Things to do in Georgia Coast, Georgia Coast: The Best Military Museums

March 12, 2022 Jacquiline Delozier

The Georgia Coast offers myriad sights for the visitor, from Savannah's cobblestone streets and charming towns and islands, to historic lighthouses, sand dunes, plantation era sites and the mysterious Okefenokee Swamp. Island hop from Savannah to Cumberland Island. Camp on the Colonial Coast under Spanish moss-draped oaks. Take a riverboat tour of Savannah. Walk with wild horses on Kingsland's beaches. Encounter alligators in the Swamp. Golf among marsh grass. Let the Georgia Coast work its charm.
Restaurants in Georgia Coast

1. National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force

175 Bourne Ave, Pooler, GA 31322-9516 +1 912-748-8888 [email protected] http://www.mightyeighth.org
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 989 reviews

National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force

The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force preserves the stories of courage, character and patriotism displayed by the men and women of the Eighth Air Force from World War II to present.

Reviewed By MarnetteS - Webster, United States

We have driven past the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum off of I-95 in Pooler many times. During COVID-19, we made it a point to do some local sightseeing that would permit social distancing. Masks were required in the venue which had very few visitors the day we were there. Three disappointments: there were no brochures or interactive displays because of the pandemic; and, the Chapel was closed. Entrance is $11 for seniors. The museum is funded solely by donations and grants and receives no government support. Ordinarily, aircraft does not appeal to me. However, we lived in Berlin for the first three years we were married and its WWII history holds a special place in our hearts. The Wall was still up then and we were reminded daily of the tragedy that befell those unlucky enough to be living in the East and those who had to live in captivity. The museum has several kinds of displays in addition to the prominent aircraft on display outside (F4C Phantom and MiG) and inside of the venue. The museum "aims to preserve the stories of courage displayed by the men and women of the Eighth Air Force from WWII to the present." The "Combat Gallery" displays original aircraft engines and scale models including the B-17 Flying Fortress which is being restored as the "City of Savannah." The B-17 is dedicated to and named after the 5,000th plane to leave Hunter Airfield during WWII. "Prelude to WWII" and "Mission Experience": what it's like to fly a bombing mission were among our favorites. The art gallery displays paintings from the world's leading aviation artists. Do not miss the Luftwaffe video, a chilling reminder of what it must have felt like to live with daily bombings. The 8th Air Force suffered 26,000 fatalities during the war. "Lights Come on Again" honors the return to peacetime. Take time to visit the Memorial Garden outside of the museum. I never realized just how many bombing units existed. This is a heartbreaking and sobering reminder of just how many lives were lost. More sobering were the displays of dog tags placed on metal flowers throughout the garden. Benches provide places to sit, rest and reflect. A visitor could spend several hours reading about the displays and watching the videos. We spent two hours and felt we did the museum justice. The gift shop has a good supply of books, shirts, stationery, mugs and accessories. Lunch is available in Miss Sophie's from 11-2 featuring deli sandwiches, wraps and fresh salads. Tables are socially distanced with hand sanitizers on each table.

2. Webb Military Museum

411 E York St, Savannah, GA 31401-3816 +1 912-663-0398 http://www.webbmilitarymuseum.com
Excellent
94%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 426 reviews

Webb Military Museum

Reviewed By mommabear980004 - Plymouth, United States

Gary has painstakingly assembled this collection spanning everything from the Revolution to Desert Storm and has it all displayed along with pictures of the soldiers who wore the uniforms, relevant newspapers and old letters (some of my favorites). He's generous with his time and information as well; this is a must-see I would say!

3. Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum

Osbourne Street Downtown St Marys, St. Marys, GA 31558 +1 912-882-4336 http://www.nps.gov/cuis/planyourvisit/museum.htm
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 173 reviews

Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum

Reviewed By Rosewoodfoodie - Cedar Key, United States

The Land and Legacy tour is wonderful . Cumberland Island is a rather large island and to see it in one day you really need to take the van tour. Mike our guide was super. As retired educators we were amazed at how he delivered the history of the island from the beginning history to the present. His knowledge of the people and the structures at Cumberland were unsurpassed ,a walking history book was he!!! This tour is definitely worth the price and then some. The roads were rough but that added to the adventure of exploring such a beautiful place! We saw lots of wildlife and are planning on returning with family and friends. Thanks again Mike for making our day GREAT.

