Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Kingsland, GA

  • Published 2022/04/06

Kingsland is a small city nestled in the southeast coastal region of Georgia.

This small but vibrant community in Camden County is known for its vast marshes and wetlands teeming with wildlife and natural beauty.

For most tourists, Kingsland is considered one of the best locations for outdoor tourist attractions, such as the Cumberland Island, Grove Island, and Colonial Coast Birding Trail.

Kingsland is situated 25-miles north of Jacksonville with only three hours’ drive to Disney.

Kingsland became popular due to Oprah Winfrey’s reality television show “Lovetown, USA,” aside from its natural beauty and outdoor attractions,

However, there’s so much to discover in this charming city.

Traveling to Kingsland is an excellent destination to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

It offers a wide range of activities from leisure to outdoor recreation.

Play golf amidst its picturesque landscape, or perhaps kayak along with one of its wetlands and discover stunning wildlife and nature.

There are virtually countless ways to enjoy Kingsland.

So, before packing your bags, check out the 15 best things to do in Kingsland, Georgia, in this post.

Enjoy Various Outdoor Activities at the Crooked River State Park

A wooden dock near Crooked River State Park

Cavan-Images / Shutterstock.com

The Crooked River State Park is situated 12 miles east of Kingsland.

It is considered one of the nearest state parks in the city, nestled on Colonial Coast’s southern edge.

One of the main reasons to visit Crooked River State Park is its outdoor activities.

There are numerous campsites surrounding the state park known for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

Coastline of Crooked River State Park

Cavan-Images / Shutterstock.com

The Crooked River State Park also has a ferry that takes you to the wild horses and secluded beaches of the Cumberland Island National Seashore.

But before going to Cumberland Island, spend quality time at this state park.

Hike through its scenic wetlands and salt marshes and see its teeming wildlife like herons, fiddler crabs, and gopher tortoises.

In addition, its nature center houses dozens of Georgia native animals from turtles, snakes, and fish.

Hiking trail at Crooked River State Park

Cavan-Images / Shutterstock.com

Experience Top-Notch Birdwatching Activity at the Colonial Coast Birding Trail

The entire Colonial Coast Birding Trail consists of more than 18 sites stretching from Cumberland Island to Crooked State Park in the neighboring town of St. Marys.

It is a stone’s throw away from Kingsland for birdwatching activities.

So, you should always bring your binoculars when you’re in Kingsland because part of your itinerary will surely take you to the Colonial Coast Birding Trail.

Whether you’re a bird watcher or a simple traveler, you’ll appreciate this place’s natural beauty and wildlife.

More than 300 bird species native to Georgia are spotted at this location, making it one of the best birdwatching destinations in Georgia.

Spend Quality Time with Your Loved Ones at the Howard Peeples Park

The Howard Peeples Park along Gross Road in Kingsland is a popular outdoor destination for most locals.

It is equipped with several amenities for all ages, such as its ADA-accessible playground and numerous sports facilities.

If you happen to bring your loved ones with you to Kingsland, this park offers plenty of free and fun-filled activities to do.

It is one of the best places to spend the day and enjoy various outdoor activities like picnic, hiking, and playing sports with your loved ones or travel companions.

The Howard Peeples Park has an 18-hole disc golf course, basketball courts, a rentable pavilion, and a playground.

Drop by at the Kingsland Welcome Center

Welcome sign of Kingsland Welcome Center

DanTD, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Kingsland Welcome Center, situated along 1190 Boone Avenue, is the first place visitors need to go before heading out and touring the city.

This place is practically the official tourist information center in Kingsland.

It offers visitors everything they want to know about the city.

Exterior of Kingsland Welcome Center

DanTD, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You should start your travel adventure in Kingsland by dropping by the welcome center.

Grab all of the information you need, such as maps, recommended hotels, shops, restaurants, tour packages, and lots of relevant stuff about the city.

It also offers free charging stations for electric cars, free parking, and clean restrooms.

Making a quick stop at this place is the best way to get acquainted with Kingsland.

Explore Grover Island

Grover Island covers more than 400 acres of forest and more than 1,600 acres of small waterways and salt marshes near the Crooked River.

This outdoor attraction is 11 miles east of Kingsland, making it one of the nearest forest preserves to explore with your loved ones or travel companions.

The entire island provides vast and diverse wildlife, including migratory and native birds such as the wood stork.

In addition, many land-dwelling animals also seek refuge in this forest preserve.

If you’re looking for more outdoor attractions in Kingsland, this one is the best place to visit for wildlife watching.

In addition, Grover Island is home to numerous archeological sites like the Aboriginal sites that date back hundreds of years before the first Europeans arrived in America.

Moreover, you can proceed to its nature center, which houses dozens of native animals to Georgia, from snakes, turtles, and fish.

Have Fun at the Kingsland Veterans Memorial Park

The Kingsland Veterans Memorial Park along E. King Avenue was built to honor all men and women serving the country’s military, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

If you’re on a tight budget but want to enjoy an outdoor adventure with your loved ones or travel companions, this park in downtown Kingsland offers fun-filled activities.

The park’s grounds boast well-manicured lush green grass, tree lines, paved pathways, and scenic picnic areas, which make a great place to hang out.

One of the focal points of the park is the five walls.

It depicts the different military branches of the United States.

Play Golf at the Scenic Trident Lakes Golf Club

The Trident Lakes Golf Club is an 18-hole golf course built on a former military base along USS Proteus Boulevard in Kingsland.

The entire golf course spans 220 acres with a scenic backdrop of Georgia’s natural terrain.

If you’re into golf, you shouldn’t miss having a session at this beautiful golf course either by yourself or having a fantastic time with your travel companions or family.

