Cumberland Island National Seashore
Designation: National Seashore
Location: Georgia
š Park Overview
St Marys is the gateway to Cumberland Island, Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island. Here pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches and wide marshes whisper the stories of both man and nature. Natives, missionaries, enslaved African Americans and Wealthy Industrialists all walked here. Cumberland Island is also home to over 9,800 acres of Congressionally designated Wilderness.
š¤ Weather Information
Cumberland Islandās climate is hot and humid during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 80's (>26 C) and mild during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 60's (<20 C). The warmest month of the year is July with an average high of 90 degrees F (32 C), while the coldest is January with an average low of 45 degrees F (44 C). Visit the Current Conditions page for an up-to-date local forecast: https://www.nps.gov/cuis/planyourvisit/conditions.htm#weather
š Directions
Cumberland Island is only accessible by ferry or private boat. These directions are to the mainland visitor center in St. Marys, GA. Driving Directions To reach the visitor center from Interstate 95: ā¢Take Exit 3 for US 40 ā¢Take US 40 East toward āHistoric Downtown St. Marysā ā¢US 40 becomes Osborne Rd. Continue on until you reach the waterfront ā¢Turn right on St. Marys Rd ā¢The visitor center will be two blocks down on your left (113 St. Marys St W, St Marys GA 31558)
Images
Vegetation holds dunes in place providing a barrier to erosion forces and creating essential interdune meadows to support island life.
Credit: NPS Photo
Cumberland Island National Seashore encompasses a variety of forest, marsh, and coastal landscapes providing a home for numerous species including American Alligators.
Credit: NPS Photo
Cumberland Island National Seashore encompasses nearly 18 miles of undeveloped beach offering recreation for visitors and essential nesting area for birds and sea turtles.
Credit: NPS Photo
Visitors can take a guided tour of the Plum Orchard Mansion and experience the luxuries of Victorian high society as well as the effort and ingenuity it took to make it possible.
Credit: NPS Photo
Tidal forces continue to shape the land today as they have for thousands of years forming high bluffs used for fortifications and ship docking throughout the islandās history.
Credit: NPS Photo
While visitors to the island cannot bring vehicles, they can travel the historic main park road by foot and bicycle. Some remaining island residents will still drive vehicles on the road to reach their residences as they have for generations.
Credit: NPS Photo
Dugeness was the largest mansion built on the island as part of the Carnegie Estate. Though lost to fire in 1959, the ruins of the mansion and several of its support structures are a reminder of the islandās rich history.
Credit: NPS Photo
The remote north end of the island is home to the First African Baptist Church and The Settlement, where African American residents were able to purchase their first deeded property on the island at the end of the 1800s.
Credit: NPS Photo
Rising tides bring valuable nutrients into tidal creeks, while receding tides remove waste. This makes the tide cycle the beating heart of the islandās tidal creeks, salt marshes, and estuaries.
Credit: NPS Photo
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Friday, May 22
Sunny
High: 90.7Ā°F | Low: 72.7Ā°F
Humidity: 78%
Wind: 13.9 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 9.8
Sunrise: 06:26 AM
Sunset: 08:18 PM
Moon: First Quarter (43%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 76Ā°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Saturday, May 23
Moderate rain
High: 86.4Ā°F | Low: 74.3Ā°F
Humidity: 78%
Wind: 12.1 mph
Rain Chance: 89%
UV Index: 9.7
Sunrise: 06:26 AM
Sunset: 08:18 PM
Moon: First Quarter (43%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 74.4Ā°F
Cloud Cover: 89%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Sunday, May 24
Patchy rain nearby
High: 86.7Ā°F | Low: 74.6Ā°F
Humidity: 79%
Wind: 15.7 mph
Rain Chance: 87%
UV Index: 10.1
Sunrise: 06:26 AM
Sunset: 08:18 PM
Moon: First Quarter (43%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 75.4Ā°F
Cloud Cover: 87%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Weather Alerts (2)
Rip Current Statement issued May 22 at 2:20AM EDT until May 24 at 3:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Effective: May 22, 2026 2:20am
Expires: May 23, 2026 3:00am
* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected.
* WHERE...Southeast Georgia Beaches.
* WHEN...From Saturday morning through late Saturday night.
* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away
from shore into deeper water.
Rip Current Statement issued May 22 at 2:20AM EDT until May 24 at 3:00AM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Effective: May 22, 2026 2:20am
Expires: May 23, 2026 3:00am
* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected.
* WHERE...Northeast Florida Beaches.
* WHEN...From 11 AM EDT this morning through late Saturday night.
* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away
from shore into deeper water.
Park Alerts
Park Events
Plum Orchard Mansion Tour
Take a guided tour through a turn-of-the-century mansion home owned by members of the Carnegie Family on Cumberland Island.
Location: Plum Orchard Mansion is located 7 miles north of Sea Camp ferry dock.
Date: May 14, 2026 12:00am to May 14, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
š Physical Address:
113 St. Marys St W
St. Marys, GA 31558
š¤ Mailing Address:
101 Wheeler St
St. Marys, GA 31558
š Voice Phone: 9128824336
āļø Email: cuis_info@nps.gov