For adventurers of all ages from three to ninety-three, there’s plenty of fun to be had in St. Marys. From historic mansions to aquatic parks, golfing to kayaking, art galleries and museums, swamp tours and island retreats—St. Marys beckons, “Come out and Play.”
ST. MARYS WELCOME CENTER
You are cordially invited to make your first stop in St. Marys our friendly Welcome Center at 406 Osborne Street. Here’s where you’ll find everything you need to know to maximize your enjoyment of our beautiful town. See our informative video and pick up a free walking map. We look forward to your visit!
HISTORIC TRAM TOURS
Historic tram tours of Downtown St. Marys are offered for 10 people to 100 people with two weeks notice.
Please call 800-868-8687
CUMBERLAND ISLAND
America’s Most Beautiful Wilderness Beach is the perfect place for swimming, hiking, camping, shelling, or just reflecting. With forests so quiet you can hear yourself breathe and pristine sand dunes that hug an undulating shoreline, Cumberland Island is a refreshing escape from the hustle-bustle—an oasis where nature truly reigns. On a stroll beneath the thick live oak canopy visitors may encounter armadillos, wild turkey, deer and most certainly will come face to face with the wild horses that roam the island. History abounds amidst the mystical ruins of the Carnegies’ renowned mansion, Dungeness. You can explore by kayak, or catch the ferry from St. Marys’ waterfront.
912-882-4335
877-860-6787
www.nps.gov/cuis
CUMBERLAND ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE VISITORS CENTER
On St. Marys Waterfront
This is your launching point for your magical trip to Cumberland Island. Fascinating displays depicting the island’s rich heritage and amazing natural resources are a great introduction to your island adventure. Be sure and visit the gift shop for treasures to take back home. 912-882-4336, ext. 254.
More info
CUMBERLAND QUEEN
Ferry to Cumberland Island
This is your connection to “America’s Most Beautiful Wilderness Beach.” The 45-minute ferry ride to Cumberland Island gives you just enough time to immerse yourself in that euphoric feeling of being one with the great outdoors. Dolphins may dance along the way. Seagulls perform their silly antics. As breathtaking as the destination is, you’re sure to enjoy the invigorating journey as well. For details about ferry reservations, call
912-882-4335 or 877-860-6787, or visit http://www.nps.gov/cuis.
CUMBERLAND ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE MUSEUM
129 Osborne Street
Just one block from the waterfront, this museum houses a collection of artifacts from Cumberland Island including remembrances of the famed Carnegie lifestyle and remnants of the Timucuuan Indians who once inhabited the island. A moving exhibit of “The Forgotten Battle” demonstrates the dramatic events that occurred w#hen the last battle of the War of 1812 was fought at St. Marys’ Point Peter. http://www.nps.gov/archive/cuis/pphtml/facilities.html
ORANGE HALL HOUSE MUSEUM
311 Osborne Street
The “Grand Dame of St. Marys,” Orange Hall is an extraordinary example antebellum life in Greek Revival style dating back to circa 1820s-1830s. She reigns in grandeur as you make your entrance into the historic district of Downtown St. Marys and serves as a house museum with tours seven days a week. History buffs or those who simply appreciate architectural beauty will enjoy a tour through this elegant structure.
912-576-3644. www.orangehall.org
ST. MARYS SUBMARINE MUSEUM
On St. Marys Waterfront
As home of Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base, one of only two Trident submarine bases in the world, it is only natural that St. Marys plays host to one of the world’s most extensive collection of submarine memorabilia and displays. St. Marys Submarine Museum is located right on the riverfront and is one attraction not to be missed! Get ready to see firsthand a working periscope, models of torpedoes, and many displays made from actual submarines. See a deep-sea diving suit and submarine uniforms, command plaques, photographs and models of submarines, an area for watching movies on submarines, working sonar panels, a history of submarines, a reading area, a reference area, gift shop and a display dedicated to the eight submariners who received the Medals of Honor. Walls and walls of memorabilia track the history of the submarine. 912-882-ASUB. http://www.stmaryssubmuseum.com
ST. MARYS FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER
301 Herb Bauer Road
Celebrate the summer months at this 7-acre mega-fun park! Adults can relax in a tube as they float around the park in the endless river, or get fit with a refreshing swim in the lap pool. For kids’ thrills (four feet and over) there’s a 2-story slide full of exhilarating twists and turns. The big attraction for the little ones is the playpool where play pals find dozens of ways to squirt, spray and splatter.
