Cumberland Island and rich tidal marshes, it offers diverse outdoor experiences in a charming historic setting.
St Marys, Georgia, is a coastal town perfect for paddling, hiking, and wildlife viewing. With access to the wild Cumberland Island and rich tidal marshes, it offers diverse outdoor experiences in a charming historic setting.
Outdoor Adventures in St Marys, Georgia
Located on Georgia’s southern coast, St Marys is a vibrant small town offering easy access to rich coastal ecosystems and historic landmarks. It is a prime destination for travelers seeking outdoor adventures on both land and water.
Discover the unique natural wonders, summits, and scenic landmarks that make St Marys, Georgia special.
★ 8.2⌖ 0.60 milesLocated near St Marys, GA, Cumberland Island National Seashore offers quiet hiking along sandy beaches, kayaking in salt marshes, and backcountry camping. Known for wild horses and rich history, it's best visited in spring or fall with permits obtained at the park headquarters.
★ 7.2⌖ 8.03 milesEasyMain Beach Park in Fernandina Beach, FL offers a wide, sandy beach ideal for swimming, beachcombing, and paddling. This easy-access coastal spot features calm waters, dunes, and wildlife viewing with family-friendly amenities. Best visited late spring through early fall for a relaxed beach day.
★ 8.7⌖ 8.71 milesVisit Amelia Island's stunning beaches for captivating sunrises and diverse wildlife. Perfect for beachcombing, kayaking, and exploring history at Fort Clinch. Busy in summer, the scenic beauty shines best in spring and fall.
★ 8.7⌖ 9.82 milesExplore Cumberland Island National Seashore off the Georgia coast. Accessible by ferry, this remote island offers hiking, beachcombing, and wildlife viewing, with historical sites like Dungeness Mansion. Best visited in fall and spring for mild weather and solitude.
★ 8.8⌖ 10.69 milesExplore Cumberland Island, located off the coast of Georgia. Known for its wildlife and historical landmarks, this remote island requires a ferry to access. Enjoy hiking, beachcombing, and photography in a serene setting. Best visited in spring or fall.
★ 7.2⌖ 15.73 milesAmelia Island State Park near Jacksonville offers clean, quiet beaches and coastal marshes perfect for beachcombing, wildlife watching, kayaking, and hiking. Accessible by car, the park features natural shorelines and diverse wildlife with peaceful surroundings ideal from fall through spring.
★ 7.8⌖ 20.46 milesExplore Little Talbot Island State Park's serene beaches along over five miles of stunning coastline near Jacksonville, FL. Enjoy beachcombing, hiking, and picnicking in this family-friendly park. Open year-round, it's perfect for birdwatching and fishing enthusiasts seeking a peaceful escape.
★ 7.5⌖ 23.16 milesVisit Huguenot Memorial Park for a fantastic surfing experience in Jacksonville, FL. With sandbar breaks and deeper channels, this spot offers dynamic waves suitable for surfers of all levels. A small entrance fee is required.
★ 4.5⌖ 25.05 milesExplore Jekyll Island's historic district and scenic Driftwood Beach. Ideal for wildlife viewing and photography, this family-friendly destination offers a mix of history and nature. Best visited in spring or fall to avoid summer crowds.
★ 8⌖ 27.15 milesVisit Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia for a unique photographic experience. The area is ideal for wildlife spotting and offers unmatched views of natural driftwood formations. Accessible year-round, it remains peaceful even in peak seasons, offering a tranquil retreat for nature lovers.
★ 8.3⌖ 27.15 milesExplore Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia. A visually captivating destination with unique driftwood formations, perfect for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Ideal for leisurely walks and shell collecting. Best visited during spring and fall.
★ 6.8⌖ 30.48 milesEasyExplore East Beach on St. Simons Island, GA, ideal for beach walking and birdwatching. Enjoy shell collecting and picnics with family. Accessible year-round, the area gets busy in summer. Photography opportunities abound with scenic views of the coast.
Discover the top adventure activities and curated experiences in St Marys, Georgia, verified by our editors to help you make the most of your trip.
Book unforgettable outdoor adventures, guided tours, and gear rentals with verified Local Experts in St Marys, Georgia.
