Georgia’s Underrated “Mini Florida Keys” Gives Key West Vibes, But Better

The Florida Keys, simply off the Sunshine State’s southern tip, is a well-liked area that stands out for its distinctive mix of gorgeous ocean vistas, wealthy historical past, wonderful seashores, and delightful pure sights. The archipelago, which includes greater than 1,700 named islands, extends over 120 miles from Key Largo to Key West.

Protected by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, this space is filled with magnificence and appeal and stays probably the most sought-after locations within the US. There are numerous bucket list Florida Keys to visit at least once, and Key West is the most well-liked.

The city, which is essentially the most developed within the Keys, and hosts over 30% of the archipelago’s inhabitants, is thought for its spectacular pure magnificence, historic appeal, tradition, and unbelievable water adventures, from scuba diving and snorkeling to fishing. It additionally hosts Dry Tortugas National Park, which boasts similar vibes to Fiji, from its colourful coral reefs to sandy seashores.

There’s a lot to like about Key West, however it’s a little bit of an overrated vacation spot that might be ditched for alternate options. St Marys, nestled on Georgia’s southernmost tip, alongside St. Marys River, gives the same really feel and is even higher in some methods, together with fewer crowds. Skip Florida for Georgia’s underrated “mini Florida Keys,” which supplies Key West vibes, however higher.

What To Know About St. Marys, Georgia

It’s a historic, quaint city with an simple Southern appeal

Established by the British in 1787 as Buttermilk Bluff and incorporated in 1802, St. Marys is Georgia’s oldest city. Nevertheless, its historical past began method earlier than that. The Spanish expeditions first visited the city within the mid-Sixteenth century, with the unique Spanish settlement established there in 1566, making it America’s second-oldest constantly inhabited metropolis.

There are a number of methods to get an perception into town’s fascinating historical past, together with visiting St. Marys Historical past Stroll, a 600-foot path with 24 interpretive indicators, outlining the city’s previous.

If you’re within the city’s maritime historical past, head to St. Mary Submarine Museum, recognized for its unbelievable assortment of submarine artifacts from WWII.

One other must-visit for historical past buffs is Oak Grove Cemetery, the oldest cemetery in Georgia. Don’t miss Orange Hall, Georgia’s most interesting instance of Greek Revival structure.

St. Marys downtown historic district, brimming with stunning streets lined with colourful artwork galleries, vintage retailers, and scrumptious eating places, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

The city’s simple attract of historical past, peaceable environment, and laid-back vibe, make it one of many distinctive locations to go to in Georgia. It’s an genuine city with Southern hospitality, which you’ll expertise nearly all over the place, from the native eating places to its historic inns.

St. Marys, Georgia Is A Excellent Dupe For Key West

Like Key West, this underrated and Georgia city is a historic, seaside gem with scenic white-sand seashores and a captivating downtown historic district, however with fewer crowds and a extra laid-back environment

First discovered in 1521 by Ponce de Leon, who named it Cayo Hueso, which interprets to “Bone Island,” Key West’s historical past is likely one of the longest in america. Integrated in 1828, the island welcomes thousands and thousands of vacationers yearly, because of its spectacular pure surroundings, which undoubtedly rivals what you’ll discover in a tropical paradise.

Key West is house to a few of the must-see beaches in the Florida Keys, from Smathers Seaside to Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park. The city can also be recognized for its vibrant downtown, whose essential drag is Duval Street, known for its bustling nightlife scene, comprising bars, nightclubs, and live music venues. The strip boasts various culinary experiences, from Cuban to the Caribbean to Florida favorites.

The city will be crowded, nonetheless, particularly in winter, which is the excessive season. October and November are the 2 busiest and hottest months to discover this iconic Florida vacation spot. Moreover, Key West will be fairly dear, however, like most locations, there are lots of methods to save cash.

Go to the underrated St. Marys, Georgia as an alternative to get pleasure from comparable vibes with out crowds and at a decrease expense. Aside from an extended, fascinating historical past, its surroundings is simply as stunning and includes white-sand seashores that may take your breath away. One of many must-visit seashores is Stafford Seaside, an remoted seaside spot with a mix of breathtaking views, tranquility, and enjoyable out of doors adventures.

As talked about, St Marys’ downtown is extremely charming, providing wonderful historic sights, eateries, artwork galleries, historic inns, and extra. Past its historical past and seaside scene, the city additionally gives a spread of out of doors leisure alternatives, together with biking, mountaineering, and watersports. What makes this underrated Georgia city a greater vacation spot than Key West is the quieter, laid-back vibe and decrease journey prices.

Need to get pleasure from a spooky tour within the South? Discover
Key West’s historic haunts
, from Key West Lighthouse to Fogarty’s Restaurant, and St. Marys’ creepy spots, just like the Orange Corridor and the Oak Grove Cemetery.

St. Marys, Georgia Is The Gateway To Cumberland Island Nationwide Seashore

Recognized for its various ecosystems, unbelievable wildlife, and historic websites, Cumberland Island Nationwide Seasure will make you overlook about Key West, because of its unspoiled magnificence

Cumberland Island, Georgia’s best national park site, is a stunning beach spot and a bucket-list vacation spot. Solely welcoming 60,000+ tourists annually, its one of many most underrated national parks to visit in 2025.

The nationwide seashore, simply accessed from St. Marys, is thought for its various surroundings, together with greater than 9,800 acres of designated wilderness areas, defending miles of trails, unspoiled scenic seashores, stunning forests, sand dunes, marshes, coves, and extra.

The island’s various ecosystems assist all kinds of wildlife, together with greater than 300 chicken species, 30 mammals, and 55 reptiles and amphibians. Over 100 wild horses roam the seashore and the Dungeness Historic District is one of the best place to identify them.

Cumberland Island’s historical past dates again hundreds of years, with the Timucuan tribe believed to be the primary to inhabit the world. Spanish monks and troopers got here to the island in 1587 and established missions to transform the inhabitants to Christianity. The established missions remained in operation till 1686.

There are quite a few historic sights you may go to, together with Dungeness Ruins, a former mansion as soon as owned by the Carnegie household, and Plum Orchard Mansion, inbuilt 1898. Get an perception into the native historical past at Ice House Museum and Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum.

If you’re trying to get pleasure from a country nature escape, away from crowds, then Cumberland Island Nationwide Seashore should not be lacking in your bucket listing. It has nearly all the pieces Key West is thought for, besides its pure sources stay unspoiled, and due to this fact ensures a real wilderness expertise.

Cumberland Island is the right mix of magical and mysterious; the park has an inventory of spooky spots, together with Plum Orchard Mansion, the place vacationers have reported a collection of haunts.

With its scenic seashores, tranquil environment, historic appeal, and tranquility, St. Marys and the close by Cumberland Island Nationwide Seashore is like an underrated “mini Florida Keys” and makes a greater different for these searching for Key West vibes.