Things to do in St. Marys

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Visit St. Marys

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St. Marys Travel Guide

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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.

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What to do in St. Marys

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 check out its top-notch restaurants.

Night scene of the ferry to Cumberland Island and the waterfront in St Marys, Georgia.

Cumberland Island Ferry

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

Plum Orchard Mansion

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Plum Orchard Mansion during your trip to Cumberland Island. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this relaxing area.

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.

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 Submarine Museum

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

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.

St. Marys Railroad Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in St. Marys Railroad Museum during your trip to St. Marys. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches, or simply savor its top-notch restaurants.

Georgia Visitor Information Center - Valdosta

After visiting Georgia Visitor Information Center - Valdosta, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in St. Marys. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Cumberland Island National Seashore. Cumberland Island, largest of Georgia's Golden Isles, is managed by National Park Service. Dungeness Mansion ruins once owned by Carnegie Family, ruined by fire.

Kingsland

Fernandina Beach

Yulee

Cumberland Island

East River Marsh in the Brunswick Jekyll Island area, Georgia

Woodbine

Frequently asked questions

Is St. Marys worth visiting?

Offering a blend of bars and pubs and culture, there are plenty of things to do in St. Marys. While you're here, check out Laurel Island Links, a major attraction in the area.

How do I spend a day in St. Marys?

Start your day with a visit to Cumberland Island Ferry and St. Marys Railroad Museum. Then, explore different areas of St. Marys for a bite to eat and some souvenir shopping.

What is the top tourist attraction in St. Marys?

Laurel Island Links is one of the top tourist attractions in St. Marys and should be high on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.

Is three days enough to stay in St. Marys?

Book a vacation in St. Marys for three days and you'll have plenty of time to explore its leading sights and experience the local way of life. For the chance to see attractions in the surrounding areas and venture off the beaten path, consider sticking around for seven to ten days.

What are some activities to do in St. Marys with kids?

Whether you're vacationing with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Check out our recommendations for what to do in St. Marys with kids.

What to do in St. Marys for adults?

St. Marys Submarine Museum and Club at Osprey Cove are just a few of the things to do in St. Marys. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.

Are there free things to do in St. Marys?

One of the simplest ways to learn about free things to do in St. Marys is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on interesting neighborhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without getting your cash out. McIntosh Sugarmill Park is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.