St. Marys Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Washed ashore sea star. #travel #seastar #beach #welovetoexplore https://www.facebook.com/welovetoexplore/timeline/story?ut=43&wstart=0&wend=1422777599&hash=3585313150704558958&pagefilter=3
Washed ashore sea star. #travel #seastar #beach #welovetoexplore https://www.facebook.com/welovetoexplore/timeline/story?ut=43&wstart=0&wend=1422777599&hash=3585313150704558958&pagefilter=3
Quaint town near the Golden Isles
Dungeness on Cumberland Island, Georgia, is a ruined mansion that is part of a historic district that was the home of several families significant in American history. James Oglethorpe first built on Cumberland Island in 1736, building a hunting lodge that he named Dungeness. Oglethorpe named the place after Dungeness, in England. The next Dungeness was the legacy of Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene, who had acquired 11,000 acres of island land in exchange for a bad debt. His widow built a four-story tabby mansion in 1803, over a Timucuan shell mound. During the War of 1812 the island was occupied by the British, who used the house as a headquarters. In 1818 Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee, a dashing cavalry commander during the Revolutionary War and father of Robert E. Lee, stayed at the house until his death on March 25, 1818, cared for by Greene's daughter Louisa, and was laid to rest in nearby cemetery with full military honors provided by an American fleet stationed at St. Marys, Georgia. The house was abandoned during the U.S. Civil War and burned in 1866. In the 1880s the property was purchased by Thomas M. Carnegie, brother of Andrew Carnegie, who began to build a new mansion on the site. The 59-room Queen Anne style mansion and grounds were completed after Carnegie's death in 1886. His wife Lucy continued to live at Dungeness and built other estates for her children, including Greyfield for Margaret Carnegie, Plum Orchard for George Lauder Carnegie, and Stafford Plantation. By this time, the Carnegies owned 90% of the island. The Carnegies moved out of Dungeness in 1925. In 1959 the Dungeness mansion was destroyed by fire, alleged to be arson. The ruins are today preserved by the National Park Service as part of Cumberland Island National Seashore. They were acquired by the Park Service in 1972.
Dungeness on Cumberland Island, Georgia, is a ruined mansion that is part of a historic district that was the home of several families significant in American history. James Oglethorpe first built on Cumberland Island in 1736, building a hunting lodge that he named Dungeness. Oglethorpe named the place after Dungeness, in England. The next Dungeness was the legacy of Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene, who had acquired 11,000 acres of island land in exchange for a bad debt. His widow built a four-story tabby mansion in 1803, over a Timucuan shell mound. During the War of 1812 the island was occupied by the British, who used the house as a headquarters. In 1818 Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee, a dashing cavalry commander during the Revolutionary War and father of Robert E. Lee, stayed at the house until his death on March 25, 1818, cared for by Greene's daughter Louisa, and was laid to rest in nearby cemetery with full military honors provided by an American fleet stationed at St. Marys, Georgia. The house was abandoned during the U.S. Civil War and burned in 1866. In the 1880s the property was purchased by Thomas M. Carnegie, brother of Andrew Carnegie, who began to build a new mansion on the site. The 59-room Queen Anne style mansion and grounds were completed after Carnegie's death in 1886. His wife Lucy continued to live at Dungeness and built other estates for her children, including Greyfield for Margaret Carnegie, Plum Orchard for George Lauder Carnegie, and Stafford Plantation. By this time, the Carnegies owned 90% of the island. The Carnegies moved out of Dungeness in 1925. In 1959 the Dungeness mansion was destroyed by fire, alleged to be arson. The ruins are today preserved by the National Park Service as part of Cumberland Island National Seashore. They were acquired by the Park Service in 1972.
SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western St Marys Cumberland

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western St Marys Cumberland

3 out of 5
2710 Osborne Rd St. Marys GA
The price is AU$110 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
AU$110
1 Feb - 2 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in St. Marys. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
yes the breakfast was fresh, the parking was easy

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western St Marys Cumberland
Hyatt Place Jacksonville Airport

Hyatt Place Jacksonville Airport

3 out of 5
14565 Duval Rd Jacksonville FL
The price is AU$183 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
AU$183
1 Feb - 2 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Jacksonville. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,358 reviews)
Yes

Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026

Hyatt Place Jacksonville Airport
Extended Stay America Premier Suites - Jacksonville - Airport

Extended Stay America Premier Suites - Jacksonville - Airport

2.5 out of 5
15678 Max Leggett Parkway Jacksonville FL
The price is AU$134 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
AU$134
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Jacksonville. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (188 reviews)
Best service we have had in a long time. Clean rooms and great location! Pleasantly surprised for such a great price!!

