Discover St. Marys: History, Island Nature, and Trails

St. Marys combines maritime history, island nature, and trails for a variety of vacation days. The town is the gateway to Cumberland Island National Seashore and also a destination for anyone interested in the history of the region. If you want to plan your trip around a museum visit, walks, bike rides, and a trip to Cumberland Island, St. Marys offers several specific starting points for doing so.

History Between the Museum and Downtown

One notable destination is the St. Marys Submarine Museum. On two floors, it has almost 5,000 square feet of exhibition and presentation space. The museum also houses more than 99% of all American submarine war patrol reports from World War II. An unusual exhibition experience is provided by the authentic Type 2 submarine periscope: Visitors can operate it to see the St. Marys River.

The town's history can also be explored on foot. The historic district of Downtown St. Marys can be explored on a self-guided tour. Depending on how long you spend at each stop, it takes 1 to 3 hours. Another short route is the St. Marys History Walk. The 600-foot walking trail includes 24 informational panels about the history of the region. Along the way, it is worth taking a look at the downtown streets, which bear the names of the town's founders.

The Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum on the mainland complements these historical impressions with a collection of artifacts from Cumberland Island. The exhibition includes “Forgotten Battle,” a presentation about a battle of the War of 1812 that took place in the Point Peter area of St. Marys.

Cumberland Island and Trails for Active Days

St. Marys is the departure point for the passenger ferry to Cumberland Island. The ferry is operated by a concessionaire and departs from Saint Marys. On Cumberland Island, the national seashore includes nearly 18 miles of undeveloped beach. Those who enjoy planning longer days in nature will also find the historic main park road there, which visitors can travel on foot and by bicycle.

For shorter or nearby activities, the St. Marys Tabby Trail is a good option. The bicycle and multi-use trail is 11 miles long and runs from St. Marys Waterfront Park to Crooked River State Park. Trails along the route are still under development. Take this note into account when planning and choose your route to match the section you actually want to use.

Another way to explore the landscape from the water is the Southeast Coast Saltwater Paddling Trail. It is divided into 11 sections, begins in St. Marys, and runs northward. This allows you to combine very different ideas for a day: a historical tour through Downtown, a short walk with informational panels, a bike ride, or an excursion toward Cumberland Island.

The Right Accommodation for Planning Your Trip

When looking for accommodation, you can first decide which focus should define your trip. Those who want to include museums, the historic district, and the St. Marys History Walk should search specifically in St. Marys. For days spent amid island nature and on the beach, the passenger ferry to Cumberland Island should be part of the plan. Cyclists should consider the route of the Tabby Trail, while paddlers can use the beginning of the Saltwater Paddling Trail as an important reference point.

A vacation rental in St. Marys can therefore serve as a search direction for a stay that combines history, trails, and excursions. As you continue your selection, check which location suits your personal plans for each day, without combining the individual experiences into a single route.

More Places to Consider

If you would like to compare other places in addition to St. Marys, you can continue your search with Kingsland, Woodbine, and Spring Bluff. This allows you to align your further travel planning with the places that best match your desired experiences.

For the broader travel overview: Camden.