cumberland island tours from st marys georgia

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11 Best Things To Do On Cumberland Island, Georgia's Gorgeous Natural Gem

This barrier island is a sanctuary to behold, including historic ruins and wild horses.

Kelsey Glennon is a travel writer & photographer with experience traveling to over 50 countries. She’s a Floridian and solo female traveler covering luxury hospitality, interior design, sustainability, and lifestyle.

Where is Cumberland Island?

Cumberland island history, tips for getting there, best things to do, where to stay.

Steeped in history and seemingly suspended in time, this enchanting Georgia barrier island offers visitors an immersion into another time. Far from the sounds and demands of the modern world, Cumberland Island is a retreat to a slower pace of life.

Today, Cumberland Island is mostly protected land under the classification of National Seashore . The 17-mile-long strip of land remains largely in its natural state, populated by dense maritime forest of live oaks, saw palmetto, sabal palms, and pines. Marshland merges into wide sandy beaches. You’ll see wild turkeys roam, as well as another animal that is not native to the island but has given Cumberland its romantic reputation: horses. Brought to the island by its early residents and now left to roam wild as the need for their domesticated work disappeared, it’s estimated there are well over 150 wild horses on the Cumberland island. No matter where you are, you’ll likely hear the creatures whinney and neigh as they roam around their coastal home. Important to remember: As elegant as they are, do not approach or try and pet the horses.

Here's what to know about Cumberland Island, and what to do once you get there. 

Kelsey Glennon

You’ll find this golden isle off the coast of the Georgia-Florida state line. It is only accessible by water—on a ferry or private boat, or by private plane. 

Its landscape consists of marsh, ancient live oak maritime forest, and, of course, beaches. The shores are white sand dotted with shells, driftwood, and the hooves of wild horses. The best time to visit is between October and June. The summer months can be buggy, humid, and hot, so if you do visit during this time, come prepared with plenty of provisions.

Cumberland Island’s first residents were the Timucuan Native Americans. Spanish and English explorers arrived in the 1500s. By the late 1886, most of the island had been acquired by Lucy Coleman Carnegie, wife of Thomas Carnegie, co-founder of the iron and steel conglomerate Carnegie Brothers & Company. Lucy brought luxury to the island in the form of estates, family mansions, and a power plant.

Today, Cumberland Island is mostly protected land under the classification of National Seashore , with the exception of some remaining private land still owned by the Carnegies, Candlers (of Coca-Cola), and several other private owners. The island was almost developed in 1972, but the island’s residents banded together with environmental organizations and the Department of the Interior to protect the wild island, donating most of their land to the public. Its classification as a National Seashore protects it from development in perpetuity. 

All visitors to Cumberland Island must register with the National Park as there are only 300 visitors allowed per day. There are no car bridges to Cumberland Island. The only way to get to the island as a public visitor is by a 45-minute ferry ride. 

There are several fees involved in visiting the island:

• The National Park entry fee .
• A Cumberland Island Ferry ticket, which departs from St. Marys, Georgia. 
• A bike fee , if you bring one to get around the island faster.
• A camping fee , If you wish to stay on the island overnight.

Use this Cumberland Island visitor’s checklist from the National Park Service to ensure you are prepared for your trip with the right supplies and registration.

Take a Rugged Overland Tour

The island is rich with history, settlements, and significant buildings, which can be hard to hit all in one day. However, the Lands & Legacies 6-hour overland tour takes you to the highlights of Cumberland Island’s North Shore, and is booked through the same platform as your ferry ticket. This is the only public motorized tour offered of the island.

Take a Walking Tour

Cumberland Island is 17 miles long, so it is not advised to try and explore the entire island on foot as a day visitor. But, you can take a 4.3-mile hike called the South End Loop Trail. For extra guidance and narration, this private walking tour covers some of the main attractions on foot and works around the ferry schedules so day visitors can make the most of their time.

Roam the Dungeness Ruins

Perhaps Cumberland’s most majestic attraction, the Dungeness ruins are what is left of Lucy Carnegie’s estate she built for her family in 1884. The 35,000-square-foot mansion burned in 1959, but you can still envision the grandeur of this Gilded Age vacation home from the brick and stone bones of the ruins that remain.

Go Beachcombing on Cumberland Island Beach

Cumberland’s history and ruins are fascinating, but its natural beauty is breathtaking. Take a slow walk on the wide beaches at low tide. Look for shells and enjoy having the beach to yourself, save for a few wild horses in the distance.

