Cumberland Island National Seashore Visitor Center - St Marys, Georgia

Gretchen32937

Plan your visit! Arrive at 8am if boarding the 9am boat, buy your souvenirs and pay for entry to the national park. Buy in advance your tickets online. Pack a backpack with all food, water supplies as well as bug spray. Wear comfy shoes and be prepared to walk. There are random benches and picnic tables, also a restroom with large table indoors if needed (labeled the laundry area). North end of the island restricted so unable to see church. We stayed on the south end and walked the beach, marsh and grounds searching for the horses. Was able to see 8 of them and all appeared healthy and happy! We even toured some of the tent loops that looked private and enjoyable. Have fun and be thankful!

Beth M.

So glad we finally were able to visit the island. It is just gorgeous. Untamed and untouched acres and acres of forest, marsh, and beaches. It can only be reached by personal boat or the St. Mary ferry. There is water available and restrooms, but nothing else is on the island. You can bring your own bikes and food, but no dogs are allowed. If you have questions, call the park rangers. They are very helpful and informative.

KBL K.

Bring anything you're going to need! Food, water etc. There's NO store on the island. Also, bring a bag for your trash there are NO trash cans. You may ONLY take shells and pictures. Respect the Park, give the wild horses space.

Stacie T.

Such a great experience, the scenery was beautiful, rangers were knowledgeable and helpful. A nice little escape. Buy ferry tickets in advance.

Aaron R.

Beautiful island with seashore. You will have to take a somewhat pricey ($20 per ticket one way) ferry to the island but it is worth it. Because of the ferry the island does not have a lot of visitors at one time so it is not crowded. Saw lots of wild horses, crabs, maybe an alligator.... Definitely worth a full day visit.

Falling K. F.

One of my favorite spots to visit. St Marys is a wonderful, quaint town. Took the ferry ride to the natural wilderness of Cumberland and explored mansion ruins, vast sand dunes that reminded of the Mojave Desert, and a beautiful beach full of shells. Walk south to the Pelican Banks and see Florida from the other side. Wild horses roamed about, along with turkey and armadillos. If you want majestic beauty, historic ruins to explore, beautiful shells and sand dollars, and untouched wilderness this place is a must. One of the best national parks in the east.

Julia H.

Cumberland Island, especially in the springtime, is such a magical place. Owned by all of us and stewarded by the best team of park rangers, the island is a wonderful place to, as the kids would say, touch grass. If Eric and Pauline are at the welcome center during your visit, you've hit the jackpot. Why didn't I become a park ranger Kids, don't go into finance.

Beau F.

Reviews

Such a beautiful island for a day visit—especially on a spring/fall day when it’s not too hot yet. The ferry is a great way to transition to the island and leaving on the 11:45am and coming back on the 4:45pm trip allows a decent amount of time to explore on foot. With the 45 minute ferry ride that gave us 4 hours to explore.

We walked around on our own to the Dungeness ruins and along the beach. I appreciated all the informational signage, including history of the indigenous Timucuan villages and the enslaved people and Freedmen who called Cumberland Island home.

Wild horses 🐴 turkeys 🦃 and armadillos roamed all about. The oak trees 🌳 are stunning to walk under.