GOLF

COURSE

Laurel Island Links Golf Course (8 miles)

SYNOPSIS

Open to the public. This is a straightforward golf course, it’s there in front of you, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. From the back tees it plays over 7,000 yards so the challenge is there if you’re up to it and if you’ve got game, then go after Bubba Dickerson’s course record of 63. According to the superintendent, the fairways are perfect and the greens are super sweet.

RATES

Call, or view website, for rates.

TEE TIMES

Daily 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM

PHONE

912-729-7277 or toll free 888-480-7277

WEBSITE

http://www.laurelislandlinksgolf.com/

ADDRESS

233 Marsh Harbour Parkway, Kingsland, GA 31548. I-95 to GA Exit 6. East on Laurel Island Parkway. Turn left at 1st light. 3rd entrance on right.

COURSE

Trident Lakes Golf Course (6 miles)

OVERVIEW

Open to the public. Trident Lakes Golf Club, built in 1989 for the military on Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base, is now open to the public. This 18-hole course was designed by Arthur Hills in a beautiful, natural setting that includes gently rolling hills, numerous lakes and abundant wildlife. Trident Lakes Golf Club is a 220-acre, 18-hole golf course designed by Arthur Hills and Associates. The course contains a putting green, chipping green, large driving range, and houses a fleet of 65 gas golf carts. Golf instruction is available in both private and clinic form. The golf course is a member of the USGA, National Golf Foundation, and Georgia Golf Association. USGA handicapping is available. The Pro-Shop, snacks, and beverages are combined into one easy location for your convenience.

RATES

Call for rates

TEE TIMES

Daily 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

PHONE

912-573-8475/8476

WEBSITE

http://www.exploregeorgia.org/listing/4831-trident-lakes-golf-club-kings-bay-naval-submarine-base

ADDRESS

1010 USS Proteus Blvd, Kings Bay, GA. Enter through Jackson Gate.

ATTRACTIONS

If you desire more information than listed in the overviews provided below for some of the local attractions, contact the local visitors centers.

Website: http://www.visitstmarys.com/

ATTRACTION

Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay (3-1/2 miles)

OVERVIEW

The east coast home to the Ohio-class nuclear ballistic missile (SSBN/Trident) submarines and reconfigured guided missile (SSGN) submarines. Full service base with a Navy Exchange, Gas Station, Package Store and RV Parking.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Navy Exchange: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Thursday 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

PHONE

Pass & ID Office: 912-573-1180

WEBSITE

http://www.military.com/base-guide/naval-submarine-base-kings-bay/contact/naval-submarine-base-kings-bay---main/3423

ADDRESS

1063 USS Tennessee Avenue, Kings Bay, GA

ATTRACTION

USS Bancroft (SSBN 643) Sail Exhibit (3-1/2 miles)

OVERVIEW

Climb atop this submarine replica of the USS George

Bancroft Sail rising from a sea of green grass for a fun family photo

ADMISSION COST

Free

HOURS OF OPERATION

Daylight hours

WEBSITE

https://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrse/installations/navsubbase_kings_bay/about/uss_bancroft.html

DIRECTIONS

The USS BANCROFT (SSBN 643) Memorial, located by the Franklin Gate (junction of Georgia State Highway Spur 40 and St. Marys Road), is available for viewing by the general public. Please park in the Pass and ID parking lot.

ATTRACTION

Missile Display at Strategic Weapons Facility, Atlantic (SWFLANT)

OVERVIEW

Display of missiles carried aboard SSBN submarines.

ADMISSION COST

Free

HOURS OF OPERATION

Daylight hours

DIRECTIONS

Located on Kings Bay Submarine Base at corner of Ben Franklin Avenue and Daniel Webster Avenue.

