things to do in St Marys GA

10 Things to Do in St. Marys, Georgia: Outdoor Adventures, Fishing & More

If you're looking for things to do in St. Marys, Georgia, you're in for a treat. Located along the Georgia coast near the Florida line, St. Marys is a laid-back waterfront community surrounded by marshes, rivers, trails and some of the most beautiful natural areas in the region.

St. Marys is best known as the gateway to Cumberland Island National Seashore, but there is much more to explore. From fishing and kayaking to biking, golf, swimming and exploring the nearby Okefenokee Swamp, there are plenty of ways to spend a day—or an entire weekend—here.

Here are 10 things to do in and around St. Marys, Georgia.

1. Take the Cumberland Island Ferry

One of the most popular things to do in St. Marys is taking the ferry to Cumberland Island National Seashore.

Cumberland Island is only accessible by boat, making the ferry ride part of the adventure. The concession-operated ferry leaves from St. Marys and takes approximately 45 minutes to reach the island.

Once you arrive, you can explore miles of beaches, maritime forests, historic sites and trails. Cumberland Island is also famous for its wild horses and beautiful, undeveloped coastline.

If you're planning a day trip, check the ferry schedule and make reservations ahead of time. Ferry capacity is limited, and the National Park Service recommends securing reservations, especially during busy periods.

912 Coastal tip: If you plan to explore the island by bike, pay attention to which ferry stop you need. Sea Camp is the appropriate stop for visitors bringing bikes or heading toward the beach and campground areas.

2. Spend the Day at Crooked River State Park

Just outside St. Marys, Crooked River State Park is one of the area's best destinations for enjoying the outdoors.

The park sits along the Intracoastal Waterway and features maritime forests, marsh views, hiking opportunities, camping and access to the water. A boat ramp also makes the park popular with anglers.

For anyone who enjoys fishing, kayaking, hiking or simply getting away from the crowds, Crooked River is worth adding to your St. Marys itinerary.

The changing tides also make the coastal landscape especially interesting for anyone who wants to see Georgia's salt marsh environment up close.

3. Go Fishing

Fishing is one of the biggest reasons outdoor enthusiasts visit St. Marys.

The area's rivers, creeks, marshes and surrounding coastal waters provide opportunities to target popular inshore species such as redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder and sheepshead.

You can fish from shore, launch your own boat or kayak, or book a local fishing charter.

For visitors who aren't familiar with the local waters, a fishing charter can be a great way to learn where fish are holding and what techniques work best for the current conditions.

And for anglers who prefer doing their own exploring, understanding tides, structure, bait and seasonal patterns can make a huge difference.

That's one reason St. Marys and the surrounding Camden County area are such a great fit for the 912 Coastal approach to Georgia and Northeast Florida inshore fishing.

4. Go Kayaking

St. Marys is an excellent place to explore by kayak.

The surrounding waterways provide opportunities to paddle through coastal marshes, creeks and tidal waters while getting a completely different perspective of the Georgia coast.

Kayaking can be relaxing, but it can also be an adventure. Depending on the route and conditions, you may see shorebirds, dolphins, fish and other coastal wildlife.

Crooked River State Park is another great place to consider when planning an outdoor paddling adventure.

If you're new to coastal kayaking, remember that tides and weather can have a major effect on your trip. Plan your route before launching and make sure you understand the local water conditions.

5. Cool Off at the St. Marys Aquatic Center

Looking for something the whole family can enjoy?

The St. Marys Aquatic Center offers a seasonal way to cool off during the warmer months. The facility includes a lazy river, lap pool, children's pool and water playground.

It's a particularly good option for families spending several days in the area who want a break from hiking, fishing and exploring.

Because the Aquatic Center operates seasonally, check current operating information before planning your visit.

6. Explore St. Marys Waterfront Park

St. Marys Waterfront Park is one of the easiest places to enjoy the coastal atmosphere without having to leave town.

The waterfront provides beautiful views of the river and marsh and is a great place to slow down, take pictures, walk around or enjoy the scenery.

The park also serves as an important starting point for the St. Marys Tabby Trail.

The nearby Tilden Norris Marsh Walk adds another opportunity to experience the area's marsh environment and is a good place for birdwatching and nature photography.

