Coastal Georgia
Georgia's coast is a whole different trip: barrier islands, salt marsh, live oaks dripping with Spanish moss and beaches with more horses than people. Here's where to go and how to plan it.
Cumberland Island and St. Marys
Wild horses, the Dungeness ruins and miles of empty beach, a 45-minute ferry ride from St. Marys.
Okefenokee Swamp and Folkston
Kayak a blackwater canal past moss-draped cypress and sunning alligators at Georgia's first World Heritage Site.
Planning a Coastal Georgia trip
The coast is about five hours from Atlanta, so plan on at least one night. St. Marys and Folkston are under an hour apart, which makes Cumberland Island and the Okefenokee Swamp an easy pair for one weekend.
When to go
- Spring and fall are the best, with mild days and fewer bugs.
- Summer is hot and humid, and the marsh and swamp have biting insects. Go early and bring bug spray.
Good to know
- The Cumberland Island ferry leaves from St. Marys and seats are limited, so book ahead.
- There are no stores or restaurants on Cumberland Island. Pack all your food and water.
- In the Okefenokee, alligators are part of the scenery. Give them plenty of room.
More of the coast is on the way
I'm adding more islands and coastal towns. Until then, plan your next mountain weekend with my North Georgia guides.
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