Nestled between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, Stone Harbor is perfectly placed to offer visitors a wonderful sea-side vacation. The town is located on a 7-mile barrier island and is surrounded by wonderful beaches, the ocean and the calm waters of the Intracoastal Waterway. Here you will find just about every kind of water sports you can imagine, from boating and sport-fishing on the Atlantic Ocean to paddling and kayaking through the tidal waterways and bird watching in the wetlands. The Wetlands Institute is a great place to learn all about your surroundings and the importance of protecting the wetlands and waterways for future generations. Stone Harbor is a 2-hour day trip from Philadelphia (84.9 miles via Atlantic City Expy E and Garden State Pkwy S).
Seven Mile Beach
Seven Mile Beach is actually more than a regular beach, it is a 7 mile-long barrier island located off mainland New Jersey, between Stone Harbor and Avalon. The island is separated from the mainland by salt marshes and tidal channels which are home to numerous sea birds, so birding enthusiasts will have a great time here. The wide sandy beach and gently rolling waves are great for visitors of all ages and there are lifeguards on duty. If you would like to try some water sports you can make your way to Island Watersports or Harbor Outfitters for rentals, lessons and hours of fun.
Seven Mile Beach, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
The Wetlands Institute
Striving to protect and restore wetlands and other coastal ecosystems, The Wetlands Institute is a must-visit attraction during your vacation in Stone Harbor. For a very nominal entrance fee the whole family can enjoy a few hours of educational fun as you explore the elevated Marsh Walkway and the quarter-mile Salt Marsh Trail. You can prepare your children for their visit by watching a virtual tour of the facility before you visit. Besides the trails, you can also visit the Terrapin Station and the Aquarium which features several touch-tanks and hands-on interactive exhibits which teach all ages about the vital role wetlands play in preserving our eco-systems.
The Wetlands Institute, 1075 Stone Harbor Blvd, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247, Phone: 609-368-1211
Stone Harbor Museum
When a rainy day keeps you off the beach you can spend a few hours learning about the early days in Stone Harbor at the Stone Harbor Museum. You will feel as though you have stepped back in time as you make your way through the exhibits, guided by an enthusiastic volunteer docent who will bring the history to life. Highlights of the museum include recorded oral histories from the past, artifacts, photos, documents and much more. You will learn about the town’s two railways, the mile long boardwalk and what they meant to the development of the town back in the Good Old Days.
Stone Harbor Museum, 9410 2nd Ave, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247, Phone: 609-368-7500
Mack’s Pizza
Family owned and operated since 1953, Mack’s Pizza is a New Jersey legend. The first store opened on the boardwalk in Wildwood, followed by the Ocean City store and finally the Stone Harbor Mack’s opened in 1987. The pizzas are still all lovingly made in the old-fashioned way, hand spun and baked to perfections. Many of the pizzas are named after local landmarks like the old Tram, The Boardwalk and the Golden Nugget roller coaster which thrilled thousands back in the day. The original “tomato pie” is still on the menu but now shares space with other delicious taste combinations.
Mack’s Pizza of Stone Harbor, 8301 3rd Ave, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247, Phone: 609-368-6224
Salt Spa at The Reeds
Salt Spa at The Reeds offers visitors the ultimate relaxation that comes from floating weightlessly in a salt bath, without the need to get wet. Once you have completed this remarkably relaxing float experience you can enjoy a wonderful massage or other spa treatment. The spa can cater to all your needs, offering a hair and make-up salon, a waxing service, various facials tailored to your needs and a manicure and pedicure studio. Various accommodation and spa packages are available for a perfect sea-side getaway.
Salt Spa at the Reeds, 9601 Third Ave, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247, 609 368 0100