Marvel at the Plum Orchard Mansion

Plum Orchard is a Georgian Revival mansion framed by massive, ancient live oaks. The family home was commissioned by Lucy Carnegie for her son George and his wife Margaret. Unlike Dungeness, Plum Orchard still stands and underwent extensive renovations in the early 2000s to save it from ruin. Today, the mansion is maintained by the National Park system, and docent tours are run during its active season. Check first at the ranger station to ensure tours are running to avoid a 15-mile trip from the ferry docks.

Learn About the Gullah Geechee Culture

Historically, Africans who worked on isolated coastal communities along the Carolina, Georgia, and Florida coast brought along their African traditions and heritage through arts, crafts, and music (influencing American culture today). This specific diaspora became known as the Gullah Geechee . After emancipation, many of the former enslaved peoples remained and lived off the land they had come to know so well. The Gullah Geechee community established The Settlement at the north end of Cumberland Island. It was the first privately owned community of former enslaved peoples after the Civil War. Today you can visit and walk through the last standing home of the community. You can also go inside the First African Baptist Church—often noted as the location of John F. Kennedy Jr.’s 1996 marriage to Carolyn Bessette in a clandestine ceremony far from the eyes of the press.

Remember, the north end of the island is a 30-mile round trip journey from the docks of the public ferry. The best way to see the settlement as a day visitor is part of the Land’s & Legacies Tour by overland van.

Cruise around Cumberland Sound

Though not technically on Cumberland Island, sailing the sound is a great way to enjoy the beauty of this untouched coastal region. Book a sunset cruise with Follow That Dream charters to enjoy an evening out on a comfortable catamaran, complete with snacks and drinks. Sail past Amelia Island and along the horse-filled shores of Cumberland while the sun sinks below the horizon.

Wear a Piece of Cumberland Island

A remote barrier island might be the last place you’d go to purchase fine jewelry, but on the Greyfield Inn estate is a home and studio inhabited by Gogo Ferguson, a family descendent of the Carnegies and a well-known artisan. There, she makes and sells Gogo Jewelry , which is made from found flora and fossils on the island.

Camp on Cumberland Island

Rugged adventurers who wish to extend their exploration of the island can book nights camping on the island. Pitch your tent at one of the island's designated campsites and fall asleep to the soothing sounds of horses and nature all around you. Wake up to another day traversing the large island or just enjoying your campsite by the beach. If camping overnight, you must make a reservation with the National Park Service, and can do so up to six months in advance. Follow their camping requirements for visiting Cumberland Island.

Indulge in an Overnight Stay at the Greyfield Inn

For a completely different overnight experience to camping, indulge in a luxurious stay at the Greyfield Inn. The Inn is another private Carnegie family home, this one built in 1900 for Thomas and Lucy’s daughter, Margaret. Today, it is immaculately maintained by the family and on-island staff. The Inn’s large veranda is the epitome of Southern leisure. Inside, a library and living room invite guests to sit and play a game of chess or rest by a large crackling fire. A guest stay is all-inclusive and includes drinks and all meals (much of which comes from the onsite garden), including a picnic lunch you can take where you wish on the Inn’s complimentary bicycles. The Inn is open year-round save for the month of August when it closes during the island’s hottest month.

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Welcome to Elliotts Bluff Charter Company

Fishing charters | ecotours | sightseeing | custom boat tour experiences.

We offer fishing charters, eco tours, sightseeing tours, sunset cruises, and custom boat tour experiences in St Marys, Georgia, Fernandina Beach & Amelia Island, Florida, and the Cumberland Island National Seashore.

Whether you would like to pursue Redfish, Trout and Flounder in the backwaters and creeks around the Island or take a relaxed tour and look for wildlife such as Wild Horses, Bald Eagles, Manatees, Alligators and more we can provide the perfect charter or tour to meet your needs.

St Marys, Georgia and the Georgia Coast has a ton of history, wildlife, and fishing opportunities for you to enjoy!

St Mary’s, Georgia is the gateway to Cumberland Island, Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island. Fishing charters and tours can depart from Crooked River State Park or the Downtown St Marys, Georgia boat ramps.

We look forward to showing you all that Coastal Georgia has to offer!

Learn more about our fishing charters or tours, or contact us today..

Elliotts Bluff Charter Co.

Captain John Ganas [email protected] @elliottsbluffchartercompany 912.282.4725

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Weary travelers will also find plenty of comfortable accommodations and delicious restaurants to choose from during their stay. Located near popular destination attractions like Cumberland Island and the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, it is easy to find something special to explore. Whatever the reason for your visit, we know you’ll find plenty to love in and around Kingsland.

