Stone Harbor Travel Guide

Plan your next vacation with our comprehensive Stone Harbor travel guide. Discover top attractions, hiking/biking routes, the best time to visit, and more.


Introduction to Stone Harbor

Located in Cape May County, New Jersey, Stone Harbor is a picturesque coastal town known for its dramatic dunes, white sandy beaches, and stunning sunset views over the bay. It is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and soak up the laid-back coastal atmosphere.

This charming town has a mix of attractions, from historical sites and museums to natural wonders, and a bustling marine life that promises to keep tourists entertained throughout their stay.

List of Places to Visit in Stone Harbor

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Wetlands Institute
  • Stone Harbor Museum
  • Cape May County Park & Zoo
  • Cape May Lighthouse
  • Historic Cold Spring Village

Natural Attractions of Stone Harbor: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary
  • Stone Harbor Point
  • The Cape May Seashore Lines
  • Sunset Beach
  • The Wildwoods’ Beaches and Boardwalks

Hiking/Biking Routes of Stone Harbor

  • Stone Harbor Beach Walk
  • The Wetlands Institute’s Nature Trail
  • The Southern Cape May County Bike Path
  • The Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery Trail

Best Things to Do in Stone Harbor: Activities and Tours

  • Nauti Spirits Distillery
  • Cape May Carriage Company
  • Miss Chris Marina
  • Only Yesterday Carriages
  • The Seaport Aquarium

Week-Long Itinerary for Stone Harbor

Day Itinerary
Day 1 Visit the Wetlands Institute, explore the Stone Harbor Museum, and enjoy the sunset at Sunset Beach
Day 2 Go bird watching at Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary, relax at the Stone Harbor Point and go surf fishing; take a romantic carriage ride
Day 3 Experience the outdoors at Wildwood’s Beaches and Boardwalks, The Cape May Seashore Lines, and the Southern Cape May County Bike Path
Day 4 Take a hike on the Nature Trail at the Wetlands Institute, visit the Cape May County Park & Zoo, and grab a drink at the Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery
Day 5 Explore the Historic Cold Spring Village, take a sunset sail on the bay, and watch the Cape May Lighthouse in action
Day 6 Go boating at Miss Chris Marina, take a horse-drawn carriage ride with Only Yesterday Carriages, and explore the Seaport Aquarium
Day 7 Relax on the beach with a good book and take in the relaxing coastal atmosphere

Food and Drink Scene of Stone Harbor

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lobster Roll
  • Oysters
  • Fresh Seafood
  • Crab Cakes
  • Salt Water Taffy

Local Beverages

  • Cape May Brewery
  • Nauti Spirits Distillery
  • Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery
  • Cold Spring Brewery
  • MudHen Brewing Company

Where to Stay in Stone Harbor: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Stone Harbor Resort & Conference Center
  • The Reeds at Shelter Haven
  • Grand Hotel of Cape May
  • Congress Hall
  • Hotel Icona Diamond Beach

What to Buy in Stone Harbor: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Salt Water Taffy
  • Beach-themed decor
  • Seaside-style accessories
  • Local seafood
  • Jersey Shore mementos

Local Culture and Customs of Stone Harbor

  • Stone Harbor’s warm, friendly locals embrace visitors from all over the world and always go the extra mile to make their guests feel welcome.
  • Visitors are expected to respect local customs and traditions, including wearing appropriate attire in public places and following local customs when eating or dining out.
  • Smoking on the beach and sea walls is not allowed.

Best Time to Visit Stone Harbor

The best time to visit Stone Harbor is from May through September, when the weather is pleasant and the beaches are at their best. The peak season is during June, July, and August, so be prepared for crowded beaches and streets during these months. September and October are great months for tourists to take seasonal tours or hikes, as the leaves will begin to change colors and the scenery is sometimes quite striking.

Do’s and Don’ts of Stone Harbor

Do:

  • Respect the locals
  • Follow local customs
  • Try local cuisines and drinks
  • Pick up after yourself and keep the beaches clean and litter-free

Don’t:

  • Smoke on the beaches or sea walls
  • Ignore safety protocols
  • Disturb the wildlife or toss any trash around casually

Safety and Health

Safety in Stone Harbor

Stone Harbor has a low crime rate, and visitors should exercise the usual safety precautions that they would take in any tourist destination. Bear in mind the seas can be rough sometimes, especially in stormy weather.

Health in Stone Harbor

Stone Harbor is a generally healthy place, and visitors should seek medical attention if they are experiencing any symptoms of illness. It is also recommended to carry a first aid kit and plenty of sunscreen to protect against sunburns.

Getting to Stone Harbor: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Stone Harbor

  • Atlantic City International Airport
  • Philadelphia International Airport

Bus Stations Near Stone Harbor

  • Cape May–Lewes Ferry Terminal

Other Options

  • Car rentals, taxis, and Uber/Lyft services are available for visitors to get around during their stay.

How to Get Around in Stone Harbor

  • Most of Stone Harbor is walkable, but visitors also have the option of renting bicycles,.. In some cases, visitors may require a bicycle or car rental service to explore farther afield.

Where to Go Next from Stone Harbor: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • The Victorian town of Cape May
  • Wildwood Boardwalk
  • Delaware Bay Sunset Kayak Tour
  • Atlantic City Casinos
  • Ocean City Boardwalk

Conclusion

Stone Harbor is a nature lover’s paradise and a great holiday destination for anyone who enjoys stunning sunsets, picturesque coastal towns, and exciting outdoor adventures. From its pristine beaches and charming boardwalks to its historic sites and rich cultural heritage, Stone Harbor is worth a visit for anyone in search of a relaxing and rejuvenating coastal experience. Plan your next vacation to Stone Harbor with our comprehensive tour guide, and experience all that this charming town has to offer.