ATTRACTION

St. Marys Submarine Museum (3-3/4 miles)

OVERVIEW

This museum, the largest of its kind in the South, houses the legacy of submariners and the history of their boats. See firsthand a working periscope and working sonar panels, models of torpedoes, a deep-sea diving suit, submariner uniforms, and more. The museum also offers a display dedicated to the eight submariners who received the Medal of Honor, as well as a gift shop.

ADMISSION COST

$4.00

HOURS OF OPERATION

Closed Monday. Tuesday through Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

PHONE

912-882-2782

WEBSITE

http://www.stmaryssubmuseum.com

ADDRESS

102 St. Marys Street West, St. Marys, GA

ATTRACTION

First Presbyterian Church - Circa 1808 (3-1/2 miles)

OVERVIEW

This historic church is the oldest Presbyterian Church building in Georgia. This historic church also has the distinction of being the oldest building in Georgia that has been in continuous use as a church since its erection.

ADMISSION COST

Free

HOURS OF OPERATION

9:00 AM - 9:00 PM; self guided tour. FYI - Sunday services are from 8:45 AM - 12:30 PM, Wednesday evenings 6:00 - 8:30 PM. Recommend touring the church when services are not in progress, unless you want to attend the service.

PHONE

912-882-4650

WEBSITE

http://www.presbyoasis.blogspot.com/

ADDRESS

100 West Conyers Street, St. Marys, GA

ATTRACTION

Orange Hall House Museum (3-1/2 miles)

OVERVIEW

This is a showcase of antebellum life in the Greek Revival style. The home takes its name Orange Hall from the "extensive hedges and the large sour orange grove at the rear of the house." This is a showcase of antebellum life in the Greek Revival style. With its Doric columns on the front veranda and the wide steps leading from the ground up to the second floor main entrance, it is a wonderful example of Greek revival architecture. It was refurbished to its original grandeur by caring St. Marys citizens. Orange Hall was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

ADMISSION COST

$5.00 adults, $4.00 seniors and retired military

HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM. and Sunday from 1 to 4 PM.

PHONE

912-576-3644

WEBSITE

http://www.orangehall.org/index.html

ADDRESS

311 Osborne Street, St. Marys, GA

ATTRACTION

Oak Grove Cemetery - Circa 1788 (3-3/4 miles)

OVERVIEW

The Historic Oak Grove Cemetery was laid out in 1788 and draws visitors from all over the world, whether they are looking for ancestors, studying history or just looking for a tranquil walk to get away from the pressures of life. Soldiers from all of our country's wars rest in peace under moss-wrapped oaks, azaleas and camellias.  The tragedies and triumphs of lives lived in St. Marys are represented in the beautiful inscriptions engraved on the stones of yellow fever victims and those of the French Arcadians who were driven out of Nova Scotia in a horrendous fashion and have finally found a home on the banks of the St. Marys River.  Statesmen and craftsmen, plantation owners and slaves, now all together, draw a picture of an earlier time when life was simpler and everyone knew their neighbors and considered them friends.

ADMISSION COST

Free

HOURS OF OPERATION

Sunday through Saturday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

PHONE

912-510-4025 or 912-882-4000

WEBSITE

http://www.ci.st-marys.ga.us/department/cemetery/index.php

ADDRESS

Corner of Bartlett Street & Weed Street, St. Marys, GA

ATTRACTION

Saint Marys Express Train Ride (2-1/2 miles)

OVERVIEW

Immerse yourself in history, fun and adventure as you travel the rails from Historic St. Marys, Georgia, through scenic woodlands and marshlands. Your 1 hour and 15 minute excursion brings you face to face with yesteryear, nature, and some great entertainment. Whether you’re riding on the open-air rail cars or experiencing an authentic locomotive or caboose ride, you never know what you’ll encounter along the way!

ADMISSION COST

Open Air Railcar Rides - Adults $17. Prices may vary on special excursions such as the Steam Express. Locomotive Rides $50.00 per person, limit 2 people in the Locomotive (NO use of electronic devices of any kind are allowed inside the Locomotive). Tickets may be purchased on line. Processing fee of $3 each plus sales tax will be added to ticket price (Visa, MasterCard, & Discover cards accepted). NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES FOR ANY REASON MUST PICK UP TICKETS 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE TIME. Pick up tickets at will call window.

