25 Best & Fun Things To Do in Stone Harbor (NJ)

Stone Harbor is one of the boroughs in Cape May County, New Jersey, United States. This small borough has a population of almost 800 people.

Stone Harbor is known for its beautiful beaches and pleasure boating opportunities. There are tons of activities that are held in Stone Harbor, NJ. These include festivals, holiday events, weekly activities, and themed weekends.

The city’s charming streets are perfect for biking and strolling. The bay offers watersports, including stand-up paddling, kayaking, and more. 

Regardless of whatever activities or attractions you fancy, one thing is for sure: you will not get bored in Stone Harbor.

Check out the best things to do in Stone Harbor, NJ.

Things to Do in Stone Harbor, NJ

1. Breathe in the salty air at Seven Miles Beach

Seven Miles Beach is one of the best places to visit in Stone Harbor, NJ. It is a 7-mile-long barrier island between Stone Harbor and Avalon.

The island is separated from the mainland by tidal channels and salt marshes, which house many birds, so bird lovers will have a swell time here.

The gently rolling waves and expansive beach are perfect for guests of all ages, and there are also working lifeguards. If you want to try a few water sports, you can head to the Island Watersport or Harbor Outfitters for lessons and rentals.

Address: Stone Harbor, NJ, United States

2. Enjoy water activities with Island Water Sports

Island Water Sports has been attracting people’s attention for over 30 years. It is the perfect place to enjoy water activities during the summer.

Island Water Sports offers many fun and safe ways to enjoy the water during summer. They offer waterskiing, wakeboarding, kayaks, paddleboards, and wave runner rentals.

Their wave runner can carry up to three riders. There is a roomy riding area for your safety. Island Water Sports is among the only companies featuring a 25′ diameter inflatable trampoline furnished with a mini blob, slide, and aqua log.

Have a memorable summer at the Jersey Shores with Island Water Sports. It is one of the fun things to do in Stone Harbor, NJ.

Address: 9701 3rd Ave, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247, United States

3. Admire arts at Ocean Galleries

 

Ocean Galleries in Stone Harbor displays a collection of competent artists from around the region and the globe.

Local, national, and global fine artists (including upcoming artists) are invited to present their works for display and sale in the galleries. Prospective buyers would be helped to make smart choices when buying a particular piece of art.

In addition to gorgeously framed originals and prints, Ocean Galleries displays glass pieces, sculptures, and unique furniture items.

The gallery also specializes in framing all-priced paintings. Exploring Ocean Galleries is one of the best things to do in Stone Harbor, NJ, especially for art enthusiasts.

Address: 9618 3rd Ave, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247, United States

4. Grab a pizza at Mack’s Pizza, Stone Harbor, NJ

 

 

Mack’s Pizza, family-owned and operated since 1935, is a New Jersey legend. The original store opened on the boardwalk in Wildwood, and the Stone Harbor’s Mack opened in 1987.

Even after all these years, the pizzas are still made in the same old-fashioned way. Many pizzas are named after local landmarks like The Boardwalk, old Tram, and the Golden Nugget roller coaster, which entranced thousands of people back in the day.

The original “tomato pie” remains on the menu but is now accompanied by other delicious combinations.

Address: 8301 3rd Ave, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247, United States

5. Unleash your inner artists at Island Studio Paint Your Own Pottery

To unleash the artistic side of your personality, you may have to spend a few hours in Island Studio Paint Your Own Pottery.

Here, you can pick any pot or ceramic of any size from its vast collection and paint it with your desired colors. It is primarily a contemporary studio that hosts art classes and numerous recreational activities.

Island Studio Paint Your Own Pottery also has fun-filled rainy-day activities for kids and families. It encourages and supports mosaics, selective glass fusion, and ceramic projects.

You can use the glass service only on Thursday, but you must book your slot ahead of time for all projects and services. Creating a masterpiece at Island Studio Paint Your Own Pottery is one of the fun things to do in Stone Harbor, NJ. 

Address: 261 96th St STE 118, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247, United States

6. Learn about the city’s past at Stone Harbor Museum

When you don’t feel like going to the beach, you can visit Stone Harbor Museum to learn all about the borough. You will feel like you have traveled back in time as you explore its exhibits, guided by a passionate volunteer.

Highlights of the Museum include artifacts, recorded oral histories from the past, photos, documents, and more.

You will learn about the city’s two railways, the mile-long boardwalk, and what they signified to its development during those days. Touring Stone Harbor Museum is among the top things to do in Stone Harbor, NJ.

Address: 9410 2nd Ave, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247, United States

7. Play tennis at Stone Harbor Tennis Courts

 

Are you searching for a place to hone or practice your tennis skills? Well, search no more and head to Stone Harbor Tennis Courts.

