With laid-back vibes, wide white sand beaches, and beachy downtowns, Stone Harbor and Avalon are both worth taking a trip down the GSP. The two towns are like fraternal twins on this stretch of the Jersey Shore called Seven Mile Island, with Stone Harbor’s natural habitats to spend time in, and Avalon’s chill beach boardwalk where you can catch a salty breeze. Both are a far cry from packed resort towns and boardwalks, giving families a chance to spend long, lazy days by the ocean. Read on for what makes each town unique, and if you are planning to stay for a while, Wildwood and Cape May are just right down the road. (feature photo credit: istock/phillyskater)

The Shore Towns of Stone Harbor and Avalon

Stone Harbor

With Avalon to the north and North Wildwood to the south, Stone Harbor, or “The Seashore at its Best,” is an ideal stop with a beach, restaurants, shopping, and lots of places to stay the night. Of course, you’ll come for the white, sandy beach, but stay for one of the events: the Stone Harbor Art Show and Craft Show, Hobie Cat Racing, and the Wings n’ Water Festival at the Wetlands Institute with folk music, nationally acclaimed artists, quilters, crafters, and model builders. And when it’s not a beach day, visiting the Stone Harbor Museum is a must, with over 50,000 artifacts about the history of Stone Harbor and its stories. The museum is free, and they also have an ongoing children’s scavenger hunt and Vintage House contest. 

What to do in Stone Harbor

Beyond the beach, Stone Harbor has a bunch of places that bring nature and education together. The 21-acre Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary is registered as a National Landmark by the National Park Service and is the only heronry sponsored by a municipality in the United States. You can see thousands of herons of many varieties nested in this protected sanctuary since 1947, with everything from the American (common) Egret to the Glossy Ibis to the Louisiana Heron. Or check out the Wetlands Institute to gain an appreciation and understanding of coastal and wetland ecosystems through fun and interactive educational programs for families, including tours and summer events. The Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary is a wintering ground for songbirds, and in the summer, there are tours.  Hungry? The Watering Hull is open seven days a week with its Caribbean/Atlantic-inspired seafood and cocktails, or visit Quahog’s Seafood Shack and Bar. If you want to stay the night, The Reeds at Shelter Haven is in a prime spot right in the center of town.

What to know before you go

There are year-round events, including free activities and festivals. During the holidays, the town is transformed into a Christmas village with family activities. In the summer, Stone Harbor beach tags can be purchased at the Stone Harbor Beach Tag Office on 95th Street and the Beach from 10 AM to 4 PM daily or from a beach tag inspector on the beach. There are beaches with lifeguards, beaches where you can use rafts, and surf-only beaches. There is a metered beachfront parking lot on 95th Street (from 95th to 96th Streets). These meters are in effect from May 1 through October 1, 10 AM to 5 PM.

The homes in Avalon, New Jersey, are beautiful. Photo Credit: istock/arlutz73

Avalon

Tucked between Sea Isle City to the north and Stone Harbor to the south, Avalon is at the northern end of the “7 Mile Island.” This upscale community on the Atlantic Ocean has high dunes that have been carefully preserved, walkways at the street ends to allow for beach access, and natural foliage surrounding the area. It is a place of calmness and respite with sailboats, yachts, and fishing boats lining the back bay area.

There is nothing like an early sunrise walk on the beach in Avalon. Photo Credit: istock/arlutz73

What to do in Avalon

The beaches at Avalon are the main draw, with a beach for anything you’re looking for: There are beaches with lifeguards, peaceful unguarded ones, hidden beaches with no path access, or raft beaches where floating on rafts or inflatable toys is part of the fun. There are also designated surfing beaches and spots to try kayaking, paddleboarding (yes, both inflatable and regular ones), bodyboarding, and bellyboarding with skegs. From 21st to 32nd Streets, there is a half-mile boardwalk along the beach where you can take a stroll or ride a bike in the early morning hours before 10 AM. 

Looking for some fun on the water? The Avalon Sport Fishing Center is home to a plethora of boats you can rent or fish from for the day. Over at Bay Park Marina, you’ll find a charter, party, or private boat to explore everything from the calm back bay to the deep-sea canyon spots. And don’t worry if your family is primarily landlubbers, there is fishing from the surf, jetties, or piers. When it’s time to eat, grab a bite at one of Avalon’s seafood-centric spots like the Water Star Grille, The Black Cactus, or the Avalon Seafood and Produce Market—for a quick take-out meal or a lobster dinner. If you’re staying overnight, check out IACONA Avalon, the only year-round hotel in town, with a heated pool and spa, a bistro, beach bar, and Brew Pub on site. 

What to know before you go 

In the late spring and summer, there are a bunch of events and activities in Avalon, from the Avalon Garden Club Flower Show to Avalon Historical Marker Dedications to the Summer Solstice Festival. In the summer, there is also a Thursday summer concert series and Friday Surfside kids events through August,  which include a Character Show and DJ Dance Party. The library hosts Monday Family Fundays, Tuesday Sprouts: Stories and Songs, the Summer Spotlight Series, Crafty Wednesdays, Family Fun Week, and STEAM Thursdays for extra family fun. The Avalon History Center hosts their annual Olde House Tour, the Clam Shell Pitch, and mini golf tournaments. Parking is generally free in borough lots near the boardwalk and along most streets. Parking meters are in operation from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, May 1 to September 30. Badges are available at the Beach Tag Booth adjacent to City Hall at 30th Street.  

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