912-673-8118
HOWARD GILMAN MEMORIAL PARK ON THE WATERFRONT
Among St. Marys’ many spectacular settings is the beautiful waterfront park where old-fashioned wooden swings hang in rose-covered arbors. This is the ideal spot from which to watch the shrimp boats come in or witness a stunning sunset. Perfect for weddings and other special events that include the ongoing Starry Nights Series hosted by the City of St. Marys each summer. Just a short stroll from the main park is the Tilden Norris Marsh Walk where strollers can merge into the surrounds of an authentic tidal marsh and watch fiddler crabs and snowy egrets.
Take a virtual tour of the park
TOONERVILLE TROLLEY
“See you in the funny papers!” This saying originated by Roy Crane in his 1935 “Wash Tubbs & Easy” comic strip. The nationally-syndicated strip featured many local personalities who used this railcar to commute from St. Marys to Kingsland in the late 1920s. Visitors can view the glass-encased trolley next to St. Marys’ Welcome Center at 406 Osborne Street.
More info
LANG’S MARINA—EAST AND WEST
Boaters love the special ambience that St. Marys’ waterfront offers and often stay overnight at Lang’s Marina where they find fuel and provisions, running water, electricity and shower facilities—all just steps from the vibrant dining and entertainment venues along the waterfront. Dock mean low water is 12 feet.
912-882-4452
OKEFENOKEE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
“Land of the Trembling Earth”
The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is just 45 minutes from Historic St. Marys. It is a rare experience for every member of the family. Naturally beautiful, the swamp (nearly a half-million acres), carries you back into the world’s prehistory. Interpretative exhibits, lectures, wildlife shows, boat tours on original Indian Waterways, wilderness walkways, Pioneer Island, native animals in their own habitat, all combine to weave a spell of pioneer American life. You will witness where primitive man ruled the wilds, where Indians hunted and fished, and where early settlers sought peace and communed with nature. You can see how nature still controls the environment and how nature’s balance assures the perpetuation of the flora and fauna, and the swamp itself. East Entrance, call 912-843-7926 or Visitor Center 912-496-7836. North Entrance 912-283-0583.
http://www.fws.gov/okefenokee
CROOKED RIVER STATE PARK
Located four miles from Historic St. Marys on the south bank of the Crooked River, this park offers fine facilities in a beautiful coastal setting. Full RV hook-ups and tent camping. There is saltwater fishing and boating, two comfort stations and pioneer camping site, and a 1.5-mile nature trail for hiking. You will want to visit the nearby ruins of the famous tabby “McIntosh Sugar Works” mill built around 1825. The mill was later used as a starch factory during the Civil War. 912-882-5256. For reservations, call 1-800-864-7275.
http://gastateparks.org/info/crookriv/
KINGS BAY NAVAL SUBMARINE BASE
The Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base is the east coast homeport for the Ohio-class fleet ballistic-missile (SSBN) and guided missile submarines (SSGN) and the only naval base in the Atlantic Fleet capable of supporting the Trident II (D-5) missile. Contact the Public Affairs Office for information. 912-573-2227.
http://www.subasekb.navy.mil
GOLF CART RENTALS
See St. Marys the way it was meant to be seen…slow, easy, relaxing. 1926 OSBORNE STREET
912-576-8170
More info
GOLFING
St. Marys year-round temperate climate makes a perfect setting for golfing enthusiasts. Public courses include:
TRIDENT LAKES GOLF CLUB
Now open to the public, the Trident Lakes Golf Club is located on Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base just a few minutes from Downtown St. Marys. Arthur Hills’ renown for designing environmentally-sensitive courses that are certified by Audubon International is showcased throughout the 18-hole layout. Wide open vistas banked by pine islands, young oaks and swaying cattails make this challenging course a pleasure to play.
