Cumberland Island National Seashore

Things To Do Near Cumberland Island National Seashore

Start your visit to Cumberland Island National Seashore by stopping at the visitor center in St. Marys, Georgia, to tour the museum and book your ferry passage. Once on the island, tour the historic sites, including the Dungeness Ruins, where the Carnegies often spent their vacation time. They may be responsible for introducing the horses to the island that have become feral over the years. Go on the Lands and Legacies tour or join a park ranger on a footsteps tour to learn more about the island’s history. Cumberland Island is a great place to go swimming, and there are over 9,800 acres of wilderness to explore. 

Hiking Trails

• Sound to Sea Trail

  The Sound to Sea trail starts at the ferry dock and runs by the Ice House Museum, the Dungeness Ruins, and the old cemetery before reaching a boardwalk near the ocean. The views from the boardwalk are particularly stunning and offer great photo opportunities. This well-marked trail ends near the Sea Camp dock. A cellphone tour is available in multiple languages so that you can understand more about what you are seeing. 

  Location

  Cumberland Island National Seashore, Cumberland Island, Georgia 31527

  Length

  4.3 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Little Greyfield Hike

  Hike through the maritime forest filled with saw palmetto, wax myrtle, and live oak trees to Little Greyfield. Follow the spur until you get to the ocean. Then, hike back across the dunes to the starting point. 

  Location

  Cumberland Island National Seashore, Cumberland Island, Georgia 31527

  Length

  4 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• River Trail

  Stroll between the Sea Camp and Dungeness docks on this short hike. This well-marked trail offers views of the Intercoastal waterway. You can hike this trail in either direction. 

  Location

  Cumberland Island National Seashore, Cumberland Island, Georgia 31527

  Length

  0.8 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Plum Orchard Mansion

  Get a glimpse of High Edwardian culture by going on a free tour of Plum Orchard Mansion. Workers constructed this home as a wedding gift for George Lauder Carnegie and Margaret Thaw in 1898, and workers added to it many times over the next 20 years. See machines, furniture, and other items from the late 1800s inside this home. 

  Location

  Cumberland Island National Seashore, Cumberland Island, Georgia 31527

• The First African Baptist Church

  Congregation members constructed the one-room First African Baptist Church in 1893 as a house of worship. It continued as a church and community center until after the Civil War. In 1996, John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette were married at this location. 

  Location

  Cumberland Island National Seashore, Cumberland Island, Georgia 31527

• Dungeness Historic District

  If you want to see the feral horses, then make sure to visit the Dungeness Historic District. While there are no guarantees, they often hang out there. This district contains the Tabby House, which is the oldest house on the island. Explore the greenhouse where workers grew vegetables for the Carnegie family. 

  Location

  Cumberland Island National Seashore, Cumberland Island, Georgia 31527

Museums

• Ice House Museum

  The Ice House was initially constructed in 1909 to store ice for the island’s mansions. The National Park Service operates exhibits inside this structure located next to the Dungeness Dock. Some of the exhibits focus on ecology, while others help you understand more about the island’s historical roots. 

  Location

  Cumberland Island National Seashore, Cumberland Island, Georgia 35527

• Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum

  Learn about the different groups essential to Cumberland Island throughout history by visiting the Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum. Some items include a Native American canoe, a British bomb ship anchor, a Scottish shield, and a Tiffany desk. This museum is also where you catch the ferry to go to Cumberland Island. 

  Location

  101 Wheeler Street, Street, St. Marys, Georgia, 31558

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Market on the Square

  Treat your sweet tooth at Market on the Square while picking up supplies for a Cumberland Island picnic. This store is also a fantastic place to pick up clothing and souvenirs. They offer sea-inspired home décor as well. 

  Location

  100 Osborne, St. Marys, Georgia, 31558

• Southern Saint Boutique

  Find trendy women’s clothing at Southern Saint Boutique. This shop is also a fantastic place to pick up swimwear and coverups for the beach. You can find a wide selection of fashion accessories at this store as well. 

  Location

  708 Osborne Street Suite 100, Saint Marys, Georgia 31558

• St. Marys Seafood & More

  Select from a range of fried, grilled, blackened, and broiled seafood at St. Marys Seafood & More. Menu options include broiled clams, shrimp, crab, and fish. This restaurant also has a full bar. Special events and live music occur here frequently. 

  Location

  1837 Osborne Road, St. Marys, Georgia 31558

• Riverside Café & Restaurant

  Get your favorite Greek-style entrees at Riverside Café & Restaurant. If you share your meal with friends or are not familiar with Greek cooking, try one of their fabulous Greek platters. If you decide to visit on a cool day, try their hot soups and sandwiches. 

  Location

  106 St. Marys Street, St. Marys, Georgia, 31558

How To Get To Cumberland Island National Seashore

The easiest way to get to Cumberland Island National Seashore is to take the ferry, although you can take your private boat. If you are in Savannah or other points to the north, get on Interstate 95 South. Take Exit 3 and turn left on Georgia 40 East. Turn right on Stable Alley West and left on St. Marys Street. This street becomes Wheeler Street, and your destination will be on your right. 

Address

101 Wheeler Street, St. Marys, Georgia, 31558

Fee: Entry fee $10.0

Entry fees for adults are $10, free for 16 and under

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a fantastic place to visit. You can explore history, see feral horses, tour museums, and play on the beach. The best way to explore this park is to bring your RV to St. Marys, Georgia. Then, take the ferry to the island. The ferry leaves from this park’s St. Marys headquarters, so it is convenient to visit this island. If you do not have an RV, then rent one on RVshare.com.