St. Marys Georgia Activities

Make Spencer House Inn your home for your visit to the Georgia coast – whether you want to be active each day with a trip to Cumberland Island or Okefenokee Swamp or whether you would like to slow your pace and stroll the tree-lined streets of the village of St. Marys and spend your time immersed in history or perhaps shop for antiques and other unique items – whatever brings you to Spencer House Inn, we are so glad to have you as our guests – thank you for coming!

Dining | Outdoor Pursuits | Museums, Parks and Historic Places
Shopping, Antiques and Art | Events Calendar | Other Links

Saint Marys Restaurants and Dining

Please contact us directly 912-882-1872 for information on days and hours for the various restaurants as many have limited dining-in seating for the present time.

Here are a few of our favorite restaurants – it’s nice to be able to walk to several of the restaurants that are near the Inn and in addition there are others to choose from which are just a short drive away.

Within a short walk –

401 West Restaurant (Facebook page) Wed.-Thurs. 5-9pm, Fri. 5-10pm, Sat. 11am-10pm (brunch 11am-3:30pm, dinner 3:30-10pm); Sunday brunch 11am-3:30pm; closed Mon. and Tues. Upscale dining on the St. Marys River with spectacular views. Locally-sourced food and high-quality ingredients are the focus plus an amazing selection of wines and creative cocktails too – a great addition to St. Marys dining options.

Cedar Oak Cafe and Java Joe’z (Facebook page) 912-882-9555; 7 days a week 7:30am-2pm. Terrific selection of salads, sandwiches, smoothies, desserts and coffees – great breakfast too.

Lang’s Marina Restaurant – Currently closed indefinitely 9/2021 – reopen perhaps in 2022. Local seafood at its best, shrimp and rock shrimp are their specialties, seafood selections available, shrimp from Lang’s own boats, variety of side dishes, wine & beer, outside deck, located beside the St. Marys River & the waterfront park.

Pauly’s Café 912-882-3944; Mon.-Wed. 11am-9pm, Fri. & Sat. 11am-10pm, closed Sun. and Thurs. Almond crusted grouper #1 on the menu plus other seafood, chicken, steak, pasta dishes with an Italian flair along with salads, soups, sandwiches, fine wines & beer and specialty desserts. Tiki bar for casual outdoor sipping & dining.

Riverside Café 912-882-3466; Mon.-Sat. 11am-9pm, closed Sun. Dine across from the beautiful St. Marys waterfront & the Cumberland Island visitors center, inside or out on the porch – casual lunch and dinner available, specials of the day, craft beers on draft plus wine, the menu is Greek & Mediterranean inspired & so much more including delicious homemade desserts.

Captain Seagle’s Restaurant and Saloon (Facebook page) 882-3242; Mon.-Fri. 4-10pm; Sat. & Sun. 11am-10pm. Newly remodeled dining room inside the Riverview Hotel with a revamped menu, new front door entrance and a patio area with fire pit for outdoor dining, don’t forget the lively saloon featuring Friday night karaoke!

Southern River Walk Bar & Grill and Arcade (Facebook page) 912-439-3806; Mon.-Sat. 11am-2am; Sun. 11am-midnight. The owners of St. Marys Magic Market have decided to expand into a restaurant after their food has been SO popular! They feature live entertainment throughout the week and have a patio for outdoor dining – many great choices at great prices! – full bar service to boot and newly opened a fun arcade full of games and hands-on entertainment!

Within 5-10 minute drive –

Red Moose (Facebook page) 912-882-9192; Mon.-Fri. 11am-3pm, closed Sat. & Sun. The former Mad Hatter and the Red Moose have merged into one restaurant, open for lunch only with an extensive menu, something for everyone plus wine and beer too.

St. Marys Seafood & More 912-467-4217; Sun.-Thurs. 11am-9pm, Fri. & Sat. 11am-10pm. Wide array of seafood, also salads, soups/chowders & appetizers, oysters on the half shell, full bar, something for everyone, family run and very fast, friendly service – a local favorite.

McGarvey’s Wee Pub (Facebook page) 912-467-4763; 7 days a week 11am-2am. Get a taste of a real Irish pub with a mix of southern hospitality, and watch your favorite sports teams year-round on their flat-screen TVs. Serving bar food classics like all-you-can-eat wings, burgers, fish & chips, and more – corned beef & cabbage year-round!

Missy’s Kitchen (Facebook page) 912-882-8611; Sun.-Fri. 11am-2pm, closed Sat. Talk about a great southern buffet lunch! – come & try it, you won’t go away hungry!

Outdoor Pursuits

With our beautiful coastal location and our moderate year round temperatures, St. Marys and the southeast Georgia coast are a perfect location for outdoor activities all year long.

Learn more about Cumberland Island which is just a short ferry ride from St. Marys. You can also view our Cumberland Island Map. *Note: There is a new check-in process for all ferry passengers which you can read about at the NPS Cumberland Island website.