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2:45 Return Ferry added to Sundays thru April!

Ferry Rides & Schedules

St. marys | cumberland island, georgia round trip ferry service.

Cumberland Island is located seven miles east of St. Marys and is accessible only by boat. A concession-operated passenger ferry departs from downtown St. Marys and provides round-trip transportation services to Cumberland Island.

St. Marys and Cumberland Island Ferry

Your journey begins in St. Marys, Georgia. Board the ferry bound for Cumberland Island for an unforgettable day of island activities. At the end of the day, enjoy a fast ferry service back to St. Marys.

• Tag Departure , Return Trip
• Hour Glass 45 Minutes Each Way

Spring/Summer Schedule

March 1 – september 30 | 7 days a week, leave st. marys.

9 a.m. 11:45 a.m.

Arrive on the Island

9:45 a.m. 12:30 p.m.

Leave the Island

10:15 a.m. 2:45 p.m. (Mon-Sat) 4:45 p.m.

Arrive at St. Marys

11 a.m. 3:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m.

Fall Schedule

October 1 – november 30 | 7 days a week.

10:15 a.m. 4:45 p.m.

11 a.m. 5:30 p.m.

Winter Schedule

December 1 – february 28 | 5 days a week thursday - monday | no ferry tuesday/wednesday, visitor tips.

Arrive 60 minutes before your scheduled ferry departure time. The ferry departs promptly at 9 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Missed ferry departures will not be refunded.

Be sure to check in 60 minutes prior, otherwise, reservations may be given to walk-on passengers.Check-in is at the visitors center. An orientation and safety talk will take place 15 minutes prior to departure at the Visitor Center.

Park entrance fee is not included in ferry ticket price. Purchase on-site before boarding ferry. View entrance fees on the  National Park Service website .

Passengers MUST purchase departure and return trip during checkout. One way ticket purchases are subject to cancellation. No cars, kayaks, or pets (including therapy and emotional support animals) are allowed on the ferry.

What To Bring

Please be aware that there is NOTHING to purchase once you get to the island. This can make for an unpleasant trip if you do not come prepared. You are allowed to bring coolers and any bags that you can carry. All of your trash is pack in, pack out.

You need to bring water, food, sunscreen, walking shoes, rain gear, a hat, and sunglasses.

The ferry sells ice, firewood, potato chips, and drinks. The sale of these items is limited to only when the ferry is docked at Sea Camp. Please plan accordingly, we want everyone to have a great experience.

Please make all camping reservations before booking your ferry to ensure availability. Call  912.882.4336  to book your campsite.

Other Information

• Chevron down PRIVATE CHARTERS

The Cumberland Island Ferry also charters boats for private trips including school groups to Cumberland Island.

Call to book your private charter  912.882.4452

• Chevron down WEDDINGS, PRIVATE PARTIES & RECEPTIONS

Call for more information and pricing  912.882.4452

• Chevron down CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS

Refunds for a paid reservation must be requested no later than 10 days prior to sailing; a cancellation fee of 20% per ticket will be deducted from the refund. Cancellations within 10 days of sailing may not be refunded, however, one transfer can be made per customer up to 24-hours prior to the cancelled sailing date. Transfers for a future sailing date must be within six months from the date of request for transfer. A transfer date must be known when changing tickets. Once a booking has been transferred, it cannot be transferred again and a refund will not be issued if date is cancelled by the customer. Sailings are subject to the vessel Captain’s discretion, including regular scheduled ferries and/or charters. Rarely are sailings cancelled for reasons other than mechanical problems with the vessel, severe weather and/or heavy seas. Should this occur a full refund will be made when sailings are cancelled by the Captain. All cancellations and refunds must be requested in writing by email to [email protected] . For all requests and questions received by email, please allow 24 hours for a response or 48 hours during weekends and holidays when we are not operational. Reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance.

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Alerts in effect, where nature and history meet.

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.

Increased accessibility with a track wheelchair designed to go over sand and along trails

Take a 30 mile guided van tour, over rough roads and through dense forests, to explore the history and environment of the northern island.

Biking can be a great way to explore the island. Find out how.

There are a number of ways to take part and volunteer at Cumberland Island. Learn more about what current opening might be right for you.

