St. Marys, Georgia is one of America's oldest cities. This is small, quaint waterfront village serves as the launching point for the beautiful Cumberland Island National Seashore, and as a lovely destination in its own right. Visitors will be greeted with genuine southern hospitality, and quickly discover that a relaxed pace of life is the norm here.
Many beautifully restored inns and B&Bs dot the historic downtown area, making a choice in lodging difficult. St. Marys historic downtown area is also full of unique shops housed in charming buildings- all within walking distance to one another, making shopping a joy. After antique hunting, and souvenir searching, visitors should grab lunch at one of the various cafes, and simply enjoy this wonderfully casual place.
A stop at the downtown Visitors Center will help visitors make the best use of their time. One stop the locals working here will recommend is the Orange Hall House Museum. This elegant structure serves as a beautiful example of Greek revival architecture, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Another downtown beauty is the First Presbyterian Church. While many of St. Marys churches were built during the 1800s, this church holds the distinction of being the second oldest church in all of Georgia.
While downtown, the Howard Gilman Memorial Park is a delightful place to go for a much-needed rest stop. Brick walkways, lined by gracious gently swaying palms, frame this tranquil waterfront area. Just a short walk from the park is the Tilden Norris Marsh Walk- another sure bet.
A family looking for lots of summer fun will find it in a variety of ways in St. Marys. The St. Marys Family Aquatic Center offers waterslides and endless rivers that make cooling off easy. Another great family adventure is a trip to the St. Marys Submarine Museum. Displays made from actual submarines, and a working periscope will keep children fascinated. The Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum is an outstanding was to gain insight into the lives of the people that once inhibited the island- from Native Americans to the elite Carnegie family. Nearby, visitors can catch the ferry to Cumberland Island.
St. Marys is located on the southern-most tip of Georgia, just 9 miles east of Interstate 95.