Stone Harbor Tennis Courts comprises five well-maintained courts covered with artificial turfs, five hard tennis courts, four clay tennis courts, and six pickball courts.

All courts are available to the public for free during spring. Whether you are a beginner or a professional tennis player, you will enjoy a terrific tennis session here. Many leagues and tournaments are held in Stone Harbor Tennis Courts.

Address: 8100 2nd Ave, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247, United States

8. Dine at Bucket Margarita Bar and Cantina

Bucket Margarita Bar and Cantina is a taqueria-style restaurant offering tasty eats in a colorful dockside environment.

“No Shower Happy Hour” is offered daily from 2-5 pm. Additional specials at the restaurant include Margarita Monday and Taco Tuesday.

A stunning atmosphere faces the harbor, and entertainment is offered every night during the summer. Bucket Margarita Bar and Cantina is open every day, 8 am-1 am.

Address: 9631 3rd Ave, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247, United States

For a fun road trip in New Jersey, do not miss exploring our checklist of things to do in Edgewater, things to do in Toms River and things to do in Trenton.

9. Sample a crepe at Crespella Gourmet Creperie

Crespella Gourmet Creperie is a walk-up window between Stone Harbor’s famous shopping district boutiques. It is open daily from 9 am-9 pm.

This business began as a mobile operation in 2012, and despite becoming a permanent structure in 2016, the owners continued to serve at farmers’ markets in the city.

Crespella Gourmet Creperie also provides a catering service, including an on-site crepe station. Patrons watch as these crepes are made with fresh batter. There is also a large variety of fillings and toppings available.

Address: 261 96th St, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247, United States

10. Enjoy breakfast at Uncle Bill’s Pancake House

 

Uncle Bill’s Pancake House was first founded in 1962 in Stone Harbor. The restaurant expanded to numerous locations along the coast over the years and is now a well-known breakfast place for locals and tourists.

Uncle Bill’s Pancake House serves breakfast throughout the day with over 15 kinds of pancakes, French toast, waffles, omelets, meat, and farm-fresh eggs.

If you want a place where you can have an enjoyable breakfast alone or with your loved ones, Uncle Bill’s Pancake House is among the best places to visit in Stone Harbor, NJ.

Address: 304 96th St, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247, United States

11. Taste scrumptious pizza at Seven Mile Pies

Seven Mile Pies, established in 2013, has impressed patrons with its amazing food and laid-back atmosphere. 

Many locals and guests consider this pizza restaurant the best pizza place in the city. Their pizzas are created from homemade dough and sauce, and the crust is crispy and thin.

Seven Mile Pies also offers French fries, chicken wings, salads, and hoagies. The restaurant is open daily at 11 am

Address: 261 96th St STE 110, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247, United States

12. Rejuvenate your skin at Salt Spa at The Reeds

 

One of the top things to do in Stone Harbor, NJ, is to pamper your skin at Salt Spa at The Reeds. Salt Spa at The Reeds Hotel offers guests maximum relaxation from gliding weightlessly in a salt bath without getting wet.

Once you have finished this incredibly relaxing float experience, you can enjoy an amazing massage or other spa treatment.

Salt Spa at The Reeds can cater to all your needs, offering a waxing service, a hair and make-up salon, different facials customized to your needs, and a mani and pedi studio. Different accommodations and spa packages are available for an excellent seaside getaway. 

Address: 9628 3rd Ave, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247, United States

13. Buy local produce at the Stone Harbor Farmer’s Market

 

The Stone Harbor Farmer’s Market has become a place for locals and travelers throughout the southern New Jersey seashore region. This farmers market offers meats, fresh produce, and other items grown in the area.

You can have breakfast at Stone Harbor Farmer’s Market and purchase everything you need to prepare a complete meal at home. 

Other local produce at this market include cheese, fresh local seafood, cured meats, fresh fruit & vegetables, homemade crepes, honey, nursery stock, fresh ground coffee, flowers, gourmet oil & vinegar, and more. 

You do not have to pay any fee to visit the Stone Harbor Farmers Market, making it an excellent choice for people on a budget. 

Address: 9501 2nd Ave, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247, United States

14. See various species of birds at the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary

Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary is an 8.7-ha nature preserve and bird sanctuary. The site is shrouded in thick bushes and shrubs that offer shelter and a freshwater meadow, water pond, and maritime forest.

The hike is not grueling; you can spot many bird species, such as Mockingbirds, Carolina Wrens, Great Crested Flycatchers, and Northern Cardinals.

Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary is also involved in hatching Eastern Box Turtles. Its trails are open to the general public. Respect the wildlife and the sanctuary by sticking to the trails and keeping your pets outside.

