Things to Do in St. Marys
St. Marys may be a smaller coastal city, but there's more to do here than first-time visitors sometimes expect.
Located along the St. Marys River near the Georgia–Florida border, the city offers a mix of waterfront recreation, historic sites, outdoor activities, local restaurants, community events, and access to Cumberland Island National Seashore.
What makes St. Marys different isn't necessarily the number of attractions. It's how much of the area's recreation is connected to the water, surrounding natural environment, and historic downtown.
You can spend a morning walking along the riverfront, take a ferry to Cumberland Island, explore trails at Crooked River State Park, or learn about the area's history without traveling far from home.
Explore Historic Downtown St. Marys
Historic Downtown St. Marys is one of the city's main gathering areas.
Osborne Street leads toward the St. Marys River, where you'll find waterfront parks, restaurants, local businesses, museums, and historic buildings.
Unlike a large commercial district, downtown St. Marys is relatively compact. Much of its appeal comes from being able to explore several destinations during the same visit.
You might spend time at the waterfront, walk through nearby streets, stop for a meal, or visit one of the area's historic attractions.
For people considering a home near downtown, these destinations can become part of a regular routine rather than an occasional outing.
Howard Gilman Memorial Waterfront Park
St. Marys Howard Gilman Memorial Waterfront Park sits along the St. Marys River at the end of Osborne Street.
The park includes public waterfront space, a boardwalk, a gazebo, and places to sit and watch activity along the river.
It's also used for community gatherings and seasonal events.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in St. Marys
What are the main attractions in St. Marys, Georgia?
Major attractions include Historic Downtown St. Marys, Howard Gilman Memorial Waterfront Park, Cumberland Island National Seashore, Crooked River State Park, the St. Marys Submarine Museum, and the area's historic sites.
Can you visit Cumberland Island from St. Marys?
Yes. A passenger ferry departs from downtown St. Marys for Cumberland Island National Seashore. Reservations are recommended, schedules vary seasonally, and visitors should plan ahead because services on the island are limited.
Does St. Marys have beaches?
St. Marys is located along rivers and coastal waterways rather than directly on an Atlantic Ocean beach. Cumberland Island has undeveloped beaches accessible by boat, while Amelia Island and other nearby coastal destinations offer additional beach access.
Are there outdoor activities in St. Marys?
Yes. Outdoor activities include hiking, kayaking, boating, fishing, birdwatching, cycling, camping, and exploring the waterfront. Crooked River State Park and the surrounding waterways are major recreational resources.
What can you do in Downtown St. Marys?
Downtown activities include visiting the waterfront park, walking along Osborne Street, exploring historic sites, visiting museums, dining at local restaurants, attending community events, and taking the ferry to Cumberland Island.
Getting to Know St. Marys Beyond the Real Estate Listings
When you're researching a place to live, it's easy to focus almost entirely on housing.
You compare neighborhoods, home prices, commute routes, square footage, and property features.
Those details matter, but they don't tell you everything about the area.
Spending time at the St. Marys waterfront, exploring Crooked River State Park, walking through downtown, or taking a trip to Cumberland Island can give you a better understanding of the community beyond what appears in a listing.
You may discover that being close to downtown matters more than you expected. Or that regular access to a boat ramp, park, or interstate route is more important to your routine.
Those discoveries can change which homes and locations you want to consider.
Coastal Roots Realty is headquartered in St. Marys, and our team helps buyers understand the differences between the area's neighborhoods, housing options, and everyday amenities.
Because choosing where to live isn't just about finding a house you like. It's also about understanding what you'll want to do when you're not at home.