HOURS OF OPERATION

All rides depart at 10:00 AM, Noon, 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM.

PHONE

912-200-5235

WEBSITE

http://www.stmarysrailroad.com

ADDRESS

1000 Osborne Street, St. Marys, GA

ATTRACTION

Old Towne Gallery (3-1/2 miles)

OVERVIEW

Olde Towne Gallery is a co-op of approximately 20 local artists located in historic St. Marys, Georgia. A variety of art is featured including painting, photography, textiles, pottery, jewelry & more.

ADMISSION COST

Free

HOURS OF OPERATION

Daily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

PHONE

912-673-0102

WEBSITE

www.facebook.com/oldetownegallery

ADDRESS

304 Osborne Street, St. Marys, GA

ATTRACTION

Cumberland Island National Seashore/Ferry (3-3/4 miles)

OVERVIEW

A 45-minute boat ride from historic St. Marys aboard the Cumberland Queen will take you to the Gilded Age of the wealthy Carnegie family and 59-room Dungeness, their 1880s winter retreat. Forty square miles of beaches, salt marshes, bike trails, a camp ground, a maritime forest, historic building and about 150 feral horses draw thousands of visitors each year. Maintained by the National Park Service, guided tours of the grounds are included with the admission fee. What to Carry: There are no stores on the island. The ferry carries snacks, beverages and souvenirs (T-shirts, caps and patches. Visitors should consider bringing food, water/drinks, sunscreen, walking shoes, rain gear, insect repellent, sunglasses and a camera.

ADMISSION COST

Ticket Cost: Adult - $20.00, Seniors - $18.00.

HOURS OF OPERATION

1 March - 30 November: Leave St. Marys @ 9:00 AM, Arrive Cumberland Island @ 9:45 AM. Leave St. Marys @ 11:45 AM, Arrive Cumberland Island @ 12:30 PM. Leave Cumberland Island @ 10:15 AM, Arrive St. Marys @ 11:00 AM. Leave Cumberland Island @ 4:45 PM, Arrive St. Marys @ 5:30 PM.

PHONE

912-882-4335 or 877-860-6787

WEBSITE

www.nps.gov/cuis

ADDRESS

113 St. Marys Street, St. Marys, GA

ATTRACTION

Up the Creek Xpeditions/Outfitters (3-1/2 miles)

OVERVIEW

Get your feet wet during kayaking trips through coastal Georgia and Florida waterways. Up The Creek Expeditions offers kayaking trips for all types of boaters, from those who have little to no kayaking experience to several open water trips for more experienced and adventurous kayakers. Kayak rentals are also available. Trips include all kayaks and gear, instruction, guides, any applicable park fees and transportation (to and from their shop).

COST/RATES

Call for pricing or see website

HOURS OF OPERATION

Daily 8;30 AM - 8:30 PM

PHONE

912-882-0911 or 877-878-4327

WEBSITE

http://www.upthecreektrips.com/site/

ADDRESS

111 Osborne Street, St. Marys, GA

ATTRACTION

Kingsland Veterans Memorial Park (8 miles)

OVERVIEW

The Kingsland Veterans Memorial Park stands as a reminder to all Americans that we will never forget the brave men and women who have serve, and are currently serving, in all branches of the United States Armed Forces.  The Memorial Park pays tribute to the American servicemen and women who have fought and lost their lives in service for the protections of our freedom. The Veterans Memorial Park is located in Historic Downtown Kingsland at 201 W. King Avenue (Hwy 40) and its intersection with South Orange Edwards Boulevard.  The memorial boasts five colorful memorial walls, each featuring detailed images depicting the different branches of the military. Proudly displayed are the five flags respective of each branch of service centered by the American Flag.

