This little-known island in Georgia has pristine beaches and numerous trails

Are you looking to find a true natural retreat? Yes, you can take a plane to a faraway place on the other side of the earth, but there’s a little-known spot off the coast of Georgia that’s practically ideal. Cumberland Island National Seashore is just a 45-minute boat or ferry ride from St. Marys, Georgia, and has everything you need to get there while you’re there. Here, no passport is required! Located just north of Amelia Island in Florida, this location is one of Georgia’s fifteen barrier islands. Recreational opportunities abound, including hiking, camping, exploring architectural ruins and structures, wild horses grazing freely, and endless beaches.

Incorporated by the National Park Service in 1972, Cumberland Island is an exquisite mix of wetlands, maritime forests, and beaches—17 miles to be exact. You probably won’t be able to see everything in a day trip, and you’ll undoubtedly want more. In addition to the campgrounds, Grayfield Inn offers luxurious accommodations with a restaurant, private beach, and stunning gardens and architecture. With a two-night minimum, it costs more than $800 a night, but once you’re there, it’s absolute luxury. If you’re planning to spend the night or just a few hours on Cumberland Island, here’s all the information you need to know.

Read more: 22 Gorgeous Islands For Vacationing That Won’t Break The Bank, According To Booking Sites

Wandering Through The Past On Trails And Tours

For those over 16, a day pass to the island costs $15, while entry is free for those under 16. Two round-trip adult tickets cost $80 on the Cumberland Island ferry from St. Mary’s, Georgia; Adding a bike to your ticket costs an additional $10. As spots fill up quickly, make reservations in advance and arrive an hour early. Private boats are also welcome. If you prefer some direction, there are several tours available once you get to the island. For $65 per person, you can join the Land and Legacies driving tour that covers the entire island.

Plum Orchard Mansion, a late 19th-century Georgian Revival home originally owned by George and Margaret Carnegie, is also open for free tours. Explore the 1900 Ice House Museum, originally built to store ice and now a treasure trove of information about the island, Carnegie and their history. Additionally, the First African Baptist Church (1893) served as the former home of a community of formerly enslaved people, and Carolyn Bessett and John F. Served as the location for Kennedy Jr.’s 1996 wedding.

Explore the ruins of Dungeness Mansion, destroyed by fire in 1959, built by Lucy and Thomas Carnegie (the latter died during construction). If a guided tour is not available, there is a self-guided option through the National Park Service app your thing. There are also ranger-led walks that start at the dock where the ferry arrives.

Georgia Beaches, Camping, And Hiking On Cumberland Island

Cumberland Island offers a variety of outdoor activities. Although undeveloped beaches do not have lifeguards, swimming is permitted at your own risk. If no people live there, feel free to collect any seashells and fossilized shark teeth you see. On the beach and at Dungeness, you can see wild horses. Enjoy them and take pictures of them for your memories, but don’t get too close. In addition to armadillos, you can see manatees, deer, turkeys, raccoons, bobcats, sea turtles, and alligators.

There are several campsites on the island, but note that these are pack-in/pack-out sites with no trash cans. There is some potable water, but treatment is advised. Additionally, there are no shops on the island, so pack everything you need, including food and unexpected drinks to keep mosquitoes away from your campsite. Since you’ll need to carry everything from the boat to the campground, we recommend traveling light with a great backpack for exploring.

There is a handy map and plenty of hiking trails. The shorter Nightingale Trail is less than a mile down the main road, while the Dungeness Trek brings you to the ruins 2.5 miles from the pier. This is a great place to see animals. Even hiking is an option to Sea Camp Beach, which takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

READ | The tiny, deserted Irish island has a fascinating History

READ | Anegada is one of the Caribbean’s lowest island