The Best Things To Do in Stone Harbor, New Jersey
Stone Harbor is a borough within Cape May County in the southern region of New Jersey. Part of the Seven Mile Island, Stone Harbor neighbors Avalon – and is touted highly as one of the best beach getaways in the area. While I’m just as much of a beach bum as the next, if you’re down for more than one day and looking for additional things to do in Stone Harbor aside from laying out in the sand, the list below is what we recommend!
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1. Springer’s Homemade Ice Cream Shop
A staple of Stone Harbor, there’s no better way to follow up a day on the beach than grabbing a cone from Springer’s Homemade Ice Cream Shop. This traditional favorite offers more than 50 flavors of hard ice-cream to takeaway, as well as ice-cream cakes to order in advance!
Springer’s is located at 9420 on 3rd Avenue in Stone Harbor, and is open daily during the hours below.
- Sunday – Thursday: 12:00pm – 10:00pm
- Friday – Saturday: 12:00pm – 10:30pm
2. The Wetlands Institute
The Wetlands Institute is a local organization that aims to preserve the surrounding wetlands and coastal ecosystems of Stone Harbor and nearby areas, as well as conduct research and educate the public about what can be found within its natural conservation area.
A great activity for a cloudy day, the Wetlands Institute hosts a secluded Salt Marsh Trail through which you can explore the marsh. They also offer guided activities around the island, such as their “Salt Marsh Safari,” crabbing off their dock, dune walks, and more! The Wetlands Institute also presents weekly interactive classes on certain coastal species – such as turtles and shells!
The Wetlands Institute is located at 1075 Stone Harbor Boulevard & open daily from 9:30am – 4:30pm throughout the spring and summer. You can check out the Wetlands Institute calendar for a list of their upcoming activities.
Admission Fees:
- Ages 3-12: $6.00 USD
- Ages 13 and above: $8.00 USD
- Members: Free
3. Island Water Sports
Another great activity for the family when you’re done with the beach but not quite done with the water is a visit to Island Water Sports. This rental shop offers everything you could possibly want to try out on the bay – from an inflatable “aqua park” atop the water, to hourly rentals of wave-runners, paddle-boards, kayaks, and boat cruises. A kid’s paradise to say the least.
Island Water Sports is located at 9701 3rd Avenue and open daily. Most activities do require the party to sign off on a waiver.
4. Rent Jet Skis
If you’re looking to go a bit farther off the island, another popular place to rent wave runners and jet-skis is from Wet-N-Wild in Ocean City. This organization is set up for drivers of all ages and experience levels, with an area dedicated for riders and safety runners on the water with you at all times.
The Wet-N-Wild Jet Ski and Wave Runners is located at 244 Bay Avenue at 3rd & Bay in
Ocean City, with availability that is weather dependent.
5. The Bird Sanctuary
The Bird Sanctuary of Stone Harbor is a preserved conservation area that shows the natural state of the island – completely undeveloped and untouched. Providing respite for migrating and local birds, the sanctuary also offers a peaceful escape into nature for hikers by way of four out-and-back trails: the Holly Path Trail, the Egret Espy Trail, the Meadow Walk Trail, and the Heron Overlook Trail.
The Bird Sanctuary is located at 114th and 2nd in Stone Harbor. While the sanctuary is open at all times to the public, some guided tours are offered on the weekends during the summer months.
6. The Original Fudge Kitchen
A Jersey Shore classic, you will not want to miss stopping at the Original Fudge Kitchen to pick up some homemade sweet treats before you leave Stone Harbor. Whether it be fudge, classic chocolates, Salt Water Taffy, or the assortment of sugar candies lining the shop – the Fudge Kitchen has something for every sweet tooth.
The Stone Harbor Original Fudge Shop is located at 254 96th Street and open from 9:00am – 9:00pm.
7. The 82nd Street Recreation Center Complex
The 82nd Street Complex is one of the best places to for anyone with a little extra energy to run around in Stone Harbor. With expansive & maintained fields, this public park provides the opportunity to partake in really any sport you could think of. Its free amenities include: a recreation center, a soccer field, a softball field, a children’s playground, pickle-ball courts, tennis courts, a covered basketball pavilion, and outdoor courts with lights.
Workout classes, recreational leagues, and holiday relays are also often available at the complex. This public park runs from 80th – 82nd Street between 1st and 2nd Avenue in Stone Harbor.
8. Mini Golfing
Another timeless shore activity, a trip to one of the many mini golf courses in Stone Harbor is a great thing to do once the sun goes down! A couple of the more popular putt-putts on this half of the island is Miniature Golf Club 18 and the rooftop Harbor Golf Club, both located centrally.
Miniature Golf Club 18 is located at 9505 on 3rd Avenue, and Harbor Golf Club at 239 96th Street.
9. The Stone Harbor Farmer’s Market
Every Sunday throughout the summer, Stone Harbor hosts a local farmers market! Grab a bag and stroll through the market to find fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, drinks, and more.
