From tidal rivers and marsh creeks to barrier islands and blackwater swamps, this coastal gateway invites travelers to experience the destination from the waterline out.
Located in a unique confluence of waterways, Kingsland, Georgia, offers unlimited ways to get on the water. The city’s close to the Crooked River, St. Marys River and the Satilla River, not to mention the nearby Atlantic Ocean. It’s also a short drive to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, one of the country’s most treasured natural sanctuaries, and a ferry ride to Cumberland Island National Seashore, a Georgia barrier island with both unique natural beauty and American history.
Fishing Charters
Rivers, streams, the Atlantic Ocean—so many ways to cast your line and so many species to catch! Need some assistance by an expert to get started or an outfitter to provide the proper equipment and rentals? Get started with North Star Bait and Tackle (6222 Charlie Smith Sr. Highway, St Marys, Georgia; 912-729-8018) at Crooked River State Park, Davidson Bait and Tackle 290 East Meeting Street, St. Marys, Georgia; 912-510-0644) and Knuckleheads Bait, Tackle and Kayak Adventures (201 West Saint Marys Street, St. Marys, Georgia; 912-882-3512).
Kayak and canoe
Possibilities abound for canoe adventures around Kingsland and its neighboring city of St. Marys. For a guided kayak tour of some of the most beautiful rivers in southeast Georgia, including the St. Marys River, Crooked River and the Satilla River, as well as on Cumberland Island, visit Adventures Up the Creek Xpeditions (St. Marys, Georgia; 912-882-0911). If you want to explore the waters on your own, Knuckleheads Kayak Adventures (201 West Saint Marys Street, St. Marys, Georgia; 912-882-3512) rents kayaks from Howard Gilman Waterfront Park in downtown St. Marys. For those who wish to bring their own canoes and kayaks, launch at Crooked River State Park (6222 Charlie Smith Sr. Hwy., St. Marys, 912-882-5256) and experience a paddle through marshes teeming with birds and wildlife.
Stand up paddle board
If you don’t want to take exploring the region’s waterways sitting down, Solflow Paddle Co. (912-552-1115) is for you. The coastal area’s mobile paddleboard rental and eco-tour company brings everything you need straight to the water—and guides you through the tidal marshes, creeks and rivers. And you don’t need to be expert at paddleboarding; the experience is perfect for newbies as well seasoned adventurers.
Ferry ride to Cumberland
The beauty of Cumberland Island National Seashore, the largest of the Georgia barrier islands that’s part of the National Park Service, is that it’s only accessible by ferry so kept in a pristine state. What visitors find on this unique island facing the Atlantic on one side and the Cumberland Sound on the other is dunes and quiet beaches, ruins, wild horses and other wildlife and a maritime forest. The 45-minute Cumberland Island Ferry (Cumberland Island Ferry, 113 St. Marys Street, St. Marys, Georgia; 877- 860-6787) ride from downtown St. Marys offers views of wildlife as well, including dolphins, resident and migratory birds and other sea life.
Boat tour of the Okefenokee
Only an hour’s drive from Kingsland lies one of the country’s most unique and pristine wilderness. The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge—designated as one of Georgia’s seven natural wonders—contains more than 400,000 acres of canals within one of the world’s largest intact freshwater ecosystems. Visitors may learn more about the wildlife and history of the Okefenokee with a guided boat tour through Okefenokee Adventures (4159 Suwannee Canal Road, Folkston, Georgia; 912-496-7156). You’ll see alligators, otters and colorful songbirds, among so much more.
Scuba diving
Want to go deep into your water adventure or learn a new sport? Wreckreation Scuba (1050 Kings Bay Road, St. Marys, Georgia; 912-439-2007) offers scuba diving lessons in a heated indoor saltwater pool as well as offers guided dives.
St. Marys Aquatic Center (seasonally)
Come summer, the temperatures rise and what better place to bring the family for both thrilling water fun and escape from the heat than the St. Marys Aquatic Center (301 Herb Bauer Drive, St. Marys, Georgia; 912-673-8118). The cool water ranges from exciting water slides and pools to the peaceful lazy river, from shaded cabanas and snack bar for resting to splash pads and shallow play areas for the small tykes. The St. Marys Aquatic Center opens in early May. Visit for weekends in May and late summer or daily from Memorial Day to July 31.
If you go
The quaint southeastern Georgia coastal town of Kingsland lies only three miles from the Florida border and 25 miles north of Jacksonville with easy access off Interstate 95. In addition to its extensive dining options, visitors will love to explore its historic downtown with boutique shopping and the Georgia Coastal Railway (440 South Lee Street, Kingsland, Georgia; 904-370-3744), one of America’s oldest privately owned shortline railroads. Kingsland also offers year-long special events such as the springtime Crawfish Festival and the fall Kingsland Catfish Festival.
Accommodations run the gamut, from big brand hotels to RV parks, many of which are located along I-95, all centrally located to Kingsland restaurants and its historic, charming downtown. Kingsland’s sister city of St. Marys along the Atlantic coast is a short drive to the east. For a complete list of Kingsland lodging options, visit www.VisitKingsland.com/stay.
For more tourist information, visit the Kingsland Convention & Visitors Bureau at VisitKingsland.com.
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