⌖ 2.6 miA guided Thursday evening stroll through St. Marys that recounts real murders and mayhem, highlights the town’s picturesque architecture, and finishes with exclusive Happy Hour drinks at Seagle’s Saloon.
⌖ 5.2 miA focused, two-hour walking tour across the Dungeness Historic Area that pairs Gilded Age ruins and servants' quarters with salt‑marsh wildlife and logistical notes you need before you go.
⌖ 6.1 miAmelia Family Fishing Charters runs customizable 2–, 3– and 4–hour trips from Fernandina Beach that combine hands‑on fishing with close views of shrimp boats, Fort Clinch and coastal wildlife.
⌖ 6.2 miA 3-hour evening cruise from Fernandina Beach that threads local rivers, visits Cumberland Island to view wild horses, and often finishes with sunset fishing at Tiger Island — this guide explains what to expect.
⌖ 6.2 miA guided 1.5-hour float from Cruisin Tikis Amelia Island that delivers close-up views of Downtown Fernandina Beach, coastal marshes and local wildlife—this guide lays out what to expect.
⌖ 6.2 miA 1.5-hour, small-group sightseeing cruise from Downtown Fernandina Beach that pairs shaded leisure aboard a floating tiki with marshland vistas and wildlife viewing.
⌖ 6.2 miA guided, 3-hour kayaking excursion from Fernandina Beach to Cumberland Island National Seashore that delivers coastal vistas, undeveloped beaches and frequent wild-horse sightings.
⌖ 6.2 miA concise guided Historic Tour by Anchor Trolleys, LLC that visits Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach, Old Towne, the Silk Stocking District and parts of the north end—this guide explains what you’ll see and how the route is organized.
⌖ 6.3 miA lively, 90-minute trolley tour that traces historic homes and stories of Amelia Island’s notable women while raising funds for Chandler’s Hope.
⌖ 6.3 miA guided, roughly two-hour kayak tour through Lofton Creek’s tea-colored waters among towering cypress and abundant wildlife — this guide distills what to expect, what to bring, and how the outing flows.
⌖ 6.3 miA guided drive through the Fernandina Beach Historic District that highlights post–Civil War architecture and offers guests a complimentary adult beverage while they relax in comfort.
⌖ 6.3 miA private, two-hour nature and wildlife boat tour from Fernandina Beach aboard a shallow‑draft flats boat — this guide explains what you’ll see, what to bring, and who it’s for.
⌖ 6.3 miA one-hour Paddle Board Rentals experience at Amelia and the Talbot Islands offering paddle boarding, kayaking and biking from a full‑service shop — this guide explains what to expect on the water and how the operation supports first‑time and returning paddlers.
⌖ 6.3 miTailor a private three‑hour charter for up to four guests—choose fishing, touring, shark‑tooth hunting, shelling or a photo shoot—and build the boat trip you want.
A 2.5-hour walking tasting that threads Victorian streets, waterfront views, and beloved local shops—this guide helps you plan what to bring, how far you’ll walk, and what to expect at the curated stops.
Make the most of your visit to St Marys, Georgia with these essential planning tips, seasonal events, and protected lands.
St Marys, Georgia hosts celebrated events throughout the year showcasing the region's culture, outdoor lifestyle, and community spirit.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of St Marys, Georgia during the iconic Cumberland Island triathlon. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of St Marys, Georgia during the iconic St Marys Rock Shrimp Festival. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of St Marys, Georgia during the iconic Downtown St Marys Holiday Festival. Plan accommodations and permits early.
St Marys, Georgia is surrounded by incredible protected natural lands offering pristine trails, wildlife habitats, and wilderness conservation.
The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, straddling the Georgia-Florida border, is a vast, preserved wetland known for its diverse ecosystems and stunning natural beauty.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park, located in Florida, is renowned for its crystal-clear springs and vibrant wildlife, making it a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts.
Book Cumberland Island ferry tickets well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Bring bug spray for marsh and forest hikes, especially in warmer months.
Check tide charts before paddling in tidal creeks to plan a safe route.
Respect wildlife and habitat regulations within protected areas.
Local outfitters offer kayak rentals and guided tours for paddling adventures.
Always check local regulations, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and weather forecasts before setting out on any adventure in St Marys, Georgia. Respect nature, wildlife, and fellow adventurers by following Leave No Trace principles.