Golden Islands & Seashores
Tour Description
Experience one of the most beautiful and remote beaches on the east coast. Cumberland Island National Seashore, reached only by passenger ferry, offers historic colonial ruins and unique natural habitats. Travel to this island oasis is limited to walking, allowing for leisurely enjoyment of the undeveloped beaches, the saltwater marshes, and the maritime live oak forests for which Georgia's barrier islands are known. In addition to visiting Cumberland Island, this tour features visits to several national monuments and to the oldest town in America.
ParkScapes Highlights
National Seashore
Cumberland Island National Seashore is an island unlike any other. With over 36,000 acres of protected area on this barrier island and accessible only by passenger ferry, Cumberland Island is an ideal spot for bird watching and other wildlife viewing, for beachcombing or stargazing. You'll have an interpretive tour and time to explore on your own.
Historic Parks
Visit Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Frederica National Monuments on this tour. Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest remaining European fortification in the continental United States and Fort Frederica was the British colonies' southernmost defense against the Spanish in North America.
American Heritage
Step into another world on the barrier islands of South Georgia and North Florida. Experience the ease that made these islands the social hangout of the Carnegies, the Vanderbilts, and the Rockefellers. Enjoy their island oasis of no traffic, no crowds, and no hurry—but no need to dress for dinner.
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Tour Map
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Daily Itinerary
February 21: St. Augustine & Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Arrive in Jacksonville by mid-morning to meet your group and transfer to historic St. Augustine, the nation's oldest city. Make time for lunch and stroll the streets before touring Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest remaining European fortification in the continental United States. Enjoy an evening reception with fellow participants. Accommodations in St. Augustine (L,D)
February 22: Cumberland Island Museum
This morning, head north along the coast to St. Mary's, Georgia. St. Mary's is the gateway community to Cumberland Island National Seashore. Enjoy a private tour of the Cumberland Island Museum when you reach St. Mary's. Check in at Spencer House Inn B&B, your accommodations for the remainder of the tour and an Historic Hotel of America, before meeting with the Park Service for a special presentation. Spencer House Inn B&B (B,L,D)
February 23: Cumberland Island National Seashore
Join your fellow travelers aboard the Cumberland Lady and set sail for Cumberland Island. Enjoy a tour of the Dungeness ruins and special access to the interior of Plum Orchard. You'll have free time to explore those undeveloped beaches, saltwater marshes, and maritime forests—looking for wildlife all along the way. Today's lunch will be served at special location on Cumberland Island. In late afternoon, you'll board your passenger ferry back to the mainland. Spencer House Inn B&B (B,L,D)
February 24: Fort Frederica National Monument
Head north this morning to the town of Frederica on St Simon Island. Sunday brunch will be at either Jekyll Island Club or the Delegal Room at the King & Prince Club. Frederica was the southernmost post of the British colonies in North America, protecting the rest of Georgia and South Carolina from the Spanish in Florida. The park is known for its exceptional beauty. Transfer to the Jacksonville Airport for late afternoon and evening departures. Spencer House Inn B&B (B,L)
Optional Extension*
Participants can choose to stay for another day. Dinner will be at the White Oaks Conservation Center in Jacksonville. Additional day features an extended visit to Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia. Evening departures on February 25 out of the Jacksonville Airport. (D,B,L)
Note: With fewer than 8 participants on this tour, a small-group surcharge (typically $100-300 per participant) will apply.
*Additional charges apply for the optional extension; details will be provided in your participant information packets.
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Tour Details
NPCA Member Price
$1,694 per person double occupancy; $210 single supplement.
Price Includes
Airport transfers, transportation during the journey, all accommodations, meals specified in the itinerary (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, and D-Dinner), professional guide services, park and other entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses.
Price Does Not Include
Roundtrip airfare to and from destination; items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone, or drinks from the bar; or gratuities for porterage, professional guides and personal services.
Payments/Cancellations
Space is confirmed by calling the NPCA at 800.628.7275. A $300 per person deposit is due at registration. Final payment will be invoiced separately and is due 60 days prior to departure. Cancellation notice must be submitted in writing and is effective upon date of receipt. Cancellations up to 60 days prior receive a refund, less a $200 per person handling fee. Cancellations within 60 days of departure could result in the loss of 100% of your total cost.
Travel Insurance
To protect yourself from the loss of deposit and cancellation fees, you are encouraged to purchase travel insurance.
Arrive/Depart
Jacksonville, Florida
Length of tour
4 days/3 nights
Pace
Easy and at your own pace, walking up to two miles over the course of a day.
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