Your checklist of what to do in Stone Harbor, NJ, especially for bird lovers, should include seeing the different birds at Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary.

Address: 11400 3rd Ave, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247, United States

15. Visit the Wetlands Institute

The Wetland Institute is a local organization that seeks to preserve the surrounding wetlands and coastlands of the city and nearby areas.

It also conducts research and teaches the public about what can be uncovered within its natural conservation area. The Wetland Institute has a hidden Salt Marsh Trail through which you can tour the marsh. They also offer guided activities around the island.

Also, the Wetland Institute offers weekly classes on specific coastal species, such as shells and turtles.  The Wetland Institute is open daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm during spring and summer.

Address: 1075 Stone Harbor Blvd, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247, United States

New Jersey makes one of the top places to visit in the United States, check out the list of things to do in New Brunswick, things to do in Cherry Hill and things to do in Seaside Heights for a fun time.

16. Go on a dinner date at Jay’s On Third

Jay’s On Third is a fantastic place to dine and relax. This restaurant concentrates on creating a menu experience that is favorable to where they live and uses seasonal ingredients.

They support fish markets, butchers, and local farmers while combining influences from other places worldwide.  Jay’s On Third offers modern and cool cuisines, making it one of the upscale restaurants in Stone Harbor.

Their dining room is comfortably furnished with soft, natural tones in a friendly setting. You can bring your favorite bottle of wine and enjoy a night of simple fine dining at Jay’s On Third

Address: 9836 3rd Ave, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247, United States

17. Go shopping at Washington Street Mall

 

One of the best places to shop is the Washington Street Mall. This outdoor mall spans three blocks and has many restaurants and shops. It is a charming pedestrian mall with wooden benches where you can sit down and admire the gorgeous garden planters and shops.

The stores along Washington Street Mall offer a wide range of commodities. Aside from luxury items and designer outfits, there are specialty shops, including salt water taffy, artisan chocolates, and cheese shops that make charcuterie boards and cheese with locally sourced ingredients.

Washington Street Mall offers many options, from sweets to pastries and sports memorabilia.

Address: 401 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204, United States

18. Partake in Cape May’s Christmas celebration and house tours

 

The holiday season is a great time to visit Cape May as it has many festive activities. In December, the landmark hotels and Victorian houses of Cape May are adorned in an old-fashioned style for Christmas. 

Garlands, festive illuminations, and Christmas trees give the city’s historic houses a magical aura.

The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities schedules Christmas Candlelight House Tours at historic buildings throughout the city. The tours include hot beverages, homemade cookies, and Christmas carols.

To start the season, a Christmas Parade is held on the first Saturday in December. Other events during this month include tree lighting ceremonies held at the Emlen Physick Estate and the Congress Hall and holiday-themed trolley rides.

Congress Hall holds a Winter Wonderland event with concerts, an open-air Christmas, things to do for kids, and other seasonal attractions.

The Washington Street Mall is a vibrant place for Christmas shopping as the boutiques offer refreshments and open their doors for longer hours.

Address: Cape May, NJ, United States

19. Explore the local wineries in Cape May

Cape May is 26 minutes away from Stone Harbor, NJ. The two most popular wineries in Cape May are the Cape May Winery and the Willow Creek Winery.

Cape May Winery, family-owned since its birth, spans 26 acres and features four vineyards. Guests can tour the facility, sample different varietals, and dine at the on-site restaurant. 

The Willow Creek Winery, on the other hand, is one of the biggest wineries in the state.

It offers daily tours of its 50-acre vineyard, flights, and glasses for drinking in the tasting room or patio. Willow Creek Winery is also a famous lunch and dinner place.

Address: Cape May, NJ, United States

20. Walk the grounds of Cape May Point State Park

Cape May Point State Park is a sheltered stretch of shorelines, coastal marshland, sand dunes, ponds, and forested habitat with a museum and environmental center.

The Park’s leading attraction is the Cape May Lighthouse, constructed in 1859. Guests can climb to the top of the lighthouse tower to enjoy the encompassing vistas of the Atlantic coastline and Delaware Bay.

Many hiking trails meander through the Park, offering an opportunity to spot wildlife of migrating birds.

The Mornach Trail was named for the monarch butterflies drawn to wildlife here in the fall, while the Plover Trail is an excellent viewing path for spotting oystercatchers, plovers, and other shorebirds.

The Duck Pond Trail teems with wildlife, including turtles, ducks, bald eagles, and river otters. You can see the Second World War Gun Battery on the beach from the Plover and Monarch Trail.

The World War II Lookout Tower located within the Park played a crucial role in defending the nation from invasion during World War II. The Tower was constructed in 1942 as one of the 15 coastal defense towers in the state.

