Like quiet beaches? Stone Harbor, New Jersey might be one of the Jersey Shore's "best kept secrets."
Even though it's close to bustling beach resorts such as Wildwood and Ocean City, the beach at Stone Harbor isn't a jam-packed destination... all to the delight of discriminating vacationers who make this their No. 1 choice of New Jersey beaches.
Stone Harbor is on the southern half of the island known as Seven Mile Beach. To the west is the Intracoastal Waterway with beautiful bays and wetlands, and on the east is the Atlantic Ocean. Just above Stone Harbor on Seven Mile Beach is the beach resort community of Avalon.
Brimming with small town charm, quaint shops and delightful restaurants, this New Jersey beach town caters to the family setting, romantic getaways, older travelers, and anyone who cherishes a quieter, more exclusive beach vacation.
Swimming and enjoying the beach are Stone Harbor's biggest attractions. Lifeguard stations are found all up and down the beachfront, making its shores safer than many other New Jersey beaches.
Stone Harbor Beach Rentals and Lodging
Many vacationers don't realize the wonderful vacation rental options available. You can find beachfront rental homes, bayfront homes with boat slips, and many Stone Harbor rentals allow pets. There are also excellent condominium rental units a block off the beach, with pools, decks, screened porches... just a short walk from restaurants, shopping and much more.
Area hotels go out of their way to be charming and unique. Some of the great family hotels are the Colonial Lodge, the Lark Motel, and the Harbor Inn Motel. Or try the Risely Guest House on First Avenue, where guests relax on the porch with fresh brewed morning coffee and continental breakfast.
Map of Stone Harbor, New Jersey
Plan Your Vacation
Enjoy Stone Harbor Restaurants! These family owned and operated restaurants are known for their fabulous seafood, as well as popular pizza shops like Stone Harbor Pizza, and cozy ice cream parlors such as Springer's Homemade Ice Cream. Back Bay Seafood has fried shrimp and crab cakes to die for, plus the best take-out food ever. Bradley's Steaks & Hoagies is famous for mouthwatering cheesesteaks and their old fashioned milkshakes. For a true Italian experience, Ristorante Luciano can't be beat. Plus, there are upscale night clubs and taverns that are a perfect end to a day on the beach.
For total fun in the water, drop by Island Watersports. You can rent Ocean Kayaks and Hobie Kayaks, ski boats (complete with free lessons), waverunners, and their wonderful Water Trampoline!
Visit the amazing Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary, registered as a National Landmark by the National Park Service. This 21.5 acre preserve is committed to protecting coastal birds and their environment. There are public access paths that lead to incredible ecosystems that feels like you're traveling back in time. You'll see snowy egrets, many different types of herons, warblers, woodpeckers, hawks and much more.
Visitors from all around come to here to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this small beach resort... and to enjoy a unique shopping experience. Quaint shops of every kind can be found here from souvenir shops to boutiques - there are over 100 of these stores! To give you an idea, just some of the shops are: The Calypso Nature and Nautical Shop, Harbor Bike and Beach Shop, The Irish Pavilion, Klothes Kove, and Island Girl.
The Stone Harbor Marina serves New Jersey boaters with a professional marina complete with state of the art facilities, boat slips and floating docks. Even if you're not a boater, the marina is a great sight-seeing venture. Located on the Intracoastal Waterway, Stone Harbor Marina has easy access for both fishing boats and cruising boats.
Be sure to visit the Wetlands Institute, a fabulous nature center right in Stone Harbor with exhibits on local marine life, plus activities such as kayaking, Labrador retriever demonstrations, boat cruises and dune walks.
For a distinctive private golf experience, check out the Stone Harbor Golf Club. This spectacular 18 hole golf course is par 72, and will appeal to players of every level of skill, plus you'll enjoy the award-winning Clubhouse and restaurants. There are several nearby golf courses as well, such as Avalon Links, Cape May National Golf Club, and Wildwood Golf & Country Club.