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Another jewel in the Georgia Coastal crown, the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge is located 45 minutes west and is the largest national wildlife refuge in the eastern United States and contains the impressive Okefenokee Swamp. A visitor’s center with a short movie; plus hiking trails, boardwalk & observation deck, picnic tables are all added features for a fun time at the swamp.

Okefenokee Adventures A 90-minute scenic boat trip through the Okefenokee Swamp is offered several times a day. Canoe, kayak, boat and bike rentals are also available. 912-496-7156

Crooked River State Park 500 acre park features picnic sites, boat dock & ramp, nature center, bird blind, bicycle rental and 4-mile hiking trail – 10 minute drive or 30 minute bike ride from Spencer House Inn. On the way, stop at the McIntosh Sugar Mill tabby ruins.

Camden Bicycle Center Bicycle sales, service and rentals – they will deliver to Spencer House Inn, open Mon.-Fri. 9:30am-6:30pm, Sat., 9:30am-3:30pm, closed Sun. 912-576-9696.

Colonial Coast Birding Trail The Colonial Coast Trail aptly weaves bird watching into the state’s historical roots, encouraging visitors to stop at Civil War forts and plantations, as well as at freshwater wetlands, woodlands and tidal rivers. Though the driving route parallels Interstate 95, the many visitors’ centers along the way and their staff will offer plenty of suggestions that will get both skilled birders and novices off the beaten path.

Amelia River Cruises Book a tour of the waters around Cumberland Island, St. Marys, and Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island, or book a private charter for family & friends. Boats depart from Fernandina Beach, FL.

East Coast Greenway The Greenway connects Georgia to Florida via The Cumberland Sound Ferry (currently not in service) and is a long distance paved urban trail system with a 3,000 mile route linking cities along the Atlantic coast.

Short drives – make Spencer House Inn your home base for half day trips to the beach communities of Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island, Florida to the south and St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island and Sea Island, Georgia to the north, all within a 30-60 minute drive.

Kayaking

Adventures Up The Creek A wide array of guided half day and full day kayak tours of Georgia’s scenic waterways, for all levels – salt marshes, rivers, swamps and beaches, can be reached by phone or text 912-882-0911, or by email.

Knuckleheads Kayak Adventures Offering daily kayaking classes and tours of the waterways around Saint Marys and Cumberland Island. Also offering paddleboard and bicycle rentals. Based in historic downtown St. Marys at the Howard Gilman Memorial Waterfront Park. Phone 844-732-7873.

Offshore & Inshore Fishing
Fish the Atlantic Ocean, St. Marys River, Satilla River and Crooked River with experienced guides or on your own – public boat ramps available.

Fish Master Charters 912-552-5995

Captain Tripp Lang’s Charters 912-674-1085

Captain Ken’s Fishing Expeditions 912-409-2478

Salt Grass Charters 334-381-9404

No Limits Charters 904-966-1922

Lang’s Marina is a full service marina. Lang’s offers a deep water marina with direct ocean access. 912-674-8062.

Golf
There are two championship golf courses in the area, Osprey Cove, a Mark McCumber designed 18-hole course on the tidal marsh with beautiful views, and Laurel Island Links, which was designed by Davis Love III and is also an 18-hole course nestled in the marsh lands. A third course, Trident Lakes Golf Club, on the Kings Bay Naval submarine base is also available and is a great value.

Laurel Island Links 912-729-7277

Trident Lakes Golf Course 912-573-8475

Osprey Cove 912-882-5575 (exclusive offer to our guests)

Tennis – lighted public areas.

Museum, Parks and Historic Places

St. Marys, Cumberland Island and Camden County, Georgia are rich in history – as you explore the various venues in the area, you’ll be surprised at the many facets of Americana that permeate our southeast Georgia locale.

Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum – Located across the street from Spencer House Inn in St. Marys, the museum houses a collection of artifacts from Cumberland Island dating from the first inhabitants of the island & includes unique pieces from the Carnegie family collections. A new exhibit features the “Voyage to Cumberland”. These exhibits are open to the public and include pieces from the lives of Native Americans, African Americans, the Carnegie family and others who lived on the island in the 19th and 20th centuries. Open 7 days a week 1-4pm, staffed by park rangers & volunteers.

St. Marys Submarine Museum – A fascinating walk through the history of submarines and the men who operate them. A must-see on a visit to St. Marys – you’ll be surprised at how interesting the museum is! – plus a peek through an actual periscope and a well-stocked gift shop. Tues.-Sat. 10am-5pm, closed Sun. & Mon. 912-882-2782

Orange Hall House Museum Tour one of the best examples of Greek Revival architecture in the southeast. The building looks regal and the helpful interpretive guides are awaiting your arrival for a tour to step back in time. *Note: until further notice the inside is closed for major structural repairs; projected to reopen in 2022, watch for updates.

Historic Oak Grove Cemetery Established in 1788, many graves date back to as early as 1801 and are a history of “who’s who” in Camden County, Georgia. A section of the cemetery has headstones that are in French & camellias bloom all winter & azaleas bloom in the spring.