Last updated: March 13, 2024

Plan A Visit To The Island

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101 Wheeler St St. Marys, GA 31558

912 882-4336

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Cumberland Island Private Tours

Interested in a custom itinerary or private tour of cumberland island for your group, on these private tours, you decide how you wish to tour the island, but find our recommendations below..

Wild horses. Elegant mansions. Unbridled nature.

On a private tour of Cumberland Island’s South End, hear tales of famous figures who have surprising links to the island as you stroll down palmetto-lined trails past wild horses, haunting ruins, evocative cemeteries, and expansive marshes. Ancient live oak trees, snow-white dunes, and a variety of wildlife provide an enchanting natural backdrop to this island’s deep and fascinating history.

Private Cumberland Island Two-Hour Tour

Book online now!

On this leisurely stroll of Cumberland’s Dungeness Area, learn the tumultuous history of the island, inhabited over the last 500 years by Native Americans, Spanish, British, and Americans, as you travel down palmetto-lined trails past wild horses and expansive marshes.

Here, we explore

• The Carnegies’ haunting Dungeness Mansion ruins
• A 200-year-old cemetery where historic figures such as Light Horse Harry Lee are buried
• Carnegie servants’ buildings such as the beautifully-preserved laundry, and more

Your experienced guide, who will create a fun and interactive atmosphere, will be focused exclusively on you and your group’s comfort and specific interests.

12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

$50 per person (minimum $250) for up to 9 people

$40 per person for 10 or more people

About 1 mile walked with many chances to sit in the shade

This pricing does NOT include ferry tickets or park entrance fee.

For ferry information and pricing, click here .

For park entrance information, click here .

For other itineraries and pricing specific to your group, contact us here or call 904-735-8243.

Private Cumberland Island Half-Day Tour

On this tour, we devote the first half of our time to the island’s eventful history and the second half to its breathtaking nature.

First, enjoy a walking tour of Cumberland’s Dungeness Area to learn the tumultuous history of the island, inhabited over the last 500 years by Native Americans, Spanish, British, and Americans, as you travel down palmetto-lined trails past wild horses and expansive marshes.

Then, we walk beneath a canopy of live oaks through Cumberland’s maritime forest to its pristine white sand beach, where we learn about the island’s fascinating ecology and seine for fish along the shore. We spend about an hour and a half enjoying the beach.

Your experienced guide, who will create a fun and interactive atmosphere, will be focused exclusively on you and your group’s comfort and specific interests.

12:30 to 4:00 p.m.

Dungeness History Tour: 1.5 hours

Beach ecology/seining/free time: 1.5 hours

Walking: ~1 hour

$65 per person (minimum $400) for up to 9 people

$55 per person for 10 or more people

About 2.5 miles walked with many chances to sit in the shade

Private Cumberland Island All-Day Tour

On this tour, we devote the morning to the island’s eventful history and the afternoon to its breathtaking nature.

First, enjoy a walking tour of of Cumberland’s Dungeness Area where you will discover the tumultuous history of the island, inhabited over the last 500 years by Native Americans, Spanish, British, and Americans, as stroll down palmetto-lined trails past wild horses and expansive marshes.

After having lunch in the shadow of the evocative ruins, we walk beneath a canopy of live oaks through Cumberland’s maritime forest to its pristine white sand beach, where we learn about the island’s fascinating ecology and seine for fish along the shore.

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Dungeness History Tour: 2 hours

Lunch: ~.5 hour

Beach ecology/seining/free time: 2 hours

$80 per person (minimum $450) for up to 9 people

$70 per person for 10 or more people

Note: Larger groups have the option of chartering a private ferry to the island to create a more flexible schedule. Learn more here .

Important Notes:

Cumberland island walking tour fee does not include the ferry ticket or entrance to cumberland island national seashore..

To book the ferry, click here .

Recommended ferries to book for this tour: 11:45 and 2:45 (when it is running from March through September).

For park entrance fee information, click here .

What to Bring to Cumberland Island:

• Good walking/hiking shoes

There are two restrooms and two water fountains in the Dungeness Area and one at Sea Camp Beach.

Be aware there is NOTHING to purchase once you arrive on the island.

All of your trash is pack in, pack out..

Questions? Contact us  here  or call 904-735-8243.

Check out our other tours such as our  St. Marys Murder, Mayhem, and Martinis Walking Tour  or our  Fugitives, Fighters, and Fudge: St Marys Walking Tour !

Call Us Today

800-497-4925

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Enjoy days filled with play at Cumberland Harbour. Bike to the pools, or ride along the live oak canopied forest. Join friends at the Springhouse for drinks. Every day has moments of play living at Cumberland Harbour.

