Beach Hotel in St. Marys: Find Beach Hotel in St. Marys

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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Our top choices for St. Marys beach hotels

Courtyard by Marriott Amelia Island

Ocean Cay

Escape to beachside bliss with shoreline strolls, poolside cocktails, and ocean breezes just steps from Fernandina Beach's sandy shores.

HK$1,216 total

includes taxes & fees

8 Feb - 9 Feb

The Villas of Amelia Island

Fernandina Beach

Relax on a sandy private beach with cabanas and ocean dining, or paddle into adventure at this beachfront escape.

HK$1,830 total

includes taxes & fees

12 Feb - 13 Feb

The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort

St. Simons Island

Retreat to a Mediterranean beach haven with lounge service, umbrellas, and waterfront dining—where coastal adventures begin.

HK$1,754 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Feb - 11 Feb

The Beachview Club

Jekyll Island

Soak up sunrise to sunset views from a beachfront retreat where soft sands meet island tranquility, just steps from your door.

HK$1,260 total

includes taxes & fees

8 Feb - 9 Feb

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Amelia Island

Ocean Cay

Find paradise steps away from golden sands, where ocean adventures and poolside refreshments create the ideal coastal retreat.

HK$1,234 total

includes taxes & fees

8 Feb - 9 Feb

Best Western Plus Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island

Seaside haven with private beach club just steps away where sun, sand, and southern coastal breezes revitalise the soul.

HK$826 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Feb - 11 Feb

Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island by IHG

Jekyll Island

Soak in endless coastal bliss at this beachfront retreat with white sand shores, kayaking adventures, and fireside evenings.

HK$1,287 total

includes taxes & fees

9 Feb - 10 Feb

Amelia Hotel at the Beach

Fernandina Beach

Escape to pristine sandy shores with direct beach access, where coastal dining and ocean adventures await just steps from your door.

HK$1,133 total

includes taxes & fees

23 Feb - 24 Feb

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Top St. Marys Hotel Reviews

Seaside Amelia Inn

10/10 Excellent

"Very clean room! VERY BEST LOCATION! Exactly 25 steps to the beach! Spacious bathroom w/2 sinks a plus! Breakfast (included) was self serve and plenty of variety and changed menu daily! Nice touch. Staff very helpful and professional! 10 for 20 all way round! "

Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa

10/10 Excellent

"The staff was incredible from the beginning to end! We spent a long girls weekend celebrating a birthday and they made the birthday girl feel special throughout! They prepared the room decorations just as I had hoped! The food throughout the property was delicious and the server Kelli K in the lobby lounge was THE BEST! She made us feel like family! We will definitely be making this an annual trip!"

Frequently asked questions

What is St. Marys like for travellers who love the beach?

Known for its island views and restaurants, St. Marys offers a lot for the traveller planning a getaway.

When's the best time for a beach holiday in St. Marys?

Plan your trip to the beach with this snapshot of year-round temperatures in St. Marys: The hottest months are usually July and August, with an average temperature of 27°C, while the coldest months are January and February, with an average of 15°C. Average annual precipitation for St. Marys is 1224 mm.

What is there to see and do around St. Marys?

After getting settled at your accommodation of choice, you'll likely want to venture out and explore. Beach lovers can head straight to Fernandina Beach or American Beach for some quality time by the water. Discover the area's island views and restaurants, and make time for local attractions such as Cumberland Island Ferry and Crooked River State Park. For even more to see and do, pay a visit to Cumberland Island National Seashore or St. Marys Railroad Museum.

What's the best way to get to my beach hotel in St. Marys?

This travel information can help you get to and around your beach accommodation in St. Marys with ease. To get to St. Marys, book a flight to Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), the closest major airport, which is located 18.9 mi (30.5 km) from the city centre. You can catch a ferry to see more of the region.

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Check availability on St. Marys Beach Hotel

Our top choices for St. Marys beach hotels

Courtyard by Marriott Amelia Island

The Villas of Amelia Island

The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort

The Beachview Club