From Steffen's diner in downtown Kingsland to Willie Jewell's Old School BBQ on Route 40, Kingsland has a dining scene that punches above its size. This is a local's guide to the restaurants worth going out of your way for, covering breakfast spots, lunch staples, family favorites, and the places ERA Kings Bay agents actually take clients when they are in town for a showing.
St. Marys has some of the best waterfront dining on the Georgia coast and most people outside Camden County have no idea it exists. Locals Dockside sits right on the St. Marys River serving fresh seafood and steaks with views of the water and Cumberland Island in the distance. This card covers the best waterfront dining options in St. Marys for date nights, family dinners, and showing off your new hometown to visiting friends and family.
Camden County has a surprisingly strong coffee scene for a small coastal market. Ellianos has drive-through locations in both Kingsland and St. Marys, Blue Bridge Coffeehouse anchors historic downtown Kingsland with a sit-down atmosphere, and Awaken Coffee Co. is a beloved boutique trailer operating out of St. Marys. This is where locals actually go to start their mornings whether they are headed to the base or working from home.
Finding the right spot for a date night in Camden County is easier than you think. From waterfront dining at Locals Dockside in St. Marys to the lively outdoor atmosphere at Southern River Walk, the area has no shortage of options that feel special without requiring a drive to Jacksonville. This Yelp guide pulls together the top rated date night restaurants across Kingsland and St. Marys, filtered and reviewed by locals, so you can find the right vibe for the occasion.
From Southern River Walk's live music and arcade on the St. Marys waterfront to Outerbanks Bar and Grill in Kingsland, Camden County has a bar scene that reflects its military and coastal roots. Cumberland Breeze Bar and Bites is the biggest bar in St. Marys featuring DJs, karaoke, and dancing, while Horse and Cow Pub and Grill is a longtime favorite with the Kings Bay community.
Kingsland's entertainment scene has grown fast in recent years. Unleashed Camden is the area's first axe throwing and entertainment venue offering axe throwing, rage smash rooms, and paint splash rooms for all skill levels. Pair it with Thursday night trivia at OPS Pizza Kitchen on Boone Street and you have a full night out without leaving town.
St. Marys is one of the most walkable and charming small towns on the Georgia coast. The historic downtown district, St. Marys Waterfront Park, the Cumberland Island ferry, kayak rentals on the river, the Colonial Coast Birding Trail, and a full calendar of festivals including the Rock Shrimp Festival all make St. Marys worth spending a full weekend in. This is the starting point for anyone new to the area.
Camden County has a packed events calendar year round. The Kingsland Catfish Festival, the St. Marys Rock Shrimp Festival, the Woodbine Crawfish Festival, Mardi Gras celebrations, Fourth of July fireworks at the waterfront, and free summer concerts in the park are just a few of the things that bring the community together throughout the year.
Sitting right on the St. Marys waterfront, the St. Marys Submarine Museum is one of the most underrated attractions on the Georgia coast. Packed with naval artifacts, photographs, historic uniforms, and model submarines, it also features a working periscope you can operate yourself. Open Tuesday through Sunday, adults $5 and children $3. For anyone living near Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base, this is a fascinating look at the history behind the mission.
Woodbine does not get enough credit for its dining scene. Captain Stan's Smokehouse on Bedell Avenue is a local BBQ institution. Sandy's Kitchen serves home cooked Southern food to go. The Bank House offers creative catering and a gourmet deli tucked into the county seat. If you have only been eating in Kingsland and St. Marys, Woodbine is worth the short drive up US 17.