Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum
Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum
Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
225 reviews
Excellent
187
Very good
32
Average
2
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Rose H
Powder Springs, United States12 contributions
Jul 2021
I just returned from a day trip to Cumberland Island. I took the 6 hour Lands and Legacies tour sponsored by the NPS. ($45/pp) I'm so glad I took the tour. Not only did I get to see the island from the air conditioned comfort of a van, but I heard so many amazing stories from our tour guide Mike. Mike has a gift for telling you history in a story form that helps you to visualize it. He talked for almost 6 non stop hours, and I never tired of hearing him. He gave such vivid accounts of the Carnegies, the Staffords, the Kennedys and the original Natives that I will remember them always. This is an absolute "Must do" if you plan on visiting. You will see all of the important structures such as Plum Orchard, Dungeness, and the small church where JFK jr was married. I visited in July and the air conditioned van was fabulous) the vans hold up to 12 people, we had 11 that day and although a little crowded it was very bearable. The one road on the island is dirt and pretty bumpy. Be prepared and maybe take a Tylenol at the end of the day.
The tour is indeed close to 6 hours. You will not be able to take the earlier ferry back to the mainland. Relax and enjoy the one hour or so you will get at the end of the tour before the later ferry disembarks. That hour will be enough time for the more hardy visitors to walk the 1.5 miles to the beach. The less hardy visitors can just relax at the ample shaded seats provided at the ranger station beside the ferry dock.
The tour is indeed close to 6 hours. You will not be able to take the earlier ferry back to the mainland. Relax and enjoy the one hour or so you will get at the end of the tour before the later ferry disembarks. That hour will be enough time for the more hardy visitors to walk the 1.5 miles to the beach. The less hardy visitors can just relax at the ample shaded seats provided at the ranger station beside the ferry dock.
Written 16 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
orlandotraveler2018
Florida101 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
We loved Cumberland Island. You must take your own food and beverages as you cannot buy anything there. Be sure to take extras. Plenty of clean restrooms that are marked and accessible. You also must take all trash off the island. Beautiful trails and wildlife. We saw armadillos, dolphins (on the ferry over), wild horses, birds, ... Great shelling on the beaches. Plenty of picnic tables to eat on or st the wide beaches. Watch your time as ferry's leave promptly. Be sure to reserve the ferry early as they fill up. Need reservations for bikes, too. If you have a National Park pass, bring it for free admission to the island (not the ferry). We spent 5 hours there and that was enough for us, but left us wanting to return another day.
Written 2 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frank L
4 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Cumberland National Seashore is one of the best parks to go to but you need to plan your activities carefully. Just some high level pointers (1) fall is great time to visit as the bugs are less and also the heat. Most stay away during the summer months because of this. (2) if you plan on camping you need to reserve 4 to 6 months out. (3) for day visits be plan your agenda and time carefully- are you a beach person, history, trail hiker. You cannot do it all in a day so pick an activity bring plenty of water, sunscreen and bug spray and enjoy. (4) all the walking is flat but all the sites are far apart so lots of walking (5) bicycles cost us extra to bring on the ferry but a fun and faster way to get around - wide tires like a beach cruiser recommend. Again this is not a park that you just pop into, do your research and plan and you will have the greatest time.
Written 6 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joanne G
Palm Coast, Florida10 contributions
Aug 2021
I went to Cumberland Island with a large group of seniors. This trip is not good for the elderly as there is a lot of walking through a wooded path with tree stumps and brush.. I had a walker with wheels and found it very difficult to go along the path that they told us to follow. They should have told us there was a paved road that leads to the same site which was 1 1/2 miles away through the woods. When we finally arrived at our destination, the ruins of an old mansion and the wild horses roaming, it was quite beautiful. On the return, that's when we found the paved road but so many of us were so exhausted they had to call a truck to pick up those who could not walk back to the original starting point. I will never go back to Cumberland especially in August. I'll take the ferry that goes around the island and view it from the boat.
Written 2 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deborah
2 contributions
Dec 2022
We had a nice time at Cumberland Island, we saw wild horses, deers, armadillo’s. It was a beautiful place to walk around. We went during the winter months to avoid the bugs/ heat etc.
it was cold but a good time to visit.
We were however disappointed by the Ferry Ride to the Island, due to the overcrowding. We were able to get outside seating in the way there. However the ferry back home was a nightmare it was overcrowded with no seating, a lot of people stranding up inside and outside. After walking around outdoors with my children for over 4 hours the last thing we wanted to do was stand up for another 45 mins on a very overcrowded Ferry.
it was cold but a good time to visit.
We were however disappointed by the Ferry Ride to the Island, due to the overcrowding. We were able to get outside seating in the way there. However the ferry back home was a nightmare it was overcrowded with no seating, a lot of people stranding up inside and outside. After walking around outdoors with my children for over 4 hours the last thing we wanted to do was stand up for another 45 mins on a very overcrowded Ferry.