Enjoy time in nature at Cumberland Harbour. Sit back, relax and make yourself at home. The subtropical climate and gentle sea breezes greet you. Take a leisurely stroll, or enjoy time in the community gardens.

Spend the day shelling on the beach, experiencing historic villages, fishing off the dock or kayaking along the salt marshes. Find new discoveries every day living at Cumberland Harbour.

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409 South Point Blvd

Deep Water living starts right here in this magnificent home with immediate ocean access in prestigious Cumberland Harbour. No detail was spared in crafting this Low-Country home. From the metal roof to the reclaimed heart pine floors, this home incorporates the latest technology with vintage touches. The kitchen boasts an array of Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances. An integrated sound system supplies theater quality audio to the living room. A marine grade grill completes the outdoor kitchen. Other features include a Generac Generator, central vac, HunterDouglas automated window treatments, Trex decks front and back, Murphy bed, California Closets in the Primary Bedroom, elevator, garage wired for EV’s and much more. The property has views of Amelia Island, Cumberland Sound, the Atlantic and the ever changing salt marsh. Boating is easy with consistent 8’+ mean low tide draft and immediate access to Cumberland Sound, from there choose open ocean or the ICW. Cumberland Harbour is Coastal Georgia’s premier maritime community. Enjoy pools, tennis, pickleball, fitness, Spring House Social Center, croquet, hiking trails and more. All under the watchful eye of 24/7 manned gated security. Start your deep water lifestyle with this amazing home! Call today for your private tour.

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Adaptive cottage.

The Adaptive Cottage is a home specifically designed to accommodate those who have mobility issues or wish to age in place. This single-story home has all the amenities you would want in a coastal cottage – including ample porch space – but it’s built with practicality in mind. The design includes the option to add a ramp from the garage area to the rear door, as well as baths that feature zero-entry showers and slip-resistant flooring in all wet zones.

Play, Relax, Explore - it’s all here for you at Cumberland Harbour

Cumberland Harbour is set on a 1,100 acre maritime peninsula surrounded by the St. Marys River, The North River, and the Intracoastal Waterway with direct access to the Atlantic Ocean and Cumberland Island National Seashore. Designed with nature in mind, Cumberland Harbour is a delight to the senses. Experience why Cumberland Harbour is the ideal place to play, relax and explore.

Building Excellence

Cumberland Harbour, Home of a previous HGTV Dream Home, takes great pride in building beautiful, quality homes. The grace of the low-country and the openness of coastal design unite to create a place of striking architecture.

Experience History

Cumberland Harbour is set in the historic seaside city of St Marys, the second oldest city in the United States, described as one of the most charming seaside cities in the South. St. Marys is also home to the majestic Cumberland Island National Seashore.

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St. Marys Intracoastal Gateway Marina

SMIG Marina

Booking through snag a slip, booking through dockwa.

As the Gateway to Cumberland Island, St. Marys offers a laid-back vibe with southern charm perfect for relaxation or an adventure. We’re the southernmost point along Georgia’s 110-mile coastline and are easily accessible from the ICW from the St. Marys/Cumberland Sound Entrance. The channel through the sound is simple to follow.  Just...

exit the sound and head west into St. Marys River keeping in the deep channel before finally turning north to the marina. There are no bridges to navigate but there are dramatic differences between high and low tides on the Georgia Coast.

The marina offers 30-amp and 50-amp electric service, water, pump-out service, and 25 to 30-foot slip depths with no extra fees for wide beams. Fresh water is available for boat rinsing, as well. There’s a nearby boater’s lounge with TV and WIFI, two bathrooms with showers, and free laundry. You’ll also find a secure mail room, loaner bikes, and dock carts for your use. A golf cart (driven by staff) is often available for a lift to one of our local businesses, but you are steps away from the locally owned downtown shops and restaurants. Rates are currently $2.70 per foot with a 1 p.m. check-in and 11 a.m. check-out.

200 East Bryant Street

912-540-7230

Dockwa.com/SMIG Booking Site Link

Click the pictures or the links above to book through your preferred booking site.

We hope to see you in St. Marys soon!

Until then Fair Winds!

SnagASlip.com/SMIG Booking Site Link

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Music in the Park Series!

See you the 2nd Saturday, April - September from 6-8pm! Presented by the St. Marys Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sponsored by the City of St. Marys and Jerry Lee's Music Store. 