The seating area provides a quiet place to reflect and remember.  Lights illuminating the flags cast a soft shadow in the evenings.  Statues representing the United States of America Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard line the brick walkways gently curving throughout the park.  Memorial bricks list names of remembered ones and can be purchased to leave a reminder to future generations of a loved one's service to their country.

ADMISSION COST

Free

HOURS OF OPERATION

12:00 AM - 12:00 PM Daily

PHONE

912-673-1890

WEBSITE

http://www.exploregeorgia.org/listing/2752-kingsland-veterans-memorial-park

ADDRESS

201 W. King Avenue, Kingsland, GA

ATTRACTION

Woodbine Opry (20 miles)

OVERVIEW

Kick up your heels each weekend at this old-time music feast at the renovated "Old School" Woodbine Community Center. Chow down on delicious home-cooked vittles washed down with a swig of sweet tea while tapping your toes to Bluegrass and Gospel music on Friday nights, Country-Western music Saturday nights.

ADMISSION COST

Free

HOURS OF OPERATION

Music starts at 7:00 PM on Friday and Saturday evenings.

WEBSITE

http://www.woodbineopry.com/

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS

305 Camden Avenue, Woodbine, GA. Start out going west on GA-40E for 0.03 miles. Merge onto I-95N/GA-405N and go 10.6 miles. Take Exit 14 (GA-25 Spur exit) for Woodbine for 0.5 miles. Turn LEFT onto GA-25 Spur, travel 2.7 miles and turn RIGHT on Bedell Avenue/US-17N/GA-25N which is the main drag thru Woodbine. Travel 0.6 miles and turn RIGHT onto E 3rd Street. Go 0.08 miles and turn right onto Camden Avenue. The Woodbine Opry is located in the Old Woodbine High School on the corner of 2nd Avenue and Camden Avenue in Woodbine.

ATTRACTION

Emerald Princess II Casino (38 miles)

OVERVIEW

Hop aboard the Emerald Princess cruise ship where 200 sleek feet and four fun-filled decks await. Their two gaming decks have it all. 220 slots, 12 blackjack tables, 2 stud poker tables, 6 Texas hold'em tables, 2 roulette wheels and a crap table. Dining is offered on the Bistro Deck, while ocean views and sea breezes fill the ship's open-air Observation Deck.to casino gaming and parking

TICKET COST

$10.00. All tickets include scenic cruise, dining, access to casino gambling and parking. Reservations are required. Make reservation via website or by calling 800-842-0115.

SCHEDULE

Monday - No Cruise. Tuesday - Thursday 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM. Friday & Saturday 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM - 1:00 AM. Sunday 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

PHONE

800-842-0115

WEBSITE

http://www.emeraldprincesscasino.com

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS

1 Gisco Point Drive, Brunswick, GA. Take I-95 to Exit 29. Turn onto U.S. 17 North and follow for 5.4 miles. Turn right onto Jekyll Causeway (GA-520 East) and then take an immediate left onto Gisco Point Drive and follow into the Emerald Princess II parking lot.

ATTRACTION

Jacksonville Zoo (37 miles)

OVERVIEW

Escape to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for the only walking safari in Northeast Florida. Discover the earth’s wildlife through interactive and educational experiences. A true family adventure, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is growing and changing daily and is dedicated to consistently improving.  Beginning in 2004 with Range of the Jaguar and continuing with Giraffe Overlook and Savanna Blooms garden, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is quickly becoming a world-class establishment. The Zoo has something for everyone with more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals and 1,000 varieties of plants. Whether you are a visitor to Florida’s First Coast or a lifetime resident, we invite you to experience the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens through interactions with people, wildlife and the environment.

ADMISSION COST

ZOO PARKING IS FREE. GENERAL ADMISSION: $15.95 Adults (age 13 to 64), $13.95 Seniors (age 65+). VALUE TICKETS - includes Admission, 4D Ride, Butterfly Hollow, Stingray Bay and unlimited Train and Carousel rides. $24.95 Adults (age 13 to 64), $22.95 Seniors (age 65+).