The tourist site also comprises a Visitor’s Orientation Center and a museum presenting military history-themed exhibits. The Cape May Point Museum Shop is where you can buy maritime-themed souvenirs.

Address: Light House Ave, Cape May Point, NJ 08212, United States

21. Stay at Victorian Bed-and-Breakfasts

 

Lodging at one of Cape May’s beautiful historic accommodations is a memorable experience. Many of the city’s Victorian summer cottages have become elegant bed-and-breakfasts.

Cape May B&B allows guests to experience a seaside haven of the Victorian-era upper class. The guests’ rooms are furnished with four poster beds, vintage floral papers, and antique furniture.

Breakfast is served in Grand dining rooms to see how life was for the high society holiday-goers in the 1800s.

Address: Cape May, NJ, United States

22. Down a glass of beer at Cape May Brewing

Cape May Brewing, built on over 20,000 square feet of land, is home to its tasting room, production facility, and beer garden called the Brewtannical Garden.

The brewery was established by three guys with a shared love for great beer. It has become a significant craft brewery in New Jersey, gaining fame among locals and visitors.

Cape May Brewing has built a complimentary reputation as a brewery dedicated to putting out constant top-quality beer.

If you want to learn more about the company, take a self-guided tour of the building or a guided tour of the production brewery.

Address: 409 Breakwater Rd, Cape May, NJ 08204, United States

23. See the boats at Cape May Harbor

This hidden harbor features yachts and sailboats drifting through gently rippling turquoise waters. There is a small beach in a quiet cove with some picnic tables.

Facing the harbor, the New Jersey Audubon’s Nature Center of Cape offers educational exhibits and hands-on activities to encourage children’s interest in nature. The nature center also has a gift shop, picnic area, gift shop, observation tower, and a lush flowering garden landscaped to draw butterflies. 

Families with young kids will love the Harbor Safari, an educational outing arranged by the New Jersey Audubon Society. 

The Cape May Harbor is also a fantastic place for water sports. Paddleboards and kayaks can be rented from Aqua Trail, close to the nature center. Aqua Trails also offers tours like the Full Moon Kayak Tour and the Sunset Kayak.

Address: Cape May, NJ, United States

24. Visit the Harriet Tubman Museum

The Harriet Tubman Museum pays homage to the bravery of American hero and abolitionist Harriet Tubman. Additionally, the museum pays homage to the history of African Americans and the abolitionist movement in Cape May.

During the early 1850s, Harriet Tubman came to Cape May, where she worked as a cook during the summer. She used her salary to sponsor Underground Railroad trips for her family. This started her career as a freedom fighter, leading many other Black people to freedom in Canada.

The Harriet Tubman Museum is located in a historic neighborhood where the abolitionist movement flourished in the years before the Civil War.

If you look across the street, you will find the old summer home of Stephen Smith, creator of the Pennsylvania Anti-slavery Society and one of the richest Black men in the nation in the 1800s.

Adjacent to the Stephen Smith House was the Banneker House, a deluxe hotel for free Black people and a gathering place for abolitionists.

The Harriet Tubman Museum is open Friday to Sunday, with guided tours available. The museum’s capacity is limited, and booking tickets ahead of time is advised. 

Address: 632 Lafayette Street, Cape May, NJ, United States

25. Stroll around the Historic Cold Spring Village

The Historic Cold Spring Village is a tiny country community stuck in time. 

This open-air museum of early American history features 25 well-preserved buildings, mainly dating from the early to mid-19th century, including a woodworking shop, a barn, a pottery shop, a blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse, and an inn that served as a resting place for stagecoach travelers.

While walking around the 30-acre village, guests can get a sense of the 1800s cultural heritage. Many shops and restaurants still function, giving the impression of going back in time. 

Visitors can buy handcrafted artisan items, jams, books, and candy at the County Store, enjoy frozen treats from the Ice Cream Parlor or pastries from the Village Bakery, and have brunch, lunch, or supper at the Cold Spring Grange Restaurant serving classic American dishes.

The village also contains a historic eight-acre functional farm where pigs, sheep, chickens, and cows are raised. 

Address: 735 Seashore Rd, Cape May, NJ 08204, United States

Want more of New Jersey? do check out our list of things to do in Wildwood, things to do in Morristown and  things to do in Newark for a memorable vacation.

Plan Your Trip to Stone Harbor

Stone Harbor, NJ, nestled between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, offers tourists a fantastic seaside vacation.

In Stone Harbor, you will find nearly any water sport, from sport-fishing and boating on the Atlantic Ocean to bird watching in the wetlands and kayaking and paddling through the tidal waterways.

You won’t be short of what to do in Stone Harbor, NJ, as there are numerous and diverse. Start planning your trip to Stone Harbor, NJ, today!