Bordered by the Intracoastal Waterway on one side, and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, the picturesque borough of Stone Harbor is beloved by water babies the world over. Its popularity is hardly surprising; gorgeous beaches offer family-friendly amenities, while thrill-seekers will find all of their water-sports needs catered to. The fun doesn’t stop there, though—fine dining, quirky boutiques, and cozy Stone Harbor vacation rentals complete the range of offerings that have kept this destination at the top of travelers’ wish lists for over a hundred years.
The 7-mile island of Stone Harbor has more to offer than just glorious beaches. A quick trip to the Stone Harbor Museum showcases the rich history and cultural heritage of the area, with over 50,000 artifacts, displays, and videos shedding light on its development. Of particular interest are video interviews with former residents of the borough who describe, in fascinating detail, the Stone Harbor of years past. Docent-led tours provide more intriguing insight, or you can choose to walk around the facility and take it all in at your own pace. Hours of operation are seasonal, so make sure to check the website in advance.
There are few things that Stone Harbor natives love more than sailing, as visitors soon discover. All manner of excursions are operated, from pleasure tours across the crystal-clear Atlantic ocean to party boats for energetic spring breakers. Chartered fishing vessels are a local favorite and are bound to please keen anglers. Deep-sea expeditions test your mettle against swordfish, tuna, and deep-water flounder, while kid-friendly options are ideal for a family day out. Prepare a picnic in the kitchen of your self-catering Stone Harbor vacation rental and opt for a full-day outing along the Jersey Shore.
The balmy New Jersey summer promises perfect seaside weather, meaning that demand for Stone Harbor vacation rentals near the beach skyrockets at this time. Day-to-night variations are minor, so you can bask in the sun and take a leisurely after-dinner stroll, all in the same day. Winter conditions are cool and wet, so bundle up warm if you’re planning to travel for a Christmas getaway. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall offer attractive alternatives to the jam-packed summer months. Stone Harbor vacation rentals are plentiful at this time and temperatures are still pleasant enough to get out and about.
Stone Harbor is home to a distinct wetland ecosystem and the unique wildlife that goes with it. The Wetlands Institute’s aim is to preserve this important natural wonder through a series of conservation and education programs. In spring and summer, back-bay boat rides take you into the heart of this striking environment, while guided dune walks reveal another side to beach life in Stone Harbor. You can also interact with animals all year round—the center houses diamondback terrapins, horseshoe crabs, and a variety of birdlife.
The nearest airport is in Atlantic City Intl. Airport (ACY), located 29.2 mi (47 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you could book a flight to Cape May, NJ (WWD-Cape May County), which is 8.6 mi (13.9 km) away.
If spending lazy days beside the sea sounds like your idea of the ultimate weekend escape, search for a vacation rental in Atlantic City. It's around 30 miles northeast of Stone Harbor and home to Atlantic City Beach.