Cumberland Island: Georgia's Untamed Barrier Island Paradise
Daydreaming about travel evokes magical destinations rich in history, stunning architecture—some standing tall, others in evocative ruins—and wild adventures that captivate the soul.
In the 1880s, Thomas Carnegie, brother of steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie, acquired Cumberland Island, Georgia's largest barrier island. This remarkable 17-mile stretch once hosted British forts, sprawling plantations, freed slave communities, and even the quaint 1893 wooden church where John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette wed in secret in 1996.
Thomas wintered here, constructing a grand 50-room Scottish-style castle in the late 1880s, plus estates for his children. Over time, the family let farmland revert to oak and pine forests. In the 1970s, they sold the island to the National Park Service, preserving its legacy.
Today, over half the island is protected wilderness, featuring pristine, undeveloped beaches roamed by feral horses, shaded trails for hiking and biking under live oaks, and majestic ruins honoring those who shaped this timeless treasure. It's an unparalleled escape.
Introduce yourself with a day trip via a 45-minute ferry from St. Marys, Georgia—two hours south of Savannah. Maximize your visit by booking the first ferry out and last return. Pack a lunch; bikes are available for rent.
For overnights, choose rustic tent camping at Cumberland Island National Seashore or luxury at the restored Greyfield Inn, managed by the great-great-grandson of the original Carnegie owner. Reservations essential—book early and immerse yourself.
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