The 11 Best Beaches in Georgia

W ith more than 100 miles of Atlantic coastline and several barrier islands, Georgia is home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches. And Georgia’s beachfront isn’t limited to the coast—visitors can also boat, swim, and sunbathe at several of the state’s inland lakes, with activities and views that rival their coastal counterparts. From remote, unspoiled shores teeming with local wildlife to exclusive luxury beachfront resorts and bustling ocean-facing public parks with activities for the whole family, these are the best beaches in Georgia.

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Nearly 10,000 acres of Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island comprise Cumberland Island National Seashore , an mostly unspoiled wilderness area that is home to 18 miles of pristine, remote beaches. Access the island via private boat or ferry from nearby St. Marys, Georgia, and plan your tickets in advance—Cumberland only allows 300 visitors per day.

Once you arrive, try the Land and Legacies Tour , a five- to six-hour excursion that tours some of the island’s notable historic landmarks, like Plum Orchard Mansion, Cumberland Wharf, and The Settlement/First African Baptist Church. Or wander through the miles of trails that wind through salt marshes and maritime forests on your own—you may even spot some of the island’s famed wild horses. If opting for an overnight stay, the historic, all-inclusive 30-room Greyfield Inn is the island’s only hotel.

Pro Tip: Book a spot at one of five campsites, including Stafford Beach, to get even more unfettered access to the island’s unfettered beauty.

Great Dunes Beach Park, Jekyll Island

Located on Jekyll Island , a barrier island connected to Georgia’s mainland by a causeway— Great Dunes Beach Park is the perfect destination for active families. With ample parking, the 20-acre, pet-friendly park offers an ADA-accessible public beachfront, plus an activity deck, playgrounds, bocce ball and volleyball courts, restrooms, and showers. Covered pavilions with picnic tables and grills offer a shady spot for gathering after lounging or swimming.

After playing in the sand, play one of two 18-hole courses—one for beginners, and one for more advanced players—at Jekyll Island Mini Golf or rent a segway or bicycle to explore the area’s more than 20 miles of flat, paved pathways. After a day of adventures, the whole family will enjoy dinner at Sunrise Grill , a casual, all-day eatery serving fresh seafood platters, burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast plates.

Pro Tip: Visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center , the state’s only rehabilitation center for the endangered animals that make their home on the island.

Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island

Located on the island’s northern end, the iconic Driftwood Beach features gnarled oak and pine trees, worn down by decades of erosion but preserved by saltwater from nearby ocean water. A popular backdrop for photographs and weddings, the beach is quieter and less developed than others on Jekyll. 

Access it via one of two public entries, including one with a large wildlife overlook, where visitors can spot wood ducks, black-necked stilts, and other species in the marshlands. Driftwood is also part of the Colonial Coast Birding Trail , where you can see gulls, warblers, sanderlings, and painted bunting, depending on the season. 

Pro Tip: Plan your visit at low tide, when there’s ample room for walking around and snapping images of the dreamy scenery. 

East Beach, St. Simon’s Island

The largest of the state’s four Golden Isles and located 12 miles east of Brunswick, St. Simon’s Island combines laid-back beach vibes with big city amenities like high-end shopping and elegant restaurants. The island’s most popular beach, East Beach , is a seven-mile swath of wide, unspoiled coastline. The shallow waters are ideal for kayaking or swimming, with rentals and guided tours available from SouthEast Adventure Outfitters .

Just two miles south, Pier Village Market is home to more than 50 retail shops and restaurants. Try Barabara Jean’s , a diner renowned for Southern favorites like crab cakes, or Southern Soul Barbecue , a local favorite for plates of ribs, pulled pork, and sides like hushpuppies and collard greens. Rent a bike to pedal along the paths of the St. Simons Island Trail System, or play a round of golf at one of the island’s notable and scenic courses. Then visit the island’s 19th-century lighthouse or learn about the island’s Gullah and Geechee communities via a guided tour with the St. Simons African American Heritage Coalition . 

Pro Tip: Walk to the World War II Home Front Museum , with interactive exhibits in a former Coast Guard Station just steps from East Beach. 

Sea Island Beach, Sea Island

This private, exclusive island—one of four that comprise the state’s Golden Isles—is accessible only to residents, Sea Island members, and guests at one of its luxury hotels or resorts. The Forbes Five-Star The Cloister at Sea Island , grants visitors access to the island as well as the stunning and tranquil Sea Island Beach.