The Farmer’s Market is located below the Stone Harbor water tower, at 95th and 2nd Avenue from 8:00am – 12:30pm.
10. The Stone Harbor Yacht Club
If you’re in town for the full summer, you might be interested in joining the Stone Harbor Yacht Club! This sailing club offers boat access to the bay, but also boasts many social events, parties, clubs, kids programs, and two bars & restaurants to dine in.
The yacht club is located at 9001 Sunset Drive, and accessible to members and their guests. Visiting hours generally follow the schedule below:
- Dining Hours: 5:00pm – 9:00pm Thursday through Saturday
- Administrative Hours: 10:00am – 4:00pm Monday through Friday
- Ship’s Store Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm Wednesday through Saturday
11. Rigi’s Family Amusement Center
Rigi’s Family Amusement Center is a great activity for kids, rain or shine. This old-time indoor arcade includes a host of games for the family to enjoy, from ski-ball machines to Pacman. The arcade also offers many prizes to save up your tickets for, and light beverages & lemonade to enjoy while you play.
Rigi’s Amusement Center is located from lots 216-218 on 96th Street in Stone Harbor.
12. Stone Harbor Point
Take a trip to the end of the island and visit the Stone Harbor Point. Unlike the other beaches in Stone Harbor, this access point does not require a beach tag. Located at the southern most point on the island, Stone Harbor Point leads down a long walking path through the dunes, past marsh and lake, and to an expansive part of the beach.
With certain sections of the beach marked as a nature preserve, this part of the island does not have any lifeguards or beachgoers – but instead is a prime destination for sea-shell searching!
13. Rent Bikes
There’s no mode of transportation quite like a bike when you’re down at the shore. With the entire island running only seven miles long, you can get anywhere you’d like in Stone Harbor on a bicycle!
The Harbor Bike & Beach Shop is located at 9828 on 3rd Avenue in Stone Harbor. This shop offers single bikes, tandem bikes, and even tricycles!
14. Happy Hour at the Beach
One of the most underrated times of day to visit the beach, happy hour is one of our favorite things to do at the shore. Grab some drinks, snacks, and friends, then head down to the closest beach after all of the crowds have left and the sun has cooled a bit.
It is important to keep in mind that the lifeguards go off duty at 5:00pm in Stone Harbor, so if you swim after hours be sure to have a buddy & a lookout!
15. Sunset on the Bay
When you’re done on the beach, head over to the bay to see the sun go down under the water! With the skies colors reflecting off the water, there’s no better place than the west side of the island to catch the sunset.
A couple spots on the bay that are easily accessible to the public include the marina on 81st Street and the fishing pier on 83rd Street.
16. Christmas Shopping
Looking for a little Christmas in July? Stone Harbor has two separate Christmas shops to peruse in town, and get ahead on your shopping!
The Paisley Christmas Shop is located at 9512 on 3rd Avenue, and the Murdough’s Christmas Shop is located right at 256 on 96th Street.
17. Visit 96th Street
The main strip in Stone Harbor, it’s hard to leave town without first walking through 96th Street. If you’re looking to wander around for some things to do, this is definitely the place to start. Lined with boutiques, dessert shops, and the main five & ten cents store – 96th Street is your quick stop for everything in Stone Harbor.
96th Street is located at – you guessed it – 96th Street (between 2nd & 3rd Avenues).
18. Surfside Rooftop Grill
Wondering where to stop for a casual bite? The Surfside Rooftop Grill is located right along 96th Street, sits out in the open air so that you don’t need to miss a second of the beach’s fresh air, and regularly schedules live music!
The Surfside Rooftop Grill is located at 224 96th Street, and takes reservations in advance.
Please let us know what your favorite things to do in Stone Harbor are in the comments below!
Where To Stay
Check out these favorite accommodations on the island if you’re looking for somewhere to stay overnight during your visit! Just be sure to book in advance as the summer fills up quickly!
- Luxury Hotel: The Reeds at Shelter Haven
- Popular Stay: The ICONA Hotel
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About the Author: Hi, I’m Jill! I am a biomedical & mechanical engineer who loves traveling during my free time. My hope is to help make it easier for others to plan their dream trips by providing firsthand experience from the places I’ve been! Read More.
You had me at an ice cream shop, and then I was all in when I read about rooftop dining with a view. I’m inspired to travel now!
Didn’t realise New Jersey had all places and activities! If I ever visit here I’ll be adding these things to my travel itinerary. Thanks for your recommendations!
My first stop will be the homemade ice-cream shop, but there is so much more to do here that I would be interested in. Thanks for sharing.
You had me at sweets! Any place with nice ice cream and sweets is on my bucket list!
Ooooh nice! I am easily persuaded by pretty cycle routes, sunsets on the beach and home made ice-cream! Stone Harbor looks like a great area to visit!
So fun!!! Thanks for putting this list together, heaps of awesome summer activities
I lived in New Jersey for a few years but unfortunately never made it out to this area. Hopefully someday! I’d love to check out the ice cream and the bird sanctuary!