Cumberland Island National Seashore Visitor Center, St. Marys

About Cumberland Island National Seashore Visitor Center

Cumberland Island National Seashore Visitor Center in St. Marys serves as the starting point for exploring Georgia's largest barrier island. Visitors board a ferry at the center for a 45-minute crossing to Cumberland Island, which remains accessible only by boat. The visitor center itself features exhibits and educational programs covering the island's natural and cultural history. Cumberland Island encompasses maritime forests, 18 miles of undeveloped beaches, wide marshes, and over 50 miles of trails and roads. The island protects a designated wilderness area, historic sites, cultural ruins, critical habitat, and nesting areas for numerous plant and animal species. Visitors can hike, bike, camp, and beachcomb after arriving on the island. Interpretive programs teach visitors about the diverse peoples who have shaped the region, including Native Americans, missionaries, plantation owners, and industrialists. A visit suits anyone interested in coastal ecology, maritime history, and outdoor recreation.