Any season can be a glorious time of year to visit Cumberland Island National Seashore. The pristine beach entices with invitingly warm water. Refreshing breezes make exploring the island a delight. Even the sun seems to shine brighter here, bathing the island with a golden light which causes the majestic live oak trees, neon-green marshes, and tawny horses to glow.

While the island is enchanting, planning your trip to Cumberland Island can feel overwhelming. It is important to plan ahead to make your island visit as stress-free as possible. Below, find four major planning steps to ensure you have the perfect trip!

1. Book a ferry ticket

The only way to arrive on Cumberland Island is by ferry from St. Marys, Georgia. During high season (fall and especially spring), the ferry can fill up quickly so be sure to book ahead at the ferry website. Double check you book BOTH an outbound and return ticket.

Days and times of ferry operation vary seasonally. Study closely which ferry times are available on the dates you choose.

The day of your ferry trip, check-in begins one hour before departure at the Cumberland Island Visitor Center at 113 St. Marys Street West. Any reservations not checked in a half hour prior to departure are subject to cancellation.

Docks on Cumberland Island

On arriving to Cumberland Island, there are two places to disembark. The first is Dungeness Dock on the South End. Sites near this dock are the Carnegies’ Dungeness Mansion ruins, the historic Greene-Miller cemetery, the marsh, and boardwalks to the beach.

The second ferry stop, Sea Camp Dock, allows you to access a path to the beach (a shorter 15-minute walk than from Dungeness), campgrounds, and hikes through the maritime forest.

The ferry does not transport pets, kayaks, or cars, but bikes ARE ALLOWED. Find out more about transporting bikes below.

Note: If you choose to take your own boat to the island, all docking at Sea Camp, Dungeness, and Plum Orchard docks are first come, first served, and there is no overnight docking.

2. Bring or buy your National Park Pass

You may either book ahead your National Park pass or pay at the Cumberland Island Visitor Center. The National Park Service is now cashless, so be sure to come prepared!

You may pay a park entrance fee – good for a week – for $15 per adult (children 15 years and younger are free) or purchase an annual Cumberland Island National Seashore pass for $45.

If you bring or purchase an America the Beautiful pass, three other people may enter free with your pass. You will show this pass to a ranger after ferry check-in.

3. Plan your activities

50 miles of trails and roads

Meander through maritime forests, historic districts, marshes, and pristine beaches. The most popular area for hiking is the South End, around the Dungeness Historic District. The National Park service recommends a 4.3-mile, 2- to 4-hour hike from Sea Camp south down the River Trail and past the Carnegies’ Dungeness mansion ruins, east on a boardwalk over the marsh, north 1.5 mile along the beach, and west through the maritime forest back to Sea Camp, where you can catch a return ferry. This easy hike showcases the island’s incredibly diverse ecosystem. Find a map and list of hikes here.

For other hikes, such as the River Trail between Sea Camp and Dungeness, the Nightingale Trail under live oak trees and over dunes, and the Parallel Trail through the maritime forest, click here.

18 miles of beach

If you’ve ever craved a pristine white sand beach overlooking the mighty Atlantic Ocean all to yourself, you’ve got it. Welcome to the longest stretch of undeveloped beach on the Eastern Seaboard! The easiest way to access the beach is by a 15 to 20 minute walk by unpaved path from Sea Camp. You also have the option to access the beach from Dungeness via a mile-long sandy path or a marsh front boardwalk located past the Greene-Miller Cemetery (this Dungeness route is longer than from Sea Camp).

Bike About

Cumberland Island is 18 miles long, making it virtually impossible to walk in its entirety. However, by bike, you may easily access more of the island.

The island possesses no paved roads. All roads, including the main artery called Grand Avenue, are sandy and soft, making riding more difficult. Bikes need wider tires to be rideable (no street tires.)

Personal bikes and e-bikes (less than 750 watts) are allowed. You must reserve a spot for your bike on the ferry, as space is limited to 10 bikes per ferry trip. A $10 transport fee is required.

Currently, bike rentals are NOT available on the island. However, you may rent bikes from Camden Bicycle Center, who can transport bikes to the ferry dock in St. Marys for you.

Tours: Discovering Fascinating History

There are several tour options on the island, from walking tours and home tours to van tours and ranger talks.

Ranger-led Footsteps Tour

Offered when staff is available, free ranger-led tours begin at the Dungeness Dock at the arrival of the ferry at 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Over about an hour and covering a mile, this tour explores the Dungeness Historic District.

Call ahead to verify this tour is offered the day of your visit.

Cumberland Island Walking Tour: Haunting Ruins and Wild Horses

This walking tour is Cumberland Island’s only regularly-offered tour covering the Dungeness Historic Area. On this tour, explore the evocative Carnegie mansion ruins, a historic marsh-front cemetery, Carnegie-era servants’ buildings, and more as you stroll down palmetto-lined trails past wild horses and expansive marshes.

Book ahead here.

Lands and Legacies Tours

This van tour is for those who do not want to walk or who wish to see most of the island. Visit Plum Orchard, the First African Baptist Church where John Kennedy, Jr., was married, and more. A visit to the Dungeness Historic District is not included.

Plum Orchard Tour

Experience how the mega-rich Carnegies would have lived at opulent Plum Orchard Mansion. Free tours are offered daily at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m.

This house museum is seven miles north of Sea Camp Dock. To arrive, bike from Sea Camp or bring your own boat to the private dock at Plum Orchard.

4. Book accommodations

Besides luxury Greyfield Inn, Cumberland Island has no accommodations. It is most convenient to stay at a hotel, B & B, or private rental in downtown St. Marys, just a few minutes’ walk from the ferry dock.

There are plenty of camping options on the island as well. The nearest campground to the ferry is Sea Camp, but there are several other options for the more adventurous. You must have a reservation to camp on the island.

Bonus Tip: Bring everything you need. I mean everything.

There is NOTHING to purchase once you arrive on the island. All of your trash is pack in, pack out.

There are two restrooms and two water fountains in the Dungeness Area and several more options around Sea Camp Dock and Campground. North of Sea Camp, water is not potable.

Finally, have fun!

Now that all your planning is done, you can allow excitement take over as your trip date nears. Your Cumberland Island adventure awaits – it won’t disappoint!