912-573-8475
More info
LAUREL ISLAND LINKS
Just a quick drive from St. Marys’ Waterfront, this Davis Love III-designed course plays against a backdrop of salt marshes, natural wetlands and centuries-old live oaks. The Love trademark of creating a course that quietly interacts with nature is evident throughout the course’s entire 125-acre setting. This trophy course is as challenging as it is beautiful and players at all levels enjoy the thrill of victory when it is played well.
912-729-7277
http://www.laurelislandcountryclub.com
OSPREY COVE
Though it is no longer a public course, Osprey Cove continues to earn accolades for being one of America’s top golf courses. This prestigious Mark McCumber course is just minutes from Downtown St. Marys, and can be experienced by special arrangements with Osprey Cove’s developer, The Landmar Group. Call 888-871-9555 for details on how to sample the golf course and the Osprey Cove lifestyle.
www.ospreycove.com
UP THE CREEK XPEDITIONS
Just one block from the waterfront, Up the Creek Xpeditions offers a diverse selection of kayak nature tours and specialty trips to many of coastal Georgia and Florida’s most scenic waterways. The on-site retail store features the largest selection of kayaks in the area as well as other equipment, clothing and gifts.
912-882-0911
877-UP-THE-CREEK
www.upthecreektrips.com
COLONIAL COAST BIRDING TRAIL
Enjoy a kaleidoscope of birds and glimpse the fascinating history of the Georgia Coast by following this 18-site trail that runs from Savannah to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. More than 300 species of birds have been spotted along the way.
912-994-1438
www.dnr.state.ga.us
DEEP SEA FISHING
St. Marys is a mecca for sportsfishermen as well as the casual angler.
Boat Charters
Calvin & Tripp Lang
LangCharters.com
912-882-4262
Salt Grass Charters
Captains Robert, Justin Paulk & John King
912-882-BOAT
Justin 334-381-9411
John 912-258-3550
Other contacts:
Captain Alan: 904-261-9481
FISH MASTER CHARTERS OFFSHORE OR INSHORE FISHING, SIGHTSEEING AND DIVING WITH CAPTAIN WARREN HUPMAN. 912-729-5214 OR CELL 912-552-5995
Riverhouse Bait Shop
at the Waterfront Park
120 St. Marys Street
912-673-7678
Captain Ken's Fishing Expeditions
912-576-3830
TNT Bowling Lanes
2210 Osborne Road
912-673-7004
WOODBINE OPRY
Just 30 minutes away, this old-timey music fest happens every Friday and Saturday night. A great way to experience real Americana. An open mike jam session with some of the best musicians in the Deep South and old-fashioned food and cake walk.
FRIDAYS - Acoustic Bluegrass & Gospel
SATURDAYS-Amplified Country
http://www.woodbineopry.com/
THE WATER TAXI
A Water Taxi will be running to and from Fernandina Beach to St. Marys beginning in the late summer. The Water Taxi will pick up at both Historic Waterfronts in their respective historic downtowns. The Taxi will hold 50 people. In the beginning, the Taxi will run on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The cost will be $14.00 round trip and will carry bicycles on some of their excursions. A great opportunity to explore two State Cities in one day! For more information
call 912-882-4000.
THE JUMPING PLACE
Make your dream come true! You CAN become
a licensed skydiver and discover the
freedom that eagles experience!
Knowledgable staff and friendly jumpers
will ensure that you have the best
skydive possoble! Take the first step today!
813-312-9558
GREEN ELEPHANT GHOST TOURS
call Diana 912-269-9194 for reservations.
Tours are available Friday and Saturday night at 7PM and 9PM.
Adult price is $12.00, Seniors and Children under 12 the price is $8.00.
Special Group Rates are available and other nightly tours available by appointment.
Tickets may be purchased at the St. Marys Welcome Center next to city hall.
For more info call 912-882-4000