Howard Gilman Memorial Waterfront Park Stroll, sit or swing at this beautiful park in a natural setting along the St. Marys River, a beautiful spot any time of day but especially at sunset. The park features a gazebo & arbors, a Charleston-style fountain, children’s playground, picnic area, stage, river piers for walking & fishing – boat launching & docking nearby – wonderful site for a wedding, birthday party or special event.

Can walk to – waterfront pavilion, dock, boat ramp and marsh walk

38 National Register sites

Historic churches – Presbyterian, Methodist, Catholic and Episcopal

Toonerville Trolley

Washington pump and oak

St. Marys History Walk and Peace Garden

St. Marys Aquatic Center Open May-September; drift lazily down the “continuous river” on your inner tube, swim a few laps or ride the twister slide & explore 1,000 ways to get wet in a fun atmosphere. 912-673-8118.

Shopping, Antiques and Art

Downtown Historic Area –

Market on the Square 912-882-2215 – delicious homemade fudge, terrific assortment of ice cream and that cute gift, trinket or t-shirt to take home as a souvenir – try the variety of Torani flavors for espresso, cappuccino & lattes – don’t forget that treat for your pet – open Mon.-Thurs. 10am-8pm, Fri. & Sat. 10am-9pm, Sun. 10am-7pm.

The Golden Pineapple 912-882-0616 – Beautiful pieces sure to enhance the décor of your home. Unique antiques, sculpture, ceramics, paintings, jewelry and gift items; days and hours vary.

Once Upon a Bookseller 912-882-7350 – Pick up the latest best seller to read on your vacation. Better yet, browse the interesting and varied selection of books about Cumberland Island and other historic places in the area. Open Mon.-Sat. 10am-6pm.

The Merry Mermaid 912-510-0160 – A diverse selection of antiques, vintage items, collectibles, and baked goods from The Henhouse Bakery! Open Mon., Tues. & Thurs., 1-5:30pm, Fri. 12-5pm, Sat. 11am-5pm, closed Sun. & Wed.

Lucy Gunn 912-510-8504 – A “creative lifestyle store” featuring home decor, Southern handmade arts, crafts, & furniture, also offers decorative supplies and arts & crafts classes. Open Wed.-Fri. 11am-5pm, Sat. 11am-6pm, Sun. 12-5pm, closed Mon. & Tues.

The Company House 912-552-4720 – Reborn & vintage furniture, home decor, designer jewelry, gifts, & more. Has both vendor spaces and consignment items. Open Wed.-Sat. 10am-5pm., closed Sun.-Tues.

Cottle & Gunn 912-510-0639 – Beautiful new location! – just moved right across the street. Painted vintage furniture, locally made art & crafts and workshops where “the paint flies & the furniture grows wings.” Event center coming soon. Open Mon.-Sat. 10am-5pm, closed Sun.

Southern Saint Boutique 912-510-6959 – A true Southern retail store specializing in apparel, accessories, and handmade jewelry. The shop has doubled in size! Open Mon.-Fri. 10am-6pm, Sat. 10am-4pm, closed Sun.

St. Marys Magic Market 912-439-3055 – Neighborhood convenience store offering produce, snacks, drinks, plus breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Golf cart rentals are also available. Mon.-Sat. 6am-10pm, Sun. 7am-9pm.

Olde Town Gallery 912-673-0102 – Local art on display and for sale is a wonderful example of the incredible talent here in our small coastal community. The gallery is staffed every day by volunteer artists who are members of the Coastal Camden Art League.

Alexandra’s Attic 912-882-5861 – True antique shop with many rooms to stroll through, like stepping back in time but so much to choose from. Open Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm.

Gray’s Gallery 912-882-3226 – Affordable local art and custom framing by owner/artist Elizabeth Gray. Nice selection of candles and also antiques. By appointment only.

St. Marys Antique Mall 912-673-8884 – So fun & so much to look at your head will be spinning! Open Mon.-Sat. 10:30am-5:30pm.

St. Marys Community Market – every Saturday at the waterfront pavilion, 9am-1pm.

Area Events & Festivals

Falling for Shrimp Festival
Fernandina Beach, FL
Saturday, October 2, 2021

St. Marys Seafood Festival & Parade
Historic Downtown St. Marys
Saturday, October 9, 2021 (NEW DATE!)

Okefenokee Festival & Parade
Folkston, GA
Saturday, October 16, 2021

Catfish Festival
Kingsland, GA
Saturday, November 20, 2021

White Lighting Ceremony & Parade
Historic Downtown St. Marys
Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at dusk

Christmas in the Park
St. Marys Waterfront Park
Saturday, December 4, 2021 – 12noon til 8:00PM

Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes

Historic Downtown St. Marys

Saturday, December 11, 2021

Mardi Gras Festival
Historic Downtown St. Marys
Saturday, February 26, 2022

Concours d’Elegance
Amelia Island, FL
March 3-6, 2022

Independence Day Festival, Parade & Fireworks
Historic Downtown St. Marys
Monday, July 4, 2022

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Cumberland Island and St Marys Activities