This Quiet Atlantic Coast City Is Hiding In Plain Sight
St. Marys, Georgia is a place where everything seems to slow down. The salty air, morning fog, and shrimp boats create a laid-back atmosphere. Walking along the peaceful shoreline, St. Marys seems like a sleepy city out of a storybook. It's not on most people's travel itinerary, so it remains a hidden gem with a quiet charm, perfect for a true escape. And once you see the treasures in these coastal streets, you'll want to keep the secret, too. Here, we uncover some of the best things to appreciate about this quiet Atlantic Coast City.
Historic Downtown Streets
Walking around downtown St. Marys, visitors will immediately feel the city's rich history through historic buildings that offer a glimpse into the past. As the second-oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States, St. Marys has a lot of history to explore. Take your time walking the streets and let yourself imagine what the town was like 50 to 100 years ago. At the corner of Bartlett St. & W. St. Marys Street, visitors will find a 600-foot walking trail with interpretive panels explaining the area's history. The self-guided history tour is perfect for history buffs and anyone looking to learn more about St. Marys' past. The interpretive trail covers everything from the indigenous people who first lived in St. Marys to the town's period as an international border town.
After learning about the town's history on the trail, walk down Osborne Street to see one of the town's most iconic structures, The Orange Hall and Cultural Center. The hall was constructed in the 1830s in a beautiful Greek Revival Style. While the inside is currently closed for renovations, visitors can enjoy the grounds. If you are visiting on a Saturday, you can enjoy walking around the St. Marys community market, which sets up on the hall's grounds from 9 am to 1 pm. This is a great spot to experience the lovely community spirit and get some tasty local treats.
Taste Seafood at Local Restaurants
Trying fresh local seafood is a must in St. Marys. The waterfront has several fantastic restaurants that make you feel like you're eating grandma's cooking. An unassuming place that has some of the best seafood you will ever eat is St. Marys Seafood and More. The restaurant's stucco building is easily missed from the road. However, once you step inside, you will feel as though you are in someone's cozy home. Warm wooden paneling, wooden chairs, and tables all create a comfy environment. On the menu, there is a wide variety of seafood from classic fried seafood platters to perfectly cooked crab cakes. There are also southern twists on classics such as shrimp-corn chowder and sides of coleslaw, green beans, and grits. If you are a seafood lover, this is a place you will leave with a full belly.
If you still have room for dessert, head over to Market on the Square for some ice cream. This old-fashioned general store sells souvenirs, sweets, and Häagen-Dazs ice cream cones, making it the perfect stop for a sweet treat! Once you have your ice cream cone, walk around the beautiful waterfront park a few steps away to enjoy the area's natural beauty.
Picnicking at St. Marys Waterfront Park
St. Marys River Waterfront Park is a peaceful spot to relax. Located right on the river's shore, visitors can unwind and enjoy the area's serene landscape. The tables and benches at the park make it an ideal spot for a picnic with friends and family. Take in scenic views of the St. Marys River, watching boats cruise by. If the seafood restaurants in St. Marys are not your thing, pack a picnic and enjoy it at the park. After your meal, enjoy a leisurely riverfront walk, feeling the cool river breeze on your skin. If you need a relaxing afternoon, recharge in the greenspace with the sound of gentle waves washing over you. There is also a playground at the park, so kids can have some outdoor fun and enjoy the area too.
Cumberland Island
A must-see while visiting St. Marys is Cumberland Island, one of Georgia's most beautiful islands. St. Marys is uniquely situated as the only gateway to this pristine barrier island. Right from the city, visitors can take a ferry ride to the island. The 40-minute ferry ride is part of the joy of visiting Cumberland Island. Amongst the waves, visitors might spot dolphins and seabirds. Only 300 people are allowed to visit Cumberland Island at a time, so you will get to enjoy the island views without the crowds. Once you arrive at the island, you will feel as though you have stepped into a natural paradise. The ferry lets visitors off at both the Dungeness and Sea Camp docks at 9:45 am and 12:30 pm.
Those looking to explore the Dungeness Historic District should consider getting off the ferry at Dungeness. This is at the southern part of the island and makes a great starting point for those looking to spend a day on the island. Walking around the Historic District, visitors can tour the ruins of the Dungeness Mansion from 1884. The mansion caught fire in 1959, and today, while only brick and stone remain, it is still a fascinating place to explore.
From the Dungeness Historic District, you can follow a one-mile trail south to get to the island's beaches. The walk typically takes 20 minutes. Cumberland has 17 miles of uninterrupted beach to enjoy, with no structures interrupting it, making it an unusually serene place. Beach bums will enjoy taking a dip in the water or sunbathing on the shore. Just be careful if you decide to go swimming here, as there are no lifeguards. Walking on the beach, you might be lucky enough to see a sea turtle. The expanse of vegetated sand dunes on the island makes it one of Georgia's most important nesting grounds for loggerhead sea turtles.
Kayakers Paradise
If you do not want to take the ferry to Cumberland Island, you can still enjoy some time on the water. One of the best ways to experience the quiet of St. Marys is by taking a trip down the St. Marys River. The peaceful river is an excellent spot for an afternoon of kayaking and is great for kayakers of all levels. If you do not have a kayak with you, do not worry! There are some outfitters nearby offering kayak rentals, like Knuckleheads Kayak Adventure. For beginners, the outfitter also offers skills instruction and guided tours. Once you get your kayak, sit back, relax, and enjoy paddling through the calm waters.
A Trip to Remember
From Cumberland Island's tranquil shores to St. Marys' downtown historic buildings, a trip to St. Marys is one to remember. The quiet city is the perfect place to recharge from the stresses of daily life. Away from the noise of cities bombarding you with billboards and big box stores or beach towns bustling with tourists, St. Marys is a place where you can hear yourself think. The peaceful waters and the surrounding natural landscape will invite you to slow down, as the locals do. Whether you are looking to unwind for a weekend or get away for a couple of weeks to enjoy yourself along the waterfront, St. Marys makes for a memorable trip.