4. World War II Home Front Museum

4201 1st St East Beach, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522-3902 +1 912-634-7098 http://coastalgeorgiahistory.org
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 92 reviews

World War II Home Front Museum

The World War II Home Front Museum brings to life Coastal Georgia's extraordinary contributions during World War II. Through immersive exhibits and interactive experiences, visitors will learn about blimps on anti-submarine patrol, radar training to direct fighter pilots, building Liberty ships to supply troops overseas, and much more.

Reviewed By X9974QTjeremym - Topeka, United States

This is an amazing museum detailing the history of WWII on the home front and how it affected the area of Brunswick and St. Simon's during World War II. It talks about the merchant ships being torpedoed by German U-Boats and how this area of the United States rallied and built Liberty Ships, and trained WWII radar technicians, aviators etc. It was a refreshing look at the war and how it affected normal citizens. It is situated in the old Coast Guard station

5. Old Fort Jackson

1 Fort Jackson Rd, Savannah, GA 31404-1039 +1 912-232-3945 [email protected] http://www.chsgeorgia.org/Old-Fort-Jackson.html
Excellent
63%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,399 reviews

Old Fort Jackson

The state's oldest remaining fort dates back to 1808 and includes a number of Civil War and other military exhibits. Daily cannon firing programs are offered at 11:00am and 2:00pm.

Reviewed By Collins419

My wife and I wanted to see at least one of the two forts in Savannah while we were here, so we stopped in at Old Fort Jackson. I was struck by how friendly the staff were right off the bat and the abundance of historical documentation throughout the fort. That they had two live demonstrations at 11:00 and 3:00 p.m. which included a rifle/musket drill and firing and a cannon firing and each was explained very well and in thoughtful detail. I would definitely suggest anyone who's coming to Savannah to definitely check out old four tracks and as it's a huge part of the US history, three separate wars which include the Revolutionary war, the War of 1812 and the Civil War and you learn a lot about the historical inaccuracies and historical accuracies within our history books.

6. Fort Morris Historic Site

2559 Fort Morris Rd, Midway, GA 31320-6205 +1 912-884-5999 [email protected] http://gastateparks.org/FortMorris
Excellent
53%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 30 reviews

Fort Morris Historic Site

The earthen works protected the port of Sunbury during the American Revolution and the War of 1812, and were later used as a Civil War Encampment. Museum has displays of civilian and military life during Georgia's Colonial, Revolutionary and Antebellum past.

Reviewed By S4497CMvickic - Brunswick, United States

Learned a lot about the Sunbury/Midway area and the role it played during Colonial Times. Very nice, though small on-site museum, helpful video and beautiful easily walkable site. We also went to the nearby Sunbury Cemetary from there.

7. St. Marys Submarine Museum

102 W Saint Marys St, St. Marys, GA 31558-4945 +1 912-882-2782 http://stmaryssubmuseum.com/
Excellent
50%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 201 reviews

St. Marys Submarine Museum

Reviewed By SSBN654-BLUE

I was in St. Marys to work a job fair at the Kings Bay submarine base for transitioning veterans. We went to St. Marys to have lunch and the Submarine Museum was next door to the restaurant so after lunch we went to the Museum. The small admission charge was well worth the price, they have a movie about submarines, lots of memorabilia and a gift shop. There are two floors of exhibits, but they have a chair lift for those visitors that need the assistance getting to the second floor.

8. Maritime Center at Historic Coast Guard Station

4201 1st St, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522-3902 +1 912-634-7095 [email protected] http://www.coastalgeorgiahistory.org/visit/world-war-ii-museum/
Excellent
48%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 103 reviews

Maritime Center at Historic Coast Guard Station

Reviewed By Hannadog - Glen Saint Mary, United States

Lots of information and excellent displays concerning the USCG as well as the local efforts during WW2. Combo ticket that includes lighthouse, too is a great value. Excellent place to visit. Lots of parking available. Staff was friendly and helpful.

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