For visitors staying downtown, the waterfront is an easy place to include in a morning or evening itinerary.

7. Ride or Walk the St. Marys Tabby Trail

If you enjoy biking or walking, check out the St. Marys Tabby Trail.

The trail is an approximately 11-mile bike and multi-use route connecting St. Marys Waterfront Park with Crooked River State Park. The route includes several comfort stops, and the waterfront area has restrooms and a bike repair station.

The trail is part of the larger effort to connect communities and outdoor spaces throughout Camden County.

It's a great way to experience a different side of St. Marys without getting in the car.

Bring water, wear comfortable shoes and allow plenty of time if you plan to make the full trip.

8. Play a Round of Golf

Golfers have several options in and around St. Marys, with coastal scenery and courses suitable for different types of golfers.

Trident Lakes Golf Club at Kings Bay is a public 18-hole course and a great option for visitors looking for an accessible round of golf while they're in the St. Marys area.

The Club at Osprey Cove in St. Marys features an 18-hole course designed by Mark McCumber and is known for its coastal setting around marshes and natural areas.

Laurel Island Links in nearby Kingsland gives golfers another public option just a short drive from St. Marys. The local tourism site includes it among the area's golf courses.

Whether you're looking for a casual round, a scenic coastal course or a more upscale golf experience, there are several choices within easy reach of St. Marys.

9. Take a Trip to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Want to experience something completely different?

Make the drive to Folkston and explore the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.

The main entrance near Folkston is the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area, where visitors can explore trails, the Chesser Island Boardwalk and Homestead, Swamp Island Drive and the waterways of the refuge.

You can hike, take a guided boat tour, paddle a canoe or kayak, watch wildlife and explore one of the most unique ecosystems in the Southeast.

The refuge is home to an incredible variety of wildlife and encompasses nearly 354,000 acres of protected wilderness.

It's a particularly good day-trip option if you're staying in St. Marys for several days and want to experience more of Southeast Georgia.

10. Tour Cumberland Island

While the ferry gets you to Cumberland Island, the island itself deserves its own spot on your St. Marys itinerary.

Cumberland Island National Seashore offers a combination of beaches, maritime forest, wildlife and history that's hard to find anywhere else along the Georgia coast.

Explore the historic Dungeness area, walk the island's trails, spend time on the beach or simply enjoy the feeling of being somewhere far removed from the mainland.

Because Cumberland Island is protected as a national seashore, visitors should plan ahead. Bring water, food and everything you'll need for the day, and remember that services on the island are limited.

The result is one of the most memorable outdoor experiences you can have from St. Marys.

Why St. Marys Is Worth Visiting

What makes St. Marys special is the variety.

You can spend one morning fishing the tidal creeks, have lunch downtown, take a walk along the waterfront, ride part of the Tabby Trail and finish the day watching the sunset over the marsh.

Or you can make St. Marys your home base for a longer coastal adventure.

Spend one day exploring Cumberland Island.

Spend another kayaking or fishing.

Take a day trip to the Okefenokee.

Play golf.

Visit Crooked River State Park.

Or simply slow down and enjoy the waterfront.

St. Marys offers something that many larger coastal destinations have lost: a relaxed coastal experience without having to fight the crowds.

Plan Your St. Marys Adventure

Whether you're visiting for a weekend or live in the area, St. Marys is a great starting point for exploring Georgia's southeastern coast.

From Cumberland Island and Crooked River to fishing, kayaking, biking and the Okefenokee, there is no shortage of outdoor adventures within easy reach.

And if fishing is part of your plans, don't forget to prepare for the local waters. Knowing the tides, target species, tackle, rigs and seasonal patterns can turn a good fishing trip into a great one.

That's what 912 Coastal is all about—Georgia and Northeast Florida coastal living, fishing and outdoor adventure.

More 912 Coastal Fishing Resources

Looking for more information about fishing the Georgia and Northeast Florida coast? Explore the 912 Coastal fishing guides for practical information on local waters, tackle, gear, techniques and inshore fishing.

Come explore St. Marys. Get outside. Fish the coast. And enjoy the 912.