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

Extended Stay America Premier Suites - Jacksonville - Airport
See all 4,318 properties in St. Marys
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Historic 5 Bedroom Home, Walk To Cumberland Island Ferry

Historic 5 Bedroom Home, Walk To Cumberland Island Ferry

St Marys GA
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in St. Marys. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a water park and laundry facilities. Popular attractions St. Marys Submarine Museum ...
10/10 Exceptional! (126 reviews)
This was an absolutely beautiful property! Everything about this home was wonderful. The decor and furnishings made us feel at home, cozy and pampered. The kitchen became a gathering place as was the bright and comfy living room with plenty of seating. Each of us in our group of 5 had our own bedroom, ...

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

Historic 5 Bedroom Home, Walk To Cumberland Island Ferry
Family Reunion Estate for 23 with pool and incredible island views.

Family Reunion Estate for 23 with pool and incredible island views.

St. Marys GA
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in St. Marys. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a water park. Popular attractions Cumberland Island Ferry and St. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
This was a great house for a large family. Plenty of places to sleep - lots of living space and the kids loved the pool!! Only 45 minutes from the beach which we took advantage of. One day we rented golf carts and stopped at all the shops in St. Mary’s. The hostess was very helpful and was quick ...

Reviewed on 19 July 2025

Family Reunion Estate for 23 with pool and incredible island views.
The Villas of Amelia Island

The Villas of Amelia Island

4 out of 5
8 Amelia Village Circle, Amelia Island Fernandina Beach FL
Stay at this beach holiday home in Fernandina Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,145 reviews)
Beautiful grounds, very helpful staff, great amenities. Cedric the tram driver was the highlight of our trip! Great stories, helpful suggestions about where to eat and such a pleasant perspective! The shops are wonderful with unique clothing and accessories.

Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026

The Villas of Amelia Island
See all properties in St. Marys
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

USA, Georgia, Cumberland Island National Seashore

Cumberland Island National Seashore Visitor Center

After visiting Cumberland Island National Seashore Visitor Center, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in St. Marys. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this romantic area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Cumberland Island National Seashore Visitor Center
A lovely place to sit and watch the world go by.

Howard Gilman Waterfront Park

Howard Gilman Waterfront Park is just one of the places to see in St. Marys, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in this family-friendly area, you can enjoy the restaurants.

Howard Gilman Waterfront Park

Cumberland Island Ferry

Explore the waterfront in St. Marys with a trip to Cumberland Island Ferry. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

Cumberland Island Ferry

St. Marys Welcome Center

After visiting St. Marys Welcome Center, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in St. Marys. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

St. Marys Welcome Center

St. Marys Submarine Museum

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at St. Marys Submarine Museum during your trip to St. Marys. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

St. Marys Submarine Museum

Club at Osprey Cove

Enjoy a round of golf in St. Marys at Club at Osprey Cove. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Club at Osprey Cove

Activities

Guided Kayak Eco Tour: Real Florida Adventure

Guided Kayak Eco Tour: Real Florida Adventure

AU$90
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Guided Kayak Eco Tour: Real Florida Adventure
Ride the Waves 2 Hour Scenic Jet Ski Tour in Amelia Island

Ride the Waves 2 Hour Scenic Jet Ski Tour in Amelia Island

AU$389
per traveller
Ride the Waves 2 Hour Scenic Jet Ski Tour in Amelia Island
Guided Arcimoto FUV Tour on Amelia Island

Guided Arcimoto FUV Tour on Amelia Island

AU$284
per traveller
Guided Arcimoto FUV Tour on Amelia Island
See all activities in St. Marys