Stone Harbor is a refined beach town on the southern end of Seven Mile Island in Cape May County. And for those who don’t mind splurging a little more than they would to stay at some other Jersey Shore towns, family-friendly Stone Harbor is well worth it. While there’s no boardwalk (which to some is a selling point), there’s quality shopping, clean beaches, nature activities, and upscale lodging that add to its low-key luxury appeal. This story is part of our May Battle of the Beaches issue. Check back as we break down our favorite beaches in Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey.
Where to Shop
Impress the folks back home with olive oils, balsamic vinegar, spices, and seasonings from The Well Dressed Olive. Spruce up a beach wardrobe with elegant ensembles from women’s clothing store Skirt, which carries brands like Veronica Beard, Agolde, Le Superbe, and Clare V. Or buy classic, Lilly Pulitzer–style dresses in bright shades at The Preppy Palm or Coco Blu. Get nautical logo shirts for the whole family at Breezin’ Up. For the little ones, buy bows in every color at Bad Kitty Kids and high-quality onesies and stuffies at Nesting Baby and Child Boutique. For a curated selection of coastal-inspired fine jewelry and art, head to Trendz Stone Harbor. At Blue Eden, shop hand-made perfumes, vegan cold process soaps, and cellulite-fighting sugar scrubs. Charlotte Shoppe has a nice selection of both dressy and casual footwear along with breezy linen tops and pants and quality costume jewelry.
Where to Stay
Stay on the bay, two blocks from the beach and in the quaint town center at the 58-room boutique hotel The Reeds at Shelter Haven. Don’t worry about not being right on the beach; the hotel offers complimentary services like transportation, chairs, towels, and umbrellas. Make it a wellness getaway with daily yoga in the roof garden from June to September and deluxe hydra facials at the year-round Salt Spa, which also has a relaxing private Turkish bath and brine light inhalation lounge. In neighboring Avalon, the beachfront ICONA Avalon and ICONA Windrift are excellent options as well. Both offer onsite swimming pools with poolside food and beverage service, a variety of dining options, and a beach bar and lounge with live music. The range of rooms available is ideal for families who don’t want to stray too far from the hotel.
Where to Play
Connect with nature at several spots dedicated to the area’s coastal ecosystem. At The Wetlands Institute, guests can get hands-on learning with seasonal activities like turtle release programs and guided salt marsh eco-tours by pontoon boat. At Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary, more than 21 acres offer trails for watching species like herons, ospreys, and egrets in a serene environment.
Where to Eat
Stone Harbor has a mix of fresh new eateries and trusted favorites. Start the day at Fishin’ Pier Grill South for a hefty omelet or an Egg McPier (two large fried eggs, pork roll, and cheese on a kaiser roll). Or choose from more than 15 types of delicious pancakes — including corn, buckwheat, and potato — at Uncle Bill’s Pancake House, a Jersey Shore institution that was established in 1962 and now has eight locations. Quahog’s Seafood Shack & Bar screams summer with its quirky nautical décor and open-air patio. The selection of seafood dishes is infused with a Latin American influence, like Brazilian-style Moqueca stew. For dessert, head to Springer’s Homemade Ice Cream, known for its more than 70 flavors. A favorite with kids is The Blue One, a blue vanilla ice cream mixed with cookie dough and Oreos. For crisp cocktails and mingling with both travelers and locals, try the elegant, inviting lobby bar at The Reeds.
Feature image of The Preppy Palm courtesy the Cape May County, NJ Department of Tourism
This story originally ran in our May Issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
