Things to do in Cumberland Island

Activities, attractions and tours

Sand dunes at Cumberland Island National Seashore.
Sand dunes at Cumberland Island National Seashore.
I really wanted to make this abstract work with the water. Hope it does
Dungeness Ruins of Cumberland Island
Dungeness on Cumberland Island, Georgia, is a ruined mansion that is part of a historic district that was the home of several families significant in American history. James Oglethorpe first built on Cumberland Island in 1736, building a hunting lodge that he named Dungeness. Oglethorpe named the place after Dungeness, in England. The next Dungeness was the legacy of Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene, who had acquired 11,000 acres of island land in exchange for a bad debt. His widow built a four-story tabby mansion in 1803, over a Timucuan shell mound. During the War of 1812 the island was occupied by the British, who used the house as a headquarters. In 1818 Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee, a dashing cavalry commander during the Revolutionary War and father of Robert E. Lee, stayed at the house until his death on March 25, 1818, cared for by Greene's daughter Louisa, and was laid to rest in nearby cemetery with full military honors provided by an American fleet stationed at St. Marys, Georgia. The house was abandoned during the U.S. Civil War and burned in 1866. In the 1880s the property was purchased by Thomas M. Carnegie, brother of Andrew Carnegie, who began to build a new mansion on the site. The 59-room Queen Anne style mansion and grounds were completed after Carnegie's death in 1886. His wife Lucy continued to live at Dungeness and built other estates for her children, including Greyfield for Margaret Carnegie, Plum Orchard for George Lauder Carnegie, and Stafford Plantation. By this time, the Carnegies owned 90% of the island. The Carnegies moved out of Dungeness in 1925. In 1959 the Dungeness mansion was destroyed by fire, alleged to be arson. The ruins are today preserved by the National Park Service as part of Cumberland Island National Seashore. They were acquired by the Park Service in 1972.
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Most popular experiences in Cumberland Island

Tours & day trips

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CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina Beach

CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina Beach

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
9.8 out of 10 with 60 reviews
Price is HK$1,133 per adult
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Water activities

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Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek

Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek

Activity duration is 2 hours and 15 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 68 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$508 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Amelia Island Inshore Fishing Charter

Amelia Island Inshore Fishing Charter

Activity duration is 8 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$5,860 per traveller*
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What to do in Cumberland Island

Popular places to visit

Plum Orchard Mansion

Plum Orchard Mansion

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Plum Orchard Mansion during your travels in Cumberland Island. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this relaxing area.

Plum Orchard Mansion

First African Baptist Church

Find out about the history of Cumberland Island when you spend time at First African Baptist Church. Discover the area's museums and shops.

First African Baptist Church
Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park in Homosassa Florida USA

Yulee

Frequently asked questions

Is Cumberland Island worth visiting?
Famous for its fishing and coastal beaches, discovering fun things to do in Cumberland Island is simple. Make sure to add Cumberland Island National Seashore to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Cumberland Island?
Kick your day off with a visit to Cumberland Island National Seashore and Crooked River State Park. Then, tour different areas of Cumberland Island for local restaurants and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Cumberland Island?
You can't go home without checking out Cumberland Island National Seashore, ranked the top tourist attraction in Cumberland Island.
Is three days enough to stay in Cumberland Island?
If you just want to see the most popular sights, three days is plenty of time for a trip to Cumberland Island. Stay for seven to ten days for the chance to truly experience the local vibe, visit nearby hotspots and explore some hidden gems.
What are some activities to do in Cumberland Island with kids?
If you are after activities and sights for all the family, have a look at these fabulous ideas for what to do in Cumberland Island with kids.

What to do in Cumberland Island for adults?
McIntosh Sugarmill Park is one of the top things to do in Cumberland Island. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Cumberland Island?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in Cumberland Island is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can enjoy without reaching for your wallet. Cumberland Island National Seashore is one place that doesn't have an entrance fee.