Written 28 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
morrisg430
Chappaqua, NY15 contributions
Jun 2021
The trip to the Cumberland Island Park was remarkable, a full day tour with Mike Fulford was an exceptional way to learn about the history of the park and how this gem was able to be created. The Legacy Tour was in a van with an almost constant history provided by Mike. He provides a wealth of knowledge about the characters who enabled the Park to exist. We were able to see parts of the island that self-guided campers, and day-tourists could not. Of course, the feral horses, armadillos, alligators, different climate zones with different flora and fauna made the tour extra valuable. The cost, $50 per person was worth it. Mike was personable, friendly, accommodating and constantly interesting.
Written 9 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vetgirl69
Fort Lauderdale, FL195 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
We took the ferry over to Cumberland Island national seashore and spent the day hiking. Right off the bat we saw the wild horses that live on the island. We spent the day hiking and roaming the beach. It was wonderful to see the horses free roaming and not bound by a fence. The Islands campsite was awesome for those fortunate enough to get to spend the night. It’s set in a Thicket of oak trees just off the ocean. It’s called sea camp.I would highly recommend visiting Cumberland Island national seashore if you’re in the area.You can rent a bike or bring your own over on the ferry. Make sure to bring your lunch and plenty to drink.
Written 8 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Otterhoney
St. Augustine, FL91 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
We had a great day exploring Cumberland Island. We took the 45 min ferry ride over. We took our own bikes which were an additional $10 per bike on the ferry. We saw wild horses & a wild turkey. We walked to the beach and this was quite a hike! It was a beautiful day!!
Here are some tips ;)
* Book Ferry in advance
* Bring bug spray - gnats are horrible at the docks and sunscreen
* Bring plenty of water and food -there is nowhere to purchase anything
Be ready for a great but rigorous day!! :)
Here are some tips ;)
* Book Ferry in advance
* Bring bug spray - gnats are horrible at the docks and sunscreen
* Bring plenty of water and food -there is nowhere to purchase anything
Be ready for a great but rigorous day!! :)
Written 17 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zoomie70
Las Vegas182 contributions
Jul 2021
A great off-grid camping experience. We rented bikes for the 3 day excursion at $20/day. You could have bought the bikes for $20 at a garage sale - they were in terrible condition. I had to lube my chain with suntan lotion and bug spray to get it to keep working. The island and historical attractions were great. The trails are heavily sanded - so wide tires are recommended if you bring your own bike. The seashore was beautiful and desolate. Saw deer, osprey, armadillo, hawks.
Written 3 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MKTBE
Topeka, KS4,161 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Cumberland Island is a barrier Island off of the coast of Georgia. The only way to access the Island is by a pre-registered ferry. We spent an amazing 4 hours exploring the Dungeness Ruins, Maritime Forest, Saltwater Marsh, and an unpopulated Beach! The Island is also inhabited with many Wild Horses. We also spied a few Armadillos, many Lizards, Egrets, Cranes, and Sand Crabs. Our three-generational family enjoyed a peaceful day of adventure, hiking, exploring, a beach picnic, and appreciating the beauty & history of Cumberland Island! The best part is that there are so few people there you can enjoy it in solitude!! There are no restaurants or vending machines, so bring a supply of water and food! Absolutely Amazing!!!
Written 3 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How do you add "I'm taking my bikes if the office is closed?" For Monday AM.
Written 5 March 2022
How do you add "I'm taking my bikes if the office is closed?" For Monday AM.
Written 5 March 2022
If we stay at the campground, are there trashcans available?
Written 26 January 2021
I may have over looked this info— but is this pet friendly?
Written 30 December 2020
I originally answered no, but thought I should check. Here the info I found. “Pets are permitted on Cumberland Island but they must be transported over on private boats. The ferry does not transport pets. Pets must be kept on a leash and under control at all times. Pets can visit for the day only.”
Written 3 January 2021
Are there rental lockers on Cumberland Island for backpacks, chairs and food?
Written 16 May 2020
Didn’t see any but didn’t have the need,it’s bring whatever you need in and take it all back...trash and all...you might tip someone at the entrance cabin to watch your stuff...not much crime on the island since it’s one way in one way out .
Written 18 May 2020
We are planning on a visit this month....we have a medium size dog and was wondering if there is a place at the visitor center in St Mary’s that we can leave him while we take the ferry over to Cumberland Island? Shade or Sun depending on the weather or perhaps a kennel facility.
Written 8 December 2019
I'm not sure about a kennel, they are a pet friendly town, I would call visitors center and request information. Take water with you on your trip to the island and food.
Written 8 December 2019
You can walk in, but it's first come, first served. Weekends and holidays are often full.
Written 6 August 2018
A Tripadvisor member
Bowling Green, Kentucky
We have our ferry tickets reserved, do we also need to reserve park tickets in advance or do we assume that because we have a spot on the ferry we will have entrance to the park? (I understand the park is a separate fee.) Thank you.
Written 14 April 2016
You need to check back with the ferry .. You can pay for the Park tour and the ferry in one payment .. Take the guided van tour by all means !! It was incredible.
Written 20 March 2017
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