Like most top-notch golf courses, the Trident Lakes Golf Club offers all the essential amenities such as club rentals, golf carts, restrooms, a restaurant, a pro shop, etc.

In addition, it has golf lessons offered to everyone with the facility’s experienced instructors.

Wander through the Streets of Kingsland Royal District

Road of Kingsland Royal District

Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Kingsland Royal District, or what locals call the Royal District, serves as the city’s official downtown.

It means that it’s where most businesses are concentrated in the entire city.

From a visitor’s perspective, it’s a place full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

So, don’t forget to visit the Royal District and enjoy quality leisure time by checking out its restaurants, shops, and services housed in 1900s era buildings along its charming red-bricked sidewalks.

Buildings along Kingsland Royal District

Judson McCranie, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you’re looking for a historical place in Kingsland, the Royal District is also the best place to visit.

However, this area is best known for its leisure time.

Step inside various local shops that offer unique handicrafts and products which make the perfect souvenir.

In addition, it has numerous restaurants that serve a wide array of cuisines from Italian, Mexican, classic American, and Asian food.

Whether you’re going on a shopping spree or going to restaurant hopping, there are many things to do in Kingsland Royal District.

Shops along Kingsland Royal District

Judson McCranie, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Try Axe-Throwing at Unleashed Camden

Unleashed Camden along Haddock Rd is a unique attraction in Kingsland that offers visitors the emerging sport of ax-throwing.

It features ax-throwing lanes where you can test your strength and marksmanship skills.

Unleashed Camden has in-house trainers to teach you the proper and safe way to throw axes if you’re too intimidated.

It’s a fun and adrenaline-pumping experience for everyone, especially those who want to try ax-throwing, which is only seen in movies.

In addition, Unleashed Camden offers other activities such as billiards and bottle-painting sessions.

Get Active at the Camden County PSA Recreation Center

The Camden County PSA Recreation Center along Wildcat Drive is a popular place for recreation in Kingsland.

It features a plethora of facilities and amenities for all ages.

If you’re looking for a break from exploring Kingsland’s attractions, this recreation center is the best place you need to go.

The place boasts top-notch sports facilities for basketball and racquetball while it has a swimming pool to cool down.

In addition, it has a well-equipped fitness center where you can shed that extra weight.

Hop on the Georgia Coastal Railway

The Georgia Coastal Railway along S. Lee St. offers you a wholesome and immersive experience by hopping on one of its nine train coaches stationed in Kingsland.

Each train offers a themed tour from Kingsland to St. Marys in Georgia, passing through various commercial districts, neighborhoods, marshes, and woodlands.

The entire experience offers people a unique tour around southern Georgia aboard these vintage train coaches.

You can ride either the closed and airconditioned coach or breathe fresh air in the open-air coach.

Help Save Wildlife at the White Oak Conservation

Aerial view of White Oak Conservation

Michaelstone428, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The White Oak Conservation, situated just beyond the Florida-Georgia border, is a magnificent place that you need to check out.

The conservation, located about five miles southwest of Kingsland, is known for its heroic efforts to save rare and endangered animals.

This premier wildlife center is the best research, training, and breeding facility for maintaining the healthy breeding of rare animals, especially the near-extinct back to their appropriate population.

In addition, the conservation offers public guided tours wherein you’ll come across some of the world’s rarest animal species.

Some of the rare animals you’ll find are Florida panthers, cheetahs, tigers, Okapi, black rhinos, bongo antelope, grazing zebras, giant Eland, etc.

It’s the best place to learn about the importance of wildlife conservation and how the facility works passionately to save the mentioned animals from extinction.

Play More Golf at the Laurel Island Links

The Laurel Island Links is one of the longest-operating golf courses in southern Georgia.

It opened in 1996, and this top-notch 18-hole golf course is a perfect place to enjoy another golf session either by yourself or with your travel companions.

This golf course situated along Marsh Harbour Parkway in Kingsland features a scenic landscape.

One of the best reasons to visit this golf course is its jaw-dropping landscape which gives you an excellent view of its natural beauty.

In addition, its golf session rate is affordable compared to others.

Remembering a Tragedy at the Thiokol Memorial Project Museum

The Thiokol Memorial Project Museum along South Lee Street offers you a unique and fascinating backstory about the Thiokol Chemical Corporation tragedy.

This museum was built to pay homage to and honor the workers and rescuers involved in the 1971 plant explosion that killed 29 people and injured more than 50. Many of those who perished are from Camden County, while the first responders were from the Kingsland Fire Department.

Back in the 1960s, the Thiokol Chemical Corporation was known as one of NASA’s manufacturers for its solid-propellant rocket motors until a tragedy struck its site in Camden County.

Today, the museum is open to the public detailing the tragedy and lives of those who perished and the heroic efforts of the rescuers.

Visiting this museum offers you a fascinating experience of an actual event that shook not just Camden County but the entire country.

Step Inside the Neutral Zone Studios

The Neutral Zone Studios along W. William Avenue is a unique attraction that focuses on paying tribute to Star Trek.

It’s a collaborative effort of fans and volunteers across the United States in creating the facility, including its main attraction, the full-scale suite of Constitution-class starship sets.

The entire studio spans 9,600 square feet and also serves as the official set of fan-made films about Star Trek.

If you’re a Star Trek fan, this place will surely capture your imagination because of its meticulously designed sets, costumes, and fan-made films.

The public gets a glimpse of the set inside through scheduled set visits.

Final Thoughts

Despite its quaint appeal, Kingsland is a unique travel destination perfect for those who want to destress.

It’s also a nature lover’s haven because of the nearby nature reserves and state parks.

Overall, it’s a fun destination for day trips or weekend getaways.

Lastly, you can always refer to this post if you’re looking for recommended places to visit in Kingsland.

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