St. Marys, Georgia on a Slow Boat to Florida
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes – SBFL* Stop 38 – Planned – I am imagining and planning now. As the gentle Georgia breeze dances on our faces, we find ourselves inching closer to the sunlit shores of Florida. After all, we are on a journey, our Slow Boat to Florida, what is the rush? Our journey isn’t about rushing to our destination but about savoring each moment and every stop along the way. Today, our adventure brings us to a historic gem nestled by the sea—St. Marys, Georgia. Interestingly, neither Dorothea and Stuart Jones, the couple from 1958, nor Allan Fisher, Jr., from 1973—both members of National Geographic and our sources of inspiration for the Slow Boat to Florida series—seemingly made a stop in this town. I am guessing that at the time, the town was not yet prime-time ready for pleasure boaters like us. Today, as the Gateway to Cumberland Island and the Georgia Coast, St. Marys offers a laid-back vibe with Southern charm for a perfect relaxing retreat or an outdoor adventure!
Unveiling St. Marys – A Tapestry of Time
Arriving in St. Marys feels like sailing straight into the pages of a history book. Founded in 1787, this quaint town brims with stories from the past. As we dock at Lang’s Marina, the crisp ocean air is tinged with tales of yore—the echoes of colonists, sailors, and the Creek people who first called these lands home. The streets of St. Marys are lined with stately oak trees, their sprawling branches a canopy over antebellum homes that have stood the test of time.
Our first day in town begins with a stroll through the historic district, each step on the cobblestone paths a soft thud into the past.
Then, of course, we visit St. Marys Submarine Museum, where the walls are adorned with artifacts that whisper secrets of the deep blue sea—tales of submariners and the silent service that patrols the ocean depths.
Just a stone’s throw away lies the Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base, a sentinel of modern sea might and a striking contrast to the serene surroundings.
Adventures and Laughter
The charm of St. Marys isn’t just in its history but also in the warmth of its people and the serene landscapes that invite relaxation and exploration. We decide to spend an afternoon on Cumberland Island, Georgia’s largest barrier island accessible only by the small ferry that chugs away from the mainland. The island is an untouched paradise, with wild horses roaming free among ruins overgrown with ivy—a vivid picture of nature reclaiming its space. If you want to spend one amazing day on Cumberland Island look no further, here is the link for you.
Back in town as twilight paints the sky in shades of orange and pink, we find our way to Riverside Cafe. Here, the air is filled with laughter and the clinking of glasses as we dine on the catch of the day, the fish as fresh as the ocean breeze. Our meal is not just nourishing for the body but also the soul, as we share stories with fellow travelers and locals alike.
Lingering in Comfort
With so much to see and experience, we decide to extend our stay. Lang’s Marina, where we’ve docked our boat, provides not just a berth but a gateway to the heart of St. Marys. Its proximity to the bustling downtown invites us to explore more, from the Orange Hall House Museum with its regal Greek Revival architecture to the tranquil trails of Crooked River State Park nearby.
Each evening, we return to our floating abode, where the rhythm of the water lulls us into a peaceful sleep, preparing us for another day of discovery. Our neighbors at the marina, a mix of seasonal sailors and transient travelers, share tales of their own journeys, each story adding a thread to the rich tapestry of our collective maritime life.
Savoring Each Moment
As our time in St. Marys draws to a close, we reflect on the serene beauty and rich history that have woven their way into our hearts. The real treasure of our “Slow Boat to Florida” series is not just in reaching our destination but in embracing each unique experience along the way.
St. Marys, with its timeless charm and inviting shores, has been more than just a stopover; it has been a reminder of why we travel—not to escape life but to ensure that life doesn’t escape us. With memories of St. Marys secured in our minds and hearts, we set sail once more, the horizon calling us to our next adventure, with Brunswick, Georgia, beckoning as our next historic sojourn.
In Brunswick, we anticipate a blend of old and new, from the bustling waterfront parks to the cozy eateries like Indigo Coastal Shanty, where the local flavor promises to be as rich and inviting as the tales of maritime glory and cultural heritage that await us.
Our journey continues, each stop a new chapter, each wave a rhythm in our sea-bound narrative. As we sail onward, the spirit of St. Marys sails with us, a lasting emblem of our travels through time and tide.
Well, that’s it for now. Stay well. I hope to say hello to you in one of the locations that I’m hoping to visit in 2025.
I bid you Fair Winds and Following Seas.
Cover photo: Aerial photo of St. Marys, Georgia. Photo courtesy of Marinas.com
1 thing I learned
Speaking of the Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base at St. Marys, here is some interesting information on Trident Class submarines.
2 things I recommend
St. Marys, Georgia, offers a rich blend of history, natural beauty, and Southern hospitality, making it an ideal destination for a short visit. Here is a Family Destination Guide for you.
1 – If you have only one day, here’s how you can make the most of your day:
Morning: Explore Historic Downtown
- St. Marys Welcome Center: Begin your day at the Welcome Center to gather maps and information about local attractions.
- Howard Gilman Memorial Waterfront Park: Enjoy a leisurely stroll in this scenic park, which features a fountain, playground, and picturesque views of St. Marys River.
Midday: Lunch at a Local Eatery
- Riverside Cafe: Located downtown, this cafe offers Greek-American fare with river views.
Afternoon: Discover Local Attractions
- Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum: Learn about the history and ecology of Cumberland Island.
- McIntosh Sugar Mill Park: Visit the ruins of a 19th-century sugar mill nestled in a shaded picnic area.
Evening: Dinner and Relaxation
- Locals Dockside: Enjoy seafood and steak at this waterfront restaurant.
2 – Enjoy St Marys’ Restaurants
How easy?
Marinas where you can stay overnight or longer
- St. Marys Intracoastal Gateway Marina: Located in historic downtown, this marina offers 30- and 50-amp service, water, and pump-out at your slip, all included in the daily rate. It’s steps away from shops and restaurants, providing easy access to local amenities.
- Lang’s Marina: Situated on the historic waterfront, Lang’s Marina provides electric, shower facilities, fuel, and provisions.
Both marinas offer convenient docking options, allowing you to explore St. Marys with ease.
*SBFL stands for Slow Boat to Florida. Each numbered heading has two parts. The first is “Planned or Planning to Visit,” and when we visit the planned location, a “Visited” label appears at the beginning, next to SBFL.
Join us on our journey of discovery along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW)! We’re taking you with us, through our blog “Trips of Discovery,” as we follow in the footsteps of three National Geographic editors – Dorothea and Stuart E. Jones and Allan C. Fisher, Jr. In this series, we’ll show you the past, present, and a glimpse into the future, as we compare and contrast the locations visited by the Joneses (1958 National Geographic article, “Slow Boat to Florida”) and Fisher (1973 book, “America’s Inland Waterway”), respectively. But don’t worry, we’ll add our own personal touch by sharing our observations and interviews with local residents during our visits.
In this series, we’ll take you to some of the most historic and charming spots along the ICW and share our personal observations and experiences. Who knows, you might even be inspired to plan your own adventure!