In addition to a large swath of private beachfront, the resort boasts three pools, a playground, three championship golf courses, and a tranquil, 65,000-square-foot spa. Fitness enthusiasts can ride horses through the marsh or cycle along paths lined with old-growth oak trees draped with the area’s signature moss. 

The food is as exceptional as the scenery. Try pizzas and other Italian-inspired dishes at the energetic Tavola , or fish sandwiches, shrimp baskets, and other laid-back dishes at the elegant, beachside Southern Tide restaurant . 

Pro Tip: Learn more about the island’s unique landscape and wildlife with a guided Eco Tour.  

Main Beach, Little St. Simon’s Island

Unlike its more developed sister island, Little St. Simon’s offers visitors 11,000 acres of untamed wilderness—including seven miles of oceanfront accessible only via boat. To explore Main Beach’s pristine sandy shores and shimmering waters, you must be a guest of the all-inclusive The Lodge on Little. St. Simon’s Island , an intimate hotel committed to preserving the island’s fragile ecosystem via sustainable practices like rain barrels and composting. The stay also includes three chef-prepared meals, with many ingredients sourced from the property’s garden, and The Lodge will even pack a picnic for your beach day.

Guests have access to house bikes and kayaks for exploring the beachfront, golden marshes, and majestic oak trees. Or take a pair of binoculars while you hike through 25 miles of wilderness trails—the island is home to over 300 species of birds, including painted bunting and bald eagles. 

Pro Tip: Book one of the property’s ecologist-guided excursions, including seasonal dolphin cruises, bird-watching hikes, and fly fishing.

Robin Lake Beach

The country’s largest inland white sand beach, Robin Lake Beach in West Georgia is an adventure-packed destination ideal for families—all just 90 minutes from Atlanta . Rent a paddleboard or kayak to play in the calm waters, or test your skills on Aqua Island, a floating obstacle course with a series of trampolines, bridges, monkey bars, and more. Or soak in one mile of beachfront with a private cabana or chairs and umbrellas available for rent. 

Other activities include miniature golf and volleyball, plus a walking trail. The Beach Pavilion offers all-day treats ranging from ice cream to pizza, hotdogs, hamburgers, and kid-friendly fare after a day of sunning and playing.

Pro Tip: Gain access to the beach with a day pass, overnight stay, or annual membership to Callaway Resort & Gardens . 

North Beach, Tybee Island

Just a 30-minute drive from downtown Savannah , Tybee Island offers sandy beaches, winding bike paths, and plenty of laid-back restaurants and family-friendly activities. In addition to a large swath of pristine oceanfront, the island’s North Beach is home to historic cottages and high-end shopping, including Tybee Art Gallery and local aromatherapy makers Kelly & Company .

Learn more about the island’s ecology and interact with loggerhead sea turtles and horseshoe crabs at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center , or wander along the North Beach Birding Trail to spot western sandpipers, willets, sanderlings, and other migrating birds in fall and winter. Other family-friendly activities include beach ecology tours, dolphin and sunset charter cruises, kayaking and watersports, and Low Country bouillabaisse and other fish dishes at elegant The Sundae Café . 

Pro Tip: Book a private tour of the island's iconic lighthouse , the oldest and tallest in the state, which also houses an on-site museum. 

Back River Beach, Tybee Island

Back River Beach on the island’s western end is a quiet alternative to the island’s bustling northern shoreline. Set up a chair and umbrella to lounge on the beach, or book a tour with Captain Derek’s Dolphin Adventures to spot some of the island’s most majestic creatures. 

Tybee Jet Ski & Watersports outfits visitors with kayaks and over equipment for exploring the network of waterways. One of the area’s highlights is its views: enjoy fried oyster Po' Boy sandwiches and other fresh seafood dishes while watching the sunset on the back deck of local haunt A-J's Dockside . 

Pro Tip: While beach swimming is permitted, the current is strong, so take precautions when entering the water. 

Don Carter State Park, Lake Lanier

At 38,000 acres, Lake Lanier is Georgia’s largest lake and boasts nearly 700 miles of shoreline lined with public recreation areas and beachfront. Located in Gwinnett County just northeast of Atlanta, the lake is a popular getaway for city dwellers.

Head to Don Carter State Park , on the northern edge of the lake, for recreational activities for everyone: playgrounds, stand-up paddleboard and kayak rentals, campgrounds, and boat ramps. Relax on a large, sandy swimming beach with a bathhouse for changing and showering, or hike or cycle along nearly 15 miles of trails. 