HOURS OF OPERATION

Open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Saturday, Sunday and holidays.

PHONE

904-757-4463

WEBSITE

http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/about/

ADDRESS

370 Jacksonville Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL

ATTRACTION

Okefenokee Adventures (39 miles)

OVERVIEW

Okefenokee Adventures (concession operation) offers guided boat tours, canoe/kayak rentals, boat rentals, and a gift shop are all available to visitors. Okefenokee Adventures also provides food service on-site and is a great place to stop in and pick up any last minute items for your trip in the swamp and to check out what the most recent wildlife sightings have been. 

ADMISSION COST

See website for cost of various guided boat tours of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

HOURS OF OPERATION

Open 1/2 hour before sunrise every day; close 7:30 PM

PHONE

912-496-7156

WEBSITE

http://www.okefenokeeadventures.com/

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS

4159 Suwannee Canal Rd, Folkston, GA. See directions below to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.

ATTRACTION

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (38 miles)

OVERVIEW

Also known as the Land of the Trembling Earth, this is an area not to be missed. Swamp boat tours carry you into the wild. What is there to do at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge?  One of the greatest things about Okefenokee is that there is something for everyone to do - the refuge has the Swamp Island Drive (Wildlife Drive), hiking trails, canoe/kayak trails, boat trails (for motorboats less than 10HP), guided boat tours, and the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center, the Chesser Island Homestead, and the Chesser Island Boardwalk.  For anyone who likes to be outdoors, you will find that Okefenokee is a place that you will want to return to again and again.  

ADMISSION COST

Daily Refuge Pass $5.00

HOURS OF OPERATION

Daily 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

PHONE

912-496-7836

WEBSITE

http://www.fws.gov/refuge/okefenokee/

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS

2700 Suwannee Canal Rd, Folkston, GA. Directions to East Entrance of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge; Latitude N 30.73870100, Longitude W -82.14000600.

From I-95 Exit 3, take GA 40 west approximately 22 miles from Kingsland to Folkston. Where GA 40 dead ends at a "T" intersection, turn right onto Third Street then take the next immediate left onto Main Street (courthouse is on your right at turn). Turn onto Main Street heading west. Go through two stoplights and across the railroad tracks. Take a left at 3rd light onto Okefenokee Trail (Parkway), also called GA 121/23 South. Drive for approx. 7 miles, then turn right at the large gray "Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge" sign. Follow this road about 4 miles to the end. When you reach a large parking area, you will see the visitor center on your left and Okefenokee Adventures straight ahead next to the boat basin.

ATTRACTION

Colonial Coast Birding Trail - Distance from hotel depends on the entry site you select. Visit the website listed below to print a copy of the map and a Colonial Coast Birding Trail bird species checklist.

OVERVIEW

A visit to one or more sites along the Colonial Coast Birding Trail will provide you with the opportunity to see and enjoy the beauty of a kaleidoscope of birds and glimpse the fascinating history of this land and its residents. More than 300 species of birds (75 percent of the total species of birds seen in Georgia) have been spotted at the 18 sites along the birding trail. Don't expect to see most of these birds on a single visit. The birds you see will depend greatly on when and where you visit. Some birds can be seen throughout the year. Others are migratory and travel long distances from their breeding grounds to wintering areas. Spend some time along the Colonial Coast Birding Trail and learn why the Creek Indians called the Georgia coast The Enchanted Land.

ADMISSION COST

Free

HOURS OF OPERATION

The trail is open from sunrise to sunset.

PHONE

Various - numbers are listed on the website listed below.

WEBSITE

http://georgiawildlife.com/ColonialCoastBirdingTrail

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS

Visit the above website to print a copy of the map and a Colonial Coast Birding Trail bird species checklist.