Pro Tip: Book an overnight stay in one of the park’s cottages or campgrounds. 

Nanny Goat Beach, Sapelo Island

This 12-mile-long Sapelo Island is the fourth-largest Georgia coastal island between Savannah and St. Marys River. Like many other remote islands in the state, it is accessible only via private plane, boat, or an advanced reservation 30-minute passenger ferry from the Sapelo Island Visitors Center , where visitors can learn about the island’s complex ecological systems, unique wildlife, and cultural history, including its Gullah-Geechee residents. 

After that, visit Nanny Goat Beach on the island’s southeastern tip. The tranquil, two miles of shoreline are ideal for swimming, fishing, birdwatching, and beachcombing. Overnight, no-frills camping is permitted at the shady Cabretta Campground, just a short walk from the beach.

Pro Tip: Arrange a private tour and other activities via Sapelo Island Birdhouses , a local rental company. 

Watch CBS News

Solar eclipse maps show 2024 totality path, peak times and how much of the eclipse people could see across the U.S.

By Aliza Chasan

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 5:00 AM EDT / CBS News

A total solar eclipse  crossed North America Monday with parts of 15 U.S. states within the path of totality. Maps show  where and when astronomy fans could see the big event  as skies darkened in the middle of the day Monday, April 8.

The total eclipse first appeared along Mexico's Pacific Coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT, then traveled across a swath of the U.S., from Texas to Maine, and into Canada.

About 31.6 million people live in the path of totality , the area where the moon fully blocked out the sun , according to NASA. The path ranged between 108 and 122 miles wide. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path of totality.

Solar eclipse path of totality map for 2024

The total solar eclipse started over the Pacific Ocean, and the first location in continental North America that experienced totality was Mexico's Pacific Coast, around 11:07 a.m. PDT, according to NASA. From there, the path continued into Texas, crossing more than a dozen states before the eclipse enters Canada in southern Ontario. The eclipse exited continental North America at around 5:16 p.m. NDT from Newfoundland, Canada.

The path of totality included portions of the following states:

• Pennsylvania
• New Hampshire

Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan also experienced the total solar eclipse.

Several major cities across the U.S. were included in the eclipse's path of totality, while many others saw a partial eclipse. These were some of the best major cities for eclipse viewing — though the weather was a factor :

• San Antonio, Texas (partially under the path)
• Austin, Texas
• Waco, Texas
• Dallas, Texas
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Dayton, Ohio
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Buffalo, New York
• Rochester, New York
• Syracuse, New York
• Burlington, Vermont

Map of when the solar eclipse reached totality across its path

The eclipse began in the U.S. as a partial eclipse beginning at 12:06 p.m. CDT near Eagle Pass, Texas, before progressing to totality by about 1:27 p.m. CDT and then moving along its path to the northeast over the following few hours.

NASA shared times for several cities in the path of totality across the U.S. People could have also  checked their ZIP code on NASA's map  to see when the eclipse was to reach them if they were on, or near, the path of totality — or if they saw a partial eclipse instead.

How much of the eclipse did people see if they live outside the totality path?

While the April 8 eclipse covered a wide swath of the U.S., outside the path of totality observers may have spotted a partial eclipse, where the moon covers some, but not all, of the sun, according to NASA. The closer they were to the path of totality, the larger the portion of the sun that was hidden.

NASA allowed viewers to input a ZIP code and see how much of the sun was to be covered in their locations.

Could there be cloud cover be during the solar eclipse?

Some areas along the path of totality had a higher likelihood of cloud cover that could interfere with viewing the eclipse. Here is a map showing the historical trends in cloud cover this time of year. 

You could have checked the latest forecast for your location with our partners at The Weather Channel .

Where did the solar eclipse reach totality for the longest?

Eclipse viewers near Torreón, Mexico, got to experience totality for the longest. Totality there lasted 4 minutes, 28 seconds, according to NASA. 

Most places along the centerline of the path of totality saw a totality duration of between 3.5 and 4 minutes, according to NASA. Some places in the U.S. came close to the maximum; Kerrville, Texas, had a totality duration of 4 minutes, 24 seconds.

What is the path of totality for the 2044 solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

Astronomy fans in the U.S. will have far fewer opportunities to see the 2044 eclipse they had on April 8. NASA has not yet made maps available for the 2044 eclipse but, according to The Planetary Society , the path of totality will only touch three states.

The 2024 eclipse will start in Greenland, pass over Canada and end as the sun sets in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to the